12 Unforgettable Cincinnati Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year

Whenever a new year begins, anything seems possible. At the top of many resolution lists is the desire to get out and see more, experience more of what our area has to offer. Perhaps you already spend time traveling around our region, or maybe you don’t know where to begin. Either way, we have a plan to make this year your most adventurous yet, and it’s filled with a variety of day trips around Cincinnati. These are not for just the hardcore traveler, but can be experienced by all. While we love spending the day in the Queen City, we also love that you can take a day, each month of the year, and enjoy these unforgettable day trips around Cincinnati.

Facebook/Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Especially if you live south of Cincinnati, Red River Gorge in Kentucky is an incredible getaway spot. If you leave early enough in the morning, you can make it a day trip and still experience a few of the best scenic hiking trails in our region. You may not think to visit in January, but the bare trees make the views even better and snow on the ground would be downright magical.

If you would like to turn this January trip into an overnight, consider a stay with StayOver cabins.

Facebook/The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

February is often cold and dreary in Cincinnati, so cheer up and head out for a day trip to Indianapolis. This city offers what may be the best indoor attraction in the region with The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. You can easily spend the entire day learning and playing as a family and be back home by bedtime.

Learn more about this fun-filled day trip in our previous article.

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Flickr/J. Todd Poling

March can be all over the place with weather here in Cincinnati, but it's also typically a great time to chase waterfalls. They are flowing from rain and snow and the heat and sun have yet to dry them up. Choose one or two within a couple of hours and head out on an adventure, perhaps to Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills, shown above.

See a list of seven waterfalls within three hours of Cincinnati in our previous article.

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Facebook/Kentucky Bourbon Trail

We start to come out of that winter fog in April and everyone wants to get outside. Plan a day trip this month and visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. There are so many options of places to stop, sip, eat, and experience the beauty of this area of our region.

Learn why everyone should take the Bourbon Trail at least once, even if you don't like bourbon, in our previous article.

Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

The leaves are green, the flowers are blooming, and May is the perfect time to go for a scenic drive around Cincinnati. Spend the day seeking out hidden gems along the beautiful byways of our area. A trip across the river aboard the Anderson Ferry, shown above, would be a great way to kick things off.

Learn more about the six best backroads to take around Cincinnati in our previous article.

Facebook/Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

We have a fantastic zoo here in Cincinnati, but the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is definitely worthy of a day trip. This massive zoo offers so much for all ages and if you visit in the summer, you can also check out the adjacent waterpark!

Plan a visit on the zoo's website.

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Facebook/Green Acres Canoe Rental

July can be hot and sticky in Cincinnati, so what better way to cool off than a trip down the river? There are a number of places in our area to rent a canoe, kayak, or even a raft or a tube. Grab a few friends and enjoy a memorable, hot summer day.

One of our favorite spots to get out on the water is Green Acres Canoe Rental, shown above. Learn more in our previous article.

Google/Victoria Getman

If July was hot, August is typically similar to a swamp. The beach may be calling your name by now, and while we aren't near the ocean, you can dig your toes in the sand for a day trip. Head to East Fork State Park, shown above, Brookville Lake in Indiana, Aqua Adventures in Middletown, or south to Laurel River Lake in Corbin, Kentucky.

Learn more about the beach at East Fork in our previous article.

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Facebook/Celebrate Georgetown, Kentucky

Just outside of Lexington is the charming town of Georgetown. This area makes for a great day trip from Cincinnati and there is so much to do in September. Walk up and down Main Street, go on a horse farm tour, visit a fall festival, and much more.

Plan a visit with our previous article.

Facebook/Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

October is a beautiful month in our area as the leaves transition from green to golden. It may be the best time of year to go hiking, so head out for a day trip to the Yellow Springs area. You can visit the charming town, go hiking at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve or John Bryan State Park, and stop at Young's Jersey Dairy on your way home for some ice cream and a few pumpkins.

Learn more about Clifton Gorge, pictured above, in our previous article.

Facebook/Wolf Creek Habitat

November can be all over the place with weather, but it's typically fine to get outside for a few activities. One animal that doesn't mind the cold is the wolf and Wolf Creek Habitat is open year round in Brookville, Indiana. Spend a day interacting with these incredible animals.

Find out more about this wild adventure in our previous article.

Facebook/Clifton Mill

There is no shortage of festive light displays around Cincinnati in December. We highly recommend spending an evening at the zoo, Winterfest at Kings Island, and even try some of the numerous drive-thru displays around town. But for an incredible day (night) trip, head to Clifton Mill. Yes, it can get crowded, but this display is one of the best in the country and you can bond with your family in the car while singing your favorite holiday tunes.

Take a closer look in our previous article.

Do you enjoy a good road trip? It’s impossible to stay bored or restless in a city and region like ours. Grab that new planner for the year and pick a day each month (or as many you can) and head out on these unforgettable day trips around Cincinnati. Which one of these places would make your list? What others would you add? Let us know in the comments!

And for even more day trip ideas, check out 9 of the best around Cincinnati.