The state of Ohio is a terrific place to raise a family, and Deerfield Township is right in the heart of it all. There are tons of kid-friendly attractions the whole family will love right in the neighborhood. So if you need a few ideas to inspire your next adventure, here are the six best entertainment destinations close to home.

Cincinnati Museum Center

Image via Flickr by w_lemay Licensed CC By 2.0

The Cincinnati Museum Center is a top family-friendly attraction near Deerfield. Located on Western Avenue inside the art deco-style Union Terminal train station, this multi-museum complex offers visitors loads of exhibits. Curators have dedicated vast galleries to topics like history and nature, plus there’s a whole wing just for kids preschool age and younger. They’ll play as they learn subjects such as art, culture, reading, and science.

Head to this National Historic Landmark and catch exhibits the kids will adore, such as “The Science Behind Pixar.” There are even live concerts at the center and programs like STEM Girls and summer camp. The whole family can attend special events, like A Night at the Museum. Thanks to its extended hours, you’ll have more time after school to experience a movie at the OMNIMAX Theater. The Cincinnati Museum Center is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kings Island Amusement Park

Kings Island Amusement Park is the largest amusement park in the Midwest. Owners opened it in 1972, and families like yours make it a popular area attraction still today. Along with its companion facility, Soak City Water Park, it sits on 364 acres and offers families loads to do with roller coasters, live entertainment, and shopping.

The theme park has ample rides for all ages. The award-winning Mystic Timbers roller coaster is a big draw, and so is The Beast. The Guinness Book of World Records named it the planet’s longest wooden roller coaster. It delivers plenty of excitement for the thrill-seekers in your family. Get fast lane tickets in advance, so you don’t have to entertain your toddlers as you wait in line. Kings Island Amusement Park is open full-time from May through Labor Day and occasionally for seasonal events.

BB Riverboats

Take a cruise on the captivating Ohio River. BB Riverboats is a premier operator on Riverboat Row in Newport. All aboard for a one-of-a-kind experience that the kids will remember for a lifetime. Since 1979, BB Riverboats has acted as Cincinnati’s official riverboat cruise line, and its captains offer a memorable way to see the sights and learn more about the area. Many excursions depart daily from Newport Landing.

Sign up for the Sunday family dinner cruise, or celebrate your child’s birthday with a journey just for them. Whether they’re princesses, pirates, or superheroes, they’ll have a fabulous time sailing on the water. Join the crew for a variety of different cruises, including the following:

  • Admiral’s Dinner.
  • Dixieland Jazz Brunch.
  • Music and Sunset Sightseeing.
  • Historic Cincinnati.
  • StoneBrook Winery.
  • High Noon.
  • Ice Cream Social.

Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon

Who hasn’t dreamed of flying away in a colorful hot air balloon? Gentle Breeze offers rides over Ohio’s scenic landscapes. Kids of all ages will love to tour your hometown from above. The views are pretty incredible from as high as 3,000 feet, and the experience is something you’ll cherish forever. After you land, refresh with a snack. Parents will also get souvenir cups filled with champagne to toast the event.

Each balloon can hold up to 10 passengers, and air times run about an hour. This company’s safe, state-of-the-art equipment and comfortable ground transportation ensure everyone in the family has a good time. The pilots at Gentle Breeze launch the balloons from the Warren County Airport’s hanger J-8 on Greentree Road. Before scheduling your flight, make sure your kids are ready to go for a ride. While there is no magic age, they should be tall enough to see over the basket, able to stand for an hour or more, and okay at dealing with heights.

The Beach at Adventure Landing

The Beach is a 35-acre attraction on Water Park Drive. You and the kids can cool off and have fun with 10 water attractions, including a wave pool, white ocean sands, multiple slides, and a zip line. It also features several areas like sand volleyball and basketball courts. Practice your jump shot at High Tide Hoops, then dry off and hang out in the family arcade. The staff loaded this indoor entertainment area with all your favorite games.

Mom and dad will love the pool-side beverage service, while the older kids can attend special events like art festivals and live concerts. Thanks to its rolling terrain and real palm trees, this unique destination touts plenty of shade. Head to The Beach this summer armed with a season pass. You’ll save time and money with passes starting at just $69.99 each. There are also family packages that feature four tickets, parking, and bring-a-friend vouchers.

Cincinnati Zoo

Every child loves spending the day at the zoo, and Cincinnati’s version won’t disappoint them. It’s on Vine Street in the city’s Avondale neighborhood. Founders opened it in 1873, making it the second-oldest zoo in the country. First, meet the famous hippo, Fiona. Then, shop the store for a stuffed animal that looks just like her. Other animal residents include birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles.

This zoo also offers guests a botanical garden. Wander through exhibits growing examples of many native plants, plus displays of conifer trees and tulips. Your kids will get to learn about pollinators in the Butterfly Garden and rain garden installations from the Horticulture Department.

So, there you have it. Crème de la Crème of the Deerfield Township and Mason area just informed you of the six best kid-friendly attractions for the family near home. Did you like our picks? Did we miss a favorite entertaining destination of yours — one locals would love? If we did, let us know! Drop us a line so we can add your suggestions to our list.