Southwest Ohio’s latest winter fun offering is Beach Mountain Snow Tubing Park, newly constructed at The Beach Waterpark in Mason. My whole family bundled up and headed to The Beach during my kids’ holiday break. While most of Ohio didn’t have a White Christmas, Beach Mountain makes their own snow, and so their hill was covered with more than enough white stuff for a fun day of tubing.
I loved that this was an activity that my entire family—from my 5-year-old nephew to my 83-year-old father—could experience together. No skill or athleticism is needed; just a spirit of adventure. It couldn’t be easier to get to the top of the hill; just grab a tube and ride the “Magic Carpet” to the top.
Beach Mountain has ten lanes: nine for individual tubers and one lane designated for groups, where you link up with one or two other people and ride down together.
Park workers in each lane hold the tube steady while you get settled.
Once the bottom of the hill is cleared from the previous run, the workers release all lanes from the top at the same time and give you a push if needed. All you have to do is enjoy the ride. Watch how much fun my dad, my sister, and my nephew had going down the hill together.
We had a ball barreling down the hill, over and over again. A few times our tubes got turned around and we plummeted down the hill backwards, but that’s just part of the fun. We liked the individual lanes, but especially enjoyed linking up with other family members. I will cherish the memories of three generations sliding down the slope together.
Less adventurous family members who don’t want to participate can watch the action from an area on the side of the hill that has picnic tables. (No, spectators don’t have to pay admission.) If you need to take a break to warm up, head to the Polar Pavilion. The nearby concession stand offers hot cocoa and chili, plus several other options to take the chill off.
Children must be at least 42” tall to go tubing, but a play area is available for younger children with a tot-sized hill. The play area is divided into two areas (undoubtedly by a seasoned mom): a snowball throw zone and a snowball-free zone.
Tip: before you head out, check Beach Mountain’s website. You can check current conditions, find out how many lanes are open, and purchase tickets. Tickets are for two-hour sessions. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to get your tickets (which attach to your jacket with a zip tie) so that you’re ready to go when your session starts.
Disclosure: Beach Mountain provided complimentary tickets for my immediate family so that I could research and write this article. My extended family members paid their own admission.
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