Lake Erie Islands (Sandusky, Port Clinton, Clinton: rent, waterparks, house)

[tntnb]

Hi:

My wife and I have rented a house on Lake Erie for the first week in August, near Port Clinton, very close to Marblehead and East Harbor State Park. We have three kids: an almost-twelve-year-old and 8-year-old twins. They're pretty outdoorsy -- good hikers, swimmers, etc.

A little research has me a bit wary of Put-in Bay -- sounds like it might not be too kid-friendly -- but maybe that's just in the evening? Is it OK for families during the day?

Kelley's Island -- enough to interest kids for an afternoon?

Any "must visit" restaurants or other attractions in the area (besides Cedar Point, of course!)? Anything to avoid? I've heard the African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton is kind of a dud. True?

I expect we'll be spending most of our time at the house we've rented, which sits on a private beach, but it'd be good to have an "insider's" scoop on some good area attractions. Any help would be so very appreciated. Thanks.

[AnytimeAnywhere]

During the day is OK for kids at Put-in-Bay. At night, it is a party spot with drunks bar hopping.

[tntnb]

Thanks, AA, for your response!

[Ohiogirl81]

You might not want to take the kids to the winery on Kelley's Island, but you can leave your car at Marblehead, then take your own bikes or rent bikes on the island and tool around.

The beach at the state park isn't all that much, but the trails are nice, and the glacial grooves are fascinating.

Have fun!

[tntnb]

Thanks for the tip about the bikes, Ohiogirl!

[Beavercreek33]

Don't forget about some of the waterparks. Whats the one called, Soak City or something...

[sandwalk]

^Soak City is the one at Cedar Point. There's also Monsoon Lagoon near Marblehead. And of course, the indoor ones just south of Sandusky.

[tntnb]

Thanks for the info on waterparks!

[bearcat73]

Yes, Put-In-Bay is fine during the day!! It's beautiful. Rent a golf cart if you don't drive over on the ferry. I've never been to Kelleys Island. We're going to Cedar Point one day...can't wait. It's like Kings Island but surrounded by water. You can buy tickets online at cedar point for wednesdays in August for $29.99 each. You have to select which wednesday. I can't decide if we are going to buy those or not...I'm afraid it will rain that day and we'll be stuck going.

We loved the African Safari. We've been through twice (just me and my husband) and this year we are taking the kids and can't wait to take them to it. We are leaving next tuesday so we'll be there at the same time. lol


One more thing. This may sound silly, but there is a popcorn store in downtown Port Clinton that we love. They have tons of flavors and you can sample any flavors you want. We're going to let the kids each pick our their own small bag, and we're getting a big bag of the Cajun. Here's the website:
http://www.greatlakespopcorn.com/

[tntnb]

Thanks, bearcat! Maybe we'll run into you at the popcorn store!