Top 10 Museums in Cincinnati, Ohio

Spend an afternoon exploring one of the Top 10 Museums in Cincinnati, Ohio. Although the amazing multiple museum complex at the historic Union Terminal receives the most attention, there are many more topic specific museums to discover in the Greater Cincinnati area. Don't hesitate to drag the children along to a Cincinnati museum, after their initial chagrin at not going to the mall, their frowns will alter into smiles and everyone will enjoy the excursion.

1- Children's Museum

The Duke Energy Children's Museum is a part of the offerings at the old Union Terminal. The facility quickly gained prominence as one of the "Top 10" children's museums in the United States. The entire floor is designed to engage, educate and entertain children from age two to ten. Hands-on discovery areas and interactive displays abound. Special events and presentations occur throughout the year and typically include over 1,800 hours of arts, science, cultural and literacy programs.

2 - Cincinnati Fire Museum

The Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati houses displays from the early years of firefighting in the city. Cincinnati holds the distinction of being the first city in the United States with an organized and paid fire department. Browse the exhibits of antique firefighting apparatus and tools, marveling at the skills and speed firefighters from over a century ago must have exhibited to save lives and property. Venture downstairs and browse more displays, slide down an authentic fire pole and watch children discover what it means to be an emergency responder in the interactive discovery area. If you are a firefighter or EMS employee, don't forget to take along a patch from your department to add to the ever evolving display on the wall. The gift shop inside the historic fire house offers kid-friendly and historical replicas at reasonable prices.

3- Cincinnati History Museum

Walk aboard a 94 foot steamboat and through a World War II era scene at the Cincinnati History Museum. Actors clad in period costume greet you as you walk through the the city's history from the early 1900's to the 1940's. A scale model of the city depicts even the smallest of details with a realistic flare. Sit inside a flatboat made simulated to resemble the actual vessels used to navigate the Ohio River in the late 1790's. Interactive displays spur lively and educational conversations between multi-generational visitors while exploring a taste of what the "Queen City" was like in decades and centuries past. The Cincinnati History Museum is also located inside the Union Terminal complex.

4 - National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The museum depicts the importance of Cincinnati as a "station" on the Underground Railroad during the mid-1800's. Browse displays which bring to life the struggles of escaped slaves as they passed through the south and into Ohio due to the generous efforts of "conductors" along the route. Special events occur at the facility year around and often include dramatic readings and family activity series.

5 - Cincinnati History and Science Museum

Go on an expedition of discovery and discover what the Ice Age looked like in the Ohio Valley nearly 20,000 years ago. You can walk through a man-made simulation of a Kentucky limestone cave which features waterfalls, a colony of bats, streams and fossils. Additional museum displays include an interactive human body exhibit, fossil cleaning presentations, extinct and migratory animal displays and special programs focusing on nature and environment.

6 - American Sign Museum

Take a stroll back in time while browsing the commercial signs which doubled as artwork from an bygone era. Relive the sights of your childhood as you walk along the displays of hotel, restaurant and products signs. The offerings range from vintage porcelain advertisements to flashing lights and neon signs which alerted passers-by of vacancies and diner specials from across the United States.

7- Vent Haven Museum

Located just across the Ohio River in Kentucky, the Vent Haven Museum is home to over 500 ventriloquist figures which were collected by William Shakespeare Berger. The local residents was both a business owner and avid ventriloquist who toured the region performing.

8- Contemporary Arts Center

Explore sculptures and painted works situated among newly created pieces by regional artists. New Media and performance art are also a part of the this non-collecting facility.

9- Skirball Museum

The Skirball Museum pays homage to the cultural contributions Cincinnati's Jewish community has made to the city. The complex features art exhibits, rare coin displays, hand crafted cultural and religious jewelry and photographs.

10 - Taft Museum

The Taft Museum features displays dating back to 1932. World renowned artists such as Sargent, Rembrandt and Gainsborough are featured among the displays.