This summer, be sure to satisfy your family’s need for wet and wild fun in a truly adventurous way! Try visiting some of the best waterparks around and see for yourself if they’re worthy of boasting the “longest pool” or “tallest slide.”  Want a real thrill? Check out Ohio, the birthplace of Steven Spielberg, the Wright Brothers, Paul Newman, and Clark Gable, and which also happens to have a rather long list of some of the best waterparks in the U.S.

So grab some sunblock, a towel and an appetite for adventure—Ohio is calling your name!

The following list offers a few indoor and outdoor waterparks that have been deemed both kid- and family-friendly, as well as offering additional amenities other than the traditional staple of waterslides and pools. Dig in and get wet!

Coney Island, an outdoor waterpark located in Cincinnati, is one of the most affordable waterparks in Ohio! Discounted ticket prices for children under 48”. Do you want to visit North America’s largest flat-surfaced recirculating pool? How about the world’s largest? Well you can visit them both in one place: Coney Island’s Sunlite Pool! In addition to the 20 feet wide, 401 feet long pool, there are also four exciting waterslides, as well as a cabana area for eating and drinking. If getting soaked isn’t your scene, stay dry with bumper cars and mini golf! Passes are available now!

For more information, visit http://coneyislandpark.com/sunlite_pool.php. (513) 232-8230.

The Beach Waterpark, situated in Mason, is one of the largest waterparks in North America, at 1,524,600 sq. feet. Part of Adventure Landing Park properties, you can be sure that you are in good hands with this entertainment company whose core mission involves “providing affordable family entertainment.” Offering over 40 slides, a beach, interactive play areas and a wide array of other family-fun activities, The Beach Waterpark even has a heated wave pool and a 600-gallon dumping bucket! Be sure to check out Big Creek Beach for surf and sand, as well as a host of other new and exciting areas built just for kids! On Tuesday nights, be sure to visit Club Splash, a cool night club for teens!

For more information, visit http://www.thebeachwaterpark.com/public/about_us/index.cfm. (513) 398-SWIM.  

Castaway Bay Indoor Resort – Cedar Point, located in Sandusky, is one of the newest parks, having just opened its doors in January of 2014. This five-story structure with a Caribbean theme will take your breath away with its beauty and bevy of attractions. The Toddler’s Tide Pool, Lookout Lagoon Family Funhouse, tube slides and wave pool will all ensure that there is indeed some watery fun for every member of the family at this premier waterpark. Be sure to visit the arcade as well. Packages available for Cedar Point’s Castaway Bay resort guests. Day and evening passes available at the front desk or online.

For more information, visit http://www.castawaybay.com/public/explore/waterpark/index.cfm. For reservations, call (419) 627-2106. For general information, call (419) 627-2500.

Coco Key Water Resort, an indoor waterpark in Newark, is located just steps away from the beautiful grounds of the Cherry Valley Lodge! Discounts and hotel packages are available for guests. All 50,000 sq. ft. of this central Ohio destination screams fun, fun, fun with activities for younger children, children under 48” and older kids alike! Explore water slides, water cannons, whirlpools, the fast-paced Coconut Grove Adventure River, and the interactive Coral Reef Cavern. Be sure to also check out the Key Quest Arcade and the Callaloo Grille, serving up pizza, snacks, ice cream and burgers!

For more information or to make a reservation, visit http://www.cherryvalleylodge.com/coco-key-en.html. (740) 788-1200 or toll free at (800) 788-8008.

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Summer is near and that means it’s time to get the backyard pool ready for fun! Pools can be great when it comes to keeping the family cool and happy, but we all know they require maintenance or they’ll quickly become a nightmare to return to safe levels. Here are a few quick tips to help ensure your private oasis is in tip-top shape for the season.

• Be sure your filter is clean and operating correctly. Clear any toys or leaves that may have accidentally made their way into the skimmer basket which can also affect flow.
• Set your pump to operate a minimum of six hours each day so the water turns over regularly.
• Do a complete test of the water chemistry and correct any deficiencies.

You’d also be wise to hire a reputable pool company to do a thorough inspection of your pool at the start of each summer. Always be sure the following steps are included:

• Check the pool for leaks. This is of particular importance if you live in an area where drought is a concern.
• Check all equipment and plumbing for leaks. Minor leaks may seem inconsequential but can have severe effects down the road.
• Check all filters, pumps, and motors for proper performance.
• Optimize the levels of chlorine, pH, calcium hardness and conditioner.

Most of us have a pool because we want to enjoy it, not because we want more hassles in our lives. Weekly professional servicing of your pool will pay great dividends in time spent playing in the water with your kids, family and friends!

More info: Pool Services Technologies, Inc., founded in 2008 and headquartered in San Marcos, California, provides an alternative to draining and refilling swimming pools-a necessary part of pool ownership. Recovering nearly 85% of the existing water in a swimming pool, this service realizes huge water conservation results. Learn more at http://poolservicestech.com/.

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