It’s almost summer. The sun stays up later and later, the kids will soon have nothing to do, and the outdoor weather is calling you to do something other than stay home.
Whether you’ve got bored kids or the nice weather is simply motivating you to get out there and do something fun, figuring out just what to do can sometimes take as long as actually doing the thing.
Enter LINK By the Hour. Do you have an hour and you just need to find something to do for that hour? Maybe you have three hours, or six or even an overnight.
We’re here to help with the decision fatigue that can come along with simply identifying something to do. So we made it simple: How much time do you have?
Choose one of the categories based on how long you want your activity to be, close your eyes, point and voila! Decision made.
Or, if you want to have some extra fun, flip to the next page, where we’ve arranged the activities in a way that lets you cut out the options and pull them out of a hat.
This is not an exhaustive list of things to do in the NKY area. For a full list of local events, go to linknky.com/events.
One-hour jaunts
Riverwalk statues: Free. Good for singles, couples or families
Situated in the Licking Riverside Historic District, the statues are memorials to some of Kentucky’s ground-breaking figures. This includes former slave James Bradley, who became a defender of racial equality; Captain Mary Greene, one of the first licensed female boat masters; and Chief Little Turtle, a Miami Indiana who met with three U.S. presidents. Check the map to see where you can find each statue.
Pro Tip: Start at George Rogers Clark Park at 301 Riverside Drive in Covington.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption: Free. Good for singles, couples or (quiet) families.
Widely considered one of the most beautiful churches in Northern Kentucky, the cathedral’s design was inspired by Notre Dame in Paris. Visitors are welcome anytime the church is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Masses are scheduled throughout the weekend.
Pro Tip: Check for the occasional guided tour on Sundays (see website).
More info: covcathedral.com/ or 859-431-2060
Address: 1101 Madison Ave. in Covington
Roebling Murals: Free. Good for singles, couples or families.
A walk along the flood wall on the Ohio River offers an illustrated history of the city of Covington. Eighteen panels, painted by muralist Robert Dafford, span 10,000 years of development in the area, including the construction of the nearby Roebling Bridge.
Pro tip: Go around to the other side of the River Center Towers that face the river.
Address: 50 E. Rivercenter Blvd., Covington
CVG Airport viewing area: Free. Good for singles, couples or families.
Watch planes take-off and land at CVG airport in Erlanger at this spot reserved just for skywatchers. The flat horizon makes it the perfect place to catch a sunset or perhaps a meteor shower.
Pro Tip: There are a couple of portable bathrooms in case you want to stay a while.
Address: 1459 Donaldson Highway in Erlanger.
Devou Park: Free. Good for singles, couples or families.
A fantastic spot for pictures and a picnic, with sweeping views of Cincinnati and NKY on either side of the Ohio River. At 700 acres, it’s Covington’s largest park. Public restrooms are just a short walk away.
Pro tip: Enjoy the family-sized swings.
More info: exploredevoupark.org
Address: 1201 Park Drive in Covington
Three-hour escapes
Mainstrasse Village Food Tour: $79 per person. Good for singles or couples.
From fresh baked pretzels to pizza and sushi to sweets, the culinary tour of this historic German neighborhood offers something for every taste. Every stop features an iconic piece of the area’s past.
Pro tip: Don’t eat before you go and wear loose pants.
More info: riversidefoodtours.com
Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center: Prices vary. Good for singles, couples or families.
Catch an art show, take a class or enjoy one of the center’s special “date nights.” The tagline is “Art for All.” Classes include pottery, cooking and painting, while workshops let you experiment in a medium without committing to a class and the price point is cheaper.
Pro tip: Scholarships are available and based on need.
More info: bakerhunt.org
Ghosts of Covington Haunted History Tour: $38 per person. Good for singles and couples. Possibly too scary for children.
It’s a little bit history and a little bit mystery. Trip Advisor says fans of true crime and the paranormal “will rejoice.” The tour company calls the content of the tour “grisly,” with stories of murder, hauntings and shipping disasters.
Pro tip: It’s a two-hour walk, so wear comfortable shoes. Driving tours can be arranged.
More info and tickets: www.viator.com/tours
Address: Meeting point is at the John Augustus Roebling Statue on Riverside Drive in Covington
Newport Gangster Tour: $32 per person. Good for singles and couples. Content is definitely PG 13.
Hailed by multiple publications as one of the best walking tours in the Greater Cincinnati region, this two-hour excursion is all about the mob and its deep roots in NKY. There’s a reason Newport was considered the “Sin City of the South,” complete with casinos and brothels.
Pro Tip: This is an extremely popular tour, so book tickets in advance.
More info: americanlegacytours.com/
Address: Tour begins at Mansion Hill Tavern, located at 502 Washington Ave. in Newport
Take in a play at the Falcon Theater: $17-30. Good for singles and couples, and depending on the play, families.
Dave Radtke and Ted Weil founded the Falcon in 1989 to provide “eclectic, diverse theatre experiences” in NKY. The company calls the Monmouth Historic District home.
Pro tip: The website lists dozens of local restaurants nearby for a pre-show meal.
More info: falcontheater.net
Address: 636 Monmouth St. in Newport
War, Wealth, & Riverfront Tales: Taylor Mansion & East Row Tour: $35 per person. Good for singles, couples and families.
Award-winning historian Scott Clark starts this tour at the former home of the “father of Newport.” General James Taylor, Jr., was the quartermaster general during the War of 1812 and helped Newport become a “thriving river city.” In addition to Taylor’s mansion, you’ll see other Victorian homes that showcase the architecture of the 19th century.
Pro tip: The tour recommends at least a moderate level of physical fitness for this 90-minute walk.
More info: taylormansion.com
Meeting point: 335 3rd St. in Newport
Six-hour excursions
Rail Explorers: $115 for two, $220 for four. Good for couples and families.
Pedal your way down a 10-mile stretch of train track through gorgeous Bluegrass country. The tour starts at the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum in Versailles. You’ll end up at a turnaround overlooking the Kentucky River before making your way back. Views include rolling hills, horse farms and limestone cliffs.
Pro tip: Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially for weekend trips.
More info: railexplorers.net
Address: 175 Beasley Road in Versailles
Explore Augusta: Various prices. Good for singles, couples and families.
Located on the southern bank of the Ohio river, this tiny town has a lot to offer. Take in the Rosemary Clooney House and keep an eye out for her famous nephew, George, who occasionally makes his way back to his hometown. The town features a winery, a distillery, an historic jail and stops on the Lewis and Clark Trail.
Pro tip: Grab a meal at the Beehive Tavern and get a seat on the balcony overlooking the river if you can. Reservations recommended.
Big Bone Lick State Park: Free. Good for singles, couples and families.
Home to a herd of bison that are visible year-round, as well as the fossils of their genetic ancestors: mammoth and mastodon. You can hike miles of trails meant for various abilities.
Pro tip: Spring is prime time for birding and the park is known for its ruby-throated hummingbirds and colorful warbler species.
More info: parks.ky.gov
Address: 3380 Beaver Road in Union
BB Riverboats tours: $34-$76 per person. Good for singles, couples and families.
Whether you go at high noon or in the evening, you’ll get a guided tour of sightseeing highlights on both sides of the river. You can also enjoy a dining cruise or take in the sunset.
Pro tip: For added historic flavor, join the Dixieland jazz brunch cruise and get a lovely soundtrack for your journey.
More info: bbriverboats.com
Address: 101 Riverboat Row in Newport
Overnight stays
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park: $22-187 per night. Good for singles, couples and families.
From tents and RV hookups to cottages and lodge rooms, there is something for everyone’s taste and budget. You can retrace the steps of Daniel Boone and walk on the trampled remains of an ancient buffalo path. There is boating, miniature golf and the Pioneer museum to enjoy.
Pro tip: The park is known for its wildflowers and is home to the federally-endangered Short’s Goldenrod, which is common along Buffalo Trace in season.
More info: parks.ky.gov/
Address: 10299 Maysville Road in Carlisle
General Butler State Resort Park: $40-254 per night. Good for singles, couples and families.
Like Blue Licks, this park has a variety of lodging to choose from, but is slightly more expensive all around. Mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking are favorite activities. Fishing is permitted in the 30-acre lake. There are eight hiking trails to choose from.
Pro tip: The trails and some lodging are pet-friendly, but keep the dogs leashed.
More info: parks.ky.gov/
Address: 1608 Ky-227 in Carrollton
First Farm Inn: $171-180 per night. Good for singles, couples and families.
Horses and loads of privacy are the draws here. There are only two rooms at this bed and breakfast and there is a two-night minimum, but you don’t need to stay on site to enjoy the horses. Trail rides and lessons are available with or without breakfast for visitors.
Pro tip: There is a 200-pound weight limit to ride.
More info: firstfarminn.com
Address: 2510 Stevens Road in Petersburg