16 Top Water Parks in Ohio

Ohio is already known for its broad selection of theme parks with dizzying rides, from the award-winning coasters at Sandusky’s Cedar Point to the 364-acre King’s Island near Cincinnati. That said, the state also hosts an array of water parks that can keep you cool while giving you something to do this summer. Some of Ohio’s best water parks are indoor, outdoor or both, and a handful are actually part of a larger amusement park resort.

If you’re hoping to spend a few of the hottest summer days floating down body slides or twisting down tubes, these top water parks in Ohio can help you do just that. Read on to learn which parks we recommend for the whole family this year.

Located in Chardon about 40 miles east of Cleveland, the Pioneer Waterland & Dry Fun Park offers both wet and wild fun and plenty of dry activities to boot. Within the water play area at the park, guests will find several waterslides that measure six stories high, a lazy inner-tube ride akin to a lazy river and a 6-acre lake to paddle boats. You can also check out the activity pond to play water volleyball and basketball and traverse its water obstacle course. The Kidsland fun zone section of the park features other water attractions geared toward children.

Pioneer Waterland even has its own campsite, so you can bring your RV to the park or book a tent for several days of fun in the sun.

Address: 10661 Kile Road, Chardon, OH 44024

Less than 3 miles from the thrill rides of the main Cedar Point location, Castaway Bay lets guests get out of the sun for some water fun inside, bringing a taste of the Caribbean to Sandusky. Major attractions at Cedar Point’s indoor water park include a variety of pools for all ages, a water coaster whose jets launch you uphill, several body slides and multiple hot tubs for relaxation. The park is housed in an impressive five-story structure designed to feel like a tropical island setting with its palm trees and inland lagoons.

Conveniently, Castaway Bay is also a hotel with 237 rooms and suites, some outfitted with separate bunk beds for the kids. Other resort amenities include a huge arcade, a craft center and on-site dining options.

Address: 2001 Cleveland Road, Sandusky, OH 44870

With more than 50 aquatic activities to explore in Mason, about 25 miles northeast of Cincinnati, Kings Island’s water park is one of the top summer attractions in Ohio. Soak City Water Park boasts three dozen waterslides of all thrill levels on top of its wave pools, rivers and lagoons; you’ll find plenty to do whether you want to free-fall through a funnel, brave a wave machine or lounge poolside. One of Soak City’s most popular offerings is the nearly seven-story Tropical Plunge, with six drop and tube slides for nonstop family fun. Admission to the water park also includes entry to Kings Island’s entire 364-acre complex, and you can always splurge on a private cabana for the ultimate relaxation at Soak City.

Kings Island Camp Cedar allows families to set up camp only a mile from the amusement park for an overnight stay at the RV site or a glamping experience in one of the luxury cottages.

Address: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Mills, OH 45034

Adventure Reef Water Park is a 3-acre outdoor park in the Dayton suburb of Kettering created to serve families in the area. But travelers looking to get off the beaten path for some affordable fun can come in from anywhere to check out this aquatic amusement option. This small municipal water park promises fun with its splash pad, large water playground, two waterslides, pool for babies and toddlers, and plenty of chairs to relax in.

Kettering itself may not have much in the way of big hotels, but less than 10 miles away in the city of Dayton you can browse options for your stay such as the Marriott at the University of Dayton.

Address: 2900 Glengarry Drive, Kettering, OH 45420

Cedar Point Shores Waterpark, formerly known as Soak City, is an outdoor water park situated within the Cedar Point amusement complex in Sandusky. The water park offers 18 acres of fun on its own, with interactive aquatic features for small kids and jaw-dropping waterslides for thrill-seekers around every turn. Shores Waterpark has winding tube slides and rides to keep you busy, and a meandering lazy river makes its way throughout the park for guests to cool off while relaxing in the sun.

For a convenient place to stay, book a room at the Hotel Breakers. This beachfront resort is located just steps away from the theme park and the water park – not to mention its pools and water playground mean you can partake in even more water recreation.

Address: 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870

The Great Wolf Lodge location in Mason, about 25 miles from Cincinnati, makes for a lively weekend getaway in the Midwest. This indoor water park offers something for everyone in your crew to take part in, from a serene lazy river to drop rides, body slides and tube slides that hold several people at once. You can also spend time in the pools and hot tubs, whether you want to float the day away, enjoy an adults-only escape or teach your tot how to swim.

Great Wolf Lodge, as its name might suggest, also offers accommodations in the form of suites, some of which are themed and feature bunk beds for the kids. Park tickets are included with your nightly stay, though you can also book a day pass.

Address: 2501 Great Wolf Drive, Mason, OH 45040

Troy Aquatic Park is a smaller outdoor water park geared toward families in the local community, but if you happen to be in Dayton during the summer you can always make the 20-mile trip north to spend the day enjoying this low-cost attraction. Guests who visit will find two waterslides, a drop slide, a heated baby pool, an interactive water play area, a pool with zero-depth entry and several large umbrellas for shade. The on-site Boogie Board Café offers concessions such as hot pretzels, pizza, ice cream and candy.

For a longer stay in Troy to spend a few days lounging at this facility, check out hotel options less than 3 miles away, including the Home2 Suites by Hilton Troy and the Residence Inn by Marriott Dayton Troy.

Address: 460 W. Staunton Road, Troy, OH 45373

The Beach Waterpark promises aquatic rides that range from mild to wild, including racing slides, a zip line and a heated wave pool with 750,000 gallons of water. Myriad other huge waterslides dot the park, including rides that plunge, twist and turn guests every which way. The “mild” aspect comes into play at the park’s lazy river, which is 1,200 feet long and constantly moving at 5 miles per hour, or the luxurious spa pool complete with waterfalls.

A cluster of hotels sits less than half a mile away for easy access to The Beach, including the Hampton Inn Cincinnati-Kings Island and Super 8 by Wyndham Mason.

Address: 2590 Water Park Drive, Mason, OH 45040

About 40 miles south of Akron, Navarre’s unique Baylor Beach Park is more of a lake water park than a traditional amusement complex with water features. This attraction centers on two bodies of water: The 2-acre swimming lake boasts a 90-foot waterslide, kiddie slides, a splash area and diving boards, while on the 1-acre paddleboat lake families can make use of rented boats such as kayaks and water bikes. The park also has mini golf, volleyball courts and even a gem mine to keep the kids busy and entertained out of the water.

Baylor Beach Park also offers camping on-site so you can bring along your RV – but note that the campground doesn’t allow tents. If you prefer a hotel experience, book a room at The Inn at Amish Door in nearby Wilmot, only 3 miles away, for countryside views and Amish-style meals.

Address: 8777 Manchester Ave. SW, Navarre, OH 44662

The Land of Illusion Adventure Park, situated in between Dayton and Cincinnati, wows visitors from May through January with its beloved Halloween haunts and Christmas displays, but summertime is when its water park comes to life. Aqua Adventures is best known for its inflatable obstacle course right on the water, which tests the skills of brave young adventurers with monkey bars, a balance beam, rope climbs and more – and young kids get a zone all to themselves. Patrons can also practice paddleboarding in Paddle Bay, secure a beverage at Sandy Cove and Aqua Lounge, or zip down the inflatable waterslide.

For overnight accommodations, one close hotel option is the Hampton Inn & Suites Springboro/Dayton Area South, located only 7 miles away from the Land of Illusion.

Address: 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown, OH 45042

Uhrichsville Water Park spans 4.5 acres in northeast Ohio, about 60 miles south of Akron, with plenty of activities for small kids. This small outdoor attraction features a 18,000-square-foot heated pool and a child play area with zero-depth entry. Two waterslides drop directly into the pool, which can provide everyone in your crew with hours of fun. Families who want a day in the shade can rent their own cabana on-site.

If you want to stay only a mile away, consider booking a room at the Red Roof Inn Uhrichsville.

Address: 401 E. 12th St., Uhrichsville, OH 44683

This Port Clinton water park formerly known as Monsoon Lagoon sits about 15 miles from Cedar Point, so you can always visit both parks in the area for maximum summer thrills. Attractions found at the Watering Hole Safari & Water Park include a giant treehouse with four waterslides, a lazy river, several heated pools and three-story slide tower. The Coral Reef River Ride lets guests get pulled and twisted every which way while floating and having fun. This park also features a safari and zoo, a go-kart track, and gem mining.

For a luxurious and convenient stay, rent a waterfront townhome at The Bay’s Edge, which sits less than half a mile away from the Watering Hole.

Address: 1530 S. Danbury Road, Port Clinton, OH 43452

Cincinnati’s Coney Island – not to be confused with the New York City entertainment area of the same name – has evolved from an apple orchard on the Ohio River into a family-friendly water park since its 1886 founding. The park’s Sunlite Water Adventure offers what’s billed as the nation’s largest recirculating pool; other Coney Island aquatic features include 130-foot waterslides, a floating obstacle course, a dive pool and more than 70 interactive play stations. The park’s popular Cyclone ride sends guests splashing down 70 feet before dropping them into the main pool. Also included in admission are paddleboat rentals, mini golf and inflatable ax throwing.

Several hotels make it easy to stay nearby Coney Island, including Hotel Covington and the Aloft Newport on the Levee, located over the border in Kentucky, less than 10 miles from the park.

Address: 6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230

Set between Columbus and Cincinnati in Bellville, the Splash Harbor hotel promises family fun for guests who love playing and splashing in the water. The on-site indoor water park offers a waterslide, a splash pad play area, rafts to float on, a water basketball hoop, and pools and hot tubs suited to every age group. Also at Splash Harbor you’ll find an arcade brimming with games, and in the surrounding area you can book a paddling trip on the Mohican River or check out the trampoline park.

A stay at this hotel comes with wristbands for the water park, a free hot breakfast and great dining options nearby.

Address: 855 Comfort Plaza Drive, Bellville, OH 44813

Kalahari Resorts’ Sandusky location claims to have the largest indoor water park in the Midwest, and as such features no shortage of incredible aquatic activities, including water racing slides, indoor and outdoor spas, a FlowRider surf simulator, a swim-up bar and a huge lazy river. In summer, visitors can also take advantage of the Zambezi Outdoor Waterpark and sample its adrenaline-inducing slides and huge Lagoon Pool. Kalahari offers other cool water-related opportunities, such as the chance to explore the ocean through virtual reality or take a lesson in becoming a mermaid or merman. For yet more summer fun – this time on dry land – the Safari Outdoor Adventure Park has you covered with climbing walls, animal encounters and mini golf.

You can book a day pass to the water park, but you can also get free entry with an overnight stay at Kalahari Resorts in your choice of rooms, suites and villas.

Address: 7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870

About 20 miles from Akron, Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park has all kinds of activities available in and out of the water. Water attractions include slides, inflatable climbing features, overwater zip lines, an obstacle course, a swimming lake, canoes and kayaks, and much more. A large splash pad and kids zone can also help you keep the smaller children in your party entertained.

This resort offers camping accommodations ranging from rustic to luxurious, so you can bring your RV, book a tent camping site, or secure a cozy rental cabin or a lakeside cottage.

Address: 12951 Patterson St. NW, North Lawrence, OH 44666

This family-centered water park in the northeast Ohio city of Cuyahoga Falls features an expansive tube slide, an open body slide, two large drop slides, a pool and its own lazy river. Waterfalls, geysers and water spray areas also ensure everyone gets wet while having a good time. Meanwhile, a sand play area and tot slide are available for little kids.

Nearby hotels worth considering include the Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls and the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cuyahoga Falls.