Beat the Heat in Ohio's Largest Playground
Blog by Payton Holp
When the summer heat kicks in, Warren County has plenty of ways to cool off and make the most of the sunshine. From outdoor adventures to sweet escapes, Ohio's Largest Playground is full of fun, family-friendly ways to beat the heat.
Kings Island
Hot and steamy days at Kings Island are all part of the summer fun, but only because cooling off has never been cooler!
Beat back soaring temps by heading straight to Kings Island’s Soak City Water Park. New this year, guests can race their friends at speeds reaching up to 30mph on RiverRacers, Ohio’s first and only dual racing water coaster! Also new in 2025 is Splash River Junction, a wading pool perfect for younger swimmers complete with 7 new waterslides that feature gentle slopes, dips and turns. If you’re looking for a more chill day at the water park, set up camp at a lounge chair, take a dip in either of the two massive wave pools, or a trip down the lazy river.
Keep the thrills going with a train ride over to Kings Island’s main park. Between high-speed coasters, wet and wild water rides and plenty of frozen treats, the entire family can find plenty of ways to stay cool. One of the park’s newest additions, Camp Snoopy, even includes a shaded play area where kids can play while parents sit and relax!
Great Wolf Lodge
When the summer sun becomes too much to handle, heading to Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect way to beat the heat while still having a blast. Whether you're floating down the lazy river, racing down water slides, or playing in the wave pool, there's something to keep every age cool and entertained. Their massive indoor waterpark has all of the fun of a summer day with none of the sun’s harsh rays, and bad weather will never rain on your parade! Plus, with fun dry activities like MagiQuest and arcade games, Great Wolf Lodge offers a full day (or weekend!) of adventure all under one air-conditioned roof.
Paddling the River
Cooling off along the Little Miami River is a classic way to soak up the natural beauty of Ohio while soaking up some rays. Whether you're kayaking, canoeing, or just floating in an inner tube, the calm, refreshing waters offer a relaxing escape. The Little Miami is surrounded by beautiful greenery and scenic views, and gives visitors the perfect fun-filled day with friends and family. Make sure to stop at RiversEdge Outfitters, River Dogs Paddlesports or Little Miami Canoe Rental to get all the equipment you need to enjoy your trip on the river. The Little Miami is a must-visit destination for cooling down and enjoying the great outdoors this summer.
Caesar Creek State Park
For nature lovers, what’s cooler on a beautiful day than exploring a massive state park? Caesar Creek State Park in Waynesville offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for any summer day. Its massive lake is the perfect spot for boating, paddling, or swimming and features a spacious 1,300 foot sandy beach for the full waterfront experience. With miles and miles of shaded hiking trails, guests can work up a sweat at their own pace as they explore Warren County’s natural beauty.
Whether you're looking for a full day of outdoor fun or a peaceful afternoon by the water, Caesar Creek State Park is the place to be this summer!
Cincinnati Camp Cedar
Looking for a place to hangout with family and friends while keeping the adventure going this summer? Book a trip to Cincinnati Camp Cedar, a luxury camping resort experience located in Mason! Camp Cedar offers a number of ways to stay to get the most out of your vacation, from luxury cabins to full-hookup RV sites. If you’re looking to experience RV living without a camper of your own, Camp Cedar also offers RV rentals. Conveniently located just one mile from Kings Island, it’s never been easier to take on coasters by day and chow down on s’mores by night.
Camp Cedar has plenty to keep guests visiting, including two different pools to splash around and cool off in — a family-friendly pool and one reserved for adults only. Guests can also take a break from the sun while still working on their swing in Camp Cedar’s indoor golf simulator.
No matter how you pitch the tent, Camp Cedar is the perfect place to relax and refresh this summer.
Frozen Treats
When temperatures rise there’s nothing that hits the spot quite like cold, creamy, hometown scoop of ice cream!
Whether you are looking for a classic cone or crazy sundaes, Warren County is the place to get some of the best frozen treats around.
Whipty-Do! in Maineville is a local favorite specializing in soft serve and other frozen goodies. Just next door in Mason is Cincy Sammys, where guests can sandwich their favorite scoop of ice cream in between their choice of freshly baked cookies. For a scoop & shop experience, head to Brant’s Market in Lebanon where you can browse artisan goods before visiting their attached ice cream shop. Miranda’s Ice Cream Shop in Morrow is another local favorite and a stop along the official Ohio Ice Cream Trail. In Springboro, K&W Drive-In has been serving up ice cream every summer for more than 60 years!
And don’t forget to grab a cone of Kings Island’s famous soft serve blue ice cream when you’re visiting the park, with locations in Planet Snoopy, Action Zone, and in Soak City (new in 2025!).
With no wrong way to beat back the summer heat in Warren County, the biggest problem you’ll have is finding a way to do it all in just one visit!