Fun Things to Do in Northern Kentucky With the Family

Courtesy of Newport Aquarium

Looking for fun things to do in Northern Kentucky with the whole family this weekend? 

In Northern Kentucky, residents and tourists are spoiled for choice. From picnics to pottery and beyond, entertaining adventures are guaranteed. Get started by following one of these five itineraries. 

1. Picnic by the Pier 

Start off strong by following this itinerary that’s packed with enough fun, free activities to fill an entire day. Pack a picnic and head to Covington Plaza, where the bridge-side green space offers incredible views of the Ohio River. While there, explore the Roebling Murals (can you say photoshoot?). After you’ve picnicked and posed to your heart’s content, take a walk on the trail nearby – or if you’re feeling adventurous, rent a bike. 

If the water beckons, patter down to the pier, where you can launch a kayak or canoe or simply watch the water travelers as they do their thing. At the end of the day, you will have filled your bellies, soaked up the sun and moved your body a bit – all signs of time well spent. 

2. Treats and Trails  

Nothing beats baked goods, especially when you get them from an extra special spot like Emerson’s Bakery. With two locations in Florence, this tried-and-true establishment has been serving the fine folks of Kentucky since 1970, offering all sorts of delicious treats. 

Fan favorites include their doughnuts, smiley face cookies and bagels, though you can’t go wrong choosing anything on the menu. 

After everyone makes their selection, take your treats on the road and make your way to Florence Nature Park. Its 15 acres of paved walking trails make it the perfect place to safely explore while enjoying your treats. 

3. Aquarium and Then Some

Any list of fun things to do in Northern Kentucky should include a visit to Newport Aquarium — there’s so much to see! Promising hours of air-conditioned fun (perfect for hot summer months!), the aquarium offers educational entertainment in a colorful space. Get up close and personal with sea urchins and crabs at Shore Gallery, touch actual sharks in Shark Central, watch waddling penguins at Penguin Palooza and get an eyeful of white alligators (a very rare breed) at Gator Alley. 

Once you’ve explored every corner and soaked in all that the aquarium has to offer, top off the day with some delicious ice cream at nearby Piper’s MainStrasse. On the menu, you’ll find enough soft serve ice cream and toppings to satisfy every taste bud. 

4. Painting and Pizza  

It’s important to nurture a sense of creativity in children, and one fun, hands-on way to do so is by painting pottery. 

Check out Color Me Mine in Crestview Hills, where painters can select a piece of blank pottery, which encompasses everything from plates and bowls to animal figurines, vases and more. Empower your kids to select their own color palate and craft their own design. They’ll be wowed when they see their finished masterpiece, which will be ready for pickup after being fired in the kiln. It’s the activity that keeps on giving! 

Once hands have been thoroughly scrubbed, fill up on pizza at Bourbon House Pizza, which has locations in both Newport and Florence. 

5. Splash Pad, Sports and Sips  

Put on swimming suits, pack some sunscreen – and a change of clothes – and head to City Center Park in Wilder, where the splash pad beckons kids young and old. There’s no better way to beat the summer heat than with a free, cool water feature. 

After the whole family has had its fill, towel off and change into dry clothes for the next activity – a friendly game of pickleball, basketball, tennis or volleyball. Foster that friendly, competitive spirit and break a sweat; you can always cool off at the splash pad afterward. 

Once you’ve worked up a healthy appetite, head to Barleycorn’s Brewhouse in Wilder for some delicious food and drinks. The family-friendly sports bar boasts a welcoming environment and mouthwatering bites.