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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

Cedar Point
Cedar Point
Cedar Point

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

Hardly requiring any commentary, this nationally-renowned amusement park offers tons of entertainment for both kids and adults, including world-class rollercoasters, 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

Cedar Point Shores

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

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

Cedar Point Beach
Cedar Point Beach
Cedar Point Beach

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

North Coast Parasail & WaterSports
North Coast Parasail & WaterSports
North Coast Parasail & WaterSports

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

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

Ghostly Manor

Directions (from the Jet Express)
3319 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870
Website (opens in new tab)

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
Goofy Golf
Goofy Golf

Directions (from the Jet Express)
3020 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Kalahari Resort
Kalahari Resort
Kalahari Resort

Directions (from the Jet Express)
7000 Kalahari Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Directions (from the Jet Express)
4600 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Castaway Bay

Directions (from the Jet Express)
2001 Cleveland Rd W, Sandusky, OH 44870
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Cedar Lanes

Directions (from the Jet Express)
1935 Cleveland Rd W, Sandusky, OH 44870
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Lagoon Deer Park
Lagoon Deer Park
Lagoon Deer Park

Directions (from the Jet Express)
1012 Martins Point Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Cinemark Movie Theater

Directions (from the Jet Express)
4314 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Sandusky Mall

Directions (from the Jet Express)
4314 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Huron Pier and Lighthouse
Huron Pier and Lighthouse
Huron Pier and Lighthouse

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

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

Huron Boat Basin
Huron Boat Basin
Huron Boat Basin

Directions (from the Jet Express)
330 Main St, Huron, OH 44839
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Lake Front Park
Lake Front Park
Lake Front Park

Directions (from the Jet Express)
310 Park St, Huron, OH 44839
Website (opens in new tab)

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.

Scooter Ding Ding Hub by Pier Pub

Scooter rental

Scooter Ding Ding Hub by Pier Pub

Directions (from the Jet Express)
38 Main St, Huron, OH 44839
Website (opens in new tab)

The pub is the hub location for Huron Scooter Ding Ding. Scooters offer a fun, exciting activity for both older kids and adults. The Pier Pub is the primary location, but Scooters can also be rented at various other locations throughout Huron, including the Boat Basin. 19-minute drive from the Jet Express.

Riverview Lanes

Bowling alley

Riverview Lanes

Directions (from the Jet Express)
125 Main St, Huron, OH 44839
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Nickel Plate Beach
Nickel Plate Beach
Nickel Plate Beach

Directions (from the Jet Express)
1 Nickel Plate Dr, Huron, OH 44839
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Thunderbird Hills North

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

Thunderbird Hills South

Directions (from the Jet Express)
1401 Huron Avery Rd, Huron, OH 44839
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Sawmill Creek Golf Club

Directions (from the Jet Express)
600 Mariner Village, Huron, OH 44839
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Sheldon Marsh Nature Preserve
Sheldon Marsh Nature Preserve
Sheldon Marsh Nature Preserve

Directions (from the Jet Express)
2715 Cleveland Rd W, Huron, OH 44839
Website (opens in new tab)

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

East Harbor State Park

Directions (from the Jet Express)
1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Marblehead Lighthouse
Marblehead Lighthouse
Marblehead Lighthouse

Directions (from the Jet Express)
110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH 43440
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Catawba Island State Park

Directions (from the Jet Express)
4049 E Moores Dock Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452
Website (opens in new tab)

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

African Safari Wildlife Park
African Safari Wildlife Park
African Safari Wildlife Park

Directions (from the Jet Express)
267 S Lightner Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452
Website (opens in new tab)

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

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

Directions (from the Jet Express)
280 SE Catawba Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Portage River Paddling Company

Directions (from the Jet Express)
3134 W Harbor Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Dock's Beachfront Watercraft Rental

Directions (from the Jet Express)
306 W Lakeshore Dr, Port Clinton, OH 43452
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Matty Gs Jet Ski Rentals

Directions (from the Jet Express)
8620 E Bayshore Rd, Marblehead, OH 43440
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Liberty Aviation Museum

Directions (from the Jet Express)
3515 E State Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Milan Village Square

Directions (from the Jet Express)
41 Front St, Milan, OH 44846
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Edison Park
Edison Park
Edison Park

Directions (from the Jet Express)
6 East St, Milan, OH 44846
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Milan Historical Museum

Directions (from the Jet Express)
10 N Edison Dr, Milan, OH 44846
Website (opens in new tab)

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

Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum

Directions (from the Jet Express)
9 N Edison Dr, Milan, OH 44846
Website (opens in new tab)

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.