New to Middletown? You have nothing to worry about when it comes to finding things to occupy your free time. Here are 21 fun things to do in Middletown, OH:

1. Splash Around

Land of Illusion’s Aqua Adventures park offers plenty of ways to cool off during the hotter months. From swimming to paddle boarding to the Wibit Adventure Zone, you can find all kinds of ways to stay cool and exercise while you do it.

“Fun for the entire family! We got there when it opened (11:00) and didn't leave until 6:30. We swam, we went down slides, we conquered obstacles & we had a BLAST!” - Yelp Review

2. Start Skydiving

Really! And do it with Start Skydiving. Located right in Middletown, this company offers lessons in skydiving, including training sessions and options to jump solo or with a trained skydiving professional. You’ll be flown up to about 14,000 feet and jump when you’re ready. It’s a perfect opportunity for adventure-lovers.

“This was my first time skydiving, and I was definitely nervous. But the staff is super friendly and the chill attitude of all the ‘experienced’ skydivers made it so easy!” - Yelp Review

3. Discover All That Glitters

BeauVerre Riordan Stained Glass Studio is one of the oldest, continually operating glass studios in all of the United States. Stop in to see their stained glass work -- from windows designed for both commercial and residential buildings to ornate lamp covers, you’ll be impressed by just how much color there is in this studio. Even if you aren’t looking to buy anything, stop in to see a gallery full of glass work from a number of artists!

4. Butler County Warbirds Museum

As a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers, it’s kind of perfect that this museum operates out of Middletown. On top of the incredible display of old fighter planes, you can also take a brief plane ride up in one of their refurbished planes to see the city of Middletown below.

“Small little museum that gets no government money  run by unpaid volunteers.  No admission fee. Worth a visit.” - Google Review

5. Walk Through a Wonderland of Christmas Lights

Remember Land of Illusion? They’re baaack. The park operates throughout all kinds of seasons, including winter! See what Christmas looks like all around the world with over 3.5 million lights strung up around the Christmas Glow setup of the park. Your kids can even meet Santa!

“Went to Christmas glow with my son. I highly recommend it. Lights were fantastic and then inside the park was great and family oriented!!!!” - Facebook Review

6. Check Out the Thrills that Will Give You Chills

If you were wondering if Land of Illusion has anything else to offer, look no further. The Haunted Scream Park they put on in the time leading up to Halloween is a guest favorite. They recently added Zombie paintball to the agenda and also offer a tour through a haunted house.

“Such a fun place to bring family and friends for a spooky good time! All of the haunted houses will make you jump and scream in delight.” - Yelp Review

7. Get Your Brew On

Love beer that comes straight to you from the distillery? FigLeaf Brewing opened up in Middletown about four years ago, and they’re still going strong. From the more classic flavors in their porters to some of the more innovative flavors in some of their ales, there’s something here for everyone (of legal age to drink).

“Phenomenal beer, phenomenal people, and an all-around great experience. One of the two best middletown brewers!” - Yelp Review

8. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Alright, this one also isn’t technically in Middletown, but being just a quick 15 minute drive away certainly wouldn’t be out of your way to pick out pumpkins around Halloween. And the pumpkin patch is only the beginning. You can also find paintball, the Fall Festival, the Christmas Market, and a corn maze on Niederman Family Farm.

“There is so much to enjoy on the farm. From the corn maze to Apple cider donuts. There is a huge jumpy bounce area for kids to play on. Kids will enjoy the petting zoo and tube swings as well.” - Yelp Review

9. Get Lost in a Corn Maze

Just across the county line in Germantown, Ohio is Tom’s Maze and Pumpkin Farm. Just in case you couldn’t get enough of the corn maze and pumpkin farm we already mentioned, here’s another one for you. This one has a twist, though. It’s a puzzle. The maze operates sort of like an escape room. Solve the puzzles you find, and you’ll be able to escape the maze.

“Tom's Maze is the ultimate corn maze. Accept no substitutes. We have visited this farm each fall for years, and every year, the 8-acre maze is expertly designed and challenging.” - Yelp Review

10. Cobb Luxury Theatres

A bit of a drive, but if you’re a cinephile, you’ll have to check out Cobb Luxury Theatres in Liberty Township. Showing all of the current blockbusters, as well as the occasional limited release or indie film, you can get all of your movie-watching needs fulfilled here.

“Out of the three theaters within 10 miles of me, this one is far the best. The seating is super comfortable with adequate screen viewing...The facility is clean and the staff is friendly.” - Yelp Review

11. Pine Brook Stables

In neighboring Hamilton, you can find yourself a great place to board your horses if you have any. They have plenty of space to take your horse out for a ride, an exceptionally friendly staff, and full meals that they feed to all of the horses boarded there -- with multiple grains to accommodate both older and younger horses.

12. Get in Touch with Nature

Looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors with your friends or family? Jacot Park in Middletown, Ohio is a city favorite. It has a playground for the kids to run around on, picnic tables to enjoy a nice packed lunch, and a soccer field if you feel like getting some exercise.

13. Tackle Some Fishing off of Your Bucket List

Love to fish? Catch your next fish out on Triangle Fishing Lakes. Known as a “pay lake,” you’ll need to pay for access to this water, but there are plenty of fish in the water to catch for your next meal!

“The staff was amazing , the place is clean, has food and a well stocked bait / tackle store on site.” - Facebook Review

14. See Nature in Action

Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. It is their mission to keep preserving the natural area remaining around Bull’s Run, as well as to provide education about the history and nature of that area. The sanctuary is a place for wild animals to roam as freely as they would like, and it also contains an arboretum at the very front of its entrance -- something that can only be achieved with a continuous 17-acre stretch of trees.

15. Smith Park

Located on Tytus and Verity Parkway, Smith Park is home to a wide variety of exciting middletown events. When Smith Park isn't hosting Middletown's Hot Air Balloon Festival or jaw-dropping annual Christmas lights display, you can find countless families enjoying Smith Park's soccer fields, skatepark, trails, and playgrounds. In the summer, be sure to stop by for Smith Park's annual fireworks extravaganza the Broad St. Blast, which brings 30K people together for music and fireworks. Smith Park is the home to countless exciting Middletown events, so definitely see what's on the schedule!

16. Take a Trip Through Time with Middletown’s Canals

An offshoot of the Middletown Historical Society, the historic Canal Museum, located on the former site of where the Miami-Erie Canal met the Hydraulic Canal, just on the outskirts of Smith Park. At the museum, you can learn about the history of Middletown, as well as what it was really like to live back during the canal days. Get a history lesson and see the beautiful surrounding area at the Canal Museum.

17. Win Big So You Can Retire Early

Okay, take that with a grain of salt. There’s no guarantee that you’ll win anything, let alone enough for you to retire on spot. But with over 1,900 slot machines, Miami Valley Gaming is your chance -- or at the very least, a fun night out. If you’re feeling especially lucky, you can bet on the horses as well.

“One of my favorite Casino's. The ambiance is nice its not to loud or over crowded.” - Yelp Review

18. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

Connections Day Spa, located right in Middletown, is a great place for you to treat yourself after a long, stressful week at work. They offer hair services, spa services, and nail and lashes services. If you know you’re going to be stressed at the end of a week, call ahead and make an appointment for a massage from a professional trained masseuse. There’s nothing to regret about taking care of yourself.

19. While You’re at It...

The Wild Rose Salon is a local favorite. If you’ve tried a cut with Connections before and not loved it, or maybe you’re looking for something a little less expensive, The Wild Rose Salon knows what they’re doing. They offer all kinds of cuts, as well as waxing, beard-trimming, eyelashes, and skin services.

“My hair turned out beautiful and I am absolutely going to visit Kim again in the future! Thank you so much for a pleasant experience!!!” - Yelp Review

20. Broad St. Bash

What's better on a summer night that food, friends, and fun? Nothing, and no one knows that better than Middletown. After the closing of the A&K steel mill in 2006, a team of Middletown locals got together to create a free live music event where people could hang out, have fun, and forget their troubles -- and the Broad St. Bash was born. Food and beer sales generated a rehab of the town. Middletown has kept the good times rolling for over a decade, continuing to host Broad St. Bashes every summer.

21. Immerse Yourself in History and Culture

Old Sorg Opera House is a historic cultural center that has been serving Middletown for over 125 years. Now revitalized, the gorgeous building hosts countless musical and cultural events every year. From rock music to blues to Johnny Cash cover bands, there's sure to be a show for everyone at the Sorg.

Middletown might be a small, mostly rural city, but it sure has a lot for you to do whenever you get the itch to see something besides the four walls of your house. Grab a friend and go on an adventure today!