24 Best & Fun Things To Do In Sandusky (Ohio)

The beautiful city of Sandusky can be considered a gem in Ohio. It is known for its numerous attractions for a great time out with family.

Within the city borders, there are over 22 miles of shoreline, as well as magnificently manicured parks, historical architecture, and several tourist attractions. These attractions include amusement parks, wildlife, and also water parks.

The amusement parks, carousels, roller coasters, sandy shores, beautiful historic architecture, and spectacular views will give all the thrill, fun, and adventure you desire to have in the city of Sandusky.

Sandusky offers residents and visitors a wonderful time on the land and waters of the city.

This article contains a list of enjoyable activities in Sandusky, Ohio.

Things To Do In Sandusky

1. Lagoon Deer Park

One of the fun activities you can engage in while in Sandusky is to visit the Lagoon Deer Park. It’s a great place to interact with various kinds of animals.

The park also allows you to fish where you can catch perches, bullheads, and white bass.

At the Lagoon Deer Park zoo, you may engage with friendly deer, emus, peacocks, and sheep, as well as feed them by hand.

The adult petting zoo is priced at $9 while that of children is priced at $5.

In addition, you can get awesome souvenirs from the gift shop available at the deer park.

Opening hours for the petting zoo and fishing varies from season to season.

Visiting Lagoon Deer Park is one fun activity you would want to do with your family in Sandusky.

Address: 1012 Martins Point Rd, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States

2. Follett House Museum

This museum remarkably compiles the history of Sandusky. At the museum, you get a view of downtown Sandusky and other areas.

The Greek Revival-style building teaches people about the lifestyle of different people like families, inmates, the military, and business owners living in Sandusky during ancient times. 

Follett House Museum also covers the history of the Erie county area.

A visit to Follett House Museum will be an educating one, teaching how Sandusky arrived at the status it has today. A tour of the museum is absolutely free, so you shouldn’t miss out on it.

However, you will need to have a notepad as you tour and you’re also required to be in a group of not more than six.

Address: 404 Wayne St, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States

3. Merry-Go-Round Museum

How fascinating would it be to visit a place that takes you back to your childhood and gives children a great fun time?

The Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky, Ohio, explores the Merry-Go-Round’s intriguing history and experience. A visit to this lovely site also provides an opportunity to learn about its history.

The merry-go-round museum has the Allan Herschell Carousel, which has been restored to its original beauty and is fully functional.

Coupled with the history it holds, the museum is a beautiful place for sightseeing with friends and family.

To get in, adults pay $6, teenagers and young adults, $5, while children below 14 pay $4.

Address: 301 Jackson St, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States

4. Maritime Museum of Sandusky

The city of Sandusky has a wonderful maritime legacy and what better fun place to learn about it other than the Maritime Museum of Sandusky.

The Museum is a must-see for history lovers of all ages and economic levels.

Its exhibits on shipwrecks, boat manufacture, and ice harvesting demonstrate the historical significance of ships.

Besides, the Sandusky Maritime Museum hosts water-related and seafaring discussions, as its name suggests.

There’s even an exhibit dedicated to Sandusky’s role in the Underground Railroad.

They are open on Saturdays from 10 am- 4 pm. If you’re already in Sandusky, you would do yourself a lot of good by visiting this weekend.

Adults pay $7, while children under the age of 12 and seniors 62 and older pay $6.

Address: 125 Meigs St, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States.

5. Castaway Bay

Castaway Bay should top your list of places to visit in Sandusky if you’re a lover of water parks.

This awesome indoor waterpark, which you can visit all year round, has amazing slides that would leave anyone thrilled.

The water slides at this bay are of various kinds suitable for toddlers and very adventurous teenagers and young adults.

There’s a great wave pool to cool off in, as well as a huge arcade.

Castaway Bay is all shades of fun and awesomeness and can offer you the entertainment you so desire in Sandusky.

Address: 2001 Cleveland Rd W, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States

6. Firelands Winery

Firelands Winery is one of Ohio’s top wineries, turning outstanding local grapes into a fantastic wine.

You can come in for a tour and a sampling to witness how unique their product is.

For romantic outings with your spouse, Firelands Winery is your go-to place in Sandusky.

The name “Firelands” has a history to it. It came from Connecticuter who resettled in Ohio and loved making wine.

The Firelands wineries are one of the best in Ohio and they do a great job of transforming local grapes into wonderful wine. can tour the winery, have a taste of their products and affirm its uniqueness.

In Sandusky, this Winery is a terrific place to go on a hot date or have a good time with friends.

Generally, Wednesdays and Sundays from 11 a.m to 8 p.m, and also every Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m till 9 p.m are the current Firelands winery hours.

Address: 917 Bardshar Rd, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States.

7. Great Wolf Lodge

Great wolf lodge is another great place to visit in Sandusky.

It is an indoor water park that has several other attractions, such as Northern Lights Arcade, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and MagiQuest. 

Some of the water slides here are pretty amazing, especially Alberta Falls.

At great wolf lodge, you don’t have to worry if you get hungry. There are different options from which you can grab a bite. Hungry As A Wolf is one of those options where you can get your pizza craving satisfied.

You’re sure to have a good time at Great Wolf Lodge, whether it’s on the water slides, in the arcade, or in any other aspect of the resort. There’s a lot to do at the resort, and it’s everything of high quality.

Address: 4600 Milan Rd, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States

8. Toft Dairy & Ice Cream Parlor

A visit to Toft Dairy and Ice Cream parlor is one of the best things you can do in Sandusky, Ohio.

Having been in business for over a century, Toft Dairy and ice cream parlor started as a dairy farm. The farm grew in operations and has since been an appeal to ice cream lovers in Sandusky.

Toft’s ice cream is made from milk obtained from local farms, giving it a distinct and delicious flavor.

The serving sizes are huge, and the ice cream varieties are quite standard.

Cherry vanilla, rocky road, and double chocolate almond are just a few of their best flavors.

Sandusky is one of Ohio’s most exciting tourism destinations, thanks to places like Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor.

Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. This is a place where you will definitely get your money’s worth. You’ll be glad you visited.

Address: 3717 Venice Rd, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States

Planning a trip outside of Sandusky? Why not check our list of things to do in Canton, things to do in Toledo, and things to do in Akron?

9. Eleutheros Cooke House and Garden

One of the free things to do in Ohio is to visit this historical building.

It was built in the 1840s by Eleutheros Cooke, the first lawyer to work in Sandusky.

The building has since been owned at different times by different people and had to be rebuilt.

Randolph and Estelle Dorn, a businessman, and his wife were the last owners, and the house is now known as the Cooke-Dorn residence.

The Ohio Historical Society now runs it, and they’ve done an excellent job of recognizing its history and the city as a whole.

The building/establishment is described in the Historical Society handbook as well as in a movie. Eleutheros Cooke House and Garden has been meticulously maintained and offers a wealth of information to tourists.

Entry into and tour of Eleutheros Cooke’s house is free, however, donations can be made to the Ohio History connection as a sign of appreciation.

Address: 1415 Columbus Ave, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States.

10. Ghostly Manor Thrill Center

Ghostly Manor Thrill Center is one of the tourist attractions in Sandusky, with many activities to engage in.

If you’re a lover of horror and scary things, you can visit the haunted house at the center. It offers you the spooky entertainment you would love.

Lovers of haunted houses consider the Ghostly Manor haunted house as one of the best in the country.

You can also try your wits solving the puzzle or riddles in the escape room. There are also competitions you can engage in at the center’s miniature golf course and arcade.

Coupled with all these, you can go roller skating, visit the bounce houses or the motion theatre.

It’s a fun place that is also fairly priced. Furthermore, there’s enough to do as a family.

Everything on the mini-golf course glows and is three-dimensional.

The haunted house is indeed the best haunt in the entire region.

In addition, the motion-picture ride is alright. There is also a small arcade and a children’s play area.

Add a visit to Ghostly Manor Thrill center to the list of your best things to do in Sandusky.

You are guaranteed all the fun you desire here.

Address: 3319 Milan Rd, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States

11. Goodtime Lake Erie Cruise

Goodtime Lake Erie Cruise provides you with different kinds of cruises for you and your loved ones.

For family outings, the Daytime Island Hopping cruise fits in perfectly.

If you’re a wine lover, you could settle for the Wine Wednesday cruise.

There’s also the Friday Night party cruise where you can come with your dancing shoes and party.

Taking a ride on the Goodtime Lake Erie Cruise gives you the opportunity to see the beauty of Lake Erie while having fun on the cruise.

You can also create great long-lasting memories on these cruise rides. The rides are offered between May and October.

To be guaranteed an amazing cruise, buy tickets online. This cruise should be included in your list of exciting things to do in Sandusky.

Address: 109 W Shoreline Dr, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States

12. Rusty Wallace Racing Experience (Sandusky Speedway)

Are you adventurous enough to race around in a NASCAR vehicle at top speed? Then Rusty Wallace Racing Experience is for you!

The NASCAR vehicles are legitimately built with powerful motors, unlike regular cars. You can choose to drive yourself or go along with a professional driver during the racing event.

The Driving Experience can include up to 50 laps, while the Ride Along Experience can include three or five laps.

Rusty Wallace Racing Experience has several venues throughout the eastern United States, including Sandusky.

Sandusky Speedway hosts the Rusty Wallace Driving Experience.

Getting tickets to races is one of the best things to do in Sandusky.

The first race on Sandusky Speedway was held in 1950 and is still regarded as a top-notch racetrack among racing lovers.

Cheering your favorite during a racing competition and admiring several designs of racing cars is something you’d definitely love, whether a racing regular or a newbie.

Races usually occur between April and October.

For admission into Sandusky Speedway, children between the ages of six and twelve are charged $5, while adults are charged $12.

Come to Rusty Wallace Racing Experience in Sandusky for ultimate adventure and fun.

Address: 614 W Perkins Ave # 1, Sandusky, OH 44870, United States

13. Community Foundation Preserve at Eagle Point

This is a place to visit in Sandusky if you’re a lover of nature. It offers plenty of encounters with nature, especially if you love birds.

Coupled with the beautiful natural environment, you can go hiking, canoeing, or kayaking. You could even choose to camp overnight with friends or family.

Birdwatching and other outdoor activities are available at Eagle Point.

This park, which is a stop on the Lake Erie Birdwatching Trail, has good birding all year and can be particularly spectacular during the spring migration.

Beautiful sights to behold like Great attractions like Community Foundation Preserve at Eagle Point shows how lovely Sandusky and by extension Ohio is.

Address: 3435 Cleveland Rd W, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States

14. Lions Park

Another free and amazing thing to do in Sandusky is to visit Lions park.

It is one of the beautiful places you can visit while in Sandusky that is absolutely free. There are a number of outdoor activities you can engage in at this park.

Lions Park has a waterfront, places to fish, and a splash pad. Coupled with all these, you can hold picnics, and also play basketball. During the warmer months, you’re sure to get the best experience at Lions Park.

The Park is usually open between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily

Address: 533 Winnebago Ave, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States

15. Kalahari Resorts Sandusky

Another wonderful waterpark found in Sandusky is the Kalahari Resorts Sandusky. It is also an indoor waterpark, the largest in the State.

Kalahari Resorts is a great place to have fun with your kids.

The first Kalahari waterpark was developed and built by ADG to assure not just a great customer experience, but also future expansion demands.

A range of unique ride attractions was integrated, including the world’s first indoor Double FlowRider® and the world’s only “Zip Coaster” indoor water ride, which were enhanced with African theming weaved throughout.

The resort also has outdoor activities you can do. Have fun on the slides found at the Safari outdoor adventure Park.

Whether inside or outside, you’re sure to have some aquatic enjoyment here.

Kalahari resort is a great place to visit during the summer. Add a visit here to your list of things to do in Sandusky and you surely won’t regret it.

Address: 7000 Kalahari Dr, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States

16. Cedar Point

A visit to Sandusky without a visit to Cedar point can be considered an incomplete visit. This is one of the top places to go for rollercoaster rides and other similar activities.

The “Roller Coaster Capital of the World” is what Cedar Point is known for. Cedar Point is a must-visit in Sandusky if you want to have a good time.

Cedar Point is a 364-acre amusement park in Sandusky set on a peninsula on Lake Erie.

It is the second-oldest functioning amusement park in the United States, behind Lake Compounce, having opened in 1870.

Cedar Point is also the amusement park chain’s flagship and is owned and operated by Cedar Fair.

The park, dubbed “America’s Roller Coast,” has 16 roller coasters, placing it fourth in the world behind Canada’s Wonderland and Energylandia.

Steel Vengeance, GateKeeper, and Blue Streak are three of their most popular coasters.

The regular operational season at Cedar Point runs from early May until Labor Day in September, after which it reopens only on weekends until Halloween.

Don’t miss out on all of Sandusky’s fun and adventure at Cedar Point.

Address: 1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States

Looking to catch more fun in other Ohio Cities? Be sure to check out our list of things to do in Findlay, Dayton, Hocking Hills, and Elyria!

17. Sandusky Segwave Tours

One of the best ways to have a nice time in Sandusky is going on a Sandusky Segwave tour.

Rather than walking around the city on foot, you get to see various parts of Sandusky while wheeling away via Segway.

Sandusky Bay offers stunning views and sceneries.

Segwave tours different parts of the beautiful city of Sandusky you might not know about.

It takes some time to get used to the machines, but once you do, they’re a lot of fun!.

The sightseeing tour of the city is fantastic.

Reserve a trip with Sandusky segwave tours to find some really wonderful places to visit while in the city.

Address: 107 Columbus Ave, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States

18. Air 1 Airboats

Cruise down Lake Erie in a special way on these propeller-guided water vessels. It’s a wonderful experience in the super-fast Air-1-airboats. A Coast Guard-certified captain leads these tours.

You may go to Cedar Point after the airboat tour and have a good time because they are close to each other. They can move quickly, so be sure you have all of your valuables with you.

During the voyage, feast your eyes on the natural beauty and stunning scenery.

From early May to Labor Day, tours are provided.

The cost of the ride is $50 for adults and $45 for children under the age of ten.

Address: 2312 River Ave, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, United States

19. North Coast Parasail and Watersport

Parasailing is both a way to relax and have an adventure; also an activity you can engage in while you’re in Sandusky.

You and every member of your family will love parasailing at the North Coast Parasail. The gentle take-off and landing from the boat deck and floating above cedar point beach will be a wonderful, unforgettable memory.

You’ll also have a fantastic time on their jet skis. The riding space isn’t the biggest, but it’s quite cool.

If you’re familiar with the area, you can ride parallel to Dragster and parallel to the trees at the end of the Cedar Point beach area. And you’re even allowed to go out to the lighthouse.

Furthermore, the staffs are very helpful and pleasant. Parasailing is a relaxing experience with stunning views of Lake Erie and Cedar Point.

You’ll also get a view of the coast of Lake Erie, as well as the amusement park and other magnificent vistas. Although walk-ins are accepted, reservations are recommended.

Address: 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.

20. Ohio Veterans Home Military Museum

Ohio veterans Home Military Museum is a place to visit if you are interested in history.

Memorabilia from the Civil War, Johnson’s Island, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan can be found at the museum.

This Military Museum Veterans Home is housed in the I. F. Mack Building at the Ohio Veterans Home.

The museum and reference library, which are devoted to the residents, are also maintained by the veterans’ homes.

A World War II typewriter and table, a German “Potato Masher” Hand Grenade, and a Korean War map are among the items on display.

Address: I.F. Mack Building, Ohio Veterans Home, 3416 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870

21. Sandusky Children’s Museum

This is a fantastic location. Take your children to the Sandusky children’s museum to have fun while they learn one or two things.

At the Sandusky Children’s Museum, kids will have a blast learning about science and experiments. The service is also excellent, and the personnel are quite friendly and knowledgeable.

Fun, interactive, and educational for kids of all ages, there is something for everyone here.

Children can also get practical illustrations and explanations of science concepts that are difficult to understand in the classroom.

The artwork on the walls is a lot of fun and creates a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. Likewise, there are lots of cool stuff like construction, robotics, and many more.

If you’re traveling or live in the region, you should definitely pay it a visit!

Address:133 E. Market Street, Lower Level, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, 419 502 0263

22. Goofy Golf

Goofy Golf is a great place for every member of the family to be entertained with indoor and outdoor fun.

It is a 36-hole mini-golf course designed to be challenging in a fun way for players to enjoy. There are also three Go Cart racing tracks available for rides.

Play miniature golf, cool down on bumper boats, and put your talents to the test on Radical Raceway’s sharp curves and steep hills.

You can also experience high speed on the Big Track. In addition, In the air-conditioned arcade, you can polish off your amusement.

Attractions can be purchased individually or as part of a D0-All-DEAL package.

Bumper boats as well as a larger gaming arcade with more than 50 high-tech games are available for you and your family to have all the fun you desire. 

Address: 3020 Milan Road, Sandusky, OH 44870, 419-625-9935

23. Star Lanes

Sandusky is filled with many fun places, one of such place is Star Lanes. It is the place to go for a night of fun with friends or family.

The center caters to the fun needs of adult bowling and also children’s bowling parties offering child-friendly bumper lanes, lighter balls, and smaller shoes to encourage children to participate in the bowling experience. 

More experienced bowlers can join one of the leagues where you can enjoy meeting new people as you improve your game.

Star lanes can also host your child’s birthday party. Whether it’s a birthday party, a work party, family night, or just a night out with your pals, the center is the ideal location for any type of activity.

Besides, Star Lanes is all about getting together with friends and having a good time.

Whether you’re searching for open bowling, food, and beverages, or games, they’ve got it all.

Visit Star lanes alone, with your spouse or kids, for an amazing experience.

If you have a birthday coming up, you can also make of the opportunity to give your child the best birthday party.

Address: 2097 Cleveland Road West, Sandusky, Ohio 44870,

24. Soda Pops

Soda pops take you down memory lane with their old-fashioned candies. It is the place to visit if you would like to remember your earlier years.

This place has all your vintage favorites, including candy cigarettes, taffy, fireballs, lemon heads, and many others.

Coupled with that, they sell soda in real glass bottles – more than 200 varieties of soda and root beer at any time.

Do you remember candies like Wax Lips, Necco Wafers, Chocolates, or Zagnut bars? How about bulk candies like Mary Janes, Atomic Fireballs, and Bit-O-Honey? If you do, you’ll also recall going to the corner store and bringing home a large brown bag full of as many of these candies as you could handle.

As a matter of fact, all of those candies, plus more, may be found at Sandusky Soda Pops!

In addition, do you recall true sugar-based drinks in glass bottles from the past? These are also available at Soda Pops.

Additionally, they have over two dozen root beers and a whole room full of toys, games, and souvenirs from your childhood!

In short, all of your best memories are free at Soda Pops.

Soda Pops also deals in things you might want to add to your record of things worth remembering, such as hat stock, a range of vintage posters, toys, games, and so on.

Soda Pops should be a place you don’t want to miss visiting in Sandusky, so go on and add it to your list.

Address: 209 W. Water Street, Sandusky, OH 44870

Final Remarks

Start Planning Your Trip To Sandusky as this city has lots of great attractions.

Ranging from the many water parks, beautiful parks, and historical architecture, to the museums and wildlife, the city has it all.

There are also great places to stay and eat. As an individual, couple, or family, you’re sure not to get bored as there is so much to do in the city of Sandusky.

Take your time, and plan ahead so you don’t miss out on anything Sandusky has to offer.

Some tourist sites may be temporarily closed or require reservations. Hours/availability may have changed.

A visit to these places in Sandusky will be worth your time and definitely put a smile on your face(s).

If you’re with your family, you’re sure to give your kids the time of their life too.

Safe travels!