Ohio is globally renowned for many remarkable historical events and places. The state is teeming with buckeye trees, its passionate and successful sports teams, rich musical background, and a thriving corn production that supplies the entire United States. Water parks are also popular among residents and non-residents in Ohio. There are plenty of them in the buckeye state, so you’ll never run out of options once you decide to take your loved ones with you to a water park.
The rides, slides, and events in these water parks are unique and exhilarating enough to keep your energy levels up, especially on a hot summer day. When searching for water parks in Ohio, you’ll be faced with a lot of amazing choices. This can be challenging when you and your family or friends wish to visit different parks. This article will show you what’s in store during your visit to the best water parks in Ohio, and tips on making the most of your trip. This way, you can narrow down your choices and choose the best one for you and your family.
Adventure Reef Water Park — Kettering
Previously called the Water Raves, this vast three-acre water park found in the city of Kettering has features and facilities that can please the entire family. Its outdoor aquatic facility consists of an interactive splash pad, a large water playground, a toddler or baby pool, and two water slides. But it gets better. Aside from the outdoor aquatic area, it also offers fitness and sports activities for those who are looking to get physical and have fun at the same time.
Adventure Reef Water Park also offers swimming lessons for children and adults who want to improve their skills over the summer. These lessons are coupled with fitness programs to keep visitors of all ages healthy and happy. Once you’re done with the interactive swimming lessons and fun facilities, you can relax at the deck chairs available for all guests. There is also an indoor pool for those who are not fond of long sun exposure.
A word of advice: be a pass holder. This water park offers plenty of benefits for pass holders, including but not limited to exclusive use of the water park on Sundays and early entry. If you’re planning to become a regular, you might as well take advantage of their membership benefits.
Address: 2900 Glengarry Dr, Kettering, OH 45420, United States | Phone: +1 937-296-2587 | Website: https://www.playkettering.org/adventure-reef-water-park/
Black Beard’s Bay Waterpark — Edgerton
The kids will surely love this pirate-themed water park in Edgerton. An adorable feature of this water park is its rum-shaped water storage at the center of the pool. If you want to embrace the pirate life, make sure to join in the fun at Black Beard’s Bay WaterPark, located inside the Hickory Acres Campground. Make sure to try the long, yellow water slide, explore the pirate ship in the pool, and take some cool pictures with your family.
Aside from the water park itself, you can also explore other attractions in the campground, including hiking trails, spacious volleyball and basketball courts, and a playground. They also have a large fish pond for swimming and fishing, along with paddle boats, kayaks, and water trikes. Once you’re done with the aquatic attractions, you can ride the golf carts to explore the vast campground area.
If you decide to camp there, you can take advantage of their water park facilities at a discounted rate. So, why not make the most of your visit and stay the night? This water park experience will surely be memorable.
Address: 1240 Ridenour Rd, Edgerton, OH 43517, United States | Phone: +1 419-658-2889 | Website: http://www.hickoryacrescampground.com/
Big Splash — Grove City
Experience slides galore at this ten-acre aquatic facility with your family and friends. This water park has interactive water toys, a large body slide, and a six-lane lap pool. Tourists are impressed by the vastness of this water park and the many activities offered within its premises. The recreational facilities are not only made for children, but also for adults who want more fun under the sun. The Olympic-sized pool is enough for anyone to swim around and hone their swimming skills.
And once all the fun drains your energy, you can take a break and replenish at the concession stands with refreshing beverages and delectable food. You can also hide from the sun when it gets too intense to your liking under the geometric structures and umbrellas near the pool. The green space is also made for lying down and resting after a day of laughter and frolicking around.
And there’s more. The cozy lounge chairs, entertainment stage, and sand volleyball court are also worth visiting at the Big Splash.
Address: 2831 Southwest Blvd, Grove City, OH 43123, United States | Phone: +1 614-277-1818 | Website: https://www.grovecityohio.gov/parks-and-recreation/parks-facilities/the-big-splash/
Bowling Green City Pool & Waterpark — Bowling Green
If you’re looking to amp up your swimming skills, look no more and come visit Bowling Green City Pool and Waterpark. The place is famous for its effective swimming lessons and exciting swimming activities for the kids. The best part is that you may sign up as a family or individually. You can bond over learning new swimming moves and strokes taught by the instructor.
You’ll need to have at least six members if you want to sign up for the family package.
However, this water park doesn’t just offer swimming lessons, but also boasts facilities that cater to both children and adults. The water park is equipped with a water slide, lazy river, and a lap pool you can dive into after swim class. Guests can utilize the diving board, which is completely safe.
Younger kids will love playing around in the splash pad. Then, after a long day of swimming and splashing around, you can get food and beverages from the concession stand. There is also a designated eating area where you can dine.
Address: 520 Conneaut Ave, Bowling Green, OH 43402, United States | Phone: +1 419-373-1778| Website: https://www.bgohio.org/159/Pool
Cedar Point Shores — Sandusky
Are you ready for an 18-acre water park with creative, themed facilities and attractions you’re sure to enjoy? If so, Cedar Point Shores is a must-visit water park in Ohio. This water park offers numerous tube slides, an action and lazy river, and an impressive half-million-gallon wave pool. There are also several interesting attractions you can experience with your family.
These include the Perch Plunge, Wild Walleye, Breakwater Bay, Runaway Rapids, Point Plummet, and the famous Storm Surge. The Starboard Surge and Portside Plunge are also a must-try since they are considered the most exciting attractions in the water park. And there are dozens more where these came from.
The kids will also enjoy every activity offered in Cedar Point Shores. The areas dedicated to the little ones include Lemmy’s Lagoon, Lakeside Landing, and the Watering Hole. The classic favorite is the Lakeside Landing, which consists of a zero-depth entry pool and 12 mini water slides.
Another great part about going to Cedar Point Shores is its dining options. You’ll find a variety of tempting delicacies and mouth watering treats in their restaurants. Adults will also love the poolside bar, where they can watch the kids while sipping their favorite drinks. Moreover, after the water park underwent renovations in 2017, they made it a point to add more lounge chairs, changing and showering areas, enhance landscaping, and ensure the visibility of the breathtaking Lake Erie from the water park.
Address: 1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870, United States | Phone: +1 419-627-2350 | Website: https://www.cedarpoint.com/cedar-point-shores
Comfort Inn Splash Harbor — Bellville
Have fun while surrounded by a tranquil environment at Comfort Inn Splash Harbor. Splash Harbor offers a wide array of activities and amenities that will complete your vacation. This indoor water park is located within Comfort Inn, which means that you can stay there for the night and enjoy their attractions longer. It includes a large pool, a looping water slide, spraying geysers, spray ground with a dumping bucket, hot tubs, floating rafts, and so much more.
If you want to celebrate a family function at Comfort Inn, there are designated party rooms and a party alcove to host various occasions. The video game room is made for those who want to cool down and unwind after physically tiring activities at the water park.
One of the best parts about visiting this indoor water park is that you can bring your own food and beverages. If you’re not planning to bring any, you can purchase your treats in the vending area. This water park is for those who crave the same fun in outdoor water parks but wish to have it indoors.
Address: 855 Comfort Plaza Dr, Bellville, OH 44813, United States | Phone: +1 419-886-4000 | Website: https://splashharbor.com/
Great Wolf Lodge — Sandusky
Inside the Great Wolf Lodge lies a hidden treasure that is their water park. You can stay in the Great Wolf Lodge overnight to make the most of your water park experience. Creative rides can be found in its water parks, such as Fort Mackenzie, Caribou Creek, Alberta Falls, Whooping Hollow, Otter Run, Totem Towers, Chinook Cave, Big Foot Pass, Hot Springs, Soak’n Oak Springs, and the Raccoon Lagoon. The names of the attractions will pull you in to join the fun on a hot sunny day. They offer packages and add-ons you can take advantage of, such as reserved seating at the indoor cabana. You can rest in these cabanas for a bit and enjoy the water park’s attractions again once you’re energized enough.
After all the splish and splash, kids can try their dry-land attractions and arcade, namely the Magiquest, Ten Paw Alley, Northern Lights Arcade, Oliver’s Mining Sluice, and Build-A-Bear Workshop. Plus, there are different restaurants to choose from where you can dig in and enjoy the cuisine.
They also host special events in case you’re interested in celebrating them in one of the best water parks in Ohio.
Address: 4600 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870, United States | Phone: +1 800-641-9653 | Website: https://www.greatwolf.com/sandusky
Nelsonville Water Park — Nelsonville
Nelsonville Water Park recreates the lush blue color of the oceans through their crystal clear pools. This water park is perfect for those who are planning to spend a tranquil, sunny day with their family. Their giant tube slides are the perfect size and length for those who want to have an exhilarating water park experience but not too much to make them exhausted after a day. The umbrellas can also serve as a refuge from the sun when it gets too bright and hot.
If you want to try swimming lessons, they are held in the Olympic-sized pool which is perfect for complex swimming strokes and moves. The water park is also completely secure, with their lifeguards always within the area watching out for the kids. You can have a peaceful yet enjoyable vacation at Nelsonville Water Park.
Address: 40 W Canal St, Nelsonville, OH 45764, United States | Phone: +1 740-753-7003 | Website: https://cityofnelsonville.org/aquatic-center/
Pioneer Waterland & Dry Fun Park — Chardon
Overload your day with activities at Pioneer Waterland and Dry Fun Park. You get the best of both worlds — wet- and dry-land activities. There are four categories for their attractions. The first one is the main water park area, where six-story high waterslides, a lazy innertube ride, spring-fed sports and activities, paddle boats, and double slides abound.
The other categories include the Kidsland, Sportsland Fun Area, and the Pay-As-You-Play area. These categories contain numerous activities to choose from, but don’t overwhelm yourself as these are all included in the admission fee, except for the Pay-As-You Play area. You can also have picnics with your family and colleagues at the pavilion; the more, the merrier.
Then, you can satiate your hunger at their eatery with various food choices, from burgers and milkshakes to salads. You may also get memorabilia through their gift shop, where you can purchase printed shirts, pens, and so much more.
Address: 10661 Kile Rd, Chardon, OH 44024, United States | Phone: +1 440-285-0910 | Website: https://pioneerwaterland.com/
Soak City — Mason
One of the most sought-for places at Kings Island Amusement Park is Soak City. The water park is famous for its 36 thrilling attractions. To name a few, they have the Aruba Tuba, Breakers Bay, Castaway Cove, Lookout Lagoon, Mondo Monsoon, Paradise Plunge, Rendezvous Run, and many more. Water park lovers will surely find these attractions novel and unique. You can find the thrill level of each ride on their website.
If you want to rest for a bit, there are cabanas you can retreat to after soaking in the water. Or perhaps you can visit their shops for items you’d want to bring home with you.
Other aspects to look forward to in this water park are the refreshments and treats. Aside from the attractions, the food will keep you coming back for more. Soak City also offers unmatched live entertainment for all ages. This is an impressive feature great for tourists looking to make the most of the festivities in Ohio.
Address: 6300 Kings Island Dr #2, Kings Mills, OH 45034, United States | Phone: +1 513-754-5700 | Website: https://www.visitkingsisland.com/
The Watering Hole Safari and Waterpark — Port Clinton
This water park is a paradise for those who love animals. The water park has three-story slide towers, four big slides, heated pools, and a lazy river. The water adventure you’ll experience in this water park will truly be the experience of a lifetime once you learn about their walk-through safari zoo. Imagine all the fun you’ll have meeting more than 500 animals from all around the world, including camels, giraffes, zebras, and so much more.
The kids can participate in the Junior Zookeeper Program, where they can learn how to feed and care for animals from experienced zookeepers. This is their most popular zoo event as this opportunity is priceless, and no parent would ever let the opportunity pass to let their children learn.
You can also enjoy the Montego Bay Raceway, where you can safely race in go-karts to your heart’s content with family or friends. After all of these activities, you can retreat to your comfortable, private cabanas. You can satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst at the concession stands.
Address: 1530 S Danbury Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452, United States | Phone: +1 419-732-6671 | Website: https://wateringholeatmonsoon.com/
Twinsburg Water Park — Twinsburg
A water park with a simple yet fun layout is what you need if you want to get closer to your family and friends over vacation. Twinsburg Water Park is tied to the Twinsburg Fitness Center in that both establishments aim to promote a healthy and fit lifestyle through swimming lessons and programs. If you want to shift your lifestyle with your family and try fun and effective programs to achieve it, then this water park and fitness center are the perfect places for you.
Just because the water park aims to promote good health does not mean it’s not fun. You can still enjoy yourself in their slides and other attractions found within the area. And their pool is spacious and vast enough for various purposes — including fitness and recreation.
Address: 10260 1/2 Ravenna Rd, Twinsburg, OH 44087, United States | Phone: +1 330-963-8710 | Website: https://www.mytwinsburg.com/165/Water-Park
Uhrichsville Water Park — Uhrichsville
This 4.5-acre water park offers a heated pool, a zero-depth entry pool for kids, and two-story water slides. The never-ending swirling slides will surely pump your adrenaline, and you’ll probably go up the slide several times to experience the same adrenaline again. The heated pool is great for those who want to relax after climbing up and sliding down the attractions. The kids will also love the pool made especially for them.
The pool is large and can accommodate several people, especially during the peak season. All the excitement can make you hungry, and the concession stand exists for that reason. They offer mouthwatering food that can replenish the energy lost after all the fun and excitement.
Address: 401 E 12th St, Uhrichsville, OH 44683, United States | Phone: +1 740-922-8780 | Website: https://uhrichsvillewater park.com/
Wapakoneta Waterpark — Wapakoneta
Wapakoneta water park is a municipal swimming pool filled with fun attractions and pools safe for people of all ages. They have an activity pool as well as a lap pool. There are also water slides and diving boards for added fun. The facility follows strict safety protocols which means that you and your family are safe while bonding over the water park’s attractions and pools.
Wapakoneta water park also has semi-private cabanas you can rent for various functions, get-togethers, parties, and other events. You can also expect a snack shack in case you get hungry in the midst of all the fun you’re experiencing.
Address: 106 Hamilton Rd, Wapakoneta, OH 45895, United States | Phone: +1 419-738-6412 | Website: https://wapakonhttps://wapakoneta.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/waterpark/eta.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/water park/
Tips for Making the Most of Water Parks in Ohio
After learning about the best water parks in Ohio, know how to make the most of it through these practical tips:
- Do research: Before deciding to travel all the way to your chosen water park, ensure that the place is open during your scheduled date. Otherwise, your preparation will all be futile, and you’ll go home feeling frustrated and defeated. Contact the water park first and make a reservation if possible.
- Wear sunscreen: And yes, this also applies to indoor water parks. Ensure that your exposed body parts are protected with your sunscreen of choice. Wear a sunscreen of at least SPF 50, and your skin will thank you for it.
- Bring snacks: Unless the water park has a specific policy against bringing food inside the water park, make sure to bring treats to munch on when you get hungry. If you have kids, bring some for them as well. You’ll never know when you’ll get hungry.
- Dress appropriately: Wear something that will protect your skin from harsh exposure to the sun and possible injuries. It is also advisable to wear comfortable sneakers for long walks and flip-flops when you’re about to go swimming.
- Arrive early: To get the best cabanas or the best lounge chairs in the water park, ensure that you arrive early. By doing this, you’ll avoid the long lines, too.
Look Forward to the Best Water Parks in Ohio
Now that you know the water parks in Ohio you should look forward to visiting, you can prepare your itinerary and plan your trip. Remember the tips above to have a worthwhile experience at any of these water parks. Most of all, enjoy this once-of-a-lifetime experience with your loved ones as no moment is the same regardless of whether you’ve been to the same water park before. Get your swimming gear on, and splash away!
Be sure to also check out our list of the best indoor water parks where you can enjoy amazing water slides and pools year round!
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