Imagine a place where you can visit exotic animals, float down a lazy river, and even race go-karts. If this sounds like the ultimate family day trip destination, there's a little-known water park and animal safari in Ohio you need to know about. The Watering Hole at Monsoon Lagoon in Port Clinton, Ohio is a fantastic family day trip destination. It's both an exotic animal safari and a water park.
Animal lovers near and far will want to travel to The Watering Hole at Monsoon Lagoon.
You'll find it along S Danbury Road in Port Clinton, Ohio.
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There's both a walk-thru zoo and a drive-thru safari option at The Watering Hole.
Here, you'll observe animals from around the world, indulging giraffes, zebras, goats, camels, kangaroos, and so much more.
Feed buckets are also available to purchase.
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After you've had your safari adventure, have some fun in the sun at the onsite water park.
You can purchase passes for both the zoo and water park, or single passes for just the water park or just the zoo.
With multiple water slides, a lazy river, and pools for all ages, there's plenty of ways to make a splash.
There's even a swim-up tiki bar in the adults only pool!
If you need to take a break for some lunch, there's plenty of options.
You can even rent private cabanas, so you can take a break from soaking up the sun anytime.
Still not sure if your family would love this unique destination? There's also go-karts, mini golf, and other outdoor activities. You definitely won't be bored!
Tubing and tacos – can you think of a better pairing? This day trip to Crooked River Adventures and Barrio promises fun and delicious food, all on one tank of gas. Save travel time and enjoy an unforgettable tubing day trip in northwest Ohio.
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Google Maps offers two routes between Crooked River Adventures in Burton and Barrio in Kent, so you can choose which is easiest for you based on personal preference and current traffic. The shortest route spans 22.8 miles in about 35 minutes; the longer route takes only 37 minutes over 24.7 miles.
A day trip is a perfect way to spend a leisurely day. So, don’t worry if this one is too far for you to hit the road. Check out these other amazing day trips in Ohio that also offer unforgettable adventures.
Start your day with a relaxing meander down the Upper Cuyahoga River in a kayak or a canoe rental from Crooked River Adventures in Burton, a perfect adventure for a group of friends or the whole family.
Before your adventure begins, pack everything you need for a fun and safe day on the water. The family-owned adventure company recommends bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and food and water in water-proof containers.
Be prepared to get a bit wet, too, by wearing water shoes, tennis shoes, or sandals. Your best bet is to avoid flip-flops. Bring along a poncho or a long-sleeved shirt, too, in case it gets cool.
Once you’re all packed for your adventure, you can grab all of the supplies you need at Crooked River Adventures. Rent a kayak, a canoe, or a standup paddleboard. Life vests and paddles are also available.
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The five-mile journey along the Upper Cuyahoga River usually takes between two and four hours. Canoes hold a maximum of three adults or, if you’re bringing the kiddos along, two adults and two children.
Meander down the river once you’ve signed a waiver, paid a deposit, and provided identification to the adventure company.
Even with snacks on the river, you’ve probably worked up a hearty appetite, which makes Barrio Kent, a popular taco joint with several locations in Ohio, the perfect destination.
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While it boasts the motto of “have a taco or two,” once you get a bite of Barrio’s famous tacos, you’ll probably want quite a few more. The popular taco stand offers a selection of tacos, or you can custom-build your own.
Building your own taco is a six-step process that will leave your mouth watering and your stomach gnawing in anticipation. Start by deciding which proteins you want; pulled pork, the fish of the day, and thick-cut bacon are a few of your many choices.
What’ll you have your taco in? A hard corn shell? A soft flour wrap? Or a bowl with rice? Then, pick your cheese, toppings, sauce, and salsa. Go as bold or as mild as you want. It’s all up to you.
Take a peek at the specials, too, which might feature such classics as the chicken shawarma taco and garlic chickpea guacamole. For the perfect meal, add a margarita. You’ve got a choice of nearly a dozen.
Browse the full menu on the official website of Barrio Kent, or check out the Facebook page of Barrio Kent.
After a fun day tubing under the sun in Ohio, you won’t find a better meal than a hearty helping of tacos. Customize the Google Map directions for the trip to Crooked River Adventures and Barrio Kent. However, that’s just the beginning of all of the fun that awaits in Ohio. Keep up-to-date with all of the cool happenings and fun adventures by following the Facebook page of Only In Ohio, and then sign up for Ohio’s daily newsletter.
Have you been to these fun-filled destinations before? Do you think it's the best tubing in Ohio? How about one of the best day trips in Ohio? Let me know - I'd love to hear your thoughts! Get ready for some fun and unique adventures – grab your tubing gear and road trip essentials, and let’s hit the road for an awesome time!
There are a lot of great things about living in Ohio. For starters, the scenery is incredible and the food can't be beat. We've got a few of the best day trips in Ohio planned for you in various regions throughout the Buckeye state, and if you're in the northeast part of the state, you're in for a real treat with the following taco and tubing in Ohio adventure.
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In northeast Ohio, Mohican Adventures is an outdoor adventure site like no other. You can enjoy canoes, tubing, camping, fishing, swimming, go-karting, and mini-golf -- all in one location! You're sure to be hungry after all that fun, so lucky for you that La Cascada is under two hours south in the great city of Columbus - you won't even go through a full tank of gas. There are a few different routes to take, so make sure to judge what works best for your schedule on Google Maps.
Mohican Adventures has a variety of attractions, including go-karts and mini-golf, but they're best known for their Mohican River trips. Visitors can choose between canoes, kayaks, tubes, or rafts, and there are a variety of packages to pick from.
The serene view of the peaceful river will have you forgetting about all your worries and strife! Ohio has so many beautiful outdoor areas, and there's no better way to explore the outdoors than from the comfort of the river.
The seven-mile trip down one of the most serene lazy rivers in Ohio is completely downstream and you'll even come across two small islands to stop at on the way!
Since it's considered a Class 1 river, the Mohican is pretty easy to traverse.
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Whether you're out with friends or on a solo adventure, there's nothing like a trip down a river to help you enjoy a warm day.
For more information, including a Mohican Adventures map, check out the Mohican Adventures website.
After all that outdoor activity, you'll be ready for a tasty meal. Head south about 90 miles and you'll hit La Cascada Restaurant & Bar, one of the most popular Mexican eateries in Columbus.
La Cascada offers patio dining, to-go ordering, and inside tables.
The authentic menu has many dishes you won't find in other Mexican restaurants. You'll feel like you just stepped into the streets of Oaxaca as you enjoy the Torta Azteca and beef tongue tacos.
La Cascada boasts only the freshest of ingredients. Their alcohol menu is second to none (their mango margaritas are especially popular!)
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Why not wash down your tasty meal with a bottle of Jarritos soda for the full Mexican experience? La Cascada offers Jarritos and Sidral, a popular Mexican apple soda.
You'll be smiling and full at the end of this day. After all, it's one of the best day trips in Ohio! Don't forget the sunscreen and make sure not to overeat! All you have to do is enter your starting address on Google Maps, fill up the tank, and prepare to enjoy an amazing day! For more great Ohio destinations, make sure to subscribe to the Only in Ohio daily newsletter and follow the Only in Ohio Facebook page.