Location: Sandusky
Top Things to do in Sandusky
What to do and see in Sandusky, Ohio (OH): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Thrill seekers will have no trouble getting their kicks in Sandusky, home to the world-renowned Cedar Point Amusement Park, boasting 17 roller coasters, plentiful children's attractions and carousels. Outside the park, the city entices travelers with its sandy white Erie shores, stunning coastal trails, mysterious Seneca Caverns and numerous refreshing water parks. The downtown waterfront boasts historic architecture, charming boutiques and unparalleled views over Lake Erie.
Restaurants in Sandusky
1. Sandusky Segwave
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 146 reviews
Discover the fun and ease of riding a Segway through historic downtown Sandusky as you learn about the past and the charm of our city. Spend one or two hours exploring and touring the beautiful paths and byways that bring Sandusky's past to life. Cruise our city, the coastal bay area, bike paths and parks. Come discover Sandusky! Some say it's as thrilling as an amusement park! Daily One hr. tours are at 2PM. The 2 hr, tours operate at 11AM and 4PM. Sunday one hr. tours are at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM and 1 PM for the two hr. tour. We hope to see you soon! Please book online for full availability of dates and times for you, your friends and family! We are partnered with Lake Erie Shores and Islands, in the travel guide! #lakeerielove #ThisIsCoasting #BeShoreAndWave #SanduskyStongerTogether
2. Cedar Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,979 reviews
More than just an amusement park, Cedar Point features hotels, restaurants, beautiful grounds along with an impressive variety of thrill-rides.
Reviewed By 766courtneyl
If your looking for a place to ENJOY some of the BEST rollercoasters....LOOK no further than Cedar Point!! This amusement park has an AMAZING selection of rides for NEWBIES and the experienced rider!! You’ll have a great time and the cost of a daily admission is well worth it...you won’t be disappointed!! Be sure to ride the DRAGSTER!! Enjoy!!
3. Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 324 reviews
Multi Attraction Family Entertainment Center. Featured on The Travel Channel's "Best Places I've Ever Been." Experience the scariest haunted house you will ever encounter, ride the fastest virtual roller coaster in Ohio, experience a one-of-a-kind interactive 3D blacklight mini golf journey, bounce houses, an indoor play area or get your heart pumping some more with a whirl around the skating rink. Special Events in October (Lake Eerie Fear Fest) December (Winter Wonderland Walk Through) and in September (Lake Eerie Zombie Mud Run).
Reviewed By angiej164 - Toledo, United States
My family visited during spring break. We were looking for something fun, different and inside because it was so cold out, that could entertain a 16, 13, and 8 year old. This place did! It was crazy busy when we got there with a long line to get in but once we were inside we really never had to wait for each activity. We ended up getting the thrill passes which included the haunted house, 6D movie, 3D glow mini golf and skating and adding on the escape room and laser maze. Our total bill for everything for 5 people was just over $200. We ended up being there for 3 hours and then ran out of time, they were closing. When I called ahead I was told for all of that minus skating to plan on spending about 2-2 1/2 hours so they were a little off on time which threw off my plans a little but that's ok, we had a blast! Four of us didn't get to do the laser maze and we ended up not having time to skate but that ok because the skating was just sort of a bonus of buying the thrill pass. The haunted house and movie were our favorites followed by the mini golf. I think if we ever to do it again we'd pass on the escape room, it was a little difficult and not really worth the cost in our opinion. Kudos to the scarer in the haunted house, he was able to get all of us at various points throughout the haunted house and we really enjoyed it! It was scary but not so bad that my 8 year old couldn't handle it. All in all we all had a great time and this place held up to our expectations!
4. Merry-Go-Round Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By PollyannaMolly - Broadview Heights, United States
As we entered the Merry-Go-Round was just starting up so we were greeted with the Wurlitzer Organ music of the carrousel! It required 3 trips around the circular museum for me to take it all in. The building, being a former post office, is not large, yet so much history and beauty is housed inside. My husband finally sat down and waited for me to finish soaking it all in. I only wish a wood carver had been there, although I will say the young lady working was very knowledgeable and able to answer my questions. I saved my carousel ride, which is included in the admission fee, for the culmination of the visit and I was not disappointed. Well worth the visit. The first picture is my favorite horse on the carousel, second is Stargazer the lead horse on the carousel. You may recognize the 2 horses in the last photo from postage stamps and you can even see the deer that were on display at the White House during the 2014 Christmas season when you visit.
5. Toft's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By 511chrism511
This is the home of Tofts’ ice cream, a local brand that is synonymous with Ice Cream around this area and has a lot of great and unusual flavors. This is the main location and they have a neat indoor Ice cream shop/ malt shop area with a retail selection as well. They have smaller ice cream shops in the area, but this one is definitely the best!
6. Cinemark Stadium Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By cmkmssa172
This is our go to movie theater. We live about 25-30 minutes away but it is worth it (we have two other theaters closer). It’s a great price, seats don’t hurt, concessions are decent, has a lot of variety and multiple times for convenience. It is also in a great location. Very pleased with this theater!
7. Lagoon Deer Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 168 reviews
Come and walk amidst a land of enchantment- as you stroll through the park you will be greeted by animals of all nations. You'll feed them by hand, and they'll follow you through the park. Pet these animals from Europe, Asia, South and North America, and Africa. You won't want to miss our NEWEST additions- over 75 new babies born each year! Take a break from the lake. Fish with us in our calm, cool, shaded lagoons. Fish brought in regularly, including catfish, bullheads, and carp. Also, largemouth bass, crappies, rock bass, and bluegill propagated on property.
Reviewed By debbiecF4530GY - Colorado Springs, United States
This was a dream come true for me, to pet and hang out with deer! So, the friendly lama's and goats were a bonus! Food bags are available for a decent price. It's now a must when I visit the area! we only had a short time, otherwise, we would've gone back for more food. Fishing is also available, and we were greeted by several beautiful peacocks too! It's a beautiful place to visit - also family owned for 61 years! no specific dress code but I would wear tennis shoes/boots, animals not potty trained, lol.
8. Kalahari Waterparks
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,397 reviews
Join us for 174,000 square feet filled with Wet. Wild. Fun. At the Midwest's Largest Indoor Waterpark. Water you waiting for? Come splash! Waterpark included with your stay or Day Passes available!
Reviewed By 511chrism511
This place is massive and has everything. In all, it is like a Vegas casino without slot machines. The waterpark is huge with every type of slide you can think of, a lazy river with effects, a water roller coaster. a wave area, kiddie pools, pools where you can shoot basketballs, a flow rider surf simulator (hold onto your shorts) and a ton of other stuff. Outside they have a zip line course and an indoor/outdoor hot tub. The hotel area is massive and is designed to keep people on property. A couple quibbles: The locker room area could be cleaner, the theming can be a little over-the-top and make sure ou bring your wallet (well, three or four wallets, since Everything has some kind of upcharge. But all things considered, it’s a fun weekend getaway from Ohio winter.
9. Sandusky Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By J7432RYchristinem
This little museum near Sandusky Bay is a great place to spend a couple hours! Permanent exhibits showcase the Maritime history of Sandusky, including Battle of Lake Erie, ice harvesting, Underground Railroad (Sandusky an important stop for slaves escaping to Canada), and Bay/lake shipping. The Museum has 3 buildings, one showcasing Lyman boats, the wooden boat manufacturing based in Sandusky. The museum is inexpensive, with special admission rates for children, seniors and families. Be sure to save some time to check out the gift shop's collection of nautical themed books, tee-shirts and other souvenirs.
10. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 423 reviews
Reviewed By icewoman625 - Aurora, United States
Activities every hour or so for the kids free in the lobby was amazing. The dance party, bubble dance and yoga were awesome for the kids. We loved that the water park water was warm. The water park was clean. The lifeguards paid attention and we felt safe. It was so much fun for a 4 year old. Sadly the water park opens at 10am. Everyone with a child under 7 Knows we are up and ready to go easy before that. The Magic game that is played on all 4 floors of the hotel was really expensive and but super cool. My four-year-old lost interest in it quickly. I wouldn't spend the money on it again until he's bigger to understand it.The biggest complaint I have is the food is horribly expensive. We ventured into the restaurant and found that it was absolutely terrible tasting we returned half ourfood. I suggest going to eat at any of the restaurants around the water park or bring food in for the microwave and refrigerator in the room... come on Great Wolf Lodge $9 for a kids meal that's not even a serving, tasted horrible and $17.99 for two small pieces of fried fish and some french fries???Chicken alfredo that had small appeared to be canned chunk chicken? At a restaurant that has the word Grill in it? Making a phone call to Domino's and having it delivered to the lobby was the best $$ spent. The TVs in the room or microscopic size don't think you're going to stay in the rooms and chill and watch TV unless you have a magnifying glass.
