Winter and the holiday season are fun-filled, exciting, and at times — crowded. Malls, especially, are known to be filled with eager shoppers and stressed-out families, waiting in line to see Santa. If scenes like this make your Christmas not as jolly, but you still want to have fun as a family, then we have the answer for you. As you plan out the rest of the holidays and even afterward, keep in mind these 9 winter attractions around Cincinnati that don’t involve long lines at the mall.

1. Visit the newly reopened Cincinnati Museum Center.
Andrea Limke / Only In Your State
Our beloved Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is finally open again after extensive restoration. For the holidays, visit Holiday Junction and the timeless train display, as well as an impressive Lego-built world. Santa is also there for those photos so you can avoid the mall!

Plan your visit to the museum from its website here.
2. Ice skate at Summit Park.
Facebook/Summit Park
Ice skating is a fun way to spend a nice winter day and there are several places around Cincinnati to do so! The rink on Fountain Square is definitely the most festive, but if you want to avoid the crowds, then try the beautiful set up at Summit Park in Blue Ash.

Find out more about Summit Park in our previous article here.
3. Test your wits at The Escape Game.
The Escape Game Cincinnati
The Escape Game Cincinnati is an epic 60-minute challenge for friends, family, or even a memorable date night. Each game has its own unique theme and expertly designed set that will make you feel like you've landed a role in an action film. Some of the themed challenges include recovering a stolen piece of art or hunting for gold. Choose your adventure and prepare for some seriously exciting twists along the way.

Learn more about this fantastic escape room by visiting the website here.
4. Hang out at Liberty Center.
Facebook/Liberty Center
Liberty Center, just north of Cincinnati, is one of the best shopping destinations in our area, but there's so much more to do here. Although it's technically an outdoor mall, there is so much space and such a variety of things to do, you'll won't be overwhelmed by any crowds.

Check out all of the happenings at Liberty Center on its website here.

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5. Warm up in Krohn Conservatory.
Tripadvisor/Brian M
Located in Eden Park, Krohn Conservatory is a wonderful wintertime destination for many reasons. Their holiday show is always the most beautiful display of the season and the warmth of the greenhouse will have you feeling cozy. They also host a number of themed events throughout the season, so be sure to check those out!

Learn more about Krohn Conservatory in our previous article here.
6. Go riding in a winter wonderland.
TripAdvisor/Management
First Farm Inn is a bed and breakfast in Northern Kentucky that also offers horseback riding adventures all year long. If you want to try something new and experience the natural beauty of winter, this is the perfect activity.

Find out more about this winter adventure in our previous article here.
7. Book a night away.
Facebook/Burlington's Willis Graves Bed and Breakfast Inn
If the holidays have you feeling stressed and overwhelmed, then plan a relaxing night away at Burlington's Willis Graves Bed and Breakfast Inn. This historic B&B in Burlington, Kentucky will make you feel miles away from it all, when in fact you're just a short drive from Cincinnati.

Find out why this is the perfect winter getaway in our previous article here.
8. Check out Bass Pro Shops for plenty of family fun.
Google/Richard Spurlock
Bass Pro Shop is an outdoor lover's paradise and is always a unique place to visit. In the winter, they add Santa's Wonderland to the fun, where you can enjoy activities and a scheduled time to meet with the big guy, so no long lines!

Find out more by following along with Bass Pro Shops on Facebook here.
9. Hit up the trails at the Cincinnati Nature Center.
Facebook/Cincinnati Nature Center
After all of the shopping, family gatherings, and festive events, there's no better way to de-stress than with a peaceful hike at the Cincinnati Nature Center. Bundle up and whisk yourself away for a bit of fresh air and natural beauty.

Learn more about winter hiking at the Cincinnati Nature Center in our previous article here.

Hopefully, these 9 attractions bring festive — and relaxing — fun to your winter season in Cincinnati. Do you enjoy the crowds this time of year? Have you tried everything on our list or what would you add? Let us know in the comments!

And if you need one more exciting option that’s fun all winter long, check out our previous article here.

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