Things to do
Summer Activity Checklist
Posted on Jul 21
Make sweet summer memories with these local activities.
It's the season of soft serve ice cream, suntans, and stories to share. As another memorable summer is upon us, you can use this list to make the most of it! Check out some of the best summer activities below.
1. Mural Tours
Liberty Center Murals — Find Kelsey Montague #WhatLiftsYou murals, and additional indoor/outdoor murals.
StreetSpark Mural Tour — Download the StreetSpark Map and visit all 20 vibrant murals throughout Hamilton.
The Hive Mural (pictured) — This honeybee hive mural in Oxford pays tribute to the area's rich history in beekeeping.
2. Local Creamy Whips
The Cone (pictured) — This local favorite features famous soft-serve ice cream, kiddie rides and games too.
Flub's Dariette — This 50-year-old ice cream stand is a summer staple, with locations in Fairfield, Hamilton and Ross.
Spring Street Treats — Specializing in soft-serve treats with a ton of flavors and toppings to choose from.
3. Nature + Hiking Trails
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park (pictured) — Explore 400+ acres of scenic nature embellished with over 70 monumental sculptures.
Nation Road Horse Rental — Explore the scenic trails of Oxford on horseback with any of these five guided trails.
Rentschler Forest MetroPark — This 400+ acre park offers trails, prehistoric Indian earthwork, wetlands, and river views.
4. Local Museums
BC Warbirds — This museum that includes historic aircrafts, including the wonder and history of flight.
National VOA Museum of Broadcasting (pictured) — This museum highlights the history of the Voice of America, broadcast history in the region, and the development of radio technology and communications.
5. Water Adventures
Wake Nation (pictured) — No boat, no problem! Go wakeboarding, water skiing or conquer the Adventure Zone.
Aqua Adventures — Land of Illusion's water park features paddle boards, sand volleyball, inflatables, and much more.
Oxford Aquatic Center — Make a splash in their huge pool, lazy river, kiddie area, or on the waterslides.
6. Root Beer Floats
The Jug (pictured) — Established in 1932, this local icon serves classic cheeseburgers and root beer floats by car hop.
Jolly's Drive In — Over 70 years, keeping old-fashioned burgers, chili-dogs and root beer as their focus.
J&E Rootbeer — This local spot has been serving classic hotdogs, burgers, sodas, and more for over 35 years.
7. Get Active
Harbin Park (pictured) — This park in Fairfield is regionally-renowned for it's mountain biking trails for all experience levels.
Great Miami River Trail — Nearly 100 miles of beautiful paved trails and river views, connecting different communities.
The Pickle Lodge North Shore — Play pickleball at the 2nd largest indoor facility in the country with 17 indoor courts and 5 outdoor courts.
8. DORA
DORA stands for Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas. The program allows people to order an alcoholic beverage from a participating establishments and explore the city while drinking (in designated areas). Find DORAs in parts of Fairfield, Hamilton, Liberty Center, Middletown, and Oxford. Specific rules vary by each city, learn more here.
9. Summer Concert Series
Nothing says summer like spending a night outdoors listening to live music! You can find Summer Concert Series all around Butler County, Ohio. Enjoy everything from local talent and bands to popular artists and more.
10. The Donut Trail
The Butler County Donut Trail is a favorite tradition for families and friends. The trail includes 13 mom-and-pop donut shops; visit each one and collect the stamps on your passport to earn your sweet t-shirt! It's a fun activity for everyone and you're able to complete the trail in one morning, over a weekend, or over a few months. Learn more about the Donut Trail and get our top tips.
11. Watch a Movie Under the Stars
Enjoy a retro spin on watching a movie. The Holiday Auto Theatre has been playing new and classic movies for over 75 years! Check out the upcoming movie schedule here.