How bad is the crime rate in Cincinnati?

[lovemachine]

We were thinking of taking a 1 or 2 night mini vacation to Cincinnati, Ohio. Maybe visit the zoo, and Newport Aquarium. While researching things to do, I came across a few articles about the crime rate in Cincinnati.

How bad is it there really? I'd rather not go if the crime rate is very high.

 

[mbills2223]

By the numbers there is less crime than Indianapolis. In my experience it's like anywhere else, if you use your head and stay out of bad areas as much as possible it's a fairly safe place to visit. Newport is absolutely awesome if you haven't been

 

[cosermann]

+1 for Newport Aq. Went earlier this yr. Did not see any "no gun" signs althouth they were glancing in peoples bags.

 

[eldirector]

The aquarium is pretty awesome, and the area right around it is a nice outdoor mall-ish spot. We've stayed at either the Comfort in or Holiday Inn Express right near there. That area is "up and coming" with lots of yuppie-types buying up property.

Haven't been to the zoo in years. But, like any zoo, it is in the 'hood.

Gotta do the Duck Boats!

 

[grunt soldier]

I go there often. It's just like Indy. Some very rough areas and others are fine. Newport is awesome and so is the zoo. Just pay attention to your surroundings.

 

[mbills2223]

+1 for Newport Aq. Went earlier this yr. Did not see any "no gun" signs althouth they were glancing in peoples bags.

Not sure if they are new or not, but last time I went (fairly recent) they did have signs posted

 

[Vigilant]

The area surrounding the Aquarium is sketchy at night, the area around the zoo is sketch at best, and the area around the casino is terrible! Sinc you're not going to the casino, don't worry, stay aware, and have fun! A second for the Duck Boats!

ETA: We're actually taking my daughter to her first visit to Newport Aquarium Saturday, then coming back Sunday stopping in Connersville for a "Day out with Thomas the Train".

 

[Trigger Time]

The downtown area seems pretty nice. Awesome baseball stadium and that's down by the river which is very nice. Good safe and monitored parking garage too.
Just remember that signs hold the weight off law so if you're carrying 'by law' you can't inside if it's posted no gun.

 

[HoughMade]

My son is spending the summer working in Kentucky just over the river from Cincinnati. He goes into the city every so often on his days off and finds it to be quite pleasant.

 

[lovemachine]

Thanks. This gives me something to think about then. If it's similar to Indy, it may not be too bad. But then again, I HATE going to Indy...

 

[ChristianPatriot]

The Cincy Zoo and the Newport Aquarium are absolutely worth the drive. I think their zoo is way better than Indy's.

 

[Trigger Time]

Thanks. This gives me something to think about then. If it's similar to Indy, it may not be too bad. But then again, I HATE going to Indy...

downtown Indy is great too during the daylight staying on the main path

 

[IndyTom]

Must go to MacNiven's on Mass Ave (Indy) for some Scotch Eggs. You can survive the hipsters.

As for Cincy, fan or not, you should take in a Reds game, if you can.

 

[CHCRandy]

I just went to Cincy Zoo on Fathers Day(Fathers got in free) and it is in the hood, but......that Gorilla is worth the drive in itself! That thing is huge and seems so smart. We were at the Zoo for about 5-6 hours and didn't even see it all. It is a good size place. I don't really think it is as "nice" as Indy Zoo, but it sure has a lot more critters and close contact with them. Seemed about half the places to eat and get beverages was closed....which I found odd for a weekend. Plus they didn't have ice or lids at any locations that were open. $8 soda and no lid....kind of a reflection on management.

We stayed at Great Wolf Lodge on Saturday.....that place is awesome as well. My grand daughter absolutely had a fun weekend. I think next time I will plan the Lodge on Friday and that way we can enjoy water park Friday evening and Saturday so she would be more willing to leave for Zoo on Sunday....although we will be doing the Aquarium next visit. 2 days go pretty quick....3 would be better.

 

[Heavy]

Newport aquarium and Cincy zoo are both great. You wouldn't be disappointed. I didn't feel that the areas were very bad. I wouldn't be as relaxed if there after dark though. I feel that way about most of Indy though, at least parts I've been in.

The area surrounding the Aquarium is sketchy at night, the area around the zoo is sketch at best, and the area around the casino is terrible! Sinc you're not going to the casino, don't worry, stay aware, and have fun! A second for the Duck Boats!

ETA: We're actually taking my daughter to her first visit to Newport Aquarium Saturday, then coming back Sunday stopping in Connersville for a "Day out with Thomas the Train".

We went to the Day out with Thomas the train last year. It was fun. Really hot, but fun. We rode the train which my son loved. Not a scenic ride at the least but we had fun. I Still have the picture of my little man standing in front of Thomas hanging on the fridge, as well as one with the mayor. That dude had to be cooking in that costume.