It’s no coincidence that dry is a synonym for dull. Views of water are refreshing, water travel is relaxing and water creatures are always fun to watch. The chance to be in or on the water in the Cincinnati area gives groups a treat to look forward to after a long day of meetings.
As a mecca for waterpark enthusiasts and home to a stretch of the Ohio River, Greater Cincinnati presents groups with a variety of ways to make a splash.
Attendees can rock the boat with BB Riverboats (859.261.8500; www.bbriverboats.com), one of the largest and oldest river cruise operators in the area. Its flagship paddle wheeler, the Belle of Cincinnati, can host banquets as large as 500 people and receptions for 800 guests. Two smaller boats, the River Queen and the Mark Twain, can welcome 250 and 65, respectively. Lunch and dinner cruises depart from Newport, Ken., just across the river from downtown Cincinnati, and head east to take in views of the downtown skyline and Mt. Adams with its Immaculata Church, among other sights. Cruises operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Located in Newport on the Levee entertainment complex in Newport, Ken., Newport Aquarium (859.261.7444; www.newportaquarium.com) presents 70 exhibits and 14 galleries of aquatic life, including the Penguin Encounter, Coral Reef, Jellyfish Gallery and Surrounded by Sharks, which invites visitors to walk down 85-foot acrylic tubes inside the aquarium as sharks swim all around. The entire aquarium can be rented for events as large as 1,500 people. For smaller events, consider the 6,000-square-foot Currents Ballroom. Groups of 10 or more can receive discounted tickets, and special group lunches and behind-the-scenes tours are available.
Groups get the best of both worlds on the area’s only amphibious vehicle tour with Ride the Ducks (859.815.1439; www.newportducks.com). The vehicles roll past popular sights such as the World Peace Bell and Roebling Suspension Bridge, then down historic Riverside Drive before splashing into the Ohio River to provide city views from the water. The boarding point is at outside Newport Aquarium, making it easy to combine an aquarium visit or private event with a tour. Groups of 10 to 200 people are welcome.
For those who really want to get wet, try The Beach Waterpark (513.398.7946; www.thebeachwaterpark.com), located in Mason, 20 minutes north of downtown Cincinnati. The award-winning park offers 49 rides, including an 85-foot-high, triple-drop slide, a five-story freefall body flume and the Midwest’s only water coaster. Less adventurous sorts might enjoy floating around the park on the 1,200-foot-long Lazy Miami River. Groups of up to 6,000 people can reserve a private catered luau at Makahiki Picnic Grove and can add activities such as volleyball, basketball and horseshoe tournaments.
