Things to do
25 Activities to Kick of 2025
Posted on Dec 19
Your List of All Things Butler County!
Start the new year off strong with a list of iconic Butler County activities to complete throughout the new year. As we bid farewell to another year, the tradition of crafting New Year's resolutions beckons us with the promise of fresh beginnings.
Complete the Butler County Donut Trail
Throughout Butler County, Ohio
Finish the trail in 1 morning or span it out over several days, weeks, or months! Celebrating it's 10th year, the Butler County Donut Trail is fun-filled adventure for everyone, supports local mom and pop donut shops, and is the ultimate road trip to see all the communities in Butler County. Plus, you get a pretty sweet t-shirt reward once you complete the trail!
Watch a Performance at the Sorg Opera House
63 S Main Street | Middletown, Ohio
The Sorg Opera House hosts a myriad of live entertainment in a beautiful theater, from musicals to plays and concerts. Take a tour of the historic building or catch a live performance. See the upcoming schedule of events here.
Check Out a New Exhibit at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts
101 S Monument Avenue | Hamilton, Ohio
Visual arts more your jam? Fitton Center for Creative Arts has 5 galleries offering about 20 diverse exhibits annually for you to peruse.
Take a Cooking Class at The Learning Kitchen
7659 Cox Lane | West Chester, Ohio
Challenge yourself by learning to cook something new! Seasoned chefs pull back the curtain and reveal their cooking secrets during these hands-on cooking classes. All cooking levels are welcome!
Wander through Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
1763 Hamilton Cleves Road | Hamilton, Ohio
Pyramid Hill brings people to art in nature. With over 400 acres of rolling hills, hiking trails, forests, meadows, and lakes, there is no shortage of nature to explore at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park.
Catch a Late-Night Comedy Show at Funny Bone
7518 Bales Street | Liberty Township, Ohio
Spend an evening with laughter, drinks, and your favorite comedian at Funny Bone in Liberty Center.
Walk across the Black Covered Bridge
5401 Corso Road | Oxford, Ohio
Recognized as one of Ohio's longest and most impressive of covered bridges, the Black Covered Bridge also features a paved trail that is great for a peaceful walk. Admire the bridge's unique construction, as well as its surrounding nature along Four Mile Creek.
See a Movie Under the Stars at Holiday Auto Theatre
1816 Old Oxford Road | Hamilton, Ohio
The Holiday Auto Theatre is a classic experience that takes the best of both worlds — movies and the outdoors — to combine them into one amazing night. As one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in Ohio, Holiday Auto has been a staple for over 70 years!
Get Your Picture with the Barn-N-Bunk Silos
3677 Wayne Madison Road | Trenton, Ohio
Slow down from the hustle and bustle of life to take in the sights of colossal silos, antique farm equipment, local products, and the vast farmland you'll encounter at Barn-N-Bunk in Trenton.
Explore Jungle Jim's International Market
5440 Dixie Highway | Fairfield, Ohio
Taking a picture in the famous restrooms is a must during your visit. Plan your trip and make sure to save plenty of time to explore everything there is to offer in this wild attraction!
Paint Your Own Pottery
Hamilton & Oxford, Ohio
Test your artistic abilities at The Studio in Hamilton or You're Fired in Oxford.
Tour the National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting
8070 Tylersville Road | West Chester, Ohio
The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting is housed in the historic Bethany Relay Station. Take a walk through history at this unique museum and learn more about how this historical landmark played a significant role in United States history.
Go Skydiving
1711 Run Way | Middletown, Ohio
Skydiving is the perfect activity for adrenaline junkies or anyone with a bucket list, and Start Skydiving in Middletown is the #1 place to do it.
Pour a Candle at Petals & Wicks
119 Main Street | Hamilton, Ohio
Petals & Wicks is a stylish candle bar that curates an experience centered around sweet scents and candle experimentation. 72 scented candles line the wall of Petals & Wicks, with everything from lilac and agave to baked bread and amber musk. You’re bound to find your flavor.
Meet the Animals of Butler County
Throughout Butler County, Ohio
Cats, dogs, horses... even cows! We love our local businesses, and we especially love their friendly companions. If you visit any of the places below, don't forget to say hi to these special friends.
- Honey & Odis: Liberty Farm Market
- Case: Garver Family Farm
- The Horses: Nation Road Horse Rental
- Lily & Porter: Delhi Flower and Garden Center
- Max: Niederman Family Farm
- Via: Start Skydiving
- Salem & Nosferatu: Seraph by the River
- The Cows: Mullen Dairy Farm
- Scarlet: The Blue Cottage
- Sam: Bru's Boutique
- Dio: Three Feather Records
- Chicken Nugget: Gravel Road Brewing
Order the Lottery Bagel at Bagel & Deli
119 E High Street | Oxford, Ohio
Over 45 Years. 18 Bagel Flavors. 90+ Outrageous Bagel Combinations. One Fantastic Foodie Experience! The Lottery Sandwich consists of one meat, one cheese, two solid toppings and two liquid toppings all selected by Bagel and Deli Shop. Feeling lucky?
Experience a Drive In Food Experience
Hamilton & Middletown, Ohio
This classic drive-in dining experience allows for you to order food from your car and have it delivered straight to your window. Have a burger or a chili dog or even a frosty root beer at Jolly's in Hamilton, J&E Root Beer or The Jug in Middletown.
Bike the Great Miami River Bike Path
Throughout Butler County, Ohio
Biking is always a fun activity, whether you're looking for exercise or just some time to relax and take in all that nature has to offer. Explore more than 99 miles of paved trails and connected communities where you can cycle the Great Miami River Trail and find your way through charming downtowns in southwest Ohio.
Try Wakeboarding at Wake Nation
201 Joe Nuxhall Way | Fairfield, Ohio
No boat, no problem! Check out Wake Nation for the perfect place where you can wakeboard, wakeskate, water-ski and kneeboard all without a boat! Featuring a cable system suspended 30 ft above a 10 acre lake that can tow up to 6 riders at a time. Wake Nation is the perfect place for beginners and seasoned wake veterans to come out and ride the cable.
Take a Picture of Your Coffee Art at Cavu Coffee
7755 Cox Lane | West Chester, Ohio
Cavu's talented baristas can craft a variety of art in your mug, and they make it look easy.
Try the Uglies at Central Pastry Shop
1518 Central Avenue | Middletown, Ohio
Despite the name, these fluffy donuts make a delicious morning treat! The story goes: A Middletown local (and lover of the "Uglies") many, many years ago said "that is one ugly donut," and the name stuck. However, this story is unverified, so remains folklore amongst the shop!
Take Flight
Throughout Butler County, Ohio
Whether it’s beverages or appetizers, main courses or desserts, food and drink flights are a delicious way to try more on a menu. Try a flight at one or all of these 6 local spots:
- State Street Coffee
- Brent's Smokin' Butts & Grill
- Toast & Berry
- MamaBear's Mac
- Triple Moon Coffee
- The Swire Inn
Try Your Hand at Pickleball at The Pickle Lodge
7373 Kingsgate Way | West Chester, Ohio
Pickleball continues to be one of the fastest growing sports in the nation. Whether you're a pickleball enthusiast or a beginner, The Pickle Lodge in West Chester is a destination you can't miss. As the second largest indoor pickleball facility in the country, The Pickle Lodge isn't just a place to play— it's a full experience combining top-tier courts, delicious dining, and craft brewing all under one roof.
Take a Pedal Wagon Tour with Pour House
138 Riverfront Plaza | Hamilton, Ohio
Looking for a new way to party and see the sights of Hamilton with your group? Book a pedal wagon tour! The Pour House Pedal offers tours throughout downtown Hamilton which includes dozens of bars/restaurants, shops/boutiques, sculptures/art exhibits and more!
Go Kayaking at Voice of America MetroPark
7850 VOA Park Dr | West Chester, Ohio
Whether you're looking for a calming retreat on the water or a fun summer adventure with your friends, renting kayaks at VOA is easy and can be done right from your phone!