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By Brett Price

Tucked away in Stark County, just outside the town of North Lawrence, this 500-acre summer resort is known for its kid-focused waterpark. Open since Memorial Day 1948, Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park underwent an ownership change in 2020, but it continues to offer a family camping experience, whether that be in a tent, RV or one of the 90 cabins built at the park since Northgate Resorts of Grand Rapids, Michigan, purchased it.

Clay’s Resort is widely known for its swimming lake with waterslides and inflatable obstacles for kids to climb, but 2023 brings with it the addition of an arcade and a new Adventure Park waterpark that will provide more ways to help visitors stay cool on hot days.

“It’s just a massive splash pad,” says Britani Eaton, who handles promotion of Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park for Northgate Resorts. “It’s got waterslides and a hydro storm bucket.”

As far as camping accommodations, the park offers lakefront and private RV sites, tent sites and cabin lodging that ranges from a deluxe lakeside suite to the pet-friendly Ranger Smith Cottage. Clay’s Resort also has an 18-hole mini golf course, beach volleyball leagues and a kids zone for families to enjoy. For those looking for more thrills, check out the barrel rolls, ring swings over the lake and the 150-foot Wet Willie Water Slide.

“Whether you’re splashing in the pool or you’re hanging out with a [Yogi Bear mascot],” Eaton says, “there’s something going on every hour of the day.”

12951 Patterson St. NW, North Lawrence 44666, 330/854-6691, clayspark.com

Tubing on the Hocking River

The Hocking Hills region has long been an outdoor draw for Ohioans looking for an accessible adventure in their own backyard, complete with waterfalls, caves and scenic overlooks. Another fun summer outing in the region is to rent an inner tube from Hocking Hills Adventures and enjoy a leisurely afternoon float down the Hocking River. The trip stretches 5 miles and how long it takes depends on water levels. When the river is higher, a trip lasts two to three hours, while lower water levels can stretch your float up to five hours. (Current river conditions are always posted on the livery’s website.) A tubing excursion runs over two different portions of the river. In spring and early summer, the trip usually starts at Crockett’s Run and concludes at the canoe livery. Later in the season, the trip typically starts at Riverside Campground and concludes at Crockett’s Run. 31251 Chieftain Dr., Logan 43138, 740/385-8685, hockinghillscanoeing.com

pontoon boat rentals on Ashtabula Harbor

Harbor Yak provides a way for those who don’t own a boat to get out on the calm waters of Ashtabula Harbor. Pontoon Boat rentals run from two to six hours and can fit up to six or nine passengers, depending on which model you choose. It’s a great option for those who want to cruise out on to the harbor for a leisurely afternoon. There’s even a sandbar where you can anchor to swim or have lunch. Both pontoon boat options have a Bluetooth audio system, swim deck and top to protect the cockpit from the sun’s rays when it’s time for a little shade. Harbor Yak also offers rentals of single and tandem kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and even hydrobikes. For those who want to make a weekend of it, Harbor Yak has lodging options ranging from townhouses on Ashtabula’s Bridge Street to cozy cottages along the water. 1 Ferry Dr., Ashtabula 44004, 440/9900161, harboryak.com

Inspired by its owners’ tradition of visiting national parks and their affection for wildlife, Lake Erie Adventure Co. in Huron helps its customers enjoy an outdoors-focused lifestyle. Although the business started with selling kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and merchandise, it now focuses on the rental and group-tour side of its operation. Lake Erie Adventure Co. offers two locations for those who want to get paddling. The Huron River paddle launches from the operation’s River Road headquarters with the option of heading north toward

kayak the Huron River and Sandusky Bay

the lake. Lake Erie Adventure Co.’s other location on Sandusky Bay offers a paddle with sights of Cedar Point. Both spots are good for beginners because they feature calm water, and staffers are happy to provide a tutorial for those who need it. (Family season passes and group-outing prices are also available.) Special events offered during the summer include sunset and full-moon paddles. 507 River Rd., Huron 44839, 419/366-3830, lakeerieadventure.com

The city of Troy’s outdoorsy overnight excursion gives new meaning to the term waterbed. In 2020, Float Troy launched the only public tent-floating experience in the United States. Located on the Great Miami River in the Miami County city of Troy, the attraction welcomes travelers to spend the night in an inflatable floating tent that is anchored in place.

The tents, which were designed by local business owner and entrepreneur Ethan Smith of SmithFly, can fit up to four people and have windows that let in the breeze or allow campers to take in the sunset. A stay is made complete with access to canoes and kayaks as well as an onshore picnic shelter with charcoal grills.

During check-in, Float Troy walks guests through how to get into the raft and provides a brief orientation, which also includes a paddling course for anyone who needs it. For those who want to grab a bite on land, Smiths’ Boathouse Restaurant is along the river, as is the Treasure Island Park amphitheater, which hosts food trucks and live music in the summer.

Matt Clifton, the city’s on-site coordinator for Float Troy, says what has struck him most about running the program is the range of ages that seek out these unique overnight stays.

“Year one the oldest person I had was 94 years old, four weeks post hip replacement. and she came back the second year we did it, too.” he says. “So, we don’t have [a specific audience] to market this to. It’s literally anyone and everyone that wants a unique experience.” For more information, visit float-troy.com.

Stand−Up Paddleboarding on the Scioto River

The Scioto River winds through downtown Columbus, and Windrose Outdoor helps locals and travelers alike get a peaceful perspective on our bustling capital city. Renting a stand-up paddleboard is one way to take to the water, but Windrose Outdoor also offers rentals of single and tandem kayaks for those who want to go the seated route. (Of course, you can sit or kneel on the paddleboard, too.) The typical trip lasts one hour and takes paddlers 1 mile upriver and back, preceded by 15 minutes of instruction to review the route, conditions and equipment. There is also a 2.5-hour excursion available for those who want to take it slow, but most people find an hour of paddling a good length of time. No matter the method you choose to take to the water, Windrose Outdoor will meet you at downtown’s Bicentennial Park with your equipment of choice. For more information, visit windroseoutdoor.com.