When you’re in Columbus, Ohio, you’re never far from the water. The Scioto and Olentangy Rivers meet just outside the downtown area. Smaller tributaries, such as Alum Creek and Big Walnut Creek, snake their way through the city. Perhaps it’s that proximity to water that encourages locals to get wet in their leisure time. If you want to have fun in the water, try these four local activities.
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Learn to Scuba Dive
Because Columbus is an inland city, you probably never thought you could learn scuba diving here. Columbus Scuba makes it possible, though. It holds its “Try Scuba Diving” classes in a pool, rather than the ocean. Every course starts with a swim test that ensures all participants can swim confidently. After that, you’ll learn to breathe underwater and manage your scuba apparatus. Columbus Scuba also organizes excursions so its students can try their newfound skills in the open water.
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Splash About at Zoombezi Bay
Zoombezi Bay is fun for the whole family. This 22.7-acre water park attached to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the Midwest’s most popular water parks. It features all your favorite water attractions, including water slides, lazy rivers, and a wave pool. The Soundsurfer, a raft slide with bright lights and music, is the only one of its kind in the country. Some rides have height restrictions, but little kids can always have fun in the Tiny Tides area. Stay late to catch a Dive-In movie. These family-friendly flicks screen on select Friday nights.
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Paddle Down the River
The Scioto and Olentangy rivers are slow-moving, so they’re perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Olentangy Paddle leads small groups on kayaking and canoeing excursions down these beautiful waterways. The guides will meet you at the launch, deliver a simple safety briefing, and provide everything you need, including a life jacket. An Olentangy Paddle tour is a wonderful way to see the city and develop a deeper appreciation of its main waterways. Though closed for the 2020 season, they’re looking forward to reopening in 2021, so add it to your list of places to visit next year!
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Play at a Splash Pad
Columbus has several splash pads, so why not take the kids to one or more this weekend? The Bicentennial Park Splash Pad is the city’s largest and most popular. It spans some 15,000 square feet but can still get crammed with kids on hot summer days. Its water features are spectacular, spraying as high as 75 feet.
The splash pad at Easton Town Center is another great choice for parents with young children. Play is restricted to kids 8 and under, ensuring tiny tots don’t feel too intimidated. A free towel service runs from early July to late August, so you can leave yours at home.
The Indian Mound Community Recreation Center Sprayground is more modest than the other options listed here. However, it’s still a top choice if you’re using the center’s facilities. Kids will love cooling down here after a game of tennis or basketball.
Whether you love man-made water attractions or splashing about in the city’s natural resources, you can find plenty of ways to cool down and have fun in Columbus, OH!
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