 Family Travel Files Ezine Family Vacations Resource |
Ohio: Warren County, Family Vacation Fun - Celebrate Winter Holidays at the Beach.  The Beach Waterpark, perfect on a hot summer day, also has a high-energy winter personality which makes it an ideal escape for families. From old-fashioned carriage ride and reindeer at Santa's Village to live bands, carolers and a production by Madcap Puppet Theater, the activities are tempting.
Count the lights. Immerse yourself in the dazzling vista created by thousands of twinkling holiday lights and animated displays silhouetting the park. The most unique outdoor lighting display around includes whimsical Elves taking a 5-story plunge down The Cliff in a runaway bobsled and Santa's Sleigh flying from the rooftop.
Discover the Nativity. The real meaning of the season is presented in a living Nativity, a re-creation of the first Christmas scene where Shepherds attend the stable watching over their cattle and flock of sheep. Real Mediterranean donkeys and a Dromedary camel keep watch on this authentic representation of Christmas.
Warm your toes. Share the spirit of the season that will abound in the heated Festhaus Pavilion where you can 'warm your toes' and enjoy a selection of holiday treats and libations along with nightly entertainment that includes live bands, carolers a unique holiday entertainment production by Madcap Puppet Theater.
Skate or slide. Glide across 7,500 square feet of smooth, glossy ice on an all new winter fantasy outdoor ice skating rink on Carroll's Lake. Go for a slide on Cool Runnings Toboggan Slide. Nowhere else in Ohio will you find real winter adventure of the dual toboggan slides of the Cool Runnings Toboggan Slide. Drag your sled to the top of the Banzai and race to a breathtaking finish on the frozen shores of Kahuna Beach on two fast and furious downhill toboggan slides.
Watch the Polar Express Miniature Train. The child in everyone delights to spy the miniature trains of The Polar Express Miniature Train Display as they wend their way across the interweaving high and low trestle bridges, whistle through tunnels and pine forests, pass old-fashioned villages, and disappear behind the waterfalls of Splash Mountain.
Ride and old-fashioned carriage. Take a journey back to the old west in Winterset, John Wayne's Birthplace. Majestic Percheron horses team by twos and take you on an Old-Fashioned Carriage Ride 'under the slides and through the woods' where animated light displays come to lif  e and carriage out-riders tell stories of days gone by. Belly up to the bar at the "Old West Saloon" where you can enjoy hot cocoa and marshmallows or a cool beer and peanuts, or just warm your toes by a pot-bellied stove.
Shop and enjoy treats. Shop for that special gift or those forgotten mittens in the Christmas Shoppes of Holiday Fest. Enjoy a sumptuous barbecued pork leg or some stick-to-your-ribs Mac & Cheese, and don't forget to grab a hot funnel cake and some homemade fudge at Captain Cooks Winter Treats. At The Open Hearth, enjoy a "Big Fat Hot Dog" grilled hot-off-the-open-flame and an array of thick and steamy soups & chowders. Belly up to the Open Hearth Bar for a cool brew, a hot cup of cocoa or cider, or enjoy one of our seasonal hot toddies topped off with a peppermint stick.
Visit Santa's Village. Don't miss a trip through Santa's Village and a visit with that jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus! Drop off your wish list, get a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus and register for Santa's Toy give-away. Then stop in Santa's Stable to see his live reindeer and sleigh, loaded with gifts and ready for flight. Bonus points: Your little ones will love their ride on the cute & cuddly ponies at Santa's Stables and this year will delight in the antics of the frolicsome new colt and foal. Or take the little ones to the North Pole Petting Corral where baby animals of all kinds are eager to greet you. The cozy spot is populated with lambs, piglets, calves, kids, chicks, bunnies, huggable little donkeys a couple of snooty llamas.
Try an Artic paddle. Imagine icicles dangling from overpasses and a breathtaking array of lights sparkling off the in-park waterway as you take a winter cruise around the Penguin Arctic in a 4-person paddleboat. Kids of every age take pleasure in this one-of-a-kind winter boat ride. Bonus points: Discover Shiver's Wonderland where the kid in everyone will enjoy this new wonderland that features the Miles-Go-Round Carousel and Glacier Drop, outdoor amusement ride fun for the whole family.
Have a Family New Year’s Eve Celebration. The days and nights of Holiday Fest will be filled with special events, parties and happenings! The biggest, and most memorable, happening of all takes place on December 31st - The New Year’s Eve family celebration includes noisemakers, party hats, and a spectacular fireworks display. Swing to the tunes of a big band and enjoy a New Year's buffet (advanced reservations only). The whole family can celebrate the coming New Year with kisses, hugs and lots of noise when the hundreds of balloons drop from the ceiling and fireworks light up the sky!
Location on the planet. Warren County is just north of Cincinnati. It is also known as Ohio's Largest Playground because it is home to Kings Island, Great Wolf Lodge, The Beach Waterpark, and Ozone Zipline Adventures.
Make it happen. Warren County Ohio offers many ways for families to relax, explore and have fun. Plus, with close proximity to world-class attractions in Cincinnati and Dayton, Warren County is the perfect “hub-and-spoke” destination. Check them out on FACEBOOK or follow them on Twitter. Toll-free 1-800-791-4FUN or www.ohioslargestplayground.com
Content provided by Warren County CVB. Copyright 2011.
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