Summer in Southwest Ohio means one thing: figuring out how to keep the kids cool without hearing “I’m bored” by noon. Luckily, there are plenty of water parks, aquatic centers and floating obstacle courses within a day trip of Cincinnati and Dayton. Some are full-scale water parks with slides and wave pools. Others are smaller community spots that still get the job done on a 90-degree afternoon.
If you’re looking for splash pads instead, check out our Guide to Cincinnati Splash Pads and Dayton splash pads.
Aqua Adventures Land of Illusion
Address: 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown, OH 45042
Website: www.landofillusion.com/aqua/
Dates: Opens May 23
This giant floating obstacle course is basically a wipeout course dropped into a lake. Kids and teens can bounce, climb, slide and launch themselves across more than 100 inflatable obstacles. Expect lots of falling into the water and immediately getting back in line to do it again.
Adventure Reef Water Park
Address: 2900 Glengarry Drive, Kettering, OH 45420
Website: www.playkettering.org/adventure-reef-water-park
Dates: Opens May 23
Adventure Reef remains one of the better low-key family water parks in the Dayton area. The park includes fast slides, a splash playground, lap pool and plenty of seating for parents who are mostly there to guard towels and apply sunscreen every 20 minutes.
Fairfield Aquatic Center
Address: 2605 Augusta Boulevard Fairfield, OH 45014
Website: www.fairfield-city.org/496/Aquatic-Center
Dates: Opens May 23
The Fairfield Aquatic Center packs a lot into a smaller footprint. There is a twisting water slide, diving board, climbing wall and sprayground area for younger kids. It is a good middle-ground option when you want water park energy without committing to an all-day theme park trip.
Oxford Aquatic Center
Address: 701 Kay Rench Dr, Oxford, OH 45056
Website: oprd.recdesk.com/Community
Dates: Opens May 23
Soak City at Kings Island
Address: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, OH 45034
Website: www.visitkingsisland.com/soak-city
Dates: Opens May 23
Soak City is still the biggest water park option close to Cincinnati. The included-admission water park has dozens of slides, wave pools, kid play areas and enough attractions to fill an entire day. If your kids are thrill-slide people, this is probably where you’ll end up at least once this summer.
Troy Aquatic Center
Address: 460 West Staunton Drive Troy, Ohio 45373
Website: www.troypool.com
Dates: Opens May 23
The Troy Aquatic Center includes giant slides, a drop slide, diving boards and a zero-depth entry play area for younger swimmers. Large shade structures make this one slightly more survivable for parents during peak summer heat.
Wake Nation
Address: 201 Joe Nuxhall Way, Fairfield, OH 45014
Website: wakenation.com
Dates: Opens May 23
Wake Nation’s floating aqua park is part obstacle course, part chaos. Kids can climb, bounce and launch themselves off inflatable structures while older kids and teens tackle the larger sections of the course. The smaller section for younger kids makes this one more family-friendly than it first appears.
Calypso Cove Family Water Park
Address: 9400 Mill Brook Road, Louisville, KY 40223
Website: www.ymcalouisville.org/locations/calypso-cove-waterpark
Dates: Opens May 23
This Louisville-area water park includes slides, splash areas, a zero-entry pool and plenty of space for younger kids. It is an easy add-on if you’re already heading toward Louisville for a weekend trip.
Silverlake The Family Place
Address: 301 Kenton Lands Rd Erlanger, Ky 41018
Website: www.silverlakefamily.com/waterpark/
Dates: Opens May 23
Silverlake has been a Northern Kentucky summer tradition for years. The water park includes slides, diving boards, splash areas and lounge seating, plus frequent family events throughout the season.
SomerSplash
Address: 1030 HWY 2227, Somerset, KY 42503
Website: https://somersplash.com/
Dates: Opens May 23
SomerSplash is worth considering if you’re planning a Kentucky lake weekend anyway. The park includes wave pools, body slides and kid play areas that make it an easy half-day stop during a summer road trip.
Kentucky Splash WaterPark and Campground
Address: 1050 Hwy 92 W, Williamsburg, KY 40769 USA
Website: www.williamsburgky.com/departments/kentucky_splash_waterpark/index.php
Dates: Opens May 23
The Hal Rogers Family Entertainment Center includes a wave pool, lazy river, multiple slide towers, mini golf and an adjacent campground. Families making a weekend out of it can stay onsite with RV and tent camping options.
Hurricane Bay at Kentucky Kingdom
Address: 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209
Website: www.kentuckykingdom.com/explore-the-park/attractions/hurricane-bay/
Dates: Opens May 23
Enjoy endless fun under the Kentucky sun with a hassle-free, adventure-filled escape to Louisville’s Daycation. Laugh, slide and play all summer with more than 70 family-friendly attractions, including sparkling wavepools, towering slides and pint-sized rides all in the heart of Louisville, KY!
Worth the Drive:
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opyland
Address: 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37214
Website: www.soundwavesgo.com
Dates: Opens May 23
Guests can highlight their summer with over-the-top fun at SoundWaves. Open year-round, the 4-acre, upscale water attraction features an indoor and outdoor area boasting multiple thrilling rides like Nashville’s only FlowRider®, a lazy and rapid river, eleven suspensful waterslides, a giant wave pool, multi-level play structures, and adult only pools. Indoors, guests can also enjoy an arcade with virtual reality games, a rock climbing wall, game tables, and more. The only guaranteed way to access the water attraction is to purchase a SoundWaves Experience Package or the Summer of More + SoundWaves Package.
Zoombezi Bay
Address: 4850 W. Powell Road, Powell, OH 43065
Website: https://zoombezibay.columbuszoo.org/
Opening Date: May 16
If you’re willing to make the drive toward Columbus, Zoombezi Bay is one of the biggest water park destinations in Ohio. The park has large raft rides, wave pools, kid zones and enough attractions to justify a full-day trip.
