This is home to many recreational activities and destinations for everyone to explore and enjoy, as there are just endless things to do in Mason (OH).
Warren County is known as “Ohio’s Biggest Playground,” and Mason, Warren County’s largest city, is a recreation area in southwest Ohio.
Mason’s history began in 1803 when a war veteran named William Mason purchased 640 acres of land in what is now downtown.
Mason remained a small farming town for more than a century before its incorporation as a city in 1971.
Mason has retained its small-town character while providing excellent leadership, a thriving business community, and diverse activities, creating a progressive and attractive city.
Check out this list of the best things to do in Mason and see why this incredible gem is more than you imagine.
Fun Things to Do in Mason (OH)
1. Test Your Golf Skills at the Grizzly
Dubbed as Mason’s best golf course, the historic Grizzly grounds await you to play golf.
The Grizzly is an 18-hole, par 71 courses with distances ranging from 5,572 yards to 6,474 yards.
Grizzly is located on Fairway Drive and has been in business since 1972.
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus designed the course with golf course designer Desmond Muirhead.
The name of the course was inspired by Nicklaus’ legacy, nicknamed “The Golden Bear.”
Since Nicklaus’ triumph at the Ohio Kings Island Open in 1973, the Grizzly has hosted more professional events than any other course.
For the past 30 years, the course has hosted the PGA, LPGA, and Senior PGA Tour.
Grizzly offers a great social experience with a bar and grill that offers delicious food or a round of drinks.
The Lodge is a beautiful space for holding banquets, parties, and other special celebrations.
2. Relax at Sundin Fields at Heritage Oak Park
This is Mason’s largest park, dedicated in 1976 to celebrate the country’s bicentennial.
The Sundin Fields at Heritage Oak Park serves many families and local sports teams with sports facilities such as tennis, soccer, softball, and basketball, where you can play or watch games.
Other park amenities include playgrounds, picnic shelters, charcoal grills, drinking fountains, paved paths, restrooms, and handicap-accessible areas.
The park’s most exciting feature is its lightning prediction system, which alerts visitors to the possibility of lightning before it strikes.
An auditory warning alerts people in the area that lightning is approaching and gives them time to seek shelter from the storm.
3. Walk Your Dog Around Schappacher Park
Schappacher Park is a ten-acre park located on Old Irwin Simpson Road, Mason, though, under Deerfield Township.
Surrounded by large oak trees and many open and green spaces, this park is an excellent place for a fun date night for your kids and fur babies.
It includes a well-maintained dog play area divided into two for large and small breeds.
The park has both old and new picnic shelters, benches, restrooms, and playgrounds.
Things to Do in Mason (OH) at Night
1. Spend a Night at the Great Wolf Lodge
When it comes to vacations, Great Wolf Lodge is the complete package.
The Great Wolf Lodge, a lodge and resort in one, is the most prominent family of indoor water parks in North America, with more than 19 lodges and corporate offices in Mason and Chicago.
Mason’s location on Great Wolf Drive is close to the greater Cincinnati area, allowing you to conveniently explore Queen City and surrounding areas as well.
At the Great Wolf Lodge, they offer relaxing guest rooms and luxury suites, a variety of delectable dining options, an exciting water park open 365 days a year, and land-based attractions such as miniature golf, bowling, and arcade games.
You can also try activities like yoga, arts and crafts, and bedtime stories that will send kids into dreamland.
Whether celebrating a special occasion or needing to relax, Great Wolf Lodge offers exceptional service and great memories that will last a lifetime.
2. Don’t Miss the Christmas Ranch
Spread over five beautiful acres, the Christmas Ranch features over 350,000 lights, most of which are synchronized to music using state-of-the-art technology!
This true winter wonderland has been featured nationally on HGTV and ABC’s Good Morning America!
Most of the lights can be seen from the comfort and warmth of your car, thanks to a drive-through route that includes an animated drive-through tunnel.
The Christmas Ranch will also accommodate 150 parked cars, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the new magical pedestrian-only Christmas Village.
Inside the village, you can stop at the barn for a hot chocolate before heading out to watch the Jingle Bell Show. Young and old alike will gaze in awe at the 35-by-40-foot animated toy factory.
It will also be hard not to stop and stare as the animated Christmas trees spin with 15,000 dancing lights.
3. Have a Good Time at JD Legends
Eat, drink, dance, and play at Franklin’s JD Legends all-in-one entertainment complex.
With a full-service bar and restaurant, outdoor sand volleyball courts, bowling, karaoke, and live concerts featuring local and national acts, this is your one-stop shop for food and entertainment!
Things to Do in Mason (OH) For Couples
1. Check Out the Mason Community Center
The Center has an essential goal in mind, which is to improve the physical and emotional well-being of the community residents.
The Mason Community Center is located on Mason Montgomery Road, over 150,000 square feet, and provides modern recreational facilities and programs at an affordable cost.
The Center is one of the largest in the state, including three sizeable indoor fitness studios, an aquatic center with an indoor competition pool, and several other therapy and leisure pools.
Other features include a 35-meter climbing wall, a six-court house that can accommodate a variety of sports, and much more.
At Mason Community Center, they offer programs to suit everyone’s needs, such as fitness classes, water aerobics and swimming lessons, day camps for children, activities for seniors, etc.
They are open daily for everyone to enjoy leisure and relaxation in a safe, welcoming, and fun environment.
2. Don’t Miss a Game at Prasco Park
Prasco Park began its entire operations in 2008 and is one of the top amateur baseball destinations in America and the home of Cincinnati’s amateur baseball team.
Prasco Park is committed to providing parents, players, fans, and coaches with a safe, family-friendly, and enjoyable atmosphere.
The experience of getting here is vast as it is designed to excite visitors with a quality baseball experience.
Prasco Park was a superbly constructed facility located on the campus of Prasco Laboratories in Mason, Ohio.
Entry to the park to watch the game is free. Make sure you have a fulfilling time when you visit.
3. Grab a Meal at the Course View restaurant
It is only normal that after walking for so many hours around the city, you will be pretty hungry and need a place to rest and enjoy a great meal.
That one place is Courseview Restaurant, and it should be on your list of things to do in Mason, Ohio.
The restaurant is available to visitors all year round, with special events occurring throughout the year.
This is the place to be if you want the best outdoor dining experience.
Things to Do in Mason (OH) For Kids
1. Let Them Enjoy a Rollercoaster Ride at Kings Island
Over time, this is one of the premier destinations in the Midwest for individuals, families, and groups looking for the best in entertainment, horseback riding, dining, and so much more.
This amusement park has an area of 364 acres.
Kings Island has grown to include over 100 attractions since its opening in 1972, providing the ideal combination of world-class entertainment and enjoyment for guests of all ages.
Experience thrilling rides like the famous Banshee, Delirium, Invertigo, and Orion, one of Giga’s seven roller coasters!
There are plenty of family rides to choose from, including Planet Snoopy with Peanuts-themed rides and character meet-and-greets.
Amusement Today has named the ride “World’s Best Playground” for over 15 years.
One day won’t be enough to cover everything, but a day at Kings Island is sure to be one of the best days you’ll ever have!
2. Give Them the Time of Their Lives at the Common Ground Playground at Makino Park
Makino Park is a new addition to Mason’s Recreation Parks, offering a unique design and distinctive features.
This 35-acre park on Kopfler Court has built a playground that encourages interaction and builds self-esteem, confidence, motor skills, and interpersonal relationships for multigenerational users of all abilities.
A group of local parents of children with special needs designed the all-inclusive Common Ground playground.
Builders built a playground in the shape of a butterfly.
It features specially designed equipment that encourages social interaction and sensory experiences while supporting physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.
The playground has a fully accessible play structure for wheelchair users and equipment for movement, a platform swing, a barrier-free zip line, a quiet zone, etc.
The community playground is fully fenced, allowing parents to spend time in the park without worrying about their children wandering off.
3. Enjoy the Games at Courts4Sports
Courts4Sports is Cincinnati’s premier youth futsal, volleyball, and basketball facility, offering year-round programs for every age and skill level.
Courts4Sports is a 53,000 sq ft indoor sports complex on Reading Road.
The court is one of the best, with two NCAA and four hardwood basketball courts and six full-size volleyball courts.
It also features the latest scoreboards and clocks, courtside seating, TV monitors throughout the facility showing sporting events, apparel, sports equipment, and an arcade.
Courts4Sports offers tournaments, leagues, and day camps for kids.
Courts4Sports is home to the Cincinnati Volleyball Academy Junior Olympic Club and the Wolves Elite AAU Club, which conducts practices and plays games.
Gym rentals are open, subject to availability.
Indoor Activities to Do in Mason (OH) For Adults
1. Hone Your Pottery Skills at the Mad Potter
Learn the art of pottery at Mad Potter, a pottery studio, and shop on Tri-Way Drive.
They allow you to choose the pottery of your choice but also help you with design and colors to match your home decor or as a special gift for someone.
Pottery pieces include bowls, mugs, trays, vases, etc.
Once you have your design ready, pick it up a week later after vitrifying and firing the molded clay to deliver the finished product.
Mad Potter also creates a creative and fun atmosphere for events such as birthdays and wedding ceremonies.
2. Go Bowling at Mason Bowl
Mason Bowl, a local family business, is based on Reading Road and has been around for over 60 years and counting. You can bring your family or friends to Mason Bowl for a fun time bowling anytime.
The facility regularly updates its equipment to provide guests with an enjoyable and modern bowling experience.
The Mason Bowl has summer and winter leagues for people of all ages and summer fundraising programs.
Have delicious food and a cold beer at the bar, and round off the evening with a barbecue.
3. Don’t Miss the Annual Western and Southern Tennis Open
Mason is home to the annual Western and Southern Open, the county’s oldest tennis tournament still held in its original city and the second largest summer tennis tournament after the US Open.
This outdoor hard-court tennis tournament is held annually at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on Courseview Drive.
Beginning in 1899, the Western and Southern Open became a mainstay in the Queen City for more than a century.
The tournament draws nearly 200,000 fans from all 50 states and more than 35 countries and broadcasts to more than 50 million people in more than 160 countries of the world.
It also offers a friendly environment between players and fans due to its smaller size than the US Open, allowing fans to see the players up close.
If you’re lucky, you might get an autograph from one of the athletes!
Romantic Things to Do in Mason (OH)
1. Spend Some Time at Pine Hill Lakes Park
Mason has over 300 acres of developed parks, with each park providing family activities for all age groups.
Pine Hill Lakes Park is one of these parks located on Kings Mills Road.
Pine Hill Lakes Park features two stocked fishing lakes, two miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, and lots of trees and green space, making it a nice place to relax and unwind.
The park has quite a long history.
People found an old swimming pool under the dam, which served as a private recreation area from the 1950s to the 1970s.
2. Savor the Taste of Some Delicious Pizza at Two Cities Pizza
Everyone loves pizza, but the ongoing debate about the best pizza continues.
Is New York thin crust pizza better than Chicago pizza? Or is it the other way around?
Located on West Main Street, Two Cities Pizza offers the best of both worlds!
Best friends Sean Spurlock and Zach Greves founded the company in 2015, which created a massive buzz during its initial launch in the greater Cincinnati area.
Two Cities pizza won Cincinnati Magazine’s public vote for “Best Pizza in Cincinnati” less than six months after its grand launch.
The following year, he won the same poll with other awards and accolades.
The restaurant’s popularity stems from the duality and contrast of these two concepts and the combination of culinary skills and influences from two of America’s favorite cities.
Two Cities Pizza has another location in Suwanee, Georgia, that offers the same high-quality food, concept, hospitality, and unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations.
3. Have a Picnic at Fleckenstein Park
Fleckenstein Park is a 50-acre park located on the north side of Deerfield Township.
The park has tennis courts, a large picnic area with full restrooms, baseball fields, soccer fields, and several species.
The two baseball fields you’ll find here are fully fenced, on high school-sized fields with different dugouts.
Reservations are not allowed for shelter reservations but on a first-come, first-served basis, and this shelter is sometimes closed for special events.
Visitors may fish in the pond, but an Ohio permit is required for ages 16-65.
This place is perfect for quality entertainment with family and friends and should be on your list of things to do in Mason, Ohio.
Free Things to Do in Mason (OH)
1. Explore Mason’s Historical Landmarks
There are 25 historical markers located around the town of Mason.
Printed guides are available at the Mason Public Library and the Alverta Green Museum, where the tour begins.
They also have an interactive app for the Mason Historical Tour to help you navigate the historical sites, know what each site means, and learn the history behind each landmark.
Historic sites included in the tour are the oldest building in Mason, the town hall, mill and railroad depot, several churches, and more.
2. Take a Trip to Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village
Gain a new understanding of early life on the Ohio Frontier with a tour of the original 18th and early 19th century Quaker buildings.
Visitors of all ages are invited to participate in interactive and educational activities such as Maple Sugar Camp, Harvest Festival, Civil War Encamp, and more!
3. See Franklin’s Murals
Take a guided walking tour of Franklin, Ohio, for a day, and you’ll understand why it’s called “Mural City.”
Ten magnificent murals depicting various scenes from the city’s history can be found throughout the city.
The murals, most commonly found on building exteriors, were painted by nationally known local muralist Eric Henn and included the only Ohio bicentennial mural in the state that is not on a barn.
Cheap Things to Do in Mason (OH)
1. Learn About Ancient History at the Alverta Green Museum
The Alverta Green Museum is Mason’s best-kept secret, located right in the heart of the historic district on West Church Street.
This 1890s Victorian-style home will transport you back in time with historic artifacts contributed by Mason residents.
The town’s four-year mayor, William C. VanFossen, built the house after longtime resident and antique dealer Alverta Bedacht Green.
In 1987, months before her death, the house was donated to the Masonic Historical Society.
The Alverta Green Museum became the home of the Mason Historical Society a year later.
The society sought to share Mason’s humble beginnings and to maintain and protect over 200 years of the city’s heritage and history.
2. Play Some Tennis at CourtYard complex
One of the many things you should not miss when planning your ideal vacation in Mason, Ohio, is a visit to the Courtyard Complex, which is perfect for your list of fun things to do in Maso (OH).
The complex offers visitors indoor tennis competitions for youth, children, and adults if you could join a group fitness program of pilates, yoga, Zumba, and more.
You can book private lessons with their professional players. Both members and non-members can be part of private classes.
3. Tour the City With Gentle Breeze Hot Air Balloon Company, Ltd.
Ride the Gentle Breeze – Named Ohio’s Best Scenic Tour Operator for 2010. Get a bird’s-eye view of the world below and capture an unforgettable moment aboard a breathtaking hot air balloon ride.
All balloon activities are conducted by commercially licensed FAA pilots in certified balloon equipment. Gentle Breeze offers spectacular sunrise and soothing sunset flights.
A complimentary bottle of water and soft drinks are available during the flight. Complimentary champagne is available after the flight for passengers over 21 years of age.
Flight certificates are available upon request. Flight time is approximately 1 hour; expect a total time of 3 hours for the whole experience. (Except for travel to and from the meeting/launch location).
Transportation to and from your hotel is available at an additional cost.
The common meeting place is at our office at the Warren Co. Airport. This is a weather-sensitive outdoor activity.
Cool Places to Visit in Mason (OH)
1. The Lindner Family Tennis Center
The Lindner Family Tennis Center is an ideal place for sports lovers. Visitors can see the game of professional players with their own eyes.
In addition to the central courtyard, it also has a wine garden, live music, and more.
The tennis center has four permanent tennis stadiums: a grandstand court, a central court three and four 10).
It is the only tennis center outside a Grand Slam event with more than two permanent stadiums.
If you are a sports fan and enjoy playing tennis, this should be an ideal place to visit in Mason, Ohio, and should be considered on your list of things to do in Mason, Ohio.
2. P. Quinn Park
P. Quinn Park is a 10-acre park located in Mason, Ohio, with an accessible playground and facilities such as basketball and tennis.
The park is always open during the day and has a vast open green area and a large children’s playground.
The park was taken over by a developer named Thomas P. Quinn, an ideal neighborhood park for all and sundry of which it is a part.
3. Cottell Park
Cottell Park boasts numerous unique fun activities perfect for the whole family and should be considered on your checklist of places to visit in Mason.
The park has an excellent playground with many playing areas. Their most significant pitch is in two-part; much older children use one side and the other for younger children. Both playgrounds are adjacent to the swings.
Shelters are available and an ideal place to rest and picnic in the cozy and fresh atmosphere it offers.
They have complete toilets which are close to the big playground.
The park also has numerous basketball and tennis courts across from each other and is used on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are also baseball fields. And there is a wide parking space for cars, and no form of park identification is required to gain access.
Conclusion
Mason, Ohio, is adorned with scenic attractions that will pique the interest of travelers visiting the area.
It has a lot of charming surroundings with a variety of activities that will make your stay here memorable and exciting.
Start planning your trip here already, as there are loads of fascinating things to do in Mason (OH).
