Between Cleveland And Toledo Is Ohio's Up-And-Coming City On Lake Erie With Resorts And Family Fun

While cities like Orlando, San Diego, and Washington, D.C. all boast plenty of family-friendly fun, sometimes it's nice to think outside the box. Take the Midwest, for example. It's an area full of underrated cities that are perfect for road trips and longer visits, too. It has museums, zoos, other attractions, lots of lakeside getaways, and plenty of rivers for floating and tubing day trips. And for those who don't want to deal with the massive crowds in larger cities, plenty of breathing room, too. So when you're planning your next family vacation, you might want to consider an up-and-coming smaller city like Sandusky, Ohio.

Located about halfway between Toledo and Cleveland, Sandusky is a charming coastal town that's been popping up on lists as a destination to look out for. Long known for its family-friendly resorts and attractions, this small city is slated to become even more popular in the coming years. 

Sandusky has a number of major renovation projects in the works, including a $229 million plan to redevelop Battery Park Marina and build hotels, restaurants, retail shops, a public boardwalk and amphitheater, an improved pier, and more by 2029. It'll be exciting to see just how much more these changes boost the city's tourism numbers. For now, however, families still have plenty to love about Sandusky.

It's virtually impossible to talk about Sandusky and not mention that it's home to one of the best amusement parks that the whole family will love: Cedar Point. Opened in 1870, it began as a beach and bathhouse and eventually grew to include thrill rides, live entertainment, and more. Today, coaster-lovers head here to ride Steel Vengeance and Maverick, while younger visitors enjoy Peanuts-themed rides like Snoopy's Express Railroad, plus classics like bumper cars. For a different kind of adventure, however, check out the nearby Ghostly Manor Thrill Center. This indoor amusement center features laser tag, blacklight mini-golf, an escape room, a roller-skating rink, even a haunted house that offers cinematic scares for horror lovers ages 10 and up.

If your crew prefers slower-paced attractions, Sandusky also has several museums to keep everyone entertained. The Merry-Go-Round Museum near Washington Park features exhibits on vintage band organs and the history of American carousels, plus the chance to ride an on-site carousel. The Maritime Museum of Sandusky, meanwhile, offers interactive exhibits where you can learn about the history of commercial fishing and boating on Lake Erie. The Sandusky History Museum at the Follett House is another spot worth checking out that gives visitors a glimpse into the city's past. Make sure to head up to the rooftop widow's walk before leaving so you can get a great view of downtown Sandusky and the bay.

Animal lovers can also add Wild Acres Ranch and Lagoon Deer Park to their Sandusky itineraries. The former is a family-owned ranch and petting zoo with animals ranging from camels, kangaroos, and cows to llamas and ostriches, which can be viewed for only $5 per person (at the time of writing). The latter, meanwhile, offers a bevy of slightly more exotic creatures, including emus, sika deer, Abyssinian donkeys, and aoudads, to visit and feed.

One of the most impressive family-friendly resorts in all of Sandusky is undoubtedly the Kalahari Resorts. Most families that stay here do so in order to experience all that the resort has to offer, from its indoor and outdoor waterparks to a safari park with an interactive, up-close experience with giraffes and other animals. Single rooms start in the low-$300 range at the time of writing, though they also have larger accommodations, including a 10-bedroom duplex that can accommodate up to 22 guests. Other features found here include Madagascar Mini Golf, a Cave of Mirrors, Crystal Ruins Laser Tag, and even a sensory room for kiddos who need a break from all the action.

For those who are planning to visit the amusement park, there are multiple hotels that are part of Cedar Point Resorts, including the historic Hotel Breakers. Open since 1905, this beachfront resort boasts indoor and outdoor pools, with rooms starting at around $260. Lighthouse Point, meanwhile, offers glamping and camping experiences via cottages, cabins, and RV campsites in the $150-200 range. Other accommodations are available as well, and all offer guests early park entry, making them a hit with families. But if you're not heading to Cedar Point, another great resort option is the Great Wolf Lodge. This popular resort features a massive indoor waterpark along with other attractions and add-ons like character meet-and-greets, arts and crafts activities, kid-friendly yoga classes, and more, with family suites in various sizes starting at around $170.

To get to Sandusky, you'll want to fly into Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, about an hour east of the city. Winters on the lake can be fairly cold, and many attractions, like outdoor waterparks and amusement parks, close for the season in late fall. That said, other parts of Ohio offer one-of-a-kind winter getaways that could also be worth exploring.