9 Fun (and Free!) Experiences for Kids at the Library

Written by Joe Armstrong, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library and Paul Wellington, Social Media Specialist, Downtown Main Library

Look no further than the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library for fun, unique, and 100% free experiences for kids to enjoy. Each of CHPL’s 41 library locations has plenty of activities for kids of all ages to discovery, including storytimes, Take & Make kits, play equipment, afterschool meals, and more.

Check out these fun (and free!) experience for kids at your library. Want to jump right into the fun? Visit one of the Library’s 41 library locations today!

1. Books and Materials

Even the pickiest young reader can find something they enjoy within our collection. With thousands of kids' books, movies, and music - their new favorite stories are just a trip to the library away.

Browse new kids books as well as lists picked by CHPL staff on our Kids and Families webpage.

2. Afterschool Meals

As part of our commitment to provide discovery without barriers, CHPL partners with UMC Food Ministry to bring meals and snacks to select Library locations.

Free meals are available Mondays through Fridays after school for youth at select Library locations. Participants must eat their meals at the Library.

Find a participating library location on our Free Meals webpage.

These free meals are fully funded by the USDA Food & Nutrition program.

3. Homework Help

During the school year, K-8 students can get no-cost, walk-in, one-on-one homework help in reading and math at the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library for the 2024-2025 school year.

Find dates and times for upcoming Homework Help sessions on our Homework Help webpage.

4. Take & Make Kits

Pick up free supplies and instructions at your library. Then, enjoy a craft or activity at home. They're programs-to-go!

View which library locations have free Take and Make kits available on our website.

5. Storytimes

Raise your children to be lifelong readers by bringing them to storytime at the Library.

All of the Library’s 41 neighborhood branches have fun storytimes designed to help develop your child’s early literacy skills.

Find upcoming storytimes for all ages on our Storytime webpage.

6. STEM Events

With dozens of events bringing new ideas together at the Library each week, there’s no better time to learn something new.

View upcoming STEM events for kids on our events calendar.

7. Discovery Pass

Visit your favorite arts, cultural, and recreational attractions throughout Hamilton County for free with a library card.

Participating organizations include the Taft Museum of Art, Pyramid Sculpture Park & Museum, the Harriet Beech Stowe House, Great Parks of Hamilton County, the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and the American Sign Museum.

Reserve a Discovery Pass online.

8. Online Learning

Check out the free online resources available for kids using a CHPL Library Card. Use ABC Mouse to help young children (ages 2–7+) build a strong foundation for academic success. ABCmouse.com offers more than 4,000 learning activities across all major subject areas including reading, math, science, social studies, art, and music.

Or try Scholastic BookFlix to stream versions of classic storybooks paired with related nonfiction titles.

Try these two and the many other free online resources either at home or by using a free public computer a library location.

9. Play Equipment

The children’s spaces at the Library's 41 locations are all a little different—in a great way. Castles, cars, trains, and more and ready for imagination to run wild at the Library.

Visit any library location to check out their play spaces or get a peek at some of the most popular spots in this blog post.

Jump right into the fun and visit one of the Library’s 41 library locations today!