COOL PLACES

Dunham Recreation Center

4356 Dunham Ln., Cincinnati

Locally known as “Dunham,” the aquatic center at Dunham Rec Center is equipped with large twisty slides, smaller tube slides, zero-depth entrance and free parking.

Evanston Recreation Center

3204 Woodburn Ave., Cincinnati

The Evanston Rec Center has everything necessary to cool off on a hot day, including a multi-story water slide, zeroentrance pool, and tons of space to swim.

Hirsch Recreation Center

3630 Reading Rd., Cincinnati

The Hirsch Rec Center combines the fun of a splash park with the perks of a neighborhood swimming pool. The park has lots of spray features, slides, a zero-depth entrance, and pools of different depth for all abilities.

Dyer Sprayground

2110 Freeman Ave., Cincinnati

This free splash pad is perfect to cool off on a hot day. The splash pad has jets spraying from the ground, a play apparatus and a super fun slide.

East Fork State Park

3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel

There’s something special about swimming in a lake in the summertime. The Harsha Lake at East Fork State Park is the perfect place to swim with a view, find rocks, play in the sand, or maybe even rent a paddle boat. It is well worth the drive.

Stonelick State Park

2895 Lake Dr., Pleasant Plain

Another outdoor oasis worth the drive. Stonelick State Park has a beautiful lake to swim in surrounded by trees, wildlife, and, of course, the beach. As a bonus, Ohio State parks do not charge entrance fees.

Parky’s Ark Wet Playground

10245 Winton Rd., Cincinnati

Parky’s at Winton Woods has it all. After learning about farm animals, playing in the sensory gardens, or climbing around the playground kids can cool down in the wet park. The animal themed splash park has jets, streams and water galore.

Smale Riverfront Park

166 W. Mehring Way, Cincinnati

Smale Riverfront Park is another park with plenty to do any time of the year.

In the summer, however, the water pad is the place to be. It has super unique features, like everyone’s favorite water auger, that will keep kids entertained all day.

Caesar Creek State Park

8570 OH-73, Waynesville

At one of Ohio’s beautiful state parks, you can find the perfect oasis for a hot summer day. The lake is great for kids to swim around or play Marco Polo. The long shoreline is also excellent for making sandcastles, finding rocks and playing games. All Ohio State Parks offer free admission.

Wegerzyn Gardens

1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton

The Children’s Discovery Garden replicates natural habitats like caves, creeks and waterfalls, so that kids can have fun and be safe. The gardens also have lots of sand pits for kids to make creations after cooling off.

Island MetroPark

101 E. Helena St., Dayton

Island MetroPark has both traditional and wet playgrounds, making it a great place to spend an entire day. The water park has sprays, water drops and in-ground jets galore.

Interactive Fountains at Riverscape

237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton

The super-high 20-foot jets at Riverscape are lots of fun to run around on a hot day. They also have family-friendly music with the jets in beat. If you are planning to stay a bit later, make sure to check out the choreographed fountain routine.

Adventure Reef Water Park

2900 Glengarry Dr, Kettering

This massive three-acre water park has the works. From cones tipping out gallons of water to huge water slides and splash pads, Adventure Reef is the perfect way to spend a whole day.

Kroger Aquatic Center at The Heights

8625 Brandt Pike, Dayton

While the gigantic slide is always a fan favorite, there is lots to do at this water park. Of course, it is equipped with a lazy river, spray grounds and smaller pools for little ones.

Sycamore Trails Aquatic Center

400 S. Heincke Rd., Miamisburg

Sycamore Trails is the picture-perfect pool for the summer. From five gigantic “sunbrellas” to three slides (one tube, one body and one frog) and a classic dive tank, there are places for parents to relax and places for kids to play.

Germantown Aquatic Center

75 N. Walnut St., Germantown

This Olympic-sized pool has water slides, diving boards and a zero-depth entry pool.