My hotel stay was sponsored by Hilton. All opinions are my own.
This summer our family went on an epic, 11-day, bucket list-worthy Major League Baseball road trip through the Midwest. We saw seven baseball games in seven different cities: St. Louis, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. To help inspire others to plan their own Midwest baseball road trip, I’ve been sharing our experiences attending each game in each city. Today I’m sharing about the 7th and final game and stadium on our road trip: a Reds game at Great American Ballpark. I’m also sharing our recommendation for hotels near Great American Ballpark and what you need to know about attending a Cincinnati Reds game with kids. Stay tuned for the recap and itinerary for our entire #roadtripofdreams next week, but first, here is the final stop on our baseball road trip.
Attending a Cincinnati Reds game with kids
We had the opportunity to see the Reds play during their 150th year as a professional ballclub. Since becoming fully-professional in 1869 as the Red Stockings, the Reds are one of the oldest continually-operating Major League Baseball teams. When seeing a game at Great American Ballpark, this history is not only apparent, it’s a major point of pride.
The stadium is in a beautiful setting on the Ohio River, with views of Downtown Cincinnati visible from the stands. Reds fans are passionate about their team and engaged with the game, even on a hot day during a tough season like the day we went.
We were really happy with the concessions options at Great American Ballpark. They have good traditional ballpark fare (the kids approved of the hot dog and pretzel), including a great all-you-can-eat option that includes hot dogs, soda, chips, peanuts, and popcorn from specific stands for $20. I also loved the Buffalo Chicken Fries and the slushy Frose drink at Walt’s Outpost Bar next to the Kroger Fan Zone – it was the perfect treat for a hot day during the Midwest heatwave this summer.
There are many fun things for children to do at Great American Ballpark when visiting Cincinnati to see a Reds game with kids. The Kroger Fan Zone has a large playscape, a mini wiffleball field, and classic carnival games. The Reds also have statues and live versions of their various mascots all around the stadium to pose with. Our boys had a great time!
Where to stay in Cincinnati for Reds game
Homewood Suites by Hilton Cincinnati-Downtown. The Homewood Suites in Downtown Cincinnati is one of the best hotels near Great American Ballpark. Not only is it in walking distance from the stadium and lots of restaurant and entertainment options, but it’s also a part of Cincinnati history! The art deco-style building is the former headquarters of the Cincinnati Enquirer newspaper, which was printed on-site from 1866 through 1992, when the newspaper moved to its current location. The building was renovated to become both a Homewood Suites and a Hampton Inn (the two Hilton hotel brands split the building) in 2015. You can still see old bank safes and other fixtures from the building’s long history throughout. Another cool fact about the hotel is that the building’s exterior was used as the WKRP in Cincinnati radio station in the TV shows! Aside from the history and great location, we had great service and loved the suite-sized room for our family of four. The kitchenette was also a great feature for road trippers like us. Other features we loved at Homewood Suites by Hilton Cincinnati-Downtown were the free hot breakfast and WiFi, and complimentary evening socials on weeknights.
Where to eat in Downtown Cincinnati
Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery. Several different restaurants are just around the corner from the Homewood Suites hotel in Downtown Cincinnati. We enjoyed dinner and local drafts at Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery. The Bourbonzola Burger (pictured above with the Brown Bear Brown ale) and Southwest Egg Rolls (pictured below) were especially delicious.
Things to do with kids in Downtown Cincinnati
Fountain Square. This entertainment, shopping, and dining district is just steps away from the Homewood Suites hotel in Downtown Cincinnati. In addition to the restaurants, the square itself is fun for families to explore. Events and activities take place in the square on a regular basis, but even when there’s not an event, you can explore the park and statues while grooving to live music playing from the speakers. Our family had a really fun time just hanging out together in Fountain Square.
Though we were tired after nine days on the road and seven games, we enjoyed the Reds game at Great American Ballpark and our brief time in Cincinnati, and look forward to visiting again one day to see more of the city. I’d also stay at the historic hotel site of the Homewood Suites again in a heartbeat when we have a chance to come back.
Stay tuned next week for the complete itinerary for our entire Midwest baseball road trip!
Related posts:
- Route and recommendations for planning the ultimate Midwest baseball road trip
- Visiting St. Louis for a Cardinals Game (and the best hotel near Busch Stadium)
- Everything you need to know about attending a Kansas City Royals game at Kauffman Stadium with kids
- Traveling to Minneapolis for a Minnesota Twins game in style
- Family vacation in Chicago for a Cubs game
- Taking your kids to a Detroit Tigers game at Comerica Park
- Visiting Cleveland with kids for a Guardians game
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