10 Best: Cincinnati Winter Bucket List 2022

Our 10 best ideas for early winter 2022

Yep, it’s still winter in Cincinnati. So I’ve pulled together of my 10 best Cincinnati winter bucket list ideas to get you through to spring.

Having fun sledding

10 Best: Cincinnati Winter Bucket List 2022

Spend the day at the National Museum of the US Air Force

One place we frequent during winter time is the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton. The museum has over 360 aerospace vehicles on display, with exhibits ranging from the early years to space. The exhibits are housed in old hangers – making it a bit of an understatement to say it’s a HUGE space! One of my favorite exhibits is the Air Force One plane where LBJ was sworn in as president.

The museum is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. And the best part? Admission and parking are free!

National Museum of the US Air Force is located in Dayton at 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45431

Check out the Play Library

It’s not like a regular library, it’s a cool library. The Play Library in OTR works just like a regular library, but with games, toys, outdoor equipment and event rentals (like cornhole). You can currently visit the Play Library by appointment only. Please check their website on how to schedule.

The Play Library is located at 1306 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Go sledding

The most exciting activity you can do on a snowy day is to head for the hills and spend the day sledding. Now that my son is old enough to really enjoy sledding, I can’t wait to take him sledding at the big sledding hill – aka “Chill Hill” at Voice of America MetroPark in West Chester. I remember when this hill was built and first opened – and there’s something special about doing something from your own childhood with your kids.

Chill Hill at VOA is open from 8:00am to dusk, weather and snow permitting.

Voice of America MetroPark is located in West Chester at 7850 VOA Park Drive, West Chester OH 45069

Enjoy a hot chocolate flight at The Cheesecakery

Love warming up with a mug of hot cocoa on a chilly day? Take it to the next level with a hot chocolate flight at The Cheesecakery. They offer the chance to sample their spectacular seasonal hot chocolates in a flight of 4. And did I mention they also offer flights of cheesecakes and lattes?

The Cheesecakery is located in Madisonville at 4901 Whetsel Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45227

Have fun at Jumperoo at Urban Air Adventure Park

The activity that got us through winter last year was heading to Urban Air Adventure Park for the Jumperoo session. Held every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30am to 12:30pm during the school year, this session is reserved for children ages 2 to 5.

I really like how Jumperoo is designated just for little kids. This made Urban Air the perfect space for my little guy to run off all that extra energy during the cold winter months. If you want to know more about Urban Air and Jumperoo, check out my full review below!

Urban Air Cincinnati is located in Oakley at 3321 Alamo Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45209

Fun at Urban Air Cincinnati - One Little Small Blog
So much fun at Urban Air Cincinnati

Go on a downtown adventure

I love spending a day exploring our city – there is so much to see and do around Cincinnati. One of our favorite downtown adventures has been spending the morning playing at Washington Park Children’s Playground in OTR. Then hopping on the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar to take a spin around our city. And ending at Findlay Market to grab lunch – and some goodies for home.

Honestly, this is a great outing idea for any time of year, as long as it isn’t frigid or raining outside. And we found it pretty easy to navigate with our then three-year old.

Taking a ride on the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar
Taking a ride on the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar

Catch a Cincinnati Cyclones hockey game

Ah, another piece from my childhood (of course) – a Cincinnati Cyclones hockey game. I love the excitement that a hockey game has to offer, and can’t wait to share these moments with my own kids.

And if you haven’t had a chance to check out a game this season, don’t worry! Games are on the schedule through mid-April 2022.

The Cincinnati Cyclones play at Heritage Bank Center located at 100 Broadway St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Grab a beer & go bowling at Hoppin’ Vines

This one is a fun one to do without the kids too! Hoppin’ Vines offers a huge selection of craft beers (and more), pizza, and duckpin bowling. I think this is a really fun way to take a dinner out with the family up a notch!

As for the duckpin bowling, Hoppin’ Vines describes it as bowling meets skee-ball. Something I think my 4-year old (and my not-so-athletic self) can handle!

Hoppin’ Vines is located at 8150 Montgomery Road, Kenwood, OH 45236

Play at We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym

We were recently invited to check out We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym and had an absolute blast! Located in Deer Park, WRTS is a kids gym designed for kids of all abilities to enjoy. The gym equipment is designed for children with sensory processing disorders, but the gym is open to all children.

In addition to the gym, there is also an infant & toddler area with a lot of play pretend toys, such as a grocery store and doctor office. The arts & crafts space features a chalk wall and is stocked with play-doh, paint, crayons, and more. There is also a large party room and a calming room in the gym area. 

The best time to go to WRTS is during open play. There is an open play session every week day and most weekends – depending on birthday parties. WRTS posts their schedule on their Facebook & Instagram pages.

We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym is located at 4060 E Galbraith Rd Unit 17, Cincinnati, OH 45236

Learn How to Curl

Looking for some Olympic-sized fun? Then take in a class at the Cincinnati Curling Club in West Chester. Their ‘Learn to Curl’ classes teach wannabe (Olympic hopeful) curlers the basic skills to get started in the sport. Check out their schedule to sign up for a class.

This activity is best reserved for older kiddos. The recommended age for the ‘Learn to Curl’ class is 10 years old, but you can contact the club about available options for younger kids.

The Cincinnati Curling Club is located at 5150 Duff Drive, West Chester, OH 45246


No matter what type of fun you’re looking to have this winter, there’s something for everyone on my 10 Best Cincinnati Winter Bucket List. From sledding to a cool museum, and indoor play places to sporting activities, you’re bound to find something fun to do this winter in Cincinnati.