Sheesh, it’s really heating up here in Columbus and that can only mean one thing – it’s time to get out on the water. If your relationship with the summer heat is complicated and you’re looking for a way to cool off, this is the article for you.
Whether you’re looking for canoeing and kayaking, a waterfront getaway, or just a place to rent a boat and have some fun, we’ve got you covered.
Get those bathing suits out, consider investing in one of those portable fans that gently mists water, and read on!
1. Rent a Paddleboard or Kayak at Windrose Outdoor
233 S. Civic Center Dr, Columbus, Ohio / more info
Lather up that sunscreen and get ready for a day on the water! At Windrose Outdoor, you can rent kayaks and paddle boards while enjoying panoramic views of the Columbus skyline. It’s an arm workout, so take a dip in the water (oar don’t), and soothe your bis and tris in the scenic Scioto River.
2. Take a Private River Cruise on the Scioto River
Griggs Reservoir Park, 2933 Riverside Dr. Columbus, Ohio 43221 / more info
Cap City River Time offers morning, midday, and sunset river cruises for groups up to six so you can relish the moment and cruise on the Scioto River. Let the misty breeze lull you into a state of total relaxation, and watch as the sunset casts a magical pink hue onto the water. Or, if you’re a different breed of human and the idea of relaxation sends you into a spiral, schedule a powerboat ride. As long as the cap’n gives the go-ahead, you can request to travel at full-speed.
3. Rent a Pontoon Boat at Buckeye Lake
2438 Refugee St, Millersport OH 43046 / more info
Located just 30 minutes outside of Columbus, Buckeye Lake exists as Ohio’s oldest state park and is a legendary spot for all kinds of water-related activities. If you don’t have a boat, don’t buy one – I mean, unless you really want to. With Got Buckeye Lake Rentals, you can rent a pontoon boat and cruise into the sunset. Try not to cry about this next part, even though it might be difficult. Bring the dog treats and leashes, because your pets are welcome aboard!
4. Drop a Line at Alum Creek Lake
3615 s Old State Rd, Delaware OH 43015 / more info
Alum Creek is just 30 minutes north of Columbus and one of the best spots in central Ohio to do some fishing. Alum Creek is a real catch of a lake (see what we did there) and can accommodate more than just fisher-folk. If fishing isn’t really your cup of tea, don’t fret – there’s plenty of spots to do some swimming, sunning, boating, and paddling.
5. Visit the Groveport Aquatic Center
7370 Groveport Rd, Groveport OH 43125 / more info
If large, naturally-occurring bodies of water sorta give you the heebie-jeebies, the Groveport Aquatic Center is a nice middle ground to make sure you get in the water this summer. There is a sizable outdoor pool with two abnormally-large (and safe) water slides, diving boards, a sprayground if you’re not the “submerging type,” and perhaps the best feature – a lazy river. We’ve never met a lazy river we didn’t like.
6. Go River-floating with Pea Ohana
126 Muskingum Ave Suite P, Zanesville OH 43701 / more info
This is definitely a top-of-the-lister for us, and we think you’ll agree. Hop into a tube, zip up your life vests, and float down Licking River with Pea Ohana. Be prepared to pass through some rapids and float under the Y-Bridge in Downtown Zanesville. Have a pint at the craft brewery above the boathouse, and check this off your list.
7. Go to Zoombezi Bay
4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Sure, Zoombezi Bay isn’t a naturally occurring water source, but that’s not going to stop us from having a good day splashing and sliding around! With 14 different attractions and rides and tons of areas for you to just soak up the sun, there’s not a much better way to get your tan on.
