8 Family-Friendly Summer Activities

School is out for the summer... time for adventure!

 Summer is the time for locally made soft-serve ice cream, suntans, and stories to share. Make each moment count with these 8 memorable family-friendly experiences in Butler County, Ohio!

1. Watch a Movie Under the Stars at Holiday Auto Theatre

WHERE: 1816 Old Oxford Road | Hamilton, Ohio

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 75 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. Cool Off at Aqua Adventures Waterpark 

WHERE: 8762 Thomas Road | Middletown, Ohio

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!

3. Horseback Riding at Nation Road Horse Rental

WHERE: 6484 Morning Sun Road | Oxford, Ohio

Enjoy a ride through the scenic trails of Oxford at Nation Road Horse Rental. This family-owned horse haven is home to more than 20 beautiful horses and ponies, and they offer 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. 

4. Get the Scoop at Local Ice Cream Spots

WHERE: Throughout Butler County, Ohio

When it comes to ice cream, Butler County has a ton of delicious local options. There's nothing like bringing the family to get a scoop (or 2!) of the sweetest ice cream in town. Check out these Local Ice Cream Spots for soft-serve, sundaes, and so much more. Pictured is The Cone in West Chester!  

5. Catch an Outdoor Summer Concert

WHERE: Throughout Butler County, Ohio

Grab your friends and family, pack up some chairs, and go enjoy a free summer concert! Butler County is home to a variety of Summer Concert Series for you to check out. 

6. Get Outdoors + Splash Around 

WHERE: Throughout Butler County, Ohio

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 Street | Oxford, Ohio 
• Marcum Park (Pictured) – 116 Dayton Street | Hamilton, Ohio 
• Harbin Park – 1300 Hunter Road | Fairfield, Ohio 
• Beckett Park – 8545 Beckett Road | West Chester, Ohio 
• Smith Park – 500 Tytus Avenue | Middletown, Ohio 

7. Complete The Donut Trail

WHERE: Throughout Butler County, Ohio

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!

8. Root Beer Floats + a Retro Drive-In Experience

WHERE: Hamilton, Ohio and Middletown, Ohio

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 (Pictured) – 3610 Central Avenue | Middletown, Ohio

Jolly's Drive In – 210 N Erie Highway AND 165 N Brookwood Avenue | Hamilton, Ohio

J&E Root Beer – 6301 Germantown Road | Middletown, Ohio