A few weeks ago my family the opportunity to explore the Cincinnati Museum Center . We spent time in the Museum of Natural History & Science, Duke Energy Children’s Museum and ended our day in the Cincinnati History Museum. All of these our housed within Cincinnati’s Union Terminal which was one of the last great train stations built. 
At the Museum of Natural History and Science we saw a Polar Bear up close and personal. We were able to touch Polar Bear fur and learned quite a few facts about him while marveling at how large he was!
Next we met a live snake! I had no idea we would meet a live animal in the Museum but there he was and we were able to touch him. I had no intention of it but the kids were doing it and encouraged me to. I couldn’t let them see how badly I didn’t want to. So I did! Yay, Me!!
They have a replica of a Limestone Cave for you to explore! At 500 feet it covers two levels. They have a beginner trail and an advanced trail. We chose the advanced trail and set off into a dimly lit cave. It was cool and wet and felt real. The trail included a waterfall, an underground stream and a bat chamber.
Both boys were amazed to see the Egyptian Mummy. This is the Mummy of a young boy and our 7 year old was very interested in him and what his life may have been like.
Dinosaurs are a hot topic at our house and we were excited to find the Dinosaur Gallery and the Ice Age Glacier. We loved the way facts were presented in a way easy for kids to grasp.
After a quick lunch we headed over to the Duke Energy Children’s Museum. We have explored here many times before and always have fun! Somehow I didn’t take many photos of our time here on this visit but don’t worry I have photos from a prior visit to share with you so you can see how great it is.
Our first stop is always the netted enclosure known as Energy Zone. It is filled with balls and machines to move balls in different ways. There are easy machines and there are some that make you put your thinking cap on to get the right path or angle. The boys and their Daddy LOVE it! They always make sure that Daddy gets balls dumped on his head at least a couple times during that part of our visit. Daddy is a good sport and always acts surprised that it is happening.
Kids Town is another fun part of this Museum. It allows children the chance to explore a Kroger grocery, restaurant, post office and a veterinary clinic. They can be patrons or employees.
You can’t miss The Woods! This area looks like you are actually in a forest and offers a great climbing area for kids. It includes rope bridges, hollow logs, and a climbing wall. This area also contains a fun treasure hunt!
Oh my goodness my babies have grown! These next two photos are from a trip to the Children’s Museum three years ago!
By now we were pretty tired but wanted to check out the Cincinnati History Museum as well. The huge model of the city and trains was amazing! It showed Cincinnati from 1900 through the 1940’s and included working trains and streetcars as well as city landmarks and buildings. If you have a train lover this is a can’t miss exhibit.
We also enjoyed seeing the Cincinnati Goes to War display. Our kids had lots of questions regarding the photos of the people in this display and the roles they served in war. 
After this display we were worn out! We had spent the entire day exploring the Cincinnati Museum Center and had so much fun but it was time for us to go. We will definitely be returning again. Each time we go our kids are a little older and their interests are evolving. It is so much fun for us as parents to watch them grow and see how they understand and appreciate parts of the museum in different ways on each visit. The Duke Energy Children’s Museum has proven to be our favorite Children’s Museum so far and we greatly enjoy our trip each time we visit!
*The Cincinnati Museum Center also includes attractions that we did not see on this visit including an OMNIMAX Theater.
Contact Robyn at Robyn@theneighborhoodmoms.com
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What a fun trip. Love all the pictures you shared with us. I am amazed by how quickly our kids grow up too.
My daughter would have her mitts in absolutely everything.
looks like a great way to spend a day and it was educational. The balls look like something my kids would get a kick out of doing.
That looks like so much fun! My kids would absolutely love it. We’ll have to try to get there someday.
Must put this visit on my bucket list. It looks like so much fun.
I love that model city in there. That’s so cool. My kids would love the grocery store!
This looks like a lot of fun! We have been wanting to visit Cincinnati!
How very fun! Chris is on his way w/ P to the museum right now!
Looks like it would be a very educational trip. Thank you for sharing.
That looks like so much fun! The museum I went to when I was a kid had one of those mini grocery stores & it was my absolute favorite part.
What a great time you had! That mummy would definitely have my 7 year old’s interest too!