Water is an essential part of human life, and the health benefits that stem from drinking more water are endless. But, there are also there are plenty of healthy ways to enjoy water without drinking it! It also provides a fun, refreshing medium for healthy physical activity. Here in Ohio, we are lucky to have an abundance of amazing water parks to enjoy in the summer and some throughout the year. Here are a few of our favorite Ohio water parks (in no particular order):
Zoombezi Bay
This 22.7 acre water park is located in Powell, near Columbus, Ohio. It is owned by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, so planning a trip here should also include a stop at the zoo. Zoombezi Bay combines the fun of hanging out at the beach with the variety of 17 water slides, the shelter of private cabanas, and the convenience of Zoompass, a reservation system that lets you spend your time in the water, not waiting in line.
Admission (if purchased online): $29.99 | Seniors: $23.99
The Watering Hole Safari and Waterpark
The Watering Hole Monsoon is an indoor/outdoor family fun center located in Port Clinton, Ohio. For water fun that the whole family can enjoy, check out the Kid’s Tree House with 4 slides, the 3 story Slide Towers, Lazy River and heated pools! In addition to water slides, park-goers will enjoy a go-kart track, an arcade and a mini-golf course.
Daily Wet Ticket (waterpark only): $25.00 | Daily Mega Ticket (waterpark & zoo): $35.00
The Beach Waterpark
Located in Mason, Ohio, The Beach is a tropical-themed water park with white sand and palm trees, slides, rides, play areas and an arcade. Situated on 35 acres of rolling wooded terrain, The Beach offers a lush get-a-way that features 22 slides and entertainment attractions for kids of all ages.
General admission: $28.99 | Seniors: $19.99 | Children 3 and under: free with paying adult
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge has 2 locations in Ohio – in Mason and Sandusky. Water park passes are exclusive to guests of the lodge and offer plenty of options for the entire family. From the thrill of the HydroPlunge roller coaster-like slide to a more laid back Slap Tail Pond wave pool, there’s something for everyone at this indoor playground.
Admission: Included with stay at lodge
Soak City Water Park at Kings Island
Soak City is a water park at Kings Island amusement park in Mason, Ohio. Opening in 1989 as WaterWorks, the water park is included with the price of admission to Kings Island. Soak City has more than 50 water attractions, including 36 water slides. Park-goers will find extreme water slides for the thrill seekers, a 650,000 wave pool and plenty of kid-friendly waterslides and dozens of interactive splash stations.
Admission: $49.99 includes Soak City and King’s Island | Under 48” tall or over age 62: $39.99
Photo Credit: Kings Island
Kalahari
At 174,000 square feet, Kalahari is Ohio’s largest indoor water park with plenty of outdoor options as well. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio, delivers a “world-away” waterpark resort. The authentically African themed resort offers both hair-raising water slides and kids’ play areas sure to please toddlers, teens and moms and dads. There is so much to do, you may not have time to ride them all.
All Day Waterpark Pass: $75.00 | Under 42” Waterpark Pass: $35.00 (evening passes and military passes also available)
There’s plenty to do close to your Ohio home to keep your kids entertained and cooled down this summer. We’d love to hear which Ohio waterpark is your family’s favorite!