DON’T SIT INSIDE AND RELY ON AIR CONDITIONING TO KEEP YOU COOL THIS SUMMER – CATCH A WEEKEND OUTDOORS WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY! DELAWARE COUNTY IS PACKED WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO HAVE FUN AND STAY COOL. HERE ARE FIVE STOPS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS:
1. Zoombezi Bay: Spend the day bouncing from water slides to raft rides at the action-packed Zoombezi Bay, a 22-acre park featuring 17 state-of-the-art water slides, a wave pool, an action river, private cabanas, a children’s interactive play structure with 100 water features, and much more! Escape to the adults-only lazy river to nab a minute or two of relative peace. Combine a visit to Zoombezi Bay with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, The Wilds, or Safari Golf for a full weekend of fun!
2. Olentangy Indian Caverns: Explore ancient Indian lore in the underground rooms and through the maze of winding passages. Formed by an underground river cutting through solid limestone rock, there is evidence that these caverns were used by the Wyandotte Indians to get out from the rain and escape their enemies, the Delaware Indians. The caverns maintain a year-round temperature of 54 degrees, so escape the heat with a trip into history and underground!
Delaware County’s natural landscape provides many opportunities to stay cool and explore nature. Our parks offer swimming beaches, sailing, fishing, and boating. If you’re particularly adventurous, strap on some river shoes and grab a kayak!
3. Alum Creek State Park: Sunbathe and swim at Ohio’s largest inland beach. Alum Creek features 3,387 acres of reservoir and 4,630 acres of fields and woodland. Take a morning hike, then head to the marina later and explore the waterways kayaking. Pack a picnic lunch, and soak up a relaxing afternoon by the water. Don’t forget your fishing pole!
4. Delaware State Park: Delaware Lake offers an 800-foot public beach that includes a bathhouse, showers and a snack bar. After you’ve cooled off by the lake, play a game of disc golf with the family – equipment rental is available and there’s no fee to play.
5. Shale Hollow Preservation Park: Part of the rich natural resources of Delaware County Preservation Parks, Shale Hollow Park features a sparkling stream that meanders along a twisting corridor lined by 20- to 40-foot-tall shale cliffs. Venture down to the creek to explore Ohio’s flora and fauna up close and personal! Check out the many other parks in the Delaware County Preservation Parks system for an outdoor adventure you and your kids won’t forget.
