Ready for some thrills? Ohio is a great destination state for families seeking adventure and fun because it’s loaded with amusement parks like Kings Island and Cedar Point, the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.” But that’s just the beginning of the thrills to be found in this Midwest state, and luckily the enjoyment doesn’t have to end when the parks close for the season.
In fact, some of the most memorable trips my family has taken in Ohio were to indoor water parks. Unlike the seasonal amusement parks, these water playgrounds are open year-round, providing endless entertainment. Whether your family is in the mood for a thrilling water coaster ride or a relaxing day lounging by the pool, here are four of the best indoor water parks in Ohio to check out for your next Midwest vacation.
Read More: The Ohio Zoos Kids Love!
1. Great Wolf Lodge
2501 Great Wolf Drive
Mason, OH 45040
(800) 913-9653
4600 Milan Road
Sandusky, OH 44870
(800) 641-9653
There’s not only one, but TWO Great Wolf Lodge water parks in Ohio— one near Cincinnati in Mason and another on the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky. Both of these locations are perfect for sending your family screaming down a family raft ride or racing down four stories on a tandem tube slide. For those not yet ready for the bigger rides, there’s a four-story water fort treehouse with a dumping bucket and kiddie pool with water cannons.
When it’s time to retreat from the water, the Great Wolf Lodge does a great job of keeping the fun going throughout your entire stay. You’ll also find a wide array of family-friendly activities, themed rooms and special character visits to make your family vacation even more memorable. Even the dining options are themed and kid-friendly!
While we recommend booking a room for the night, because of all the fun entertainment and activities available at the resort, you can also choose to pick up a day pass to the water park instead.
More reasons why Great Wolf Lodge is a must-visit indoor water park in Ohio:
- Themed rooms are available for overnight guests.
- Kid-friendly dining options are available.
- Non-water park activities include Magiquest, bowling, an arcade, glow golf and more.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re planning to experience additional fun outside of the water park, consider purchasing a Wolf, Paw or Pup Pass which bundles the costs of several lodge activities into one. This can make your getaway feel more like an “all-inclusive” vacation instead of an endless money pit. And check out our complete guide to Great Wolf Lodge for first timers before you go!
2. Castaway Bay
2001 Cleveland Road
Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 627-2106
A short drive from Cedar Point amusement park, Castaway Bay is a fun place to stay while taking a family vacation to Sandusky.
While many of the outdoor attractions in the area have a seasonal schedule, Castaway Bay can be a fun place to visit any time of year! There’s not much that beats the “always 82 degrees” inside temp during a chilly Ohio winter! Besides the tropical warmth, there are a ton of adrenaline-pumping activities to enjoy in this 38,000-square-foot indoor water park. You could test your balance in the 100,000-gallon wave pool or try and catch your breath while soaring down any of the 10 indoor water slides. And for those looking for a more relaxed adventure, you can wander along the rope bridges or relax in a 50-person spa.
After a long day of splashing around, Castaway Bay also offers overnight accommodations. Plus, you’ll find several other non-water activities to enjoy as well.
More reasons why Castaway Bay is a must-visit indoor water park in Ohio:
- You can stay onsite in one of the newly renovated guest rooms and suites.
- Various dining options are available, including restaurants, quick dining, desserts and grab-and-go options.
- Beyond the water park, Castaway Bay also offers an arcade, escape room, blacklight mini-golf and mini bowling.
- Near Cedar Point amusement park.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re looking for more family fun near Cedar Point in Sandusky, check out these fun things to do in nearby Port Clinton, Ohio with kids.
3. Kalahari Resort
7000 Kalahari Dr.
Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 433-7200
The largest indoor water park in the Midwest, Kalahari Resort includes 173,000 square feet of fun water features. For the younger kiddos, the zero-depth entry water play area with slides, bouncers and mini basketballs is sure to please. Older kids will have a blast playing in the water basketball pool or trying their hand at the Flowrider surfing simulator. And for those hoping for a more relaxing getaway, the lazy river and indoor/outdoor spas are sure to please!
Beyond the more traditional water activities, this water park resort also offers a few “out of the ordinary” ones such as Underwater Virtual Reality and Mermaid (or Merman) lessons! Of course, these cost extra. If you’re fine with paying a bit more out of pocket, you can also reserve a private cabana, each with different perks and accessories.
More reasons why Kalahari Resort is a must-visit indoor waterpark in Ohio:
- Water park access is included with your stay at Kalahari Resort.
- Day passes are available but in limited quantity.
- Towel rentals are available within the water park.
- Several dining options are available within the water park.
- There’s also a seasonal outdoor water park with additional rides and pools.
- Beyond the water, there are climbing walls, a safari animal park, ziplining and mini-golf available seasonally and for an added cost.
4. Comfort Inn Splash Harbor
855 Comfort Plaza Dr.
Bellville, OH 44813
(419) 886-4000
You might never guess it, but located inside the Comfort Inn near Mansfield, Ohio, is a 6,000-square-foot water park. Here you’ll find a kiddie pool, splash pad, basketball pool area, water slide, floating raft and both an adult and family hot tub.
Day passes are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only. Hotel guests are provided with complimentary wristbands based on their room occupancy. However, with free breakfast, a putting green, basketball and shuffleboard and a video game room with a pool table and air hockey, we recommend booking a room for the night and enjoying everything the hotel has to offer!
More reasons why Comfort Inn Splash Harbor is a must-visit indoor water park in Ohio:
- Limited day passes are available.
- Rooms are available at the onsite hotel for overnight accommodations.
- Outside of the water, Splash Harbor also has several other activities to enjoy such as an arcade, putting green, and more.
- Nearby the hotel, you’ll find a 20-mile paved bike and walking path, miniature golf and an ice cream store.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Looking for a new Midwest vacation spot? Check out this list of 30+ epic Midwest towns and cities—they’re our favorite places for Midwest family vacations!
