Who doesn’t love the thrill of racing down a waterslide, having a float in a lazy river, or riding waves in the wave pool. Water parks are a guaranteed day of fun in the sun, and families across the country can easily spend an entire day there. Ohio has some of the best water parks in the country-- with some of the newest and fastest slides around. Below is a list of some of the best ones in the state-- no matter which one you choose, you’re sure to have a blast at any of them!

1. The Beach Water Park

2590 Water Park Dr. Mason, OH 45040

513-398-7946

If you’re looking for a some slip and slide fun just outside of Cincinnati-- look no further than The Beach Water Park. This place has everything you’re looking for in a beach vacation-- only much closer! There are plenty of water slides to try as well as a heated wave pool to play in. This spot even has a zip line to try-- you can soar high above The Beach and get a bird’s eye view of the whole park. They also offer swim lessons, birthday parties, and even an arcade-- if you need to take a break from the water fun.

Adults will enjoy the refreshing cocktails and live music throughout the week as well. There’s even functional cabanas so you can set yourself and your family up for a whole day of fun.

"Overall great experience, lines were not long and I got through every slide in the park! For the price the Waterpark is worth it. Although the park was a little dirty, I can overlook that because I had fun!"
- Brent M. Washington Township, OH - Yelp

2. Pioneer Waterland and Dry Fun Park

Pioneer Waterland and Dry Fun Park

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10661 Kile Rd. Chardon, OH 44024

440-285-0910

Located in beautiful Geauga County, Pioneer Waterland and Dry Fun Park is one of the best ways to spend a hot summer day in Ohio. This place is even more fun because it has the best of both worlds-- super fast water slides and dry attractions like go-karts. For one admission price, you and the whole family can spend the day on water slides, the lazy river, paddle boats, and even play water volleyball. Then, hop on over to the dry side of the park for go-karts, a driving range, mini golf, and a basketball arcade. Top it all off with some delicious bites from the restaurant.

If you’d like to camp while enjoying some summer fun-- that works too. Pioneer Waterland and Dry Fun Park has a camping facility, and even offers a discount admission to the park!

"I was very pleased with the experience! Great price for a quiet water park that wasn't overly crowded." - Cassee - Google Reviews

3. Kalahari Resorts

7000 Kalahari Dr. Sandusky, OH 44870

419-433-7200‍

Kalahari is America’s largest indoor water park-- where no matter what the weather is outside, it’s always a nice 84 degrees inside. This place has so much to offer the whole family-- you’ll want to stay for the entire weekend! The water park is full of fun slides and attractions-- sure to fill up your whole day. If you have room for more fun, there’s also an animal safari park, game room, mini golf, laser tag, and an escape room just to name a few.

Adults love to indulge in the on-site spa or therapy services after a day at the water park. There’s also many fine dining options available-- in addition to more kid-friendly ones as well. Don’t forget to enjoy the happy hour as well!

"Great water park.  Plenty for family to do,  water rides from toddlers to adventurous adults.  Has a very nice hotel (that we are checked into) and variety of restaurants." - Michael M. Lyndhurst, NJ - Yelp

4. Adventure Reef Water Park

2900 Glengarry Dr. Kettering, OH 45420

937-296-2587

Located in the city of Kettering, Adventure Reef Water Park is a great place to cool off during those hot Ohio summers. This spot is a 3-acre outdoor facility that is packed with all that’s necessary to have some fun. There are plenty of slides and splash pools to make this a great way to spend a sunny afternoon.

In addition to some fantastic water park features-- Adventure Reef Water Park also offers swimming instructions and water aerobic workouts. This water park would be an awesome place to have a birthday party-- both the main pool and the entire water park are available to rent as well.

"The reef is a good place for everyone, but favors younger audiences." - Erik R. Minneapolis, MN, Yelp

5. The Hiawatha Water Park

100 Sychar Rd. Mt. Vernon, OH 43050

740-393-0288

May-September

The Hiawatha Water Park is the local spot for citizens of Mt. Vernon to cool off at during the summer. Located in beautiful Knox County, you’ll definitely want to check out this place if you’re looking for a spot to lay in the sun-- or to have some water slide fun. There’s also a kiddie pool for the young ones, full service concession stand, and plenty of space to stretch out on a chair and relax in the sun.

While you’re in Mt. Vernon, make sure to take a look around the historic city-- it’s home to many cute shops and restaurants. After some water slide fun, be sure to check out the many parks in the area as well-- they come complete with some awesome kids’ playgrounds too!

I went to the pool last weekend which was actual the first time since they added the slides! I'm not normally a community pool type person but i have to say i was extremely impressed. - Heather Dietz Mt Vernon, OH - Google Reviews

6. Zoombezi Bay

10101 Riverside Dr. Powell, OH 43065

May-September

If you’re looking for a water park that has it all-- look no further than Zoombezi Bay! This place has it all for an all-day adventure in the sun. With water slides like the Cyclone, Sea Snakes, and the Soundsurfer-- you’re family is guaranteed to have some serious fun. There is also a lazy river for relaxing after all that water slide excitement and Croctail Creek for those riders who are at least 21 years old. For the little ones, there’s a great play area as well.

Zoombezi Bay is a part of the Columbus Zoo family of parks-- and is definitely going to be a one of a kind experience. Although they don’t open until May, season passes are always available for purchase.

7. The Watering Hole Safari and Water Park

1530 S. Danbury Rd. Port Clinton, OH 43452

419-732-6671

Located just 15 minutes from Sandusky, OH The Watering Hole Safari and Water Park seriously has it all. The water park has some amazing slides that you and your family will want to ride all day long. There is a water tree house play area for the kids-- along with slide towers, a lazy river, and heated pools There are cabanas to rent as well-- which can help you make an entire day out of this fantastic place. The adults will love the swim up bar where they can relax and unwind with a cocktail.

In addition to water park fun-- there is also go-karting, mini golf, and even a gem mining station right on location. Perhaps the most impressive attraction-- besides the water slides-- is the zoo and safari park. Here you can get an up close and personal experience with all kinds of wild animals. They even offer a Jr. Zookeeper program for the kids-- they can follow a zookeeper around for their morning routine and really experience what it’s like to the zoo and safari ready for the day.

"We came for the water park.... had a lot of fun. We bought food to eat in the car when we got hungry. I gave it 4 stars bec everything is SO expensive. But what can you expect from a Waterpark." - Renee S. Norwalk, OH - Yelp

8. Heath City Water Park

1287 Hebron Rd. Heath, OH 43056

740-522-4049

The Heath City Water Park is a fantastic, local place to cool down during the summer months. Located in Licking County, it’s just 30 miles east of Columbus-- and definitely doable as a day trip. In addition to speed slides and drop slides, this place also has a lazy river and a water playground for the kids. They’ll love all the interactive features such as drop buckets, sprinklers, water cannons, and funbrellas-- sure to offer hours of enjoyment.

If that’s not enough, there’s also a diving tank with 3 and 1 meter diving boards, an olympic size swimming pool, and a learning pool. When you’re done playing in the water, be sure to check out their basketball courts and the playground unit as well. The whole family is sure to have a fantastic day of fun at the Heath City Water Park!

"Have been going to this pool for 45 years. Best place you could ever have so much time." - Carla B Facebook Reviews

9. Cedar Point Shores Water Park

1 Cedar Point Dr. Sandusky, OH 44870

Located right next to the roller coaster capital of the world in Sandusky, OH, the Cedar Point Shores Water Park is a fantastic compliment to the amusement park. This place is full of breathtaking water slides that are sure to get your heart pounding. There is also a lazy river that is just perfect for relaxing after a long day of riding the coasters. Lakeside Landing was specifically designed for young ones-- it contains smaller waterslides, a play area, and lots of fountains that are sure to make their day.

Just a short drive from Cedar Point is their indoor water park, Castaway Bay where it always warm and sunny-- no matter what the temperature is outside. It’s full of slides, a wave pool, toddler area, and even a 50 person hot tub for adults.

"I quite enjoy this park especially since it's right on the lake. I frequently stay at Hotel Breakers and can quickly walk to the water park from the hotel." - Corella D. Navarre, OH - Yelp

10. Soak City - Kings Island

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6300 Kings Island Dr. #2 Kings Mills, OH 45034

A part of the Kings Island complex just outside of Cincinnati, Soak City is a fantastic option for families looking to cool down after their Kings Island amusement park adventure. Available at no additional cost to Kings Island guests, this water park has something for everyone to enjoy. There are 36 water slides for older kids and adults, as well as a dedicated place for smaller kids to have a blast. They’ll have fun in the water park-- which is fun of all kinds of interactive elements like water cannons, spray guns, and sprinklers. Take some time away from the roller coasters and enjoy a cool down at Soak City.

Water parks can be enjoyed by the whole family, and are a great way to get out of the house and have some fun outdoors. What’s your favorite Ohio water park? Let us know in the comments!

"Kings Island beats all the other amusement parks in the Midwest, in my opinion, because they sell alcohol and they have a top-notch family area." - Nicole S. Indianapolis, IN - Yelp

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