10 Adventures For Family Fun in Shores and Islands

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If you’re planning a visit to Shores and Islands you’ll want to be sure to include these family fun adventures to your visit.

Here you’ll find beautiful blue water, fun-filled attractions, delicious food, and hidden gems.

Located in the northwestern part of Ohio this region is mostly known for Cedar Point Amusement park and Put-In-Bay but there is so much more to see and do while visiting.

Find 25 Fantastically Fun Reasons To Visit The Sandusky Area This Summer.

10 ADVENTURES FOR FAMILY FUN IN SHORES AND ISLANDS, OHIO

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SANDUSKY

Explore Washington Park, downtown architecture, Schade-Mylandar Plaza, Facer Park, and the Lake Erie waterfront.

Be sure to find the garden clock and note the date. Every day an employee changes the date. It is a great place to document your visit to Lake Erie Shores and Islands.

MERRY-GO-ROUND MUSEUM

Sure to be a hit with young and old alike. A ride on the indoor Merry-Go-Round is a must.

The museum is full of antique carousel animals which is really interesting to see. Be sure to ask the docent which one is worth the most.

I think you will be shocked by the answer, I know I was.

There is also a workshop area that is very interesting. If you’ve ever wondered how carousel animals are carved this is the place to visit.

CEDAR POINT

I’d be remiss not to include Cedar Point in my list. It is the perfect destination whether you love roller coasters, riding family fun rides or people watching while being the “bag holder” (hey, THAT is completely acceptable…says the designated “bag holder”)

Cedar Point has something for everyone in the family.

I’m not a coaster fan, but I had a great time at the park. Read my Cedar Point review here.

(c)North Coast Parasail & Jet Ski

NORTH COAST PARASAIL AND JET SKI

Located on Cedar Point Beach take your adventures to the next level with a parasail and jet ski experience. Parasailing gives a great birds eye view of the park and downtown Sandusky while a jet ski takes you along the shore for a different view of the area.

Hey, not the best photo of me, but PROOF that I’m standing inside the geode 🙂

CRYSTAL CAVE

Stand in the world’s largest Geode. All you need is the ability to walk down and then back up 45 steps to access the cave, but it’s well worth it.

The cave holds about 25 people and the tour is about 10-15 minutes long. It’s not very much time, but how many of your friends can say they’ve stood in the largest geode in the world?

Be sure to stop by the on-site winery and try a glass of Catawba wine before you leave.

HIKE SHELDON’S MARSH

Located off of US-6 this nature area is a hidden gem in the region. Home to a variety of birds, butterflies and wildlife you’ll want to bring your camera for your hike.

If you can find a nature guide to go with you the experience will be that much richer as they are able to spot and identify so many animals and birds along the path.

The hike is an easy 1/2 mile, one way, on a paved path. When you get towards the end of the path take the trail to the left to go out to the Lake Erie shore.

VISIT PUT IN BAY AND KELLEYS ISLAND

If you can’t escape to the Caribbean take Miller Ferry over to Put In Bay or Kelleys Island. Both islands are fun, relaxing, offer good food and so much to do.

Golf carts are the favored mode of transportation on either island and are a lot of fun to drive. Please note: If you are traveling with young children during the weekend I would recommend Kelleys Island over Put In Bay.

Put In Bay is a lot of fun, but has been known to be a bit of a frat party on summer weekends. Of course, my last visit was pre pandemic so maybe things have changed since then.