Get Your Fun On: The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Mason, Ohio
Kings Island is why people come to Mason. Over 100 rides, 16 roller coasters, and Orion reaching 91 mph and a height of 287 feet. Soak City is inside it. Great Wolf Lodge has another 79,000 square feet of indoor water park down the road. The rest of Mason is the Lindner Family Tennis Center, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus course, and a park where you can throw axes.
Planning a visit to Mason, Ohio raises the question of what to do while you are there. Mason carries a long list of activities and places that will fill a stay. Amusement parks and water adventures through to the history of the area, it covers a lot.
Kings Island is where the fun is, one of the most popular amusement parks in the Midwest. With over 100 rides, including 16 roller coasters, it is the destination for thrill-seekers. Water people get the rides and attractions at Soak City Water Park, which sits inside Kings Island.
For something more relaxing, head to Great Wolf Lodge for a day of water. With indoor and outdoor water activities, water slides, lazy rivers and wave pools among them, Great Wolf Lodge works for families and groups.
Key Takeaways
- Mason, Ohio, has a variety of fun things to do and places to visit for all ages.
- Kings Island and Great Wolf Lodge are popular amusement parks that offer thrilling rides and water adventures.
- Mason’s rich history and vibrant nightlife, as well as its unique experiences and shopping destinations, make it a great destination for a fun-filled vacation.
Unleashing the Fun at Kings Island
You are in for a wild ride at Kings Island, the largest amusement park in the Midwest. With over 40 thrilling rides, you will not run out of things to do. Expect to scream, laugh and lose a day to it.
First, the roller coasters. Thrill-seekers should not miss Banshee, the world’s longest inverted roller coaster. With seven inversions and speeds of up to 68 mph, it is not for the faint of heart. For a different kind of thrill, Delirium, a pendulum ride that swings you 115 feet in the air at 75 mph. And for something braver, Orion, the newest roller coaster, which reaches a top speed of 91 mph and a height of 287 feet.
Kings Island is not only for adrenaline junkies. Traveling with children, head over to Planet Snoopy, a section of the park built for them. They meet their favorite Peanuts characters, ride the Woodstock Express and play in the splash pad. There are family rides too, the K.I. & Miami Valley Railroad and Invertigo among them.
And there is the live entertainment. Acrobatic shows through to musical performances, the programme covers a lot. Take a break from the rides and watch the performers with some cotton candy.
Kings Island is where to spend the day. Roller coaster fanatic or someone after a good time, both are covered at this park. Grab the friends and family and go.
Water Adventures at Great Wolf Lodge
For a wet afternoon, Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park. With over 79,000 square feet of it, the range covers every age.
First, the wave pool. It works like a beach without the drive. For something slower, grab a tube and float down the lazy river.
For something more thrilling, head to the Splash River. The fast-moving attraction twists and turns through the water. Expect to get wet.
Hotel guests get access to the water park all day. Visiting for the day is fine too; you buy a day pass and get everything the water park runs.
Staying overnight, do not forget the room perks. Some rooms come with their own private water park access, so you can swim whenever you want. And for something more adventurous, book a room with a water slide in it.
Grab the swimsuit. Great Wolf Lodge’s water park handles a wet afternoon whatever the weather is doing outside.
Tee Off at Mason’s Golf Courses
You may not be the next Jack Nicklaus and you can still play a round at Mason’s finest golf courses. The Grizzly Golf and Social Lodge is the premier golfing destination here, where you play the Grizzly, an 18-hole championship course played by the best of the PGA, the LPGA and the Senior PGA TOUR for the last 50 years.
The Grizzly Course is named after its designer Jack Nicklaus, also known as “The Golden Bear.” You will not face the same course the pros did. It runs multiple tees, so you can pick the one that suits your game.
Short on time, head to the Grizzly Golf & Social Lodge’s Academy Course, which runs four championship golf holes. It works when you want to practice the swing without giving up an afternoon.
The Grizzly Golf & Social Lodge is the city of Mason’s premier golf and social operation. Play 18 holes on The Grizzly, practice on the 4-hole Academy, take instruction, or become a member and use all of it.
Book a tee time at The Grizzly Golf & Social Lodge and go.
Exploring Mason’s Rich History
You are in Mason, Ohio and you want the town’s history. You are in luck. Mason carries plenty of historical sites and museums.
First, William Mason, the man the town is named after. You can visit his old homestead, now the Alverta Green Museum. The exhibits cover Mason’s founder and the town’s early days.
Military history readers should check out the Veterans Memorial Museum. It holds artifacts and exhibits telling the stories of American soldiers from the Civil War to the present day. And for tanks and other military vehicles, the Tri-State Warbird Museum.
There is more than that. Mason also has a couple of history museums worth checking out. The Mason Historical Society Museum holds a collection of artifacts and documents covering Mason’s past. And for the history of the Ohio Valley, the Heritage Village Museum.
Local history, military history or history in general, Mason covers all three. Get out there and explore.
The Thrill of Sports in Mason
Mason reads as a quiet little town and it is not. Mason is home to some of the strongest sports activities in Ohio.
Tennis fans should check out the Linden Family Tennis Center. The state-of-the-art facility is where you practice a backhand or watch some of the finest players in the world compete. And with luck you get tickets to the Western and Southern Open, one of the biggest tennis tournaments in the country.
Team sports people are covered too. Soccer fans get the fields at Schappacher Park, and basketball players get the local courts. For a more laid-back game, the softball fields at Sundin Fields at Heritage Oak Park handle a sunny afternoon.
Whatever your sport, Mason has it. Grab the gear and go.
Leisure Activities in Mason
For leisure activities in Mason, Ohio, the options are here. Fitness junkie or someone after outdoor time, Mason covers both.
Water aerobics people will take to the Mason Community Center’s Aquatic Center. The classes run from beginner to advanced, so you get a proper workout in the water. It also handles the summer heat.
Prefer to stay dry, check out the fitness classes at one of Mason’s many studios. Yoga through to kickboxing, the range covers most tastes. For something more adventurous, a trampoline fitness class.
For outdoor time, Mason has plenty of options. Take a hike at the nearby Caesar Creek State Park or work the trails at the Kings Island Amusement Park. And for thrill-seekers, the roller coasters at Kings Island, which are not for the faint of heart.
Need more inspiration, check Tripadvisor’s list of the top things to do in Mason. Museums through to amusement parks, the range will turn up something.
Get out there and start working through the leisure activities Mason carries.
Mason sits between Cincinnati and Dayton, off Interstate 71. Kings Island is at the north end of town and it is where most of the money goes. Great Wolf Lodge adjoins it. Deerfield Towne Center has over 50 stores and restaurants, and a farmer’s market on Saturdays in summer. The Lindner Family Tennis Center is off Tri-Way Drive. Caesar Creek State Park is a drive east, it costs nothing to walk in, and it is the cheapest full day you will have here.
Mason’s Vibrant Nightlife
For a night out, Mason, Ohio holds up. The nightlife scene here covers most tastes.
Beer people are in luck. Mason has a set of bars and breweries serving some of the finest craft beer in the area. Check out Sonder Brewing for the atmosphere and the beer selection. Or head over to Cove 51 for something more upscale, with the food and cocktails to match.
Prefer wine, that is covered too. Many of Mason’s bars and restaurants run a strong wine list. Try the wine bar at The Wildflower Cafe for a cozy and intimate room.
For live music, Mason has it. Many of its bars and restaurants run live music on weekends. Check out Diggs Bar & Grill for a lively room and strong bands.
For classic bar food, head over to J.D.’s Honky Tonk Grill. The bar and grill runs everything from burgers to wings to nachos, in a friendly room.
Whatever you are in the mood for, Mason’s nightlife covers it. Grab some friends and head out.
Unique Experiences in Mason
For something a little different to do in Mason, these are the experiences to find:
Get Creative with Pottery
Feeling artsy, head over to the Mad Potter, a pottery studio where you paint your own pottery and make something one-of-a-kind. You do not need to be an artist; the staff walk you through it. It also makes an unusual souvenir of the trip to Mason.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
To see Mason from a different angle, take a hot air balloon ride with Bella Balloons Hot Air Balloon Company. You soar above the city with the surrounding countryside underneath. It is the kind of thing you do once and remember.
DIY with AR Workshop
Feeling crafty, head over to AR Workshop for a DIY afternoon. They run classes where you make your own home decor, wood signs through to canvas pillows. You can bring your own snacks and drinks while you work. It fills a creative afternoon with friends.
Whichever unusual experience you pick, Mason holds up.
Shopping Spree in Mason
You cannot visit Mason without a shopping trip. Unusual gifts, clothing or quirky souvenirs to take home, Mason covers all three.
Head over to the AR Workshop Mason Art Galleries for the DIY side. You make your own customized home decor or jewelry while drinking wine. It works for a day out with friends or a date.
Bookworms should find Half Price Books. The selection runs books, magazines and vinyl records at discounted prices. It is where to stock up on the reading list without spending much.
For an unusual shopping trip, check out Jungle Jim’s International Market. It is not an average grocery store. Exotic fruits, imported chocolates and a live seafood section where you pick your own fish are all in there.
For designer brands and upscale shopping, head over to the Cincinnati Premium Outlets. The deals on high-end fashion brands like Michael Kors, Coach and Calvin Klein are the reason to go.
And do not forget Mim’s Off Main for the quirky gifts. Vera Bradley bags through to novelty socks, the stock is a broad one. It is where to find something memorable to take home.
Put on the walking shoes and go shopping in Mason.
Mason’s Thriving Business Community
Mason, Ohio reads as a small town with character, and it is also home to a working business community that keeps the place busy.
Procter & Gamble is one of the biggest employers in Mason, with over 1,900 employees at their Mason Business Center. They make some of the products you already use, Crest toothpaste, Olay skincare and Iams pet food among them. Next time you brush your teeth, that came from here.
It is not only big corporations that call Mason home. There are plenty of small businesses adding to the town’s character. Boutique clothing stores through to artisanal bakeries, and each one has its own personality.
The best thing about Mason’s business community is that it keeps finding new ways to grow. They are not content to coast on what worked before. They keep looking for new opportunities and trying things.
Big corporation or small business owner, Mason works as a place to set up. The community is supportive and the opportunities for growth are real.
Exploring the Neighborhoods of Mason
You have made it to Mason, Ohio. Now for the neighborhoods and what is in them.
First, Lebanon. This town is a short drive away and it handles a day trip. Take a stroll down the historic streets and work through the antique shops. Something worth having usually turns up.
Next, Loveland. The town is known for its bike trail and it takes a picnic well. Grab some snacks and take the scenery.
Now the main roads in Mason. Deerfield Blvd is where the shopping and dining are. Tylersville Rd handles a quick commute, and watch for the speed traps. Greentree Rd is a quiet drive and works for a Sunday afternoon. Shore Dr takes a walk by the water. Montgomery Rd is a hub for businesses and restaurants. Courseview Dr is home to the Golf Center at Kings Island, so bring the clubs.
For a bit of history, take a stroll down Church St. The road holds some of the oldest buildings in Mason and it photographs well.
Lastly, the surrounding areas. Warren County is full of outdoor activities, hiking through to fishing. Reading Rd is where car enthusiasts show off their rides. Fairway Drive works for golfers, with several courses in the area. Mason Montgomery Road covers shopping and dining across plenty of options. Tri-Way Drive is home to the Lindner Family Tennis Center, so bring the racket.
Wherever you go in Mason, something is worth seeing. Grab a map and hit the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most unique thing to do in Mason, Ohio?
For something out of the ordinary, head over to the Full Throttle Adrenaline Park. Go-karts, axe throwing and paintball between them will get the heart going. They also run virtual reality experiences.
What’s the tastiest spot to grab a bite in Mason?
You cannot go wrong with a classic burger from Quatman Cafe. The local joint has been running since 1966 and has been serving burgers ever since. They also have a secret sauce that brings people back.
What are some fun facts about Mason, Ohio?
Mason is home to the largest tennis stadium in the world. The Lindner Family Tennis Center hosts the Western & Southern Open every year and draws some of the biggest names in tennis.
What’s the best shopping spot in Mason, Ohio?
For retail therapy, head over to the Deerfield Towne Center. With over 50 stores and restaurants, something will land. They also run a farmer’s market on Saturdays during the summer months.
What’s the closest major city to Mason, Ohio?
Cincinnati is a short drive away and carries plenty of attractions. Check out the Cincinnati Zoo, catch a game at Great American Ball Park, or take a stroll along the riverfront.
Frequently asked questions about Mason, Ohio
How many roller coasters are in the Kings Island park?
Sixteen, in a park carrying over 100 rides in total. Banshee is the world’s longest inverted coaster, with seven inversions and speeds of up to 68 mph, and Orion tops out at 91 mph off a height of 287 feet. Wear shoes you can run in.
How big is the Great Wolf Lodge water park in Mason?
Over 79,000 square feet of it, indoors, so the weather outside stops mattering. A wave pool, a lazy river and the Splash River. Hotel guests get it all day and everyone else buys a day pass, which is the thing to check before you drive over.
Is the Grizzly worth playing in Mason, Ohio?
It is an 18-hole championship course designed by Jack Nicklaus and played by the PGA, the LPGA and the Senior PGA TOUR for the last 50 years. Multiple tees mean you are not forced to play it their way. For a shorter round, the 4-hole Academy Course.
Keep exploring Mason, Ohio
More places to visit in Ohio
- Massilon, Ohio: what to do
- Our Maumee, Ohio travel guide
- Best of Medina, Ohio
- Our Mentor, Ohio travel guide
- Best of Miamisburg, Ohio
Top destinations in Ohio
All things to do in Ohio