Kick off the season with trips to local family-friendly destinations

Summer is just around the corner, and warm weather is here at last. Lucky for Cincinnati families, we have many fun things to do locally. Here are five outdoor destinations to enjoy:

1. Kings Island

This year, the amusement park is celebrating its 50th anniversary. In addition to riding roller coasters, families can enjoy the anniversary festivities. New shows will highlight the park’s history, and there will be limited-time specialty food items at the restaurants and food stands throughout the park inspired by the attractions. There will also be a new fireworks display, “Fun, Fireworks and Fifty – A Kings Island Nighttime Spectacular.” Barry Williams, best known as Greg Brady on The Brady Bunch, narrates the display. visitkingsisland.com

2. Coney Island

Located right on the Ohio River, Coney Island is the perfect place to cool off. The waterpark features three water slides, including the Twister, which has four chutes and is more than a quarter-mile long. Other attractions include Cannonball Cove, the Sunlite Pool and the Challenge Zone. Fans of the reality show Wipeout can test their skills on the largest pool obstacle course in the country. coneyislandpark.com

3. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Enjoyable events are in full swing at the zoo with exhibitions such as the Ameritas Wings of Wonder Bird Experience, the Cheetah Encounter and the Barnyard Bonanza. Schedule a trip to see unique birds soar and cheetahs run. Of course, a visit to the zoo wouldn’t be complete without seeing the beloved hippo Fiona. cincinnatizoo.org

4. Smale Park

Smale Riverfront Park is home to 45 acres of urban green space between Great American Ball Park and Paul Brown Stadium. The park has a playground and picnic area as well as a splashpad, Carol Ann’s Carousel and the Gardner Family Grove and Rose Garden. Smale Park is the perfect place to go for a laid-back day. mysmaleriverfrontpark.org

5. Loveland Bike Trail

Much of the Loveland Bike Trail used to be the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1983, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources began to develop the multi-purpose trail. Families can bike, walk or run on a 70-mile path. There are multiple places to stop along the trail, including Loveland Sweets, Loveland Castle and numerous restaurants and ice cream shops. lovelandbiketrail.com