Recently skip leg day? No worries! Go get your workout in at Kirkwood Adventure Park near Wilmington, Ohio. Take our word for it, the kids (and you!) will leave exhausted from fun!
Owned and operated by 501(c)(3) Matthew:25 Ministries, Kirkwood Adventure Park dedicates itself to providing positive and enriching activities for everyone. Kirkwood Adventure Park has rebranded itself for everyone to enjoy –Â from weekend private retreats to a public park that is open to the general public.
The 212-acre facility features a lake with AquaGlide obstacle course, pine canopy trail, rentable gaming area, picnic grove, Mama’s Kitchen and beach. Kirkwood Adventure Park is open daily. Children 5 and under are free while it is only $23 each for the rest of the family. Walk-ins are welcome on the weekends but require reservations Monday-Wednesday.
Even if you’re only dipping a toe in the water, each person is required to wear a provided life jacket. Five lifeguards watch over the lake obstacle area as parents and kids take a go at the huge AquaGlide slides, inflatable waves, balancing beams and lake trampoline.
Admittedly, I am not in the best shape for any type of strenuous activity, so this was a bit tough! Mama definitely went home with some bumps but we had an absolute blast. Slipping and sliding into the water was part of all the fun. Especially if you’re chasing around an active six-year-old, prepare yourself for a fun workout! Lots of parents and grandparents were simply wading in the water, so don’t feel obligated if you have an older, capable child.
As for the kiddos, this is just another walk in the park. Easily gliding, jumping, splashing around like they do it every day. From little kids to teenagers, everyone had a smile on their faces. A favorite memory of mine would be watching the older teens taking care of the young ones, mostly strangers. They often held out a helping hand and made room to keep the littles safe.
Family friendly is the very essence of Kirkwood Adventure Park. The brand new pine canopy trail is like a zip line in the woods but in trail form. You’re safely walking several feet into the tree canopy while overlooking the lake and rolling hills of Clinton County. New in 2023 is Zebby’s Splash Pad, the perfect place for little adventurers under 48″ tall to enjoy water-fun in a safe play area.
Mama’s Kitchen keeps bellies full as two daily 45-minute breaks pull everyone out of the water. While lifeguards enjoy a rest, very affordable food options like pizza, pretzels with cheese, ice cream, veggie burgers, hot dogs and chicken tenders are available for purchase.
The lake portion of the park closes for the season in September while the trails are transformed into a spooky haunted attraction, Twisted Trails.
General Admission ticket includes:
-
One-day admission to Kirkwood Camp & Adventure Park
-
Alien Invasion Gel Soft – 1 round
-
Eaglewood Mini Golf – 18 holes
-
Dutch Valley Tubing (New this summer!) – 5 rides (per guest)
-
Unlimited Play on Splash Blast Lake Obstacle Course and many other attractions. Carnival games (Coming soon), merchandise, and food/drink purchases are separate.
-
For extended play, additional wristbands may be purchased for $10 each.
Kirkwood Camp & Adventure Park Hours:
Monday- Wednesdays: Reservations only for groups & camps. Please contact [email protected] for more information on scheduling.
Thursday-Saturday: 11a- 7p​
Sunday: 12p- 7p
Lake Hours:
Closes at 6p daily
Lake Closures
Thursday- Saturday: 1p & 4p (45 min each)
Sunday: 2p & 4p (30 min each)
Mama’s Kitchen:
Full service operations until 6p daily. Pre-packaged snacks available for purchase from 6-7p.
Weekend Schedule Begins August 12. Open Saturdays and Sundays only from Aug 12 – Sep 3, 2023.