If you've ever taken a step back and thought about all that the Cincinnati area has to offer, you probably realized that we are very lucky! The Queen City actually makes a great vacation spot (you can read more about that here), and it's especially fun in the summertime. The city is filled with exciting waterparks, and that means endless splashing and sliding fun. If you're looking for a way to cool off this season that's also a bit of an adrenaline rush, check out these eight spectacular water slides around Cincinnati that will make your summer complete.

1. Hydro Plunge at Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge in Mason is right next to Kings Island and another fun-filled destination in this area. The indoor waterpark is its main feature and is filled with exciting water slides. Perhaps the most spectacular is Hydro Plunge, shown above. This water roller coaster will send you plunging down an exhilarating 52-foot vertical drop, as well as through twisting turns. You can ride this as a double or triple, and it's sure to be a highlight of your stay at this incredible lodge.

2. The Silver Bullet at Sunlite Water Adventure & Coney Island

Also at Coney Island, the Silver Bullet is a beloved and nostalgic slide positioned right in the middle of Sunlite Pool. It's one of the oldest water slides in the city, providing fun and thrills since 1945. This slide may not look like much, but it's fast, has no height restrictions, and is basically a Cincinnati kid rite of passage. For more on Sunlite Pool, check out our previous article here.

3. Runaway Rapids at The Beach Waterpark

The Beach Waterpark is just north of Cincinnati in Mason and offers the most water slide action in the area. Runaway Rapids is a longstanding favorite inner tube ride that is the perfect combination of thrilling and relaxing. If you've been on it, you know that it can turn into water bumper cars if you get backed up in one of the pools, but making your way down this winding ride (at any pace) is half the fun.

4. Riptide Racer at The Beach Waterpark

Riptide Racer is a four-lane racing slide that's perfect for bringing out your competitive side. Zip down the fast slide on a mat and see who makes it to the bottom first.

5. The Cliff at The Beach Waterpark

You can't talk about water slides in Cincinnati without mentioning The Cliff. On this towering body slide, you'll drop five stories in three seconds, making it the most exhilarating slide in the region. It has also been rated one of the best water slides in the country, so be prepared for catching air on this heart-stopping water ride. Be sure to check out more fun in this area here.

6. Tropical Plunge at Soak City in Kings Island

Soak City is the exciting waterpark attached to Kings Island and is the ultimate theme park experience near Cincinnati. There are many fun water slides here, and Tropical Plunge is one you can't miss. At nearly seven stories, Tropical Plunge actually features six different water slide experiences. High-speed inner tube rides and body slides make this a one-stop-shop in the world of water slides.

4. Mondo Monsoon at Soak City in Kings Island

Mondo Monsoon makes the list as one of the most unique water slides in the area. This four-person thrill ride will swing you around a dark curve into a free-fall funnel, with a curtain of water waiting for you at the end. Hang on tight as you make your way around the funnel and eventually out into a refreshing pool. If you're a fan of Kings Island, check out our previous article here that's filled with interesting facts about this epic park.

8. Twister at Sunlite Water Adventure & Coney Island

Editor's note: Unfortunately, Coney Island has closed and this event is no longer happening.Everyone knows about the massive Sunlite Pool at Coney Island, as it's been a favorite spot to spend a Cincinnati summer for decades. However, the park also has several water slides and attractions that add a little extra excitement. One of the best is the Twister. This ultimate slide is made up of two body slides and two inner tube slides that you can ride single or double. It stands at 45 feet tall and will have you sliding for over a quarter mile!

This is just the beginning of a list of spectacular water slides that you can experience around Cincinnati this summer. Did your favorite waterpark and slide make the list? Share your favorites with us in the comments!

And if you prefer to cool off in a more natural environment, check out Cincinnati's natural lazy river, featured here.