Summer Travel with Kids Day 3: Sandusky, Ohio

Technically speaking we arrived in Sandusky, Ohio on the evening of our second day of our trip.  Like our first evening spent in Michigan, we had selected to stay in a waterpark style hotel resort.  There are several to choose from in the Sandusky, Ohio area including the Great Wolf Lodge, Cedar Point's Castaway Bay, and the Kalahari.  We stayed the night at the Great Wolf Lodge, but had day passes to Kalahari's Water Park as well as passes to visit the Cedar Point Amusement Park.  Not ones to skip out on an opportunity to have fun, we ended up visiting them all! 


Cedar Point Amusement Park


I was told it is practically illegal not to include a stop at Cedar Point Amusement Park while on any trip to Sandusky.  It's been voted the "World's Best Amusement Park" for something like 14 years running and our trip revealed a few reasons why so many people love it.


First let me point out that it's location out on a little island makes for not only beautiful scenery, but a breeze.  We were there on a day in the hundreds and I was certain we were going to be heavily heat exhausted within minutes.  I was wrong.  That little Lake Eerie breeze made all the difference in the world.  We were warm, but far from miserable.


As a mommy of 5 with kids ranging in age from 17 to 4, I was really impressed with how much there was for everyone in our family to enjoy.  They have LOTS of children and family style rides for hubby and I to enjoy with the little guys, but the fun doesn't stop there.  They also have GOBS of thrill rides and roller coasters.

Our twin four year olds had a fabulous time riding the various cars, helicopters, motorcycles, jeeps, carousels, rockets, and more.  Meanwhile, our older three kids highly enjoyed riding coasters like Millenium Force, Raptor, and Top Thrill Dragster.




Ok well, only my 13 year old son, Hayden, actually decided to ride the Top Thrill Dragster.  The ride goes "Zero to 120 MPH in less than 4 seconds. A few seconds later, you’re 420 feet in the air. From a standing start you’re launched forward, then straight up, then straight down and back to the finish line." The entire ride lasts 17 seconds. See video above. (He's in a gray t-shirt and red shorts with an empty seat next to him.)

He loved every 17 seconds of it and says he would definitely ride it again next time we returned.  Alas, we had more of Sandusky to conquer that day so we this wrapped up our fun at Cedar Point.  I'd definitely allow for a full day at Cedar Point if your schedule allows.

The Great Wolf Lodge

As I mentioned earlier, we spent our prior evening at the Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky.  And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how nice the accommodations and resort itself seemed.

Unfortunately, we had very little time to truly explore the Lodge and Water Park due to our tight schedule this trip (late arrival, early departure, and full day of plans), but I have full intentions of staying at a Great Wolf Lodge again soon with the sole purpose of doing just that.  We must head to a Great Wolf Lodge soon with the intent of simply relaxing and enjoying the Lodge and it's many offerings on property! Stay Tuned for a future full review of this family destination!

Oh and here's a tip from one of my little guys, Cormac.  He gives the "Bears in the Mud" shake 5 stars.  Don't forget to get one for your favorite 4 year old!

Kalahari Resort


After a morning of thrills at Cedar Point, we put our day passes to use for an afternoon at the popular Kalahari Water Resort.

My daughter had been very anxious to see the Kalahari after a broken ankle had sidelined her from going to a dance competition there earlier this year.  The Kalahari of Sandusky did not disappoint.  It's huge!  If you have tweens and teens, this seemed to be the resort with the most water slides aimed at that target group.  But don't get me wrong, my four year olds adored the wave pool and were able to enjoy a selection of the slides as well.

There are four man raft slides, long winding slides, racing slides, funnel style slides, yes indeed ... there are lots and lots of water slides.  And slide my kids did,  over and over again.  There's not just slides either.  There are also water basketball hoops, flowriders you can surf, water cannons, and jumping stones to name a few other items.

Seriously, what an entertaining way for a family to spend what would otherwise be a very warm afternoon.  Rest assured we were good and water logged by the time we had to depart.  Yet, the kids were planning their next visit as we headed to the car.

For more info on a trip this area visit ShoresandIslands.com.  They provided me with a ton of great info on the area.  Please note, they offer a 2012 Museum Family Pass (The M3 Pass) at their Lake Erie Shores and Islands Welcome Center East location.  I tried, but I was unable to squeeze in stops to the three museums that include the Merry-Go-Round Museum, Milan Historical Museum, and Maritime Museum of Sandusky.  Honestly, you simply must allow for a few days to fully explore Sandusky!

Additionally, I could not have planned the Ohio leg of this trip without the help of The Ohio Tourism.  Their website is www.DiscoverOhio.com and the official Ohio Tourism blog is http://discoveringohio.com/.  Lots of great info there for you to check out.

Where to next?  Our college visits sent us heading eastward further up the Lake Erie Coast.

Disclosure: Please note that Cedar Point, Kalahari, and the Three Museums of the M3 provided us with passes for our visit.  However, opinions expressed are my own and not those of the above mentioned destinations.