Water parks in Ohio are a great way to get out and enjoy some wholesome family fun. In fact, getting wet with family and friends at one of the state's many water parks is a great way to beat the muggy summer heat. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on family-fun parks, here is our guide to all the key information visitors need to know about Ohio's water parks. --Lisa Pratto
The Beach Waterpark
Voted "Best Privately Owned Water Park" by
,
has a 750,000 gallon tropical wave pool, over 50 rides and real sand. In fact, the tropical theme throughout the park just adds to the family fun.
Water Coaster
is a 500-foot-long water roller coaster that twists and turns before dumping riders in the pool. Equally thrilling is
, a slide that drops riders five stories in about three seconds.
Play Or Lounge
With over 50 heart-stopping rides, you may need to take a break at one of the beach volleyball courts or relax on a lily pad in
. The Beach also offers
on Saturday and Sunday nights for some late-night dancing under the stars.
Food Options
The Beach serves up some family-friendly fare at three spots: Captain Cooks, Cancun Cafe and Blue Grass Beachside Grill. All three locations offer hamburgers, hotdogs, cold beverages and ice cream.
Safety Record
Our research reveals no notable news reports of safety issues or accidents at The Beach. They are staffed by Red Cross-certified lifeguards and offer swim lessons on premises.
Address: 2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason, OH 45040
Phone: 513-398-7946
Hours: Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Price: Adults 48 inches and taller, $29.99; children shorter than 48 inches and seniors, $12.99. Discounted tickets are available online only for package deals that include day pass, event and food combinations. Check the website in advance.
Kalahari Resorts
Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky claims to be America's largest indoor water park. This kid-friendly mecca of family fun has so much to offer that it might take you a few minutes just to take it all in -- from slides and kiddie pools to the enormous 12,000-square-foot wave pool.
Raft And Ride
Kalahari has slides, raft rides and mat slides, but the most unusual and popular attractions are the two
, which let you experience what it is like to surf or boogie board on the open water.
is also a family favorite, allowing guests to have a river rafting adventure while indoors.
In Or Out
Kalahari has an additional
that is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and features another pool, hot tubs, beach volleyball and shuffleboard. If a central gathering space is needed for family and friends, ask about renting an indoor cabana or an outdoor bungalow.
Snacks And Burgers
Kalahari offers a variety of dining options, from hamburgers and casual snacks to the infamous Candy Shack. If you prefer to dry off, it has several sit-down dining options on the premises as well.
Safety Record
According to
, a small child drowned in the children's splash area in 2009, and the park was cited in 2008 for having too few lifeguards on hand. Kalahari requires that all guests under 48 inches tall wear a life jacket at all times. They are provided free of charge when available, but consider bringing an extra, in case it runs out.
Address: 7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Phone: 877-525-2427
Hours: Indoor water park: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Outdoor water park: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day. Resort guests are allowed access one hour earlier, at 9 a.m.
Price: Guests 3 and older, $45; after 5 p.m., $35. Admission to the water park is included at no additional charge for all overnight guests at the resort.
Other Noteworthy Parks Near Ohio
What's your favorite water park in Ohio?
Check out more WATER PARKS.
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