THINGS TO DO IN
  MASON

Things To Do In Cincinnati, OH

Museums & Gardens

1. Cincinnati Art Museum
2. Cincinnati Fire Museum
3. Cincinnati Museum Center
4. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
5. Contemporary Arts Center
6. National Aviation Heritage Area
7. National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
8. Newport Aquarium

Parks & Outdoor Activities

1. BB Riverboats
2. Ozone Zipline Adventures
3. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
4. Red Stewart Airfield Plane Rides

Food & Entertainment

1. Cincinnati Premium Outlets
2. Jungle Jim's International Market
3. Lazer Kraze

Sports

1. Paul Brown Stadium
2. Great American Ball Park
3. Nippert Stadium
4. Fifth Third Arena

Things To Do In Mason, OH

1. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Mason
2. Kings Island Amusement Park
3. Lindner Family Tennis Center
4. Sonder Brewing
5. Pine Hill Lakes Park

Things To Do In Dayton, OH

1. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
2. Five Rivers MetroParks
3. Dayton Art Institute
4. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
5. Carillon Historical Park
6. University of Dayton

Things To Do In Springfield, OH

1. Springfield Museum of Art
2. Edwards Apple Orchard
3. Heritage Center Museum & Gardens
4. Black River Reservation
5. Downtown Historic Walking Tour

Things To Do In Columbus, OH

1. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
2. COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
3. Columbus Museum of Art
4. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
5. German Village
6. Ohio State University Athletics

Just a short 30-minute drive—about 21 miles—from Great Wolf Lodge Mason, Cincinnati delivers big-city fun paired with Midwest flair. From arts and culture to family entertainment and sports, you’ll find plenty of ways to extend your Mason getaway. Continue reading for some of the best stuff to do in Cincinnati. 

Museums & Gardens

Cincinnati includes some of the most captivating museums and lush garden spaces in the region—perfect for a reflective afternoon or a leisurely walk amid beautiful surroundings.

Located in scenic Eden Park, the Cincinnati Art Museum features an unparalleled art collection of more than 60,000 works spanning 6,000 years. In addition to displaying its own broad collection, the Art Museum also hosts several national and international traveling exhibitions each year.

This Museum has over 200 years of firefighting history on display. Visit exhibits of early leather fire buckets, a Hunneman hand pumper, an 1808 fire drum and the oldest surviving fire engine in the area.

This is a one-of-a-kind, multi-museum complex housed in Union Terminal, a historic Art Deco train station and National Historic Landmark.

Lions and tigers and bears - and giraffes and penguins and flowers too. The Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the top zoos in the nation. Perfect for the entire family.

Founded in 1939 as the Modern Art Society by three visionary local women, the Contemporary Arts Center was one of the first institutions in the United States dedicated to exhibiting contemporary art.

Home of the Wright brothers and long known as the Birthplace of Aviation, the Dayton region is now recognized as the National Aviation Heritage Area.

The Freedom Center's physical location is just a few steps from the banks of the Ohio River, which separated slave from free states in the period of American history when slavery was sanctioned in law. The museum tells that story in major exhibits and programs.

Experience the most amazing collection of aquatic creatures around including extremely rare sharks like Sweet Pea and Scooter: the stars of the only Shark Ray breeding program in the world. Go behind the scenes where to touch the playful penguins, pet sharks and hand-feed free-flying Lorikeets.

Parks & Outdoor Activities

Lace up your walking shoes and explore expansive parks, scenic trails, and riverside spots that offer fresh air, recreation, and relaxation in the heart of Hamilton County, OH.

One-of-a-kind breathtaking cruises on the beautiful Ohio River including dining cruises, sightseeing cruises, kids cruises, holiday cruises and more.

Ozone Zipline Adventures at YMCA Camp Kern is bringing the fun-filled, high-flying experience, popular at exotic vacation spots right here to the Little Miami Valley.

Overlooking the Great Miami River, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is a 265 acre sculpture park and outdoor museum combining the lure of nature with the dynamic presence of monumental art.

Stewarts Aircraft Service offers rides, in a variety of airplanes such as Piper Cubs, Aeronca Champs and a beautifully restored 1942 PT-17 Stearman biplane.

Food & Entertainment

Cincinnati is home to vibrant neighborhoods brimming with shopping, restaurants, live music, and entertainment venues—from classic favorites to the newest hot spots.

Mason, in Warren County, Ohio, combines small-town charm with dynamic attractions—think amusement parks, local parks, and immersive experiences that make it a standout destination in Southwest Ohio.

Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Mason is a premier family destination offering year-round fun just steps from your hotel room. Guests can enjoy dozens of water attractions, from thrilling slides and wave pools to the relaxing lazy river and kid-friendly splash zones. Beyond the water park, the resort features themed suites, an arcade, family dining, and activities like MagiQuest to keep kids entertained long after swimming. Its location in Warren County makes it an easy drive to nearby attractions, while offering everything you need for a complete getaway under one roof. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or an extended vacation, Great Wolf Lodge Mason combines adventure, comfort, and convenience for families of all sizes. It’s no wonder it’s a favorite stop for visitors exploring things to do in Mason and the greater Cincinnati area.

There are plenty of things to do at Kings Island. One of the major Cincinnati attractions, this destination has a variety of rides, events and entertainment families can enjoy together during the season. Keep reading for more things to do near Kings Island. Most of the activities listed below are just a short drive away from the park.

One of the world’s premier tennis venues, this state-of-the-art complex hosts the annual Cincinnati Open, drawing top professional players and fans from around the globe.

Sonder Brewing is a local brewery offering a relaxed taproom experience and a variety of handcrafted beers for visitors to enjoy.

Pine Hill Lakes Park is a scenic local park featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and outdoor recreational opportunities for the whole family.

About an hour northwest of Mason, Dayton is rich in aviation history, museums, and park spaces—offering creative, cultural, and outdoor experiences for all ages.

Prepare to have a high-flying time at the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum!

Greater Dayton’s premier park district, spanning over 15,400 acres across 25 unique facilities including parks, trails, educational centers, and conservation areas—named for the five rivers that converge in the region.

Discover a world-class collection of fine art spanning centuries and cultures, housed in a beautiful Italian Renaissance-style building.

A family-friendly science center and zoo offering interactive exhibits, live animal habitats, and a planetarium.

Step back in time at this 65-acre open-air museum showcasing Dayton’s rich heritage, from early settlement to industrial innovation.

Home to the Flyers, this vibrant campus offers exciting NCAA basketball and football games, giving visitors a taste of Dayton’s passionate spor

Just over an hour north of Mason, Springfield offers a mix of nature, culture, and history. Explore scenic parks, local museums, and historic sites to turn a short drive into an enriching day trip.

The Springfield Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of American artwork, offering rotating exhibitions and engaging programs in a welcoming, community-focused setting.

This charming orchard invites visitors to pick their own apples, sample fresh cider, and enjoy seasonal treats in a picturesque rural setting.

Explore local history through engaging exhibits and stroll the beautiful gardens at this community museum that celebrates regional heritage.

Discover scenic walking or biking paths along the Black River, where native wildlife and lush woodland make it an ideal nature escape.

Wander through Springfield’s vibrant downtown with a self-guided historic walking tour that highlights Victorian-era architecture, notable landmarks, and architectural details.

Roughly 90 minutes northeast of Mason, Columbus is Ohio’s dynamic capital city—offering art, parks, and science experiences perfect for a bold adventure.

Home to thousands of animals from around the world, the Columbus Zoo combines interactive exhibits, conservation programs, and family-friendly fun.

This hands-on science museum offers interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and engaging displays that spark curiosity for visitors of all ages.

Featuring American and European works, rotating exhibitions, and a stunning sculpture garden, this museum blends classic collections with contemporary creativity.

Explore vibrant plant collections, seasonal flower shows, and immersive glasshouse displays in this lush, urban oasis.

A historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, charming brick homes, and beloved restaurants and shops—perfect for strolling and sightseeing.

Cheer on the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium for football or at the Schottenstein Center for basketball, where the energy rivals any major league venue.

That's it for our list of things to do in Mason, OH and near Cincinnati! Hopefully you're able to explore some of these awesome attractions during your visit. Head over to our lodge if you need a place to all home during your stay. Our Mason location offers specialty suites able to accommodate families of all sizes. You'll feel like your camping out in the Northern Woods in no time! Don't worry about missing out if you can't make the trip. We can bring the Great Wolf experience to you! Check out our blog for tons of fun activities to do at home with the family.