When the summer sun is blazing in Southwest Ohio, families need fun and refreshing ways to stay cool. Whether you’re looking to splash, chill, or just escape the heat, we’ve rounded up the best kid-approved activities around Cincinnati and Dayton to help you beat the heat—without melting down.
Make a Splash
1. Visit a Local Splash Pad
Nothing says “summer” like a good splash session! Cincinnati and Dayton are home to dozens of fun and free splash pads that turn ordinary playgrounds into mini water parks. Check out popular spots like Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati or The Sprayground at Riverscape MetroPark in Dayton.
👉 Explore our full Splash Pad Guide
2. Dive into an Indoor Pool
For a more relaxed, sun-free swim, indoor pools are a great option. Many local YMCAs and community centers offer family swim hours, and places like the Mason Community Center or Great Wolf Lodge (with day pass options) give you waterpark thrills without the UV rays.
👉 More Indoor Swimming Options
3. Spend the Day at a Water Park
Make it a full water adventure at places like Kings Island’s Soak City, Land of Illusion Aqua Adventures in Middletown or make a day trip and head to Williamsburg, Kentucky to visit Kentucky Splash WaterPark. Go early or snag a shaded cabana to avoid peak heat.
Chill Indoors
4. Cool Off at an Indoor Playground
When the playground is too hot to handle, head to spots like Recreations Outlet in Milford, Kid Clubhouse in Mason or Springboro, or The Park at the Mills in Dayton for climbing, sliding, and bouncing—all in air-conditioned comfort. 👉 More indoor playground options.
5. Visit a Museum Made for Kids
Museums aren’t just educational—they’re temperature-controlled, too! Explore interactive exhibits at the Cincinnati Museum Center, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, or the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
6. Burn Energy at an Indoor Trampoline Park
Jump away the wiggles at Sky Zone, Urban Air, Get Air or Nova Trampoline. Bonus: They’re a great way to get the kids active when it’s too hot for outdoor sports.
Chill Treats
7. Hit the Ice Cream Trail
Turn ice cream into an adventure! Visit local favorites like The Cone in West Chester, Graeter’s throughout the region, or Whit’s Frozen Custard in Lebanon. Create your own “cold treat crawl” and let the kids vote on their favorite stop.
8. Try Shaved Ice or Frozen Lemonade Stands
Cool down with a sweet treat from Hawaiian Shave Ice Shack in Loveland, Kona Ice trucks or neighborhood lemonade stands—they’re a summer rite of passage!
Big Screen, Cool Temps
9. Take Advantage of Cheap Summer Movies
Many local theaters offer budget-friendly matinees. Flix Brewhouse in Carmel has $5 movies as part of its Camp Flix summer program, and Regal and AMC theaters also run weekly kid movie specials.
10. Catch a Drive-In Flick
For nighttime fun, head to the Holiday Auto Theatre in Hamilton or Dixie Twin Drive-In near Dayton. You’ll beat the heat after sunset and enjoy a family movie under the stars—bring fans and snacks!
Outdoor Cool-Downs (Yes, Really!)
11. Go Creek Stomping
Nature’s splash pad! Explore creeks at places like Sharon Woods Gorge Trail, California Woods, or Sugarcreek MetroPark. Don’t forget water shoes and towels.
👉 Where to Go Creek Stomping
12. Visit a Shady Nature Trail
Not all outdoor time has to mean sweating. Stick to shady trails or go during the early morning or evening hours. Glenwood Gardens and Ault Park both offer cooler paths with lots of tree cover.
13. Head to the Library
Many local libraries offer not only cool air but also cool programming—storytimes, crafts, STEM activities, and even family movie afternoons.
14. Explore Jungle Jim’s International Market
It’s a grocery store, but it’s also an adventure. With giant animatronics, international food samples, and a cold drink aisle longer than a football field, it’s a quirky, air-conditioned field trip.
15. Set Up a Backyard Water Day
No time to head out? Fill up the kiddie pool, set up a sprinkler, or create a DIY car wash station for bikes and scooters. Add popsicles, and you’ve got a heat-busting afternoon right at home. 👉 See our backyard water guide here.
Stay Cool, Southwest Ohio!
Whether you’re diving into a splash pad, chilling in a movie theater, or sipping frozen lemonade in the shade, there are plenty of ways to enjoy summer while keeping your cool. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and most importantly—have fun!
Author: Southwest Ohio
Midwest Parenting Publications published Cincinnati Parent for over 35 years and Dayton Parent for over 7 years. In 2021, the two merged to become Southwest Ohio Parent, expanding our reach into the growing Southwest Ohio market. At SW Ohio Parent, we proudly serve as the top parenting resource magazine and website for Cincinnati, Dayton, and the surrounding communities. Every day, we strive to deliver exactly what our readers need and are 100% dedicated to providing parents with the most trusted resources to find local events for every day of the week, community service organizations, and businesses that cater to the family market.