With a large variety of splash pads, spray parks, pools and natural bodies of water available in the area, there’s no shortage of splashing fun to be had. Here are some cool places to get wet and spend a hot summer afternoon.
CINCINNATI AREA
4356 Dunham Ln., Cincinnati
Locally known as “Dunham,” the aquatic center at Dunham Rec Center is equipped with large twisty slides, smaller tube slides, zero-depth entrance and free parking.
3204 Woodburn Ave., Cincinnati
The Evanston Rec Center has everything necessary to cool off on a hot day, including a multi-story water slide, zero-entrance pool, and tons of space to swim at this cool place to get wet.
3630 Reading Rd., Cincinnati
The Hirsch Rec Center combines the fun of a splash park with the perks of a neighborhood swimming pool. The park has lots of spray features, slides, a zero-depth entrance, and pools of different depth for all abilities.
2110 Freeman Ave., Cincinnati
This free splash pad is perfect to cool off on a hot day. The splash pad has jets spraying from the ground, a play apparatus and a super fun slide.
3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel
There’s something special about swimming in a lake in the summertime. The Harsha Lake at East Fork State Park is the perfect place to swim with a view, find rocks, play in the sand, or maybe even rent a paddle boat. It is well worth the drive.
2895 Lake Dr., Pleasant Plain
Another outdoor oasis worth the drive. Stonelick State Park has a beautiful lake to swim in surrounded by trees, wildlife, and, of course, the beach. As a bonus, Ohio State parks do not charge entrance fees.
10245 Winton Rd., Cincinnati
Parky’s at Winton Woods has it all. After learning about farm animals, playing in the sensory gardens, or climbing around the playground kids can cool down in the wet park. The animal themed splash park has jets, streams and water galore.
166 W. Mehring Way, Cincinnati
Smale Riverfront Park is another park with plenty to do any time of the year. In the summer, however, the water pad is a cool place to get wet. It has super unique features, like everyone’s favorite water auger, that will keep kids entertained all day.
DAYTON AREA
8570 OH-73, Waynesville
At one of Ohio’s beautiful state parks, you can find the perfect oasis for a hot summer day. The lake is great for kids to swim around or play Marco Polo. The long shoreline is also excellent for making sandcastles, finding rocks and playing games. All Ohio State Parks offer free admission.
1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton
The Children’s Discovery Garden replicates natural habitats like caves, creeks and waterfalls, so that kids can have fun and be safe. The gardens also have lots of sand pits for kids to make creations after cooling off.
101 E. Helena St., Dayton
Island MetroPark has both traditional and wet playgrounds, making it a great place to spend an entire day. The water park has sprays, water drops and in-ground jets galore.
Interactive Fountains at Riverscape
237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton
The super-high 20-foot jets at Riverscape are lots of fun to run around on a hot day. They also have family-friendly music with the jets in beat. If you are planning to stay a bit later, make sure to check out the choreographed fountain routine.
2900 Glengarry Dr, Kettering
This massive three-acre water park has the works. From cones tipping out gallons of water to huge water slides and splash pads, Adventure Reef is the perfect way to spend a whole day.
Kroger Aquatic Center at The Heights
8625 Brandt Pike, Dayton
While the gigantic slide is always a fan favorite, there is lots to do at this water park. Of course, it is equipped with a lazy river, spray grounds and smaller pools for little ones.
Sycamore Trails Aquatic Center
400 S. Heincke Rd., Miamisburg
Sycamore Trails is the picture-perfect pool for the summer. From five gigantic “sunbrellas” to three slides (one tube, one body and one frog) and a classic dive tank, there are places for parents to relax and for kids is a cool place to get wet.
460 W. Staunton Rd., Troy
With features for both older kids and little ones, Troy Aquatic Park is the ideal spot for a big family. In the zero-depth entrance pool, there are interactive features to keep kiddos who still don’t swim entertained at the pool. Bigger kids can enjoy diving boards, water slides, and a drop slide if they dare.
75 N. Walnut St., Germantown
This Olympic-sized pool has water slides, diving boards and a zero-depth entry pool.
Cassel Hills Pool & Aquatics Center
1061 Taylorsview Dr., Vandalia
Rain or shine, the Vandalia Rec Center has a spot this summer to splash around and is a cool place to get wet. The indoor aquatic center has slides, spray park features and plenty of space to play. Outside, you can find diving boards, a dive tank and a renovated kiddie pool.