I can't have a kid-friendly "things to do" site without mentioning the amazing amusement parks and water parks that we have within the Cincinnati area. From Mason to the banks of the Ohio River, we've got it all.  We really do have a tourism mecca in this area. 


Enjoying Planet Snoopy!


 


 


 

With water parks on site

  • Coney Island
    • Sunlite Pool
  • Kings Island
    • Boomerang Bay


  • Coco Key
  • Great Wolf Lodge
  • Kings Island - Splat City coming in 2012
  • The Beach Waterpark 
  • Wake Nation

 

 

 


 


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Amusement Parks 

 

 

Coney Island - www.coneyislandpark.com  6201 Kellogg Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45228 (513-232-8230). You've got to love Coney Island for its charm and picturesque setting along the Ohio River.  This is a great old-style amusement park that is perfect for all ages.  It's a more intimate park but it still has plenty of thrills.  They have 20 classic kiddie rides and my girls had a ball the last time we were there.  They also have great picnic areas and shelters and some fun playgrounds that your kids will enjoy.  If you want some fun in the sun, you can head to Sunlite Pool. You can either pay for a rides/pool admission or do a separate admission for each.  Enjoy their newest water slide, The Twister!  They also have season passes.  It's a bit of a drive for us, so we usually only head down twice a summer but it is well worth the drive once we get there! 

 

Kings Island - www.visitkingsisland.com. Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH 45040.  What summer is complete without a visit to Kings Island?  My youngest, refers to it as "my Kings Island" any time we drive by it.  Since we get the season pass each year, we take advantage of all the great rides, shows and attractions that the  park has to offer without feeling like we have to rush to see it all.  We may head over for an hour or two to enjoy the rides or catch a show.  I always try to plan for my husband and I to get there for the two of us to go crazy and ride the rides but we never seem to do it - this year it's going to be my goal.  I even conquered Diamondback last summer (not so sure if I can do Windseeker though). Another great thing about having a season's pass is that we can also get into the waterpark and we get in earlier than the general public.  In 2010, the KI kids' area was converted to Peanuts themed rides and Planet Snoopy made its debut - see my article on Family Friendly Cincinnati!   New this year is Dinosaurs Alive - featuring the "world's largest an animontronic dinosaur park" (extra fee charged).

 

  • Soak City coming in 2012 (replaces) Boomerang Bay -  Boomerang Bay was loads of fun but I'll be excited to see what KI comes up with when they open up Soak City - it will be even bigger with more water attractions. Plus if you have a season's pass you can take advantage of their early admission times so that you can get a great spot to hang out for the day. There is lots of kid friendly water rides and play areas to choose from but if you're worried about the water (what Mom isn't) then take advantage of the life jackets they have available. Now closed for the season. 

  • Dinosaurs Alive! - You have to be extra to see this amazing Dinosaur Park but seeing it is worth it.  Read more about the fun we had on Family Friendly Cincinnati.  They also do birthday parties that are comparable to other party venues in Cincinnati (only available when open to the public). 






Halloween Events:  Open through end of October 2011
  • Halloween Haunt -  This is for teens and adults, not intended for children.
  • Howl-o-Fest - Great Halloween festival for kids.  Kids can dress in costume and enjoy a trick-or-treat candy stops, pumpkin patch, dance party, maze, games and more. We love visiting every year.  






MasonMetu Tip: I'd also recommend getting  your kids measured and getting a wrist band  and you can write down your contact information just in case you get separated.  Don't forget snacks, drinks & sunscreen! If you purchase a season pass early, you can get free parking for the season. Order passes by Oct. 30, 2011 to enjoy the best online season pas deal.



 

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Water Parks 


 

Coco Key - www.cocokeywaterresort.com. 11320 Chester Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45246 (513) 552-6255. We haven't been to Coco Key yet but it looks like a lot of fun.  They are an indoor waterpark with plenty of fun water rides. The nice thing about Coco Key is that you don't have to be a hotel guest to go.  You can either buy a day pass or a season pass if you're real waterpark enthusiast.  

 

Great Wolf Lodge Cincinnati/Mason - www.greatwolf.com. 2501 Great Wolf Drive, Mason, OH 45040 (513.459.8885).  This is an awesome indoor waterpark.  You have to be a guest of the hotel (aka book a room) to use the waterpark but if you want to do a mini-vacation right in your own back door then try it out.  We actually have a tradition of going to GWL every holiday season.  It's the perfect time to enjoy the warm waters while it's cold outside.  They have plenty of fun water rides, slides and play areas for little ones as well as for the older kids and you can't help having fun even as an adult. The last time we were there, I think my husband rode the water roller coaster over 6 times in a row.  

 

The Beach Waterpark - www.thebeachwaterpark.com. 2590 Water Park Dr. Mason, OH 45040 (513) 398-7946.  It's hard to believe but we actually have 3 waterparks within 5 minutes of each other (Boomerang Bay, Great Wolf Lodge & the Beach).....Wowza.  We haven't been to the Beach recently but I do remember having a great time when we did go.  It's the largest stand-alone waterpark in Ohio and has plenty of thrills to go with it.  They do have an awesome wave pool and they actually have real sand to get you in the mood!  Check out their website for seaon pass specials.  Remember the hot days of summer will be here before we know it and what better place to cool off then at The Beach!


Wake Nation - www.wakenation.com - Get ready to have some fun wakeboarding, water skiiing and kneeboarding - all without using a boat. They've added a practice pond this year to help the younger kiddos (ages 5 and up) get their sea legs. 201 Joe Nuxhall Way, Fairfield, Ohio. Call (513) 887-WAKE for more information.


 

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