Summer is heating up in Mason. Near-record temperatures are expected on Thursday, with forecasters calling for a high of around 101 degrees. No worries. Here are eight ways to beat the heat in Mason without clinging to your AC unit.
Mason Community Center
6050 Mason-Montgomery Road, 513-229-8555, www.imaginemason.org
Cool off at the Mason Community Center’s indoor pools. The center offers a leisure pool complete with water playground, spray geysers, lazy river/vortex, tot slide and a twisting, three-story water flume slide or swim laps in the center’s 25-meter by 25-yard competition pool. The center also offers a wide array of aquatic fitness programs and swim lessons after which you can relax in its 5,900-gallon whirlpool. Three levels of membership are offered: Basic memberships begin at $52 for adults, with family discounts available. Or purchase a day pass at $20 for adults and $10 youth/seniors.
Lou Eves Municipal Pool
Corwin M. Nixon Park, 6249 Mason-Montgomery Road, 513-229-8553, www.imaginemason.org
Even though it may be a scorcher outside, you’re sure to stay cool at the Lou Eves Municipal Pool. Amenities at the recently upgraded city pool include a climbing wall, water slide, baby pool, children’s play area and snack bar. Regular resident passes are $73 adults; $45 youth and senior citizens and $128 for families. Daily resident admission is $5.50 adults and $4.50 youth and seniors. Additional cost for non-residents, with special prices available for people who work in Mason but don’t live there. Children ages 3 and under are free. Daily pass rates are discounted 50 percent after 5 p.m.
Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive, 513-754-5700, www.visitkingsisland.com
Dive into the fun at Kings Island’s all new and expanded Soak City water park. The $10 million expansion doubles the water park’s size to 33 acres and features new amenities and attractions, including a 650,000-gallon wave pool, sand volleyball courts, three times more chairs and open grass for lounging. Or stay cool on one of KI’s 13 thrill rides. Soak City is included in the cost of park admission. Season passes start at $99.99 for adults and $72.99 for juniors; daily admission available for $36.99 for adults and $32.99 for children (online only).
Great Wolf Lodge
2501 Great Wolf Drive, 513-459-8885, www.greatwolf.com
You’re sure to keep your cool in this 84-degree indoor water park, which features 93,000 square feet of indoor entertainment space. Attractions include the 79,000-square-foot Bear Track Landing water park, with 12 waterslides, six pools and 100 lifeguards; more than 100 video games in the resort arcade; four restaurants and cafes and nightly fireside storytimes. The park is open to registered guests; standard suite prices begin at $229.99.
Mason Public Library
200 Reading Road, 513-398-2711, www.masonpl.lib.oh.us
Looking for a free way to beat the heat? Check out the Mason Public Library. Chill out in the library’s air conditioning with a good book or take park in one of the library’s programs for adults and children. Adult programs include reading programs, discussion groups and Whole Foods classes. Children can take part in weekly story times, games, summer reading programs or read to a therapy dog. All programs are free and open to the public.
Regal Cinemas
5500 Deerfield Blvd., 513-770-0964, www.regmovies.com
Grab some friends and popcorn and check out one of the summer’s blockbuster hits at Regal Cinemas in Deerfield Township. Movie theaters always crank up the air-conditioning (you may even need a light sweater), so going should keep you out of the sun for at least two hours and keep you nice and cool. Ticket prices range from $7.50 for matinee showings to $10 for evening showings.
Tucker’s Whippy Dip
127 East Main Street, 513-459-7966.
This popular ice cream shop has had many incarnations throughout its more than 50-year history, but pleasing crowds has remained a constant. Nothing says summertime like biting into a creamy mound of soft serve covered with sprinkles or a hard chocolate shell Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry . . . it’s all good.
Graeter’s
5076 Natorp Blvd., 513-339-0140, www.graeters.com
Dig into summer with a cone or sundae at this Cincinnati-based ice cream parlor chain. Graeter’s, which is popular for such irresistible flavor combinations like Elena’s Blueberry Pie and Buckeye Blitz, recently released the first of two mystery flavors slated for 2012: Cake Batter Fudge Brownie. Or try some of the chain’s handmade chocolates and confections or baked goods. Bon appétit.
