Welcome to Northern Kentucky – the Southern Side of Cincinnati

There is so much to do in Northern Kentucky – you won’t know where to start! Beautifully located on the banks of the Ohio River and in direct vicinity of the city of Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky offers fun and entertainment for everyone. Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati play host to many museums, parks, attractions, nightclubs, concerts & cultural events. Enjoy an authentic German beer at the “Hofbraeuhaus”, take your kids and visit one of our amusement parks or invite your sweetheart to a romantic river cruise, the possibilities are endless.... If you’re looking for the perfect destination for the whole family, Northern Kentucky is the place to stay!

HallZOOween at the Cincinnati Zoo

Discover the creepy and the crawly in October at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden during the annual HallZOOween celebration. Children ages 12 and under can trick or treat their way around the Zoo at a variety of treat stations. Children will receive 10 Treat Station Tickets in their "goodie" bag when they enter into the Zoo. Watch out for Pumpkin Pandemonium too! HallZOOween will entertain everyone in your family the last three weekends in October. The world famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has been recognized by Child Magazine as one of "The 10 Best Zoos for Kids."

Real Pirates

The Whydah, filled with treasure, sank off the coast of Cape Cod in April, 1717, in a storm. Actual artifacts recovered from the wreck take visitors on a voyage back to the days of piracy in the early 18th century Caribbean, a time when the region was the economic engine of the early modern world. See the actual ship's bell that was the proof that the ship was the Whydah. Weapons and armaments, mundane objects including clay pipes, a teakettle, wine spigots and an inkwell, and golden treasure bring this world to life. These artifacts, recovered by underwater explorer Barry Clifford, tell the compelling story of the slave ship that became a pirate ship commanded by "Black Sam" Bellamy.

The Showboat Majestic's Frostbite Follies

This is the Showboat's treasured salute to the holiday season, featuring a potent potpourri of holiday song, comedy, audience participation, improvisation and the annual Christmas-themed send up of all things Cincinnati ' the Queen City Toast! Built in 1923, the Showboat Majestic, a National Historic Landmark, is the last of America's original showboats. Until 1965, "the Majestic" cruised and performed along the Ohio River. For the past 33 years, she has been installed at Cincinnati's Public Landing. Both evening and matinee performances are offered.

Visit the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption

Closed for eight months in 2001 for a $4.7 million restoration, the 100-year-old cathedral, the principal church in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington and one of only 35 minor basilicas in the United States, attracts 70,000 visitors and worshippers per year. This example of French-Gothic architecture resembles the exterior of Notre Dame, and the interior of the Church Abbey of St. Denis, both in Paris. There are more than 80 stained glass windows, including the second largest stained glass church window in the world.

Holiday Shopping at Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market

Clear the dates and mark the calendar for one the area’s most sought-after shopping extravaganzas of the holiday season. The annual Greater Cincinnati Holiday MarketSM is back and packed with exhibitors featuring some of the most unique gift and home holiday decorating items you will find anywhere. Gifts, fashions, jewelry, art, gourmet foods and decor items will all be on display and for sale at this holiday shopping market which features over 100 one-of-a-kind boutique. Grab some friends and head to the Northern Kentucky Convention Center for exciting day of shopping.

Cincinnati Art Museum

A spectacularly renovated, historic building houses a review of 5,000 years of visual art through painting, prints, photographs, sculpture, drawings, musical instruments, costumes, period rooms, and decorative arts, complemented by a year-round schedule of temporary exhibits and programs. Museum shop and restaurant available. Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Near and Far East, Native American, and African art.

Family Fun at Coney Island

Coney Island features "classic" amusement rides for kids and adults, including the Frog Hopper, Dodgem Cars, the Pepsi Python steel roller coaster, the Super Slide, the Tempest, bumper and pedal boats on Lake Como and much more! Live stage shows return every year to entertain the whole family. Historic Moonlite Gardens and Moonlite Pavilion are available for weddings, reunions and other formal events. Each year, Parkers Grove host hundreds of company picnics that range from 100-7000 people.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

The world famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden was recently rated #1 attraction in Cincinnati and in the top 15 attractions nationally by Zagat Survey. Over 1.2 million people visit the Zoo's award-winning exhibits, and more than 500 animal and 3000 plant species annually. The Zoo offers a full calendar of special events and provides full-service meeting planning and complete catering services for up to 5,000 plus.

Penguin Encounters at the Newport Aquarium

This amazing 20-minute experience allows guests to see three black-footed penguins up-close and personal. Led by an experienced biologist, a typical visit may include a chance to touch the penguins, see them waddle, swim, shake their tails and jump into and out of their Penguin pool. Plus, photos are permitted to capture the memory forever. These South African birds live in a temperate environment in the behind-the-scenes Penguin House, so no coats are needed.