Plan a weekend escape to a place where it never snows and the temperatures are always balmy. Venture to one of the Top 5 Indoor Waterparks in Ohio to relax and recharge while slipping through three-story waterslides. Resort style surroundings offer not only excitement and watery fun for the kids, but luxury spas and lounges for the folks. Harken away from reality and allow the soothing atmosphere of an Ohio indoor waterpark to wash away stress while you create memories to last a lifetime.
1- Kalahari
Go surfing in northern Ohio at the Kalahari resort in Sandusky. The facility makes every attempt to live up to its self-proclaimed “America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark” title. There is no need to pack you towels and snacks around the massive complex, rent a private cabana and enjoy little slice of seclusion to call your own. In addition to the indoor slides, water roller coasters and raft rides, there is also an outdoor waterpark on-site. Kalahari indoor attractions include a 12,000 square foot wave pool, zip coaster water roller coaster, 60 foot long bowl shaped raft ride, racing slides, Victoria Falls raft rides, jacuzzi spas and a swim up snack and drink bar. The outdoor waterpark is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and features multiple hot tubs, shuffleboard courts, playground, swimming area, sand volleyball court and special water based play area for toddlers, You can rent a private bungalow which comes complete with a personal refrigerator, lounge chairs and a table. Life vest and rafts are available for complimentary use for both the indoor and outdoor waterparks. Relax amid faux palm trees and the sounds of children giggling as they maneuver through the watery play structure while waiting for a massive bucket filled with water to tip onto those eagerly awaiting below. The Safari Outdoor Adventure Park features dry activities which include miniature golf, arcade, a zip line and rope course, climbing walls and an animal park. Come face to face with a zebra or giraffe before taking a break from all the fun to dine at one of the on-site restaurants or cafes. Treat yourself to a Swedish hot stone massage, prenatal massage or a skin enhancing mud treatment at the Kalahari spa.
Castaway Bay boasts a Caribbean theme, prompting guests to easily imagine themselves on an island escape. The indoor waterpark area is five stories tall and filled to the brim with watery fun and attractions for visitors from two to ninety-two. Grab one of the complimentary rafts and head to the 100,000 pool to catch a wave. You can enjoy a relaxing float while admiring the waterfalls or go body surfing on the three foot tall artificially generated waves. Strap a life vest onto the little ones and enjoy the covered waterslides which wind both indoors and out before finally reaching the water pool below. Additional indoor attractions include the Paradise Plunge, Pineapple Pipeline, Tropical Twister, Lookout Lagoon with a water based play area, Mango Melee, Cargo Crossing, Creature Cove, Rendezvous Run, Toddler’s Tide Pool and a Grotto for mom and dad. The Grotto features an indoor/outdoor jacuzzi with a sundeck. Schedule a visit to the spa and take a dip in the aromatherapy whirlpool, get a massage or a facial treatment. There is no need to leave the facility to grab a bit to eat, pick up a toothbrush or play arcade games.
3- Coco Key
CoCo Key Indoor WaterPark has two Ohio locations. Both the Cincinnati and Newark locations pack a whole lot of value into a day pass or weekend escape. Float along the lazy river while the children run off some energy climbing three stories to the tube shaped waterslides or traversing the cargo play area. Rent a private cabana and rest in a comfortable lounge chair while the toddler romp in a shallow play area designed just for the younger set. Pull up a deck chair and watch a kid-friendly movie on the “Dip-in” theater. Additional amenities at both locations include the Coral Reef Cavern and water basketball area, water based playground, Rusty’s dive shop, henna tattoo station, arcade and the Palm Grotto indoor/outdoor jacuzzi for grown-ups. Life vest and rafts are complimentary at Coco Key. Immerse yourself in the laid back environment created by the Key West style decor. Plan at least a little time for for yourself at the Banyan Leaf spa or one of the on-site lounges or restaurants.
Journey back to the Old West while floating past rustic displays situated along the lazy river ride. The bowl shaped waterslide is a favorite among teenagers. The Kiddie Korral features two small waterslides with a zero-depth entry point and interactive play areas for toddlers. Rascal Round-Up is a 40 foot tall water based play structure complete with water cannons, four open slides and a tipping bucket designed to appeal to children age four to twelve. Additional amenities include an indoor jacuzzi for adults, sundeck, four foot deep activity pool, arcade and winding covered slides which dip and loop through the wall to the outside and back in again, dropping riders into a water reserve connected to the laze river.
5- Great Wolf Lodge
Experience the feel of an great woods getaway in Mason, just outside of Cincinnati. Children will feel like Lewis and Clark as the explore the water based Fort Mackenzie interactive play area. Suspension bridges, cargo nets and open slides will entertain younger children for hours. Hold onto your raft tightly as you meander down the five-story Triple Twist waterslide. This attraction Features an exciting sensory experience with a LED light display which changes as you wind around the twists and turns to reach a water pool below. The Crooked Creek lazy river ride is a great place for adults to relax while keeping an eye on the children at the surrounding attractions. River Canyon Run is a family attraction which allows up to four people to ride in a “raft” while bolting down a twisty covered tube waterslide. Coyote Cannon is only for the brave of heart. The 436 foot long waterslide pushed you quickly through a tunnel in total darkness. Catch a wave at the five foot deep tide pool. High tide arrives every five minutes. Great Wolf Lodge offers two Jacuzzis, one for adults only and a lower temperature family style spa. Once you dry off you can grab some quarters and head to the arcade or show your skills at the MagiQuest live action game. You and your children surpass magical obstacles and conquer the Goblin King with game wands.
