Cincinnati Union Terminal: Fun For Everyone!4 min read

You have probably seen many news blurbs about the newly renovated Union Terminal. It is amazing and should be on your list of things to do. I’m here to tell you that this large and wonderful place isn’t just an iconic beautiful art deco piece of history. What started as a train station in 1933 through the years has transformed to a shopping mall, back to a train station and now the home of history, learning, jaw dropping beauty and more. It houses so many cool exhibits and permanent displays you could go many times and see something new every time! It’s not just for kids… I promise adults love all the Museum Center has to offer.

Here are the many areas you can explore while you are wondering the expansive and beautiful building.

• Dinosaur Hall– You can come up close and personal with one of a kind giant prehistoric beast. Everyone will learn something cool in this area you just may come out a paleontologist! I still call this area the Natural History Museum.. it was moved to the Union Terminal in 1990 from Eden Park…did you ever wonder why the Channel 9 building has that cool old stone arch? That is where it used to be.

• Holiday Junction– Family fun for everyone in this updated festive area. The Duke Energy Holiday Trains have a new permanent home so start the tradition with your fam now! This display has hundreds of model trains in a winter wonderland.

There is a cool Lego Land of Cincinnati that will wow everyone. There is also an area for the kids to play with Legos.

Walk in a snowstorm inside and build snowmen, ride on the Thomas the Tank Engine train, visit with Santa and so much more

• Public Landing– Step back in time as your stroll the brick streets and look in the historic store fronts and the amazing ship, Queen of the West. You will feel like you just went through a time capsule.

• Duke Energy Children’s Museum– I loved taking my boys here when they were little. There is everything from the little grocery store, the fun ball zone, the woods area where you can climb trees and walk across bridges, play in the water table area, or do learning crafts in the hands-on area with museum assistants.

Two Special Exhibits

• Guitar– The Instrument That Rocked The World- Now – Jan 6^th

Displays of nearly 100 historical artifacts showing the evolution of the guitar. Many Interactive pieces for everyone to enjoy and so many really kick butt guitars to check out even the largest in the world. You will learn so much about the evolution of the guitar over the 5,000 years that it has making sounds.  I loved this because in my next life I will be the lead guitarist in a band! J  extra fee for this exhibit

• Chocolate– Now- through Jan 6th

YUM! It will get you right away when you walk in and smell the aroma of chocolate that is pumped out throughout the exhibit. You will learn everything from the history of the cacao bean to the delicious chocolate that we all inhale today! I never knew there was so much to learn about chocolate.  Extra fee for this exhibit

• Omnimax Theater

Being restored and updated right now. Opening winter of 2018-19

Things to know:

• There is a really cool virtual reality experience of Jurassic Flight- for a small fee you get to soar beyond and it is pretty dang cool

• They have a loaded schedule of special camps, story times, kids dance parties and more. So check it out!

• It’s a great place for birthday parties and special events of every one.

• Go get a sweet treat in the Graeters Rookwood Room Ice Cream Room opening in December.

• Memberships are totally worth it!

– Individual $45 admissions to all museums and free parking

-Dual Two adults and one child pass for a guest $85 admission into all museums and free parking

-Family Two adults & (grand) children 17 and under, Two discovery passes for guests all museums and free parking $110

– Family Premium two adults (grand)children under 17, & one caregiver or guest, Four passes for guests, Discounted admission to some ACM network $140