Here’s a sampling of popular summertime activities in central Ohio:

Theme and water parks

COCO KEY WATER RESORT

Description: A 50,000-square-foot water park, including an interactive-adventure area for young children, body slides, an activity pool with water basketball and a fast-paced tube ride.

Location: Cherry Valley Lodge, 2299 Cherry Valley Road, Newark (Licking County)

Open: Operating hours vary (check website for details).

Admission: $12 (Monday through Thursday), $19.95 (Friday, Sunday and holidays) for everyone 2 and older, free for children 1 and younger

Parking: Free

Least-busy days: Weekdays

Wheelchair access: Yes

Tickets/information: (800) 788-8008, (740) 788-1200 or www.cherryvalleylodge.com

FORT RAPIDS INDOOR WATERPARK RESORT

Description: A 60,000-square-foot park, including an area with two small slides for young children; a 40-foot-tall interactive play area with a water cannon, four slides and a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket; and an activity pool with basketball hoops.

Location: 4560 Hilton Corporate Drive, Columbus (Franklin County)

Open: Year-round

Admission: All-day pass $23.95 (Monday through Friday), $29.95 (Saturday and Sunday), $21.95 after 4 p.m., $9.95 spectator pass, call for park hours and day-pass sales

Parking: Free.

Least-busy days: Tuesday and Wednesday

Tickets/information: (877) 33-SPLASH, (614) 868-1380 or www.fortrapids.com

OHIO STATE FAIR

Description: The state’s premier fair, including entertainment, livestock competitions, rides, youth organizations, agriculture, natural resources, and creative and fine arts.

Location: Ohio Expo Center, I-71 and East 17th Avenue, Columbus (Franklin County)

Open: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 27 through Aug. 6, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 7

Admission: $10 at the gate for those 13 to 59; or $8 for senior citizens 60 and older and children 5 to 12; free for children 4 and younger; special discount days throughout fair run.

Midway wristbands: For unlimited rides, $22; $1 coupons for individual rides available. One coupon required for most “kiddie” rides, two for each “spectacular” and “super kiddie” ride, three for “super spectacular” rides.

Parking: $5

New attractions: Live Shark Encounter, Dale Scott’s Comedy Magic Show, a pig and piglets sculpted from 500 pounds of chocolate, a Civil War encampment, an interactive agriculture-education program and the new “Vertigo” ride

Least-busy days: Tuesday through Thursday

Wheelchair access: Yes

Tickets/information: Advance $6 tickets available through Aug. 7 at participating AAA, Kroger and Ticketmaster outlets; all-day wristband vouchers, $19, available at Ticketmaster outlets through July 26; (614) 644-FAIR, www.ohiostatefair.com

ZOOMBEZI BAY

Description: A 22.7-acre water park — adjacent to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium — featuring 15 water slides, a wave pool, an action river, a lazy river, private cabanas and a kiddie play pool.

Location: 4850 W. Powell Road (Delaware County)

Open: Daily, operating hours vary May 22, May 25 through Aug. 28, Sept. 3-5 (call for details)

Admission: $32.99, or $24.99 for children 2 to 9 and senior citizens 60 and older, free for children 1 and younger

Parking: $5

New attractions: Anaconda Falls whips riders from side to side and through an enclosed tunnel at high speeds as they careen over a zero-gravity hill and splash down into a landing pool; and Python Plunge, which accelerates at exhilarating speeds. Riders are blasted uphill on jetted water and then shot into a 70-foot-long landing pool.

Least-busy days: Weekdays

Wheelchair access: Yes

Tickets/information: Available at the park, AAA, Columbus-area Kroger stores and online; (614) 645-3550, (800) MONKEYS, www.zoombezibay.com

Outdoor dramas

ACTORS’ THEATRE

Description: 30th season of Shakespearean plays and classics

Location: Schiller Park in German Village, 1000 City Park Ave., Columbus (Franklin County)

Performances: “The Scarlet Pimpernel (May 26 to June 26); “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (June 30 to July 31); “Oedipus Rex” (Aug. 4 to Sept. 4)

Admission: Free

Seating capacity: 1,000 on the amphitheater lawn bring your own chairs and blankets)

Wheelchair access: Yes

Running time: About 2½ hours

More information: (614 444-6888, www.theactors theatre.org

Outdoor music

THE BLUEGRASS CLASSIC: MUSICIANS AGAINST CHILDHOOD CANCER

Description: Proceeds from the event, which began in 2000, benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

Location: Hoover Y-Park, 1570 Rohr Road, Columbus (Franklin County)

Performances: July 20: James King, Don Rigsby and Midnight Call, Dale Ann Bradley, Larry Stephenson Band, the Gibson Brothers, Bill Yates and the Country Gentlemen Tribute Band, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, Shawn Camp and Mike Bub; July 21: Balsam Range, Nothin’ Fancy, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, Lou Reid and Carolina, Marty Raybon and Full Circle, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, the Grascals and Johnson Mountain Boys; July 22: Rarely Herd, New Found Road, Danny Paisley and Southern Grass, David Parmley and Continental Divide, Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice, J.D. Crowe and the New South, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver with the Centerville Alternative Strings, Lonesome River Band, Old Friends (J.D. Crowe, Doyle Lawson, Paul Williams); July 23: MACC Children’s Band, Darrin and Brooke Aldridge, Lost and Found, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, Ronnie Bowman, Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time, Mighty Haggard, Blue Highway, the MACC Opry — “Murder on Music Row” with Carl Jackson, Bradley Walker, Jerry Salley, Larry Cordle, Randy Kohrs, Brooke Aldridge, Val Story, Garnett Bowman and MACC members and SteelDrivers

Parking: Free

Tickets: $35 to $105; half-price for children 11 to 15; free for children 10 and younger accompanied by a parent. Tickets available at Bluegrass Musicians Supply, (614) 443-3558 or (800) 783-2583; Ticketmaster outlets (800) 745-3000; or www.ticketmaster.com; by calling (740) 548-4199; or at the gate. Camping: $5 a day.

More information: (740) 548-4199, www.bluegrassclassic.com

CREW STADIUM

Description: Home to the Columbus Crew MLS soccer team, the stadium doubles as a concert venue seating up to 30,000 people.

Location: 1 Black & Gold Blvd., Columbus (I-71 near East Hudson Street) (Franklin County)

Performances: 7 p.m. June 25: Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington, Uncle Kracker; 7 p.m. Aug. 5: Journey, Foreigner and Night Ranger; 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7: Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and Jerrod Niemann

Parking: $5 to $10

Tickets: $20 to $199 at Ticketmaster outlets (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com

More information: (614) 447-2739, www.crewstadium.com

LANCASTER FESTIVAL

Description: The event boasts a blend of music, art and family fun at various venues throughout Lancaster.

Location: Wendel Concert Stage, Ohio University branch campus, 1570 Granville Pike, Lancaster (Fairfield County)

Performances: Festival runs July 21-30, at various sites. Among the outdoor concerts: 8:15 p.m. July 23: Celtic Fire featuring Angela Little; 8:15 p.m. July 24: Classical Mystery Tour — A Tribute to the Beatles; 7:30 p.m. July 27: Unforgettable Fire (U2 tribute band); 7:30 p.m. July 28: Frontiers: The Journey Tribute; 8:15 p.m. July 30: the Beach Boys; 8:15 p.m. July 31 Kenny Rogers

Parking: Free

Tickets: $12 to $30 for outdoor shows (also free shows and indoor concerts)

More information: (740) 653-8700, (800) LANFEST, www.lanfest.org

LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES PAVILION

Description: Located in the Arena District, the outdoor amphitheater has a seating capacity of 4,500.

Location: 405 Neil Ave., Columbus (Franklin County)

Performances: 1:30 p.m. May 22: “Miles and Music for Kids” featuring Dierks Bentley, Joe Nichols and Uncle Kracker; 6:30 p.m. May 28: the Avett Brothers; 7 p.m. June 11: Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs; 6:30 p.m. June 14: Wiz Khalifa; 6:30 p.m. June 16: Devo; 6:30 p.m. June 19: Elvis Costello and the Imposters; 6:30 p.m. June 24: the Monkees; 6:30 p.m June 26: Umphrey’s McGee; 5:30 p.m. July 17: 311; 6:30 p.m. July 27: Death Cab for Cutie; 5:30 p.m. July 2: Flogging Molly; (3 p.m. July 30 ): QFM96 Budweiser Wing Zing featuring Paul Rodgers of Bad Co.; 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4: Guster

Parking: On area lots

Tickets: $20 to $42.50 at Ticketmaster outlets (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com

More information: (614) 461-5483, www.promowestlive.com

PICNIC WITH THE POPS

Description: Casual outdoor performances featuring the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and guest artists; reserved and lawn seating available.

Location: Lawn of Chemical Abstract Services, 2540 Olentangy River Road, Columbus (Franklin County)

Performances: All shows at 8:15 p.m. June 18: U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors; June 25: the Music of Michael Jackson; July 2: Patriotic Pops (featuring a fireworks display after the concert); July 9: Chris Botti; July 16: Daryl Stuermer of Genesis and Phil Collins; July 23: the Spinners; July 29-30: Ohio State University Marching Band

Parking: Free

Tickets: $20, or $8 for children 3 to 14; $18 discount tickets available at participating Giant Eagle stores

More information: (614) 228-8600, (614) 469-0939; www. picnicwiththepops.com

POPCORN POPS

Description: Family concert events, featuring the Columbus Symphony Orchestera, including picnicking and preconcert activities for the younger set.

Location: Lawn of Chemical Abstract Services, 2540 Olentangy River Road, Columbus (Franklin County)

Performances: All shows at 8 p.m. Preconcert activities at 6:45 p.m. June 24: “American Salute”; July 8: “Beach Party”; July 22: “Rock Around the World”

Parking: Free

Tickets: $12, or $8 for ages 3 to 14, free for children 2 and younger; discount tickets available at Giant Eagle

More information: (614) 228-8600, (614) 469-0939, www. picnicwiththepops.com

Museums

COLUMBUS MUSEUM OF ART

Description: The museum is known for its collection of late-19th- and early 20th-century American and European modern art and its regional collections, such as the largest public collection of woodcarvings by Columbus folk artist Elijah Pierce; the world’s largest repository of paintings and lithographs by Columbus native George Bellows.

Location: 480 E. Broad St., Columbus (Franklin County)

Open: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday

Admission: $10, or $8 for senior citizens 60 and older and students 18 and older with valid I.D., $5 for children 6 to 17, free for children 5 and younger, free for everyone on Sundays.

Parking: Free, behind the museum

Special exhibits: “2011 Greater Columbus Arts Council Visual Arts Exhibition,” highlighting the recipients of the 2010 Greater Columbus Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship Awards and Dresden Residencies (through July 3); “Street Talk and Spiritual Matters: Aminah’s Mt. Vernon Avenue,” through Sept. 4, featuring Robinson’s RagGonNons, paintings, drawings, hogmawg sculptures, prints and books; “Currents: Stephanie Syjuco,” adopting the tactics of counterfeiting, re-appropriation, and fictional fabrications to address questions of cultural biography, labor and capitalism (June 24 through Sept. 4); “Don’t Eat the Art,” focusing on food in art and featuring interactive experiences such as scatch-and sniff-scavenger hunts, a “Where Does Your Food Come From” game and an art-making activity (through Dec. 31)

Wheelchair access: Yes

More information: (614) 221-4848, (614) 221-6801, www.columbusmuseum.org

COSI COLUMBUS

Description: A hands-on science center featuring several permanent exhibits that cater to a wide range of ages, and an Extreme Screen theater.

Location: 333 W. Broad St., Columbus (Franklin County)

Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday (May 30 through Sept. 5); Family Friday Nights ($9 admission 5 to 9 p.m. the last Friday of each month)

Admission: $14.75, ages 13 and older, or $13.75 for senior citizens 60 and older, $9.75 for children 2 to 12

Parking: $5

Special exhibits: “Dinosaurs: Explore, Escape, Survive,” featuring animatronic dinosaurs, advanced computer simulators that let you be the dinosaur, and a huge interactive maze with the 3-D feature Waking the T-Rex in COSI’s theater (May 28 through Sept. 5); Cost $24.75, $23.75 for senior citizens 60 and older, $19.75 for children 2 to 12 (includes COSI admission); and “Adventure! In the Valley of the Unknown,” a 10,000-square-foot exhibition where you crack codes, uncover clues and navigate mazes in a quest for knowledge (through Sept. 5). Cost $17.75, or $16.75 for senior citizens 60 and older, $12.75 for children 2 to12 (includes COSI admission)

Wheelchair access: Yes

More information: (614) 228-2674, (888) 819-COSI, www.cosi.org

KING ARTS COMPLEX

Description: The complex features the cultural and historical contributions of African Americans.

Location: 867 Mount Vernon Ave., Columbus (Franklin County)

Open: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The gallery is open from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Admission: $3 to the Elijah Pierce Gallery

Parking: Free, at the Garfield entrance

Special exhibits: “COMnGRAF 3: Breaking Boarders” showcasing the cross-cultural influences of comic books and grafitti artists from around the country (June 4 through Aug. 27)

Wheelchair access: Yes

More information: (614) 645-5464, www.thekingarts complex.com

OHIO HISTORICAL CENTER

Description: The center focuses on connecting visitors with the state’s history.

Location: 1982 Velma Ave., I-71 and East 17th Avenue, Columbus (Franklin County)

Open: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

Admission: $8, or $7 for senior citizens 60 and older, $4 for children 6 to 12, free for children 5 and younger

Parking: Free

Special exhibits: “Controversy: Pieces You Don’t Normally See,” including objects from the permanent collection of the center, which typically have not been included in previous exhibits (through summer, $5 additional fee); “The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute From the Civil War to Iraq,” capturing the essence of the American soldier throughout 150 years (begins July 1)

Wheelchair access: Yes

More information: (614) 297-2300, (800) 686-6124, www.ohiohistory.org

WEXNER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Description: The center offers dance and music performances as well as films and special exhibits.

Location: 1871 N. High Street at 15th Avenue, Columbus (Franklin County)

Open: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday

Admission: $5

Parking: Nearby garages

Special exhibits: “Human Behavior: Nathalie Djurberg with Music by Hans Berg,” useing claymation to craft and enact, dark tales of war, violence and sexual exploitation in projections and installations that can be disturbing and dazzling at the same time (through July 31); “Double Sexus: Hans Bellmer and Louise Bourgeois,” works by two influential artists known for their provocative explorations of the human form (through July 31); and “Pipilotti Rist: The Tender Room,” borrowing concepts from her recent installations.

Wheelchair access: Yes

More information: (614) 292-0330, www.wexarts.org

SPORTING EVENTS

Baseball

COLUMBUS CLIPPERS

Description: The Cleveland Indians’ International League affiliate plays in the shadows of downtown skyscrapers in a sleek-but-cozy ballpark.

Location: Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Columbus (Franklin County)

Home games: May 23-24 vs. Durham; June 5-6 vs. Louisville; June 7-10 vs. Rochester; June 20-21 vs. Toledo; June 24-27 vs. Gwinnett; June 28-29 vs. Toledo; July 2-3 vs. Louisville; July 7-8 vs. Toledo; July 14-17 vs. Indianapolis; July 18-21 vs. Scranton/WB; July 30-Aug. 2 vs. Norfolk; Aug. 4-7 vs. Syracuse; Aug. 10-11 vs. Indianapolis; Aug. 20-23 vs. Buffalo; Aug. 26-27 vs. Indianapolis; Aug. 28-29 vs. Louisville; Sept. 2-3 vs. Toledo

Admission: $6 to $10, or $3 to $7 for senior citizens and children 12 and younger

Parking: Various lots within a 10-minute walk of the stadium

Wheelchair access: Yes

Tickets: Available at the Clippers office, (614) 462-2757; through Ticketmaster, (800) 745-3000; or online

More information: (614) 462-5250, www.clippersbaseball.com

Soccer

COLUMBUS CREW

Description: An original franchise of Major League Soccer, “America’s hardest-working team” has been an MLS mainstay and a frequent playoff qualifier.

Location: Columbus Crew Stadium, One Black & Gold Blvd., Columbus (I-71 near East Hudson Street)

Home games: May 28 vs. Chivas USA; June 8 vs. Real Salt Lake; June 12 vs. Chicago Fire; June 26 vs. Colorado Rapids; July 6 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC; July 16 vs. San Jose Earthquakes; July 23 vs. Portland Timbers; Aug. 13 vs. New England Revolution; Aug. 20 vs. Philadelphia Union

Admission: $24 to $45 in advance, $27 to $48 on game day, group tickets $17 (minimum of 20)

Parking: Ample parking, $10, on Ohio Expo Center grounds

Wheelchair access: Yes

Tickets: Available at Crew office, (614) 447-2739; Ticketmaster, (800) 745-3000

More information: (614) 447-2739, www.thecrew.com

Golf

Memorial Tournament

Description: Many of the best golfers in the world come to Dublin to play in the event that the legendary Jack Nicklaus established in 1976.

Location: Muirfield Village Golf Club, 5750 Memorial Drive, Dublin (Franklin County)

Dates: May 30 to June 5

Admission: $155 (all-tournament badge), $30 (all three practice rounds); free for youths 12 and younger when accompanied by ticketed adult; 18 and younger free Wednesday (Junior Golf Day)

Parking: Main lot is off Dublin Road, near the sixth tee; overflow parking is available in the Ashbaugh Road lot. Complimentary shuttles transport patrons between the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the tournament grounds main gate Thursday through Sunday. Shuttles operate from 7 a.m. until one hour after the conclusion of play. Tune radio to 1610 AM for daily traffic, parking and weather information.

Tickets: Badges available by calling (614) 889-6712; or online

More information: (614) 889-6712, (877) MTBADGE, www.thememorialtournament.com

Motor sports

COLUMBUS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Description: A one-third-mile semi-banked oval track plays host to weekend warriors and NASCAR pros.

Location: 1841 Williams Road, Columbus (Franklin County)

Events: NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Saturdays through Sept. 3: June 4: FAST Series Legend Cars; June 11: USAC Focus Midgets; July 9: Christmas in July with FAST Series Legend Cars; July 16: Winged Sprint Cars; Aug. 6: FAST Series Legend Cars; Aug. 20: Winged Sprint Cars; Sept. 3: Labor Day Championship

Admission: $12 to $15; or $4 and $5 for children 4 to 11; free for children 4 and younger; special-event pricing varies

Parking: Ffree

Wheelchair access: Yes

Tickets: At the gate only

More information: (614) 491-1047, www.columbusspeed way.com

NATIONAL TRAIL RACEWAY

Description: The National Hot Rod Association owns the facility, which has a concrete-and-asphalt racing surface.

Location: 2650 National Road S.W., Hebron (Licking County)

Events: Weekly racing with special events including Blitz Friday Night Street fights/NHRA Street Legal (selected Fridays through Sept. 30); May 29: NHRA/National Trail Raceway King of the Track; June 4: National Association of Diesel Motorsports Buckeye Diesel Nationals Diesel Drags/Truck Pull/Mud Drags; July 8: Goodguys Hot Rod Drags; July 16: Night of Thunder Jet Car show; July 22-24: NHRA Lucas Oil Drag-Racing Series/Buckeye Fuel War; July 29-31: Buick Horsepower Nationals; Aug. 12-14: MOPAR Nationals; Aug. 28: Import Face-Off; Sept. 2-4: National Mustang Racing Association Ford Expo; Sept.17: National Association of Diesel Motorsports Buckeye Country Nationals Diesel Drags/Truck Pull/Mud Drags; Sept 23-24: JEGS Northern SPORTSnationals

Admission: Varies

Parking: Free for most events

Wheelchair access: Yes

Tickets: Available at the gate

More information: (740) 928-5706, www.nationaltrailraceway.com

Harness racing

SCIOTO DOWNS

Description: The 5/8-mile mile harness track is one of the fastest in the nation.

Location: 6000 S. High St., Columbus (Franklin County)

Season: Fridays and Saturdays (post time 6:30 p.m.), Sundays (post time 1 p.m.) in May through September; special events: 1 p.m. post times on May 30, July 4 and Sept. 5; simulcasting daily

Admission: $3 clubhouse and grandstand

Parking: Free

Wheelchair access: Yes

Tickets: Available at the gate

More information: (614) 491-2515, www.sciotodowns.com

Zoo

COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM

Description: The 84-year-old zoo boasts 9,445 animals representing 676 species and sits on 580 acres (330 are developed), with a golf course and water park.

Location: 4850 W. Powell Road (Delaware County)

Big attractions: “Polar Frontier,” an 8-acre exhibit with polar and brown bears and Arctic foxes; zoo babies on display include an elephant and three lion cubs in “Asia Quest” and four manatees in “Manatee Coast”; “Animals on Safari” show features 100 trained animals performing on the Activity Pavilion Stage.

Open: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily May 29 through Labor Day

Admission: $14, or $10 for senior citizens 60 and older (half-price Tuesdays), $9 for children 2 to 9, free for children younger than 2; Wednesdays are half-price for Franklin County residents.

Parking: $5

Wheelchair access: Yes; rental: $12, or $30 for motorized scooter; single-stroller rental: $8, or $12 for double

More information: (614) 645-3550, www.columbuszoo.org