Spring and early summer bring everything new — from new flowers budding to newly born animals. So, in honor of May being Ohio Tourism Month, get out and enjoy new attractions and events throughout the state. From family-friendly parks to historical adventures, Ohio is Too Much Fun for Just One Day.

Family Fun
Thrill-seeking families won’t want to miss the debut of Cedar Point’s newest attraction when the Sandusky amusement park opens for the season on May 15. Guests can cool off on hot summer days by climbing aboard Shoot the Rapids, a wet and wild water ride that travels down hills and through woods. If you don’t want to get your feet wet, the park offers an amazing assortment of seventeen roller coasters and other rides and entertainment.

This summer at Great Wolf Lodge Kings Island in Mason, take the “bigger kids” for a spin on the Triple Twist, a five-story waterslide that drops riders into a funnel and shoots them through breathtaking twists and turns and two more funnels. The one-of-a-kind slide lights up at night for a full-sensory experience.

Kings Island’s award-winning kids’ area receives a fresh new look in 2010 — The new Planet Snoopy area features an elaborate collection of PEANUTS-themed rides and attractions. Grown ups and bigger kids will love Diamondback, the park’s tallest and fastest roller coaster.

If your family is more interested in furry, fun and interesting creatures, a visit to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, ranked the No. 1 zoo in America by USA Travel Guide, should be on your agenda. Check out the new Polar Frontier exhibit, featuring polar bears and an underwater viewing area that allows visitors see the bears frolicking in a pool in their habitat. Arctic foxes, Alaskan brown bears, a themed playground and a conservation education area are also part of the exhibit. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Cincinnati will debut the Dragons! exhibit on June 5. Dragons! is an exciting new exhibit that features the largest, longest, smallest and some of the most colorful monitor lizards in the world. After visiting, you will see why Zagat Survey has ranked the Cincinnati Zoo one of the top zoos in the nation.  
 
Historical & Cultural Happenings
History buffs will enjoy the Korean War 60th Anniversary festivities at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and other locations throughout Dayton, June 24–26. Celebrate with “Dinner Under the Wings” on June 24, an opening reception and dinner for the museum’s Korean War exhibit. On June 25, check out the Freedom’s Call Military Tattoo at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, complete with aircraft flyovers, fireworks and live music. Wrap up the weekend with the Korean War Memorial Ceremony, honoring the work and sacrifice of those who served in the war, in downtown Dayton on June 26.

If maritime, rather than wartime history is more your thing, the Tall Ships Festival is for you. Majestic vessels spanning important historical periods sail into the Port of Cleveland during the Parade of Sail on July 7. Learn about Great Lakes maritime history through exhibits, ship boardings and opportunities to meet the crew through July 11.

The Cleveland Museum of Art will continue to unveil their renovations throughout the summer months. Known for having one of the finest art collections in the world, the museum has been undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation and expansion of its historic 1916 building. This summer, the galleries and the first level of the 1916 building designed by architect Rafael Viñoly will open, following the February debut of the Gartner Auditorium.

Spectacular Sporting
Shake off the winter dust at Wake Nation Cincinnati in Fairfield, where you can wakeboard, water ski and more. The cable system and 10-acre, man-made lake eliminates the need for a boat at the only park of its kind in the tri-state area. This season, Wake Nation will entice even first-timers to be daredevils on the new Practice Pond with its easy-start cable system that helps beginners and children as young as five learn to ride.

How does flying around like Tarzan in the new Safari Outdoor Adventure Park at Kalahari Resort in Sandusky sound? The country’s largest indoor waterpark has created an exciting African village-themed course, including climbing walls, CTS Zip Line and a rope course above the outdoor portion of the waterpark.

The heroes who keep us safe face off during the Can-Am Police-Fire Games hosted in Dublin this year. Policemen and firefighters from across the U.S. and Canada will join an Olympic-style competition that includes everything from skeet shooting and soccer to tug-of-war and arm wrestling. Come cheer on the athletes August 15–22.

Ohio Tourism Month Brings Travel Deals
While National Tourism Week takes place May 8–16, Ohio is kicking off the summer travel season with the Ohio Tourism Month campaign. During the entire month of May, Ohio attractions, restaurants, lodging facilities and destinations are offering specially priced travel packages, discounted attraction passes and more through the State of Ohio’s Tourism Division marketing efforts.

Here are five ways to cash in on a great Ohio getaway:
1. Follow @DiscoverOhio on Twitter for daily exclusive flash (discounted) sales on overnight travel packages, Ohio zoo tickets, zipline tours, Segway tours and more.

2. Share your Ohio travel photos and videos each week on myOhio (located at DiscoverOhio.com/ohmag) for a chance to win an Ohio travel package valued at $500 or more. (There will be one winner per week during May.)

3. Look for Ohio’s “Too Much Fun-Mobile” at selected events in Ohio and surrounding states. Everyone who spins the prize wheel will get a free item and information about discounted Ohio travel packages.

4. Drop by a participating Barnes & Noble store to enjoy events highlighting Ohio’s tourism experiences. Don’t forget to check out the Ohio Tourism Month book displays for a new travel book. Visit DiscoverOhio.com/ohmag or your local Barnes & Noble store for events.

5. Show your Ohio pride by signing up to be an Ohio Ambassador. Ambassadors are licensed to share Ohio’s story as a great place to live and work. Sign up at ambassador.ohio.gov.