Despite the fact that Put-in-Bay is recognized for its vibrant nightlife and party scene on the weekends, the mid-week vibe on South Bass Island is a kid-friendly adventure. Taking your youngsters to South Bass Island can be an affordable family holiday that will appeal to adults and kids alike. There are many family memories to be made at Put-in-Bay. Here are some of the top things to do with your children on the island.
Perry’s Cave And Family Fun Center Complex
Perry’s Cave And Family Fun Complex is a can’t miss while touring the island. You could even make this attraction worthy of two days. The most celebrated attraction in the complex is the cavern itself. Escorted tours are given and will lead you down into the cave to take photographs, and you can learn how they were developed and the history associated with the cave.
While there, you can also hit the Butterfly House, where you can stroll through a room loaded with thousands of multicolored butterflies. Inside, you will discover lots of signs with exciting details about the butterflies themselves. While you cannot touch them, they may land on you and say welcome.
Other family fun activities here include the War of 1812 Holes Mini-Golf, laser tag, Fort aMAZE’n, an antique car museum, Gemstone Mining, rock climbing, Dandee’s Snack Shack, and gift shop. Clearly, this is a don’t miss Put-in-Bay landmark.
Renting a Golf Cart
The most enjoyable and interesting way to travel about Put-in-Bay is by golf cart. You can reach every nook of the island and view everything it has to offer. Additionally, we have never seen an unhappy child on a golf cart. The most desirable place to rent is with Put-in-Bay Golf Cart Rentals. They rent by the hour, daily and overnight. We are confident you’ll have a blast with your children.
DeRivera Park
Nicknamed after the founding father of Put-in-Bay, Jose DeRivera, you can discover this park right in the center of downtown. It offers a magnificent view of the waterfront and adds a lot of fun things to enjoy. You can take group photographs and check out the cannons from the War of 1812. DeRivera Park has a fabulous playground and loads of fun little games for children to enjoy. It’s the ideal place for a family cookout.
The Ohio State Aquatic Visitors Center
The Aquatic Center is administered by The Ohio State University and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. It’s an excellent spot to take your kids to discover and have fun. At one time, it was a fish hatchery up until 1988, and then it became an instructional facility with the Ohio State University Stone Laboratory and OSU’s island college courses on Lake Erie that mainly concentrate on marine biology study.
Within, you will find opportunities to discover exciting research taking place and acquire information about Ohio’s fishing practices. Children’s activities incorporate a wall puzzle, coloring sheets, and fishing off the piers. There are open containers where you can see the fish up close, and on Saturdays, there are kids programs offered.
The Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Museum
On South Bass Island near downtown Put-in-Bay, there is a Wildlife Center. It serves up lots of information about the wildlife that makes the Lake Erie Islands their home. With fun picture possibilities, a small but fun nature path, and a little frog pond in the rear, it’s deserving of the stop.
Visit The Pebble Beach At The South Bass Island State Park
At six on the list, the South Bass Island State park might be underated. After visiting you might think it should be number one! The State Park has an excellent little beach that is ideal for skipping stones and cooling off with a swim but remember to bring your swim shorts.
If you want to camp for the evening, there is a campground and small huts. There are also impressive cliffs that look out over Lake Erie and provides one of the prettiest sunsets you’ll ever see.
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
You can’t miss the Perry Peace Memorial as it towers 350 feet tall and can be viewed from the mainland. It is a tribute to Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, who commanded a flotilla to triumph in a marquee conflict of the War of 1812.
You can take your kids to the summit of the column, and if you are fortunate on a clear day, you can view the Canadian shoreline. You can also see the roller coasters towering into the sky at Cedar Point. It’s worth the trip up to observe the stunning views of the other Lake Erie Islands.
The Put-in-Bay Tour Train
If you want to enjoy a fun and easy way to discover the island, take the Put-in-Bay Tour Train. You will hear a narrated tour surrounding the island’s history, modern-day island living, and what it is like to remain on South Bass Island in the secluded winter months. The cost of the circuit includes one trip around the island consisting of five separate stops. At each stop, you can get off the train and then hop on the next one, which runs about every 30 minutes. The locations are the Heinemann Winery & Crystal Cave, Perry’s Cave & Family Fun Center, Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial.
The Put-in-Bay Candy Bar
Located downtown next to Kimberly’s Carousel, the Put-in-Bay Candy Bar is like touring heaven on earth for those with a craving for sweets. They have a great chocolate bar, a fantastic variety of rock-candy, and an amazing ice cream shop. Don’t miss the many flavors of homemade fudge available in custom weights from a quarter of a pound up.
Kimberly’s Carousel
If you want adorable pictures of your children laughing and having fun, then a ride on Kimberly’s Carousel is one not to miss It’s located right next to the Candy Bar, and the youngsters will love it. It features hand-carved and decorated horses. There is always merry music pumping thru the carousel’s old-time speakers. It’s even fun for the parents to ride alongside the kids!
Summary
It’s probably clear by now Put-in-Bay is not just for the nightlife! We’ve only touched on a few of the magnificent attractions to be found at Put-in-Bay. To find a complete list of things to do, click on this link about Put-in-Bay
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.