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In-The-Area Entertainment Guidebook

Things to do within 1/2 hour drive from downtown Sandusky

Sandusky

Cedar Point

Amusement park

View from the top of some roller coasters, against a background of the Bay and blue skies
View of the Cedar Point welcome sign and ticket office, with a roller coaster in the background
The Ferris Wheel in the middle with another ride to its left and another ride to its right

Directions (from the Jet Express)
1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870
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Hardly requiring any commentary, this nationally-renowned amusement park offers tons of entertainment for both kids and adults, including world-class roller coasters, equally exciting thrill rides, kids' areas, arcade, indoor and outdoor shows, and a 19th-century throw-back frontier town. 9-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Cedar Point Shores

Water park

Kids on a water ride, with a view of a roller coaster in the background

Directions (from the Jet Express)
1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870
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Located adjacent to CP, Cedar Point Shores is CP's outdoor water park. Here, roller coasters and thrill rides can be enjoyed while getting soaked from head to toe. 15-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Cedar Point Beach

Beach

Sandy beach with lounge chairs and yellow umbrellas, with a view of a roller coaster in the background to the left
View of the beach and people relaxing, with a hotel to the right and amusement park rides off in the distance
View of the Boardwalk entrance, with a large Boardwalk sign arching over two columns

Directions (from the Jet Express)
1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870
Website (opens in new tab)

Located adjacent to CP, this sandy beach offers a great way to enjoy the waters of Lake Erie. With many boats from nearby marinas frequently mooring off the shore for the day, the view from the beach can be quite stunning. Water sports equipment rentals are available from a kiosk located right on the beach. 9-minute drive from the Jet Express.

North Coast Parasail & WaterSports

Water sports equipment rental

View of a family parasailing over the Bay, with an open purple and yellow parasail top
View of a man making waves on a jet ski, with his head turned back to look at the splashing water
People kayaking on the Bay, with roller coasters in front of them in the distance

Directions (from the Jet Express)
1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870
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This water sports equipment rental kiosk is located right on CP Beach. The offerings include jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks, and parasail rides. Booking in advance is recommended, but walk-ups can often be accommodated with some wait time. 9-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Ghostly Manor

Entertainment complex, roller skating

Gothically architected Ghostly Manor building, with a sculpture of a fictional beast hanging out the window

Directions (from the Jet Express)
3319 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870
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This indoor entertainment complex offers many activities for kids and adults, including roller-skating/blading, bounce houses, haunted house, escape room, laser maze, mini golf, VR gaming, and XD 4D theater. Snacks and soft drinks are available, as well. 8-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Goofy Golf

Entertainment complex, putt-putt

Goofy Golf's putt putt course
Goofy Golf building facade, with the Arcade sign above the entrance
Goofy Golf's go-kart track

Directions (from the Jet Express)
3020 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870
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This mostly outdoor entertainment complex includes mini golf, go-karts, and bumper boats; an indoor arcade is also available. 8-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Kalahari Resort

Water park, entertainment complex

Colorful view of the indoor water park slides
Outdoor water park slides, surrounded by the resort building displaying a mural of an elephant in the center
View of Kalahari Resort's huge indoor pool

Directions (from the Jet Express)
7000 Kalahari Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870
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Much more than just a water park, Kalahari is a resort and entertainment complex that offers food venues, a huge arcade, escape rooms, and many other indoor and outdoor experiences and activities. The indoor water park includes water slides, pools, wave pool, and hot tubs with indoor and outdoor portions. The seasonal outdoor offerings include a water park, an outdoor animal park, and an outdoor adventure park with zip lining, a rock wall, mini golf, a ropes course, and various outdoor games. The indoor Big Game Room offers arcade games, VR, laser tag, Cave of Mirrors, 7-D motion theater, mini golf, and mini escape rooms. 16-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Great Wolf Lodge

Water park, entertainment complex

Great Wolf Lodge building facade, with the intricately designed porte-cochere resting on four totem pole pillars

Directions (from the Jet Express)
4600 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870
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This indoor resort and entertainment complex is best-known for its indoor water park but also offers food venues, a large arcade, mini-bowling, and other games and entertainment options. 11-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Castaway Bay

Water park, entertainment complex

View of the Castaway Bay building resting on water

Directions (from the Jet Express)
2001 Cleveland Rd W, Sandusky, OH 44870
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This indoor resort and entertainment complex features a 5-story indoor water park and additionally provides food venues and dry entertainment options such as arcade, escape room, mini-bowling, and mini-golf. 8-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Cedar Lanes

Entertainment complex, bowling alley

Angled view of the bowling lanes, with cartoon character decor on the wall above the pins

Directions (from the Jet Express)
1935 Cleveland Rd W, Sandusky, OH 44870
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This entertainment complex's center-stage feature is its bowling alley; other activities include axe throwing, laser tag, and sports betting. 7-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Lagoon Deer Park

Animal park

A baby llama standing next to an adult llama
View of a girl feeding animals at the park
View of a group of deer walking through the park

Directions (from the Jet Express)
1012 Martins Point Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870
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The Deer Park is an opportunity to behold exotic animals from several continents in an up-close and personal interactive experience. This park houses many different types of animals in addition to deer and allows guests to walk amongst the animals, feed them, pet them, and take photos. 14-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Cinemark Movie Theater

Movie theater

View of the movie theater's interior, arcade, and concession stand

Directions (from the Jet Express)
4314 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870
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This movie theater is located behind the Sandusky mall and runs current, main-stream movie showings. Typical movie theater snacks and beverages are available at the concession stand. 12-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Sandusky Mall

Shopping mall

View of the Sandusky Mall main entrance

Directions (from the Jet Express)
4314 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870
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This mall houses a large book store, along with various other shopping venues, kids play areas, and some dining options. The mall's amenities include massage chairs as well as comfortable seating areas. It's a great place to take a walk when walking outside is not an option. 11-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Huron

Huron Pier and Lighthouse

Pier, park

View of the lighthouse at the end of the pier, with sunlight reflecting off the water in front of the lighthouse
The pier leading up to the viewing platform, with a glimpse of the lighthouse off in the distance
Sunset view of the Huron Pier, with the sun getting low and reflecting off the water

Directions (from the Jet Express)
Huron, OH 44839
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The Huron Pier is a magical setting for a walk, both during the day and especially at sunset. The pier offers spectacular views of the Huron River, Lake Erie, and the nearby park and ends in an observation deck with a terrific view of the lighthouse. 23-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Huron Boat Basin

Marina, park, amphitheater

Sunset view of the Huron Boat Basin park
The Boat Basin marina filled with boats, with the amphitheater in the foreground
View of boats cruising down the river by the Boat Basin and docking at the marina

Directions (from the Jet Express)
330 Main St, Huron, OH 44839
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The Boat Basin is a vast recreational area on a bank of the Huron River, with a lovely marina, a park with swing sets overlooking the river, an amphitheater that regularly hosts live music events in the summer, and an embankment that lends itself to scenic strolls along the riverfront. The Boat Basin is also the home of the annual Huron River Fest every July. 19-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Lake Front Park

Park

View of the lake and the park's small sandy beach
View of the gazebo overlooking the lake
Huron Lake Front Park wooden sign, with trees and the lake in the background

Directions (from the Jet Express)
310 Park St, Huron, OH 44839
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This delightfully inviting park abounds with enchanting views of the lake from various perspectives. In addition to park benches overlooking the lake, a nice walking path, and a small beach, other amenities include a playground, restrooms, and a picnic area with grills. 20-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Riverview Lanes

Bowling alley

View of the bowling lanes, with TV monitors suspended above

Directions (from the Jet Express)
125 Main St, Huron, OH 44839
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This bowling alley is located in the heart of Huron and offers indoor entertainment for kids and adults. It is located within walking distance of various other points of interest in Huron. Snacks and beverages are also available. 20-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Nickel Plate Beach

Beach

Sandy beach, with a few beach umbrellas to the right and people swimming to the left
Families relaxing on the beach, with a view of the Huron Pier and Lighthouse across the lake
View of the beach with a blue sky and white clouds above

Directions (from the Jet Express)
1 Nickel Plate Dr, Huron, OH 44839
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A large, sandy beach on the shore of Lake Erie, Nickel Plate has the feel of one of those beaches that one might have enjoyed during summer vacations as a kid. Beach equipment rentals are available, as well as picnic facilities, volleyball courts, and a playground. 21-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Thunderbird Hills North

Golf course

View of a fairway and a green directly adjacent to the golf course restaurant's patio tables

Directions (from the Jet Express)
1316 Mudbrook Rd, Huron, OH 44839
Website (opens in new tab)

T-bird North is a beautiful yet affordable golf course set on naturally rolling terrain; this course features tree-lined fairways and small, challenging greens. Additionally, the clubhouse facility houses a charming bistro-style restaurant. 21-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Thunderbird Hills South

Golf course

Sunset view of the golf course

Directions (from the Jet Express)
1401 Huron Avery Rd, Huron, OH 44839
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T-bird South is a beautiful yet affordable golf course bordering the Huron River. Along with offering fantastic river views on the front nine, this course features bent grass tees and fairways and large, undulating greens. 20-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Sawmill Creek Golf Club

Golf course

Two sand traps, with a green behind them and water in front

Directions (from the Jet Express)
600 Mariner Village, Huron, OH 44839
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This well-manicured golf course is set on challenging rolling terrains with a links-style layout. Enclosed by the Sheldon Marsh park, Lake Erie, and Sawmill Creek, this course delivers gorgeous views on both the front and the back nine. 16-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Sheldon Marsh Nature Preserve

Park

Zigzagging walking path, with trees growing out of the marsh to the left
View of the marsh with waterlilies in the water and trees in the background
View of the park's greenery along the marsh

Directions (from the Jet Express)
2715 Cleveland Rd W, Huron, OH 44839
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This serene, picturesque park stretches for 2 miles and is full of wild life, including colorful, unusual birds and various types of wildflowers. Along the paved trail there are a couple of observation decks to get a better view of the marsh. This nature preserve can provide a lot of shade on a hot day, with trees lining the trail. 14-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Marblehead / Port Clinton

East Harbor State Park

Park, beach

View of the park's beach stretching lengthwise along the lake

Directions (from the Jet Express)
1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440
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This quiet, pretty park offers walking trails, campgrounds, and a long beach stretching along the lake. Walks on the beach are lovely here in the evening. 19-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Marblehead Lighthouse

Landmark, park

View of the large wooden Marblehead Lighthouse sign and the lighthouse itself behind it
View of the lighthouse and the surrounding greenery, with the lake and whitecaps in the background
Evening view of the lighthouse, with a beautifully colorful sunset in the background

Directions (from the Jet Express)
110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH 43440
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This lighthouse and surrounding park deliver majestic views of the lake. Watching the pounding waves break into the shore makes for a breathing view. Tours of the inside of the lighthouse are offered seasonally. 27-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Catawba Island State Park

Pier, park

The park's picnic pavilion, a picnic table under a tree, and view of the lake in the background

Directions (from the Jet Express)
4049 E Moores Dock Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452
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This park features a wide pier with beautiful views of the lake on both sides. Several picnic tables are provided along the pier to sit down with a picnic lunch while enjoying the view. 25-minute drive from the Jet Express.

African Safari Wildlife Park

Animal park

Shaded view of a girl, feeding an animal through a car window, with other animals in the background
Closeup of girl feeding an animal through a car window
Closeup of an animal walking toward a lineup of cars

Directions (from the Jet Express)
267 S Lightner Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452
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In this exotic animal park, guests drive through the park with rolled-down windows and feed the animals as they come up to the window, often even sticking their heads right into the vehicle. Many types of animals from several continents can be found here, including alpacas, camels, bison, emus, and giraffes, to name a few. 19-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Island Adventures Family Fun Center (Fast Eddie's Sport's Park)

Entertainment complex

View of families floating in bumper boats

Directions (from the Jet Express)
280 SE Catawba Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452
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Also known as Fast Eddie's Sports Park, this entertainment complex is fun for kids and for parents. Included in the offerings are bumper boats, go-karts, putt putt, an arcade, and a unique simulated mining activity that models prospecting of the Old West. 17-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Portage River Paddling Company

Water sports

View of families canoeing on the lake

Directions (from the Jet Express)
3134 W Harbor Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452
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This venue provides rentals of kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and bicycles. Both single and double kayaks are available. 23-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Dock's Beachfront Watercraft Rental

Water sports

View of a rider on a jet ski

Directions (from the Jet Express)
306 W Lakeshore Dr, Port Clinton, OH 43452
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This venue provides rentals of jet skis, stand-up paddle boards, and kayaks. All rentals are by the 1/2 hour. 22-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Matty Gs Jet Ski Rentals

Water sports

Four jet skis by the shore

Directions (from the Jet Express)
8620 E Bayshore Rd, Marblehead, OH 43440
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This venue is all about jet ski rentals. 8 Kawasaki Ultra LXs are available an hour. A unique feature about Matty G's offering is that there are several options for the rides: riding the skis to restaurants located along the harbors, touring through canals of beautiful mansions, or taking a cruise down the lakeshore. 21-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Liberty Aviation Museum

Museum

The museum building, with an American flag on a pole in the foreground

Directions (from the Jet Express)
3515 E State Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452
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Located on the field of the Erie-Ottawa International Airport, this museum exhibits a captivating collection of World War II aircraft and vehicles, showcasing the deep aviation heritage of this area. 17-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Milan / Norwalk

Milan Village Square

Town square, park

View of the Milan Village Square, with the gazebo in the foreground and greenery and statues in the background

Directions (from the Jet Express)
41 Front St, Milan, OH 44846
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Milan Square is a charming small-town square with a gazebo and a few park benches and is located in the heart of Milan. The square is surrounded by local business, including some food and beverage venues. Annually, Milan Square houses the Milan Melon Fest, along with various town parades, and is beautifully decorated during the holiday season. 24-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Edison Park

Park

View of the park's swing set and playground
View that includes the picnic pavilion, the carousel, and the playground
The Milan Towpath MetroPark sign, with the wooded area of the park in the background

Directions (from the Jet Express)
6 East St, Milan, OH 44846
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This park offers a pretty, relaxing area for walking and playing. A covered picnic pavilion and a playground with swings, slides, and a carousel are among the family-friendly amenities of this destination. 25-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Milan Historical Museum

Museum

View of the Milan Historical Museum building

Directions (from the Jet Express)
10 N Edison Dr, Milan, OH 44846
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This museum's exhibits explore local history and showcase local craft and innovation. Closed in January and February. 24-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum

Museum

View of the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum building

Directions (from the Jet Express)
9 N Edison Dr, Milan, OH 44846
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This museum focuses on the life, family, work, and inventions of Thomas Edison. A guided tour is offered, with engaging stories and detailed explanations of the artifacts on display. Closed in January. 24-minute drive from the Jet Express.