Swap Screentime for Sunshine: Family-Friendly Summer Fun in Warren County
Blog by Stacha Yundt
Summer has a way of reminding us what childhood is all about. Long afternoons, ice cream drips, splashing in the pool and the kind of adventures that don't require a Wi-Fi password.
If your family's screen time has started creeping up this summer, consider trading tablets and televisions for trails, trains and fresh-air fun. Warren County is packed with ways to keep kids entertained and is sure to send them back to school with plenty of stories to share.
Here are just a few of the many ways you can swap screen time for sunshine in Ohio’s Largest Playground.
Make a Splash
Nothing says summer quite like cooling off in the water. Whether your family wants an all-day adventure or just a quick afternoon escape, Warren County has plenty of options.
Kings Island’s Soak City Water Park is home to more than 50 water activities, including dozens of water slides, a lazy river perfect for a relaxing float and two massive wave pools. There are plenty of splash pads and wading pools, making it perfect for little guppies and big fish alike.
New this year, Jellystone Park brings all the fun of a summer camp to the whole family. Featuring luxury cabins, spaces to hook up your RV and even RVs available for rent if you don’t have your own, this all-in-one destination has something for the whole family. With two pools to splash around in, keeping cool is no problem. In between swimming, your family can enjoy the playground, jumping pillow, foam parties and more — including meet and greets with Yogi and his friends!! Staying somewhere else? No problem! Day passes are available.
Just down the road at Great Wolf Lodge, the fun doesn’t stop even when the weather turns. Featuring both outdoor pools and a massive indoor water park, the family can keep playing rain or shine.
Explore the scenic Little Miami River when you rent a kayak or canoe from liveries in South Lebanon, Waynesville and Morrow. River Dogs Paddlesports, RiversEdge Outfitters and Little Miami Canoe Rental each offer a variety of options for a relaxing float.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Warren County's parks offer miles of trails, scenic overlooks, playgrounds and plenty of space for kids to be kids.
Located in Waynesville, Caesar Creek State Park has great hikes for the entire family to enjoy. Its massive recreational lake offers fishing, swimming and boating opportunities. There are playgrounds scattered throughout the park, and its newly renovated Nature Center is a must-visit. The Nature Center features rooms dedicated to the Land, Water and Sky that make Caesar Creek such an important ecosystem. Outside guests can visit with rescued animals, enjoy a playscape area and explore the surrounding nature trails.
Visitors can also take advantage of exploring some of Warren County’s incredible parks while visiting. Armco Park in Lebanon includes a golf course, plenty of playgrounds and room to roam and a 110-acre lake. Makino Park in Mason is one of the region’s top playgrounds and was designed with consultation from parents of kids with disabilities to ensure it’s a welcoming space for all.
All Aboard!
Warren County is home to the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, the only family-friendly train ride experience in Southwest Ohio. This historic locomotive departs from downtown Lebanon and treats guests to a scenic ride through Warren County. Many events are themed and come with bonuses for the whole family, including their popular Princess Train and Ice Cream Social. Check out their website for more information about upcoming events.
Fun on the Farm
While it might not be pumpkin season just yet, there’s still plenty of fun to be found on Warren County’s farms.
Hidden Valley Orchards, located in Lebanon, has packed their sprawling farm with endless fun. Kids will love exploring the Apple Play Yard, a massive play area that includes bouncing pillows, a low ropes course, a corn bin and so much more. The orchard also has a petting zoo, freshly made seasonal treats, fresh produce and refreshing drinks.
Blooms and Berries in Lebanon sells season passes to their Play Yard and Petting Farm. Enjoy a low ropes course, a playground and other play-focused activities. Don’t forget to check out the market barn and garden center during your visit, and stock up on plenty of farm-fresh treats!
Chase Sweet Treats
July is National Ice Cream Month, making it the perfect excuse to sample Warren County's locally owned ice cream shops and frozen treat destinations. Whether your family prefers classic cones, towering sundaes, handcrafted milkshakes or frozen custard, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate summer one scoop at a time.
Create your own, customized ice cream trail by visiting a different ice cream shop each time you visit Ohio’s Largest Playground.
Make This Summer One to Remember
Before we trade our sunblock for school books, there’s still plenty of time for long weekends packed with fun. Unplug and dive in!