10 Family-Friendly Activities for Summer

School is out for the summer - now what?

 Summers are precious. They leave us with reignited love for locally made soft serve ice cream, suntans, and stories to share. Make each moment count with these 10 memorable family-friendly experiences in Butler County. 

1. Watch a movie under the stars at the Holiday Auto Theatre

WHERE: 1816 Old Oxford Rd | Hamilton

The drive-in theatre is such a classic family experience.The Holiday Auto Theatre, one of the last remaining drive-in theatre's in Ohio, is a staple of Butler County that has been treating audiences to double and triple features from the comfort of their own car for over 60 years. Grab a sweet or salty snack from the old fashioned concession stand to get the whole experience of going to a drive-in movie theatre. Check out the upcoming movie schedule here. 

2. Pick fresh berries at Indian Springs Berry Farm 

WHERE: 2840 Tylersville Rd | Hamilton

Enjoy the warm weather in one of the tastiest ways possible at Indian Springs Berry Farm. Open between July-August, this family farm provides you with a basket and guides you to the very best rows in the field to pick berries from. Pluck the biggest and juiciest blackberries and then bring your basket back to the register to be weighed. End the day by baking your organic blackberries into a homemade pie! 

3. Cool off at Aqua Adventures Waterpark 

WHERE: 8762 Thomas Rd | Middletown

Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, Aqua Adventures in Middletown is the perfect way to beat the heat and stay cool this summer! This thrilling waterpark features waterslides, inflatables, paddle boarding and an obstacle course for the young and young at heart. Not into the thrills of a water park? Don't fret! You can lounge by the bar, patio-area, or the relaxing, sandy beach. A fun-filled day for the entire family!

4. Horseback ride at Nation Road Horse Rental

WHERE: 6484 Morning Sun Rd | Oxford

Enjoy a ride through the scenic trails of Oxford at Nation Road Horse Rental. This family-owned horse haven is home to 21 beautiful horses and offers different guided trail rides catered to all experience levels. Riders must be at least 8 years old, but pony rides are also available for kids ages 3-7. 

5. Get the scoop with some local ice cream spots

When it comes to ice cream, Butler County has a handful of delicious local options. There's nothing like bringing the family to get a scoop (or 3) of the sweetest soft-serve ice cream in town! Check out the shops below: 

• Flub's: For over 50 years, this iconic soft-serve ice cream stand has morphed to become a sign of warm weather and summer. With four locations, you have no excuse not to drive-through or walk-up to get a tasty treat in a cone, bowl, or cup.

  • 981 Eaton Ave | Hamilton

  • 401 N B Street | Hamilton 

  • 539 Wessel Dr | Fairfield

  • 4065 Hamilton Cleves Rd | Fairfield

• The Cone (6855 Tylersville Road | West Chester): Make a stop at "One of the Top Ten Quirkiest Places to Visit in the U.S" and enjoy some delicious soft-served ice cream. The Cone is a local favorite and not only features ice cream, but kiddie rides and games too! Voted Cincinnati's best soft-serve ice cream, you really can't beat this place.

• The Dip (1680 Gelhot Dr | Fairfield): The Dip is a Fairfield gem that offers smooth soft-serve ice cream, decadent banana splits, sweet sundaes, and peanut butter milkshakes. Looking for more savory options? The Dip also serves hotdogs and hamburgers!

• Spring Street Treats (321 W Spring St | Oxford): Spring Street Treats specializes in a variety of soft-serve treats. If you are in the mood for something else, they also offer great sandwiches and snacks such as sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels and more!

• Swaffy's Ice Cream (646 S Main St | Monroe): Swaffy's is a family-owned and operated ice cream shop serving up cones, sundaes, shakes, malts, and more! Come in for a refreshing treat on a hot day and choose from 23 different toppings to create your dream ice cream treat!

• Twist Ice Cream (​7813 Bethany Rd | Liberty Township): Keep cool this summer with ice cream treats from Twist Ice Cream in Liberty Township. This family-owned business strives for the best customer service along with the best products. Soft-serve, slush, sherbet, sundaes...Twist has it all! Grab a treat and relax on the cozy outdoor patio!

6. Watch FREE movies in the park 

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Pack up a cozy blanket and a delectable snack to enjoy a free family-friendly movie in a park! There are three Butler County parks hosting Movies in the Park this summer.

• City of Trenton: Enjoy a fun movie night every month in Trenton! Grab a blanket or a lawn chair at Trenton Community Park for a fun evening of family entertainment!
  • Saturday, June 10 - Beauty and the Beast (2017)
  • Saturday, July 8 - The Secret Life of Pets
  • Saturday, August 12 - The Secret Life of Pets 2
  • Saturday, September 9 - High School Musical
     
• Village Green: Join the City of Fairfield and the Fairfield Fire Department on select Thursdays in June and July for free family-friendly activities and movies at Village Green Park!
  • Thursday, June 1 - Minions: The Rise of Gru
  • Thursday, June 15 - The Goonies
  • Thursday, June 29 - Lightyear
  • Thursday, July 13 - E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
  • Thursday, July 27 - DC League of Super-Pets
     
• Middletown Park: Middletown Movies in the Park happens in the warmer months as a way to build into the community of individuals, kids and families. Prior to the movie, there will be games, crafts or activities.
  • Friday, June 2 - Goonies 
  • Friday, June 16 - Princess and the Frog
  • Friday, June 30 - Top Gun Maverick 
  • Friday, July 14 - Sonic 2 
  • Friday, July 28 - Pixar's SOUL 

7. Get splashed at some Splash Pads 

Splash Pads are a fun and easy way to beat the summer heat that kids and adults can enjoy! Check out some of the exciting Splash Pads here in Butler County. 

• Oxford Memorial Park - 2 E High St | Oxford 
• Marcum Park - 116 Dayton St | Hamilton 
• Smith Park - 500 Tytus Ave | Middletown 

8. Complete The Donut Trail

Grab your donut loving family and head out on a sweet trail in Butler County. Follow the trail to find all of the delicious mom-and-pop donut shops. Once you've visited all of the donut shops with your passport, you'll be rewarded with the official Donut Trail T-shirt!

9. Say 'hello' to Honey and Odis at Liberty Farm Market

WHERE: 5850 Princeton Rd | Liberty Township

 Find Honey and Odis anytime of the day in their pasture right next to the indoor market. These two are are super friendly and always appreciate the attention.

10. Step back in time at a retro drive-in dining experience

Classic Americana. Frothy and refreshing root beer floats. A simple delight that never gets old. Enjoy classic burgers, chili dogs, and fries from the comfort of your car at these two iconic Butler County drive-in diners!

The Jug: 3610 Central Ave | Middletown

Jolly's: 210 N Erie Highway | Hamilton and 165 N Brookwood Ave | Hamilton