5 Awesome Spots for Toddler-Approved Fun in Ohio's Largest Playground
Blog by Stacha Yundt
For parents of young children, finding things that our kids can enjoy is one of our top priorities when planning a vacation. There are plenty of places to go, but without plenty of activities to keep little ones entertained, what should be a fun visit can turn stressful fast.
Luckily there are so many ways to play for all ages in Warren County, and we’ve rounded up a list of some of the top toddler-approved attractions.
Kings Island
While Southwest Ohio’s favorite amusement park is probably best known for its record-crushing thrill rides like The Beast and Orion, there’s plenty of fun to be had for the young and the young at heart at Planet Snoopy. This Peanuts-themed area is packed with rides and attractions for all ages. Kings Island makes it easy to know which rides your kiddos are tall enough to ride with colorful wristbands that coincide with ride height requirements. Planet Snoopy is also one of the areas in the park that serves Kings Island’s famous blue ice cream, the perfect treat for a hot day at the park. For families that enjoy interactive experiences, Planet Snoopy hosts live stage shows in the Peanuts Showcase. And be sure to have your camera ready for meet-and-greet opportunities with classic Peanuts characters.
If at any time your kids (or you!) need a break from the excitement, visit the Infant Care Center located near Planet Snoopy. In addition to a quiet nursing area, you’ll find clean changing tables, high chairs, coloring stations for the kids, and of course air conditioning.
For a more wet and wild break from the heat, head on over to Soak City, Kings Island’s massive waterpark. There are plenty of splash pads, two wave pools, and a number of swim areas dedicated to smaller children.
Great Wolf Lodge
And speaking of waterparks, Great Wolf Lodge guarantees a howling good time for every family looking to make a splash with their vacation. A little thing like bad weather will never rain on your parade at this sprawling indoor waterpark located near Kings Island in Mason. Kids will love the woodsy-themed suites (like camping, but with beds and electricity!) and after working up an appetite at the waterpark they’ll have no trouble wolfing down the Lodge’s famous pizzas or any of the other fabulous food served there.
In between trips to the waterpark, explore some of the other attractions packed into Great Wolf Lodge like Ten Paw Alley Family Bowling. This bowling alley has been specially designed so that toddlers can join in on the fun just as easily as bigger kids and adults, no special shoes required!
LM&M Railroad
As every parent knows, trains are always a big hit with kids. A bigger hit for your next vacation? Taking your kids on an actual train ride! The LM&M Railroad departs from historic Downtown Lebanon and prides itself on offering the only family-friendly train ride experience in Southwestern Ohio. Some of the popular themed rides offered by LM&M Railroad throughout the year include the Princess Express, the Pumpkin Patch Express, the North Pole Express, and more!
Train rides tend to take between 1 to 2 hours and, depending on the theme you opt to climb aboard for, will often feature extras to make the experience extra magical for your little one. Tickets to the Princess Express, for example, will include a tiara, balloon artists, and of course a meet-and-greet with some royally special guests.
Fun at the Farm
Warren County has a number of farms that work hard not just to produce some delicious food but also to provide families with an unforgettable experience. While they aren’t open year-round, plenty offer events throughout the year that toddlers will love, including berry picking, pumpkin patches, animal interactions, and more.
Blooms and Berries has Toddler Days during their Strawberry Days and Fall at the Farm Events, offering tickets for toddlers at half-price. Admission to these events includes toddler-friendly games, a massive bounce pad, a playground, visits with some of the farm animals, and more. Their bakery is always bursting with sweet treats that kids will love, and there’s an endless number of photo ops around the farm.
At Hidden Valley Orchards, you and your toddler can enjoy a scoop of ice cream from The Coop at HVO, an on-site ice cream shop. Like at Blooms and Berries, there are farm animals to visit with and a bakery and store to browse. This massive orchard is yours to explore, so there’s plenty of space for your kiddos to burn off the energy from all that sugar, whether by running through the orchard or over at the playground.
Caesar Creek State Park
A day at the park is a classic toddler outing, but Caesar Creek State Park near Waynesville is a cut above the rest. With miles and miles of trails to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits your family’s comfort level. The trail to Horseshoe Falls is an easy 4.4 mile hike that’s toddler-friendly and ends with a trip across a suspension bridge and easy access to shallow water that’s perfect for splashing around. If you’re looking to have a day at the beach, the lake at Caesar Creek has plenty of swimming and boating areas.
Finally, Caesar Creek is also well-known for its family-friendly fossil hunting! Just swing by the Visitors Center during operating hours to pick up a free permit and you’re all set for a day of fossil finding at the Spillway. The Visitors Center also has fossil exhibits that you can check out to learn a little more about the area’s fossils before you head out.
Your entire family is sure to find plenty of fun things to do on your next visit to Ohio’s Largest Playground, toddlers included!