Visiting Cincinnati With Your Pet

Visiting Cincinnati with your pet? We have a great itinerary from a local to help you enjoy a weekend visit. Or use it as a starting point for a longer stay.

Kelly Schroder, a Cincinnati local, suggested a weekend itinerary for a PET-tacular intro to her home town. And she tested out every spot with her adorable Golden/Chow mix, Romeo. Here are her “must visit” destinations for dogs who have a weekend to spend in the Queen City!

Day One

The best way to start a visit to any city is by walking around. You will get your bearings. Your dog will get their zoomies out. And you just might find some cool things to return to later.

Take A Walking Tour

Get acquainted with downtown Cincinnati by strolling along the color-coded walking routes. The paths range from 1-3 miles. And all you have to do is follow the signs.

You and your dog will explore the heart of downtown, walking past Fountain Square, City Hall, the main library, Government Square, the Taft Art Museum, and several parks. The pink route loops through Sawyer Point, a riverside park that almost always has something happening!

If you still have some energy left, take a detour for the Smale Park walking tour to take in the riverfront and the stunning fountains.

Findlay Market

Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market, and the perfect spot to take a break and get a bite to eat. From April to November, the weekends come alive as special events, street performers, and dozens of additional outdoor vendors join the market.

So make sure to stop and get your pooch a snack at Pet Wants, a local pet food company where you can pick up individual treats for pups who want something to nibble on at the market. Romeo recommended the sprinkle doggy doughnut!

Washington Park

Just a few blocks away from Findlay Market is Washington Park. Right in view of the picturesque Music Hall, this newly-revamped downtown park features a small off-leash dog run that is perfect for relaxing, peeing on a few rocks, splashing in the water feature, and sniffing the neighbors.

After you’ve romped with the locals, settle in for a flick–Saturdays in June, July, August, and the beginning of September are adult-oriented movie nights on the Civic Lawn. You could see anything from a classic romance story to a modern comedy.

Day Two

After exploring the busy downtown, you’ll probably be ready for a bit of nature. And if can only choose one of Cincinnati’s lovely parks, do we have a great one for you!

Cincinnati Nature Center/Rowe Woods

Rowe Woods is home to almost any nature lover’s favorite habitat–take your pick of deciduous forests, lakes, streams, wetlands, glacial outcrops, prairies, and wildflower fields. There’s over 16 miles of trails to guide you through it all, with benches and shelters sprinkled along the way for picnic breaks. Head’s up: the Visitor Center serves only coffee, so pack a lunch!

There are a number of beautiful parks to hike around Cincinnati. But this is the place to go if you only have a day. While you are generally asked to discourage dogs from wading in water, a few trails pass right through streams (like the Redwing trail and the Far Ridge trail). Romeo loved having the chance to splash as we made our way through, getting himself (and ultimately, me) wet!

READ MORE ⇒ Ohio’s Top Pet Friendly Attraction: Holden Arboretum

Pin’s Mechanical

Leashed dogs are welcome to join you at Pin’s Mechanical, a bar with games that is just the place for unwinding with a post-hike toast to your weekend. They offer lots of fun activities, including duck pin bowling–watch out for your ball-chasing dog. And you can spend time with your dog both inside and outside.

In addition to the delicious shaved ice cocktails and beer specials, they also host local food trucks offering eats for hungry humans.

If the scene is too busy for your pup, you can choose from one of Cincinnati’s many other pet friendly breweries.

Where To Stay

If you’re coming in from out of town, GoPetFriendly.com shows several pet friendly hotels in Cincinnati (the Residence Inn is downtown). Or stay just a little farther out at the Red Roof Inn in Sharonville for an affordable but still convenient stay. And best of all, pets stay free!

READ MORE ⇒ Getting A Leg Up In Pet Friendly Louisville

Visiting Cincinnati with your pet is an easy and fun stay. Or use it as a jumping off point for a trip farther west or heading south to nearby Louisville, Kentucky.

Author Bio: Kelly Schroder has a weakness for furry faces and muddy paws. She writes for a software development company by day, then scooters home and rubs Romeo’s belly by night.

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