Summer, we love you. But, let’s face it, sometimes we need to take a break from the scorching heat. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to cool off while keeping the kids entertained, both close to home and just a short drive away. Here are a few of our favorite ideas.
Get Underground
If you’re looking for adventure at a crisp 54 degrees, look no further than a cave! And there are plenty to choose from. Ohio Caverns in West Liberty, Ohio, is the state’s largest cavern, and the most beautiful. Dubbed “America’s Most Colorful Caverns,” families will find crystal and rock formations in multiple colors of the rainbow.
A one-hour guided tour of Seneca Caverns in Bellevue, Ohio, leads visitors past fascinating geological wonders like “The Earth Crack” and the Mist’ry River,” a crystal-clear flowing stream 110 feet below the surface.
For the true adventurer, Louisville Mega Cavern, in nearby Kentucky, spans 100 acres deep below the city and is home to the world’s only fully underground zip line course, aerial ropes challenge course and bike park.
Make a Splash
When the temps heat up, it’s time to hit the water! From waterparks to city pools, there are plenty of places to make a splash.
Sunlite Water Adventure at Coney Island is the ultimate place to cool off during the dog days of summer. The massive pool is extra inviting on those hot, humid days and everyone will love splashing in Typhoon Tower and heading down the water slides.
Located in Ziegler Park, the renovated OTR pool is a total hidden gem with something for everyone. There’s a zero-entry pool complete with bubbler for the little ones, a diving well for the older kids, lap lanes, an accessible entry ramp, a climbing wall over the water and plenty of space to lounge poolside.
For a water adventure of a different sort, head to Morgan’s Canoe and Outdoor Adventures in Oregonia.
Launched in 1969 by the Morgan family, this remains the only canoe, kayak, and rafting outfitter located in the pristine Ft. Ancient Gorge of the Little Miami River. Once home to the ancient Hopewell Indian tribe also known as “The Mound Builders,” this secluded section of river offers natural beauty and protected isolation perfect for a refreshing day of paddling. Advanced reservations are required.
Head to a Museum
Rainy day, sunny day, hot day, cold day, there’s no wrong time to visit a museum, but in the summer months the air conditioning is a big perk!
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton is more than a museum of science and natural history; it’s also a zoo, aquarium and planetarium. You’ll find a world of exploration for kids of all ages.
With a Children’s Museum, numerous featured exhibits and an OMNIMAX Theater, the Cincinnati Museum Center offers hours of opportunity for exploration, education and play that never gets old.
It’s baseball season, and what better way to spend a hot day than at the Reds Hall of Fame Museum? This place is perfect for baseball fans of all ages and there are a number of interactive areas to keep the kids entertained, including a booth where they can don headsets and practice their best baseball announcer voice.
For those looking for a fun road trip, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is well worth the two-hour drive. From the newly renovated Dinosphere exhibit that puts you directly in the footsteps of prehistoric creatures to the brand new interactive Scooby Doo exhibit, this museum is five floors of non-stop fun!
Don’t let the mid-summer Midwestern heat put a damper on the fun when there are so many ways to stay cool when the temps heat up!