We all need a little adventure in our lives, even if that means trying out a new roller coaster or exploring a river by canoe. While some crave a big thrill, others may be just fine with something a little tamer. No matter what your desires and goals, we’ve rounded up a list of thrilling destinations around Cincinnati that have something for everyone and will definitely meet the needs of every adventurous soul.

  1. Kings Island

Facebook/Kings Island Kings Island is a family-favorite destination for thrillseekers of all ages. Little ones can hop on a small roller coaster and adults can enjoy the speed and height of several world-class rides. There are so many thrills, all in one epic amusement park!

  1. Ozone Zipline Adventures

Facebook/Ozone Zipline Adventures Also in Warren County, Ozone Zipline Adventures provides just enough thrill as you fly through the trees. The guides here are amazing and will make you feel safe and excited, rather than overwhelmingly nervous. It’s a great local spot to reconnect with nature and get your heart racing at the same time.

  1. Fifty West Canoe and Kayak

Facebook/Fifty West Canoe & Kayak Take your adventurous spirit to the waters of the Little Miami with a canoe, kayak, or tube ride. Fifty West is a great destination for all who love to spend time on the water, and there’s also plenty to do in the area once you get off the river.

  1. Wake Nation Cincinnati

Facebook/Wake Nation Cincinnati Wake Nation in Fairfield is another water-related thrill park that has something for everyone. Try your hand at wakeboarding this summer or enjoy their floating bounce house and obstacle course.

  1. Full Throttle Indoor Karting

Facebook/Full Throttle Indoor Karting Take the thrills indoors at Full Throttle Indoor Karting. This exciting race track has locations in Springdale and Florence, so you’re likely just a short drive to pretending you’re a race car champ.

  1. Haunted Tour of Cincinnati

Facebook/Haunted Cincinnati Tours For a different type of adventure and thrill, try a tour of Cincinnati’s most haunted spots. Our history lends itself to some pretty intense ghost stories, and you can learn all about them on these tours. With offerings both above and below ground, you’re sure to get your heart racing with this spooky adventure.

  1. Nascar Experience at Kentucky Speedway

Facebook/Kentucky Speedway If you’ve always dreamed of being a race car driver, you can fulfill that destiny just an hour away from Cincinnati at Kentucky Speedway. They offer Nascar Driving Experiences and other events throughout the year. You’ll be able to get behind the wheel and fly around the track, checkered flag and all.

  1. Hot Air Balloon Ride with Bella Balloons

Facebook/Bella Balloons Hot Air Balloons Take to the sky aboard a beautiful hot air balloon, as it hovers over the countryside of Lebanon. Bella Balloons, as well as other local companies, offer guided rides where you can have this epic experience that comes with just the right amount of thrill.

  1. Learn to Scuba Dive

Facebook/Central Coast Dive Center - Greater Cincinnati Scuba Have one last water adventure with the ultimate underwater thrill. Did you know there are several places in Cincinnati where you can learn how to scuba dive? Many even offer a “first experience” class where you can try it out before committing to an entire course.

It turns out that Cincinnati is the perfect place to live if you love a little adventure! How many of these thrills have you experienced? Any others you’d like to add? Let us know in the comments! And if you need more information on any of these adventures, just click the bold name above!

Facebook/Kings Island

Kings Island is a family-favorite destination for thrillseekers of all ages. Little ones can hop on a small roller coaster and adults can enjoy the speed and height of several world-class rides. There are so many thrills, all in one epic amusement park!

Facebook/Ozone Zipline Adventures

Also in Warren County, Ozone Zipline Adventures provides just enough thrill as you fly through the trees. The guides here are amazing and will make you feel safe and excited, rather than overwhelmingly nervous. It’s a great local spot to reconnect with nature and get your heart racing at the same time.

Facebook/Fifty West Canoe & Kayak

Take your adventurous spirit to the waters of the Little Miami with a canoe, kayak, or tube ride. Fifty West is a great destination for all who love to spend time on the water, and there’s also plenty to do in the area once you get off the river.

Facebook/Wake Nation Cincinnati

Wake Nation in Fairfield is another water-related thrill park that has something for everyone. Try your hand at wakeboarding this summer or enjoy their floating bounce house and obstacle course.

Facebook/Full Throttle Indoor Karting

Take the thrills indoors at Full Throttle Indoor Karting. This exciting race track has locations in Springdale and Florence, so you’re likely just a short drive to pretending you’re a race car champ.

Facebook/Haunted Cincinnati Tours

For a different type of adventure and thrill, try a tour of Cincinnati’s most haunted spots. Our history lends itself to some pretty intense ghost stories, and you can learn all about them on these tours. With offerings both above and below ground, you’re sure to get your heart racing with this spooky adventure.

Facebook/Kentucky Speedway

If you’ve always dreamed of being a race car driver, you can fulfill that destiny just an hour away from Cincinnati at Kentucky Speedway. They offer Nascar Driving Experiences and other events throughout the year. You’ll be able to get behind the wheel and fly around the track, checkered flag and all.

Facebook/Bella Balloons Hot Air Balloons

Take to the sky aboard a beautiful hot air balloon, as it hovers over the countryside of Lebanon. Bella Balloons, as well as other local companies, offer guided rides where you can have this epic experience that comes with just the right amount of thrill.

Facebook/Central Coast Dive Center - Greater Cincinnati Scuba

Have one last water adventure with the ultimate underwater thrill. Did you know there are several places in Cincinnati where you can learn how to scuba dive? Many even offer a “first experience” class where you can try it out before committing to an entire course.

And for more adventures around Cincinnati, check out our previous article here.

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