Cincinnati kids' events Oct 16–18, 2026

Cincinnati family weekend: Friday, October 16 – Sunday, October 18

12 events for the weekend of Oct 16–18, with 11 free and 11 indoors.

Updated Monday, October 12, 2026

Top picks this weekend

Big outings first: festivals, farms, shows and attractions, mixing free and paid, for a range of ages.

Oct 17 – Nov 1 · 12pm–5pm

HallZOOween at the Cincinnati Zoo

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden — Cincinnati · Hamilton Co. · Cincinnati

Daytime Halloween fun at the Zoo, free with admission. Weekends Oct. 17–18, 24–25 and Oct. 31–Nov. 1, noon–5pm.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Paid: Free with Zoo admission or membership

Details at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden ↗

Library storytimes & programs (11, free)

From the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library, Kenton County Public Library and Boone County Public Library. Some need registration; check the library page.

Saturday, Oct 17

11amCostume Cups Craft · Hyde Park Branch Library, Cincinnati 6-10 · Free

1pmAfternoon Craft - Halloween · Northside Branch Library, Cincinnati 6-10 · Free

1pmBallet & Books Program Series · Walnut Hills Branch Library, Cincinnati 6-10 · Free

1pmComic Swap · Downtown Main Library, Cincinnati 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

1:30pm“Spoken Rhythmz Live” w/ N.R.G. da NuRa Goddezz · Forest Park Branch Library, Cincinnati 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

2pmEthics and Dragons · Groesbeck Branch Library, Cincinnati 6-10 · 11+ · Free

2pmLEGO Club · Groesbeck Branch Library, Cincinnati 6-10 · Free

2pmRead with Poppy the Dog! · Walnut Hills Branch Library, Cincinnati 6-10 · Free

3pmThe Cincinnati Dance and Movement Center · Wyoming Branch Library, Cincinnati 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

5:30pmCommunity Concert: Holly Spears · Independence Branch Library, Independence 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

Sunday, Oct 18

2pm"Afrika on the Move" · Hebron Branch (Boone County Public Library) 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free