This weekend, swap the cornfields and suburban neighborhoods for rugged shorelines, glacial grooves, and a ferry ride that feels like a tropical escape. That’s exactly what you’ll find along the shores and islands of Ohio. Yes, you heard me correctly: there are islands in Ohio, with nearly 300 miles of shoreline along Lake Erie, peppered with attractions for the whole family. And if you’re in Indiana, it’s just a car ride away. Midwest road trip, anyone?
I know you’re wondering where this magical place is, so a great frame of reference is to tell you that Cedar Point amusement park is located along the shores of Lake Erie, Ohio. There are so many great places to stay and play in this area, but today I want to give you the ultimate family-friendly itinerary for your crew. It’s budget-friendly with an upscale feel.
Some portions of my trip were hosted or provided at no cost. We weren’t paid to post, and as always, all opinions and messy, joy-filled memories are completely our own.
Where to Stay at Ohio’s Shores & Islands
First, you’ll want to book a place to stay. Whether you’re visiting with your partner, a group of friends, or your whole family, The Wave at Marblehead is in a prime location for island hopping, beach days, or even a quick drive to Cedar Point. Newly renovated and just opened, it’s a dream come true. The Wave at Marblehead is packed with the kind of perks parents appreciate and the kind of fun kids remember long after vacation ends.
The heated outdoor pool is a favorite gathering spot for families, and there are yard games, a pickleball court, and fire pits perfect for winding down at night with s’mores and stories. There’s table tennis and a fitness center, perfect for burning off a little extra energy before bedtime.
The rooms are cozy and spacious, with plenty of room for your whole family to spread out. Some rooms have lake views, and many are equipped with double-queen setups, mini-fridges, high-speed Wi-Fi, and Apple TVs. Whether you’re catching up on cartoons in the morning or relaxing after a busy day exploring, you’ll be comfortable.
The food at Marblehead is one of the biggest highlights. Wave Lakeside Dining is just steps away from your room, serving up delicious meals made with fresh ingredients. The view is a showstopper; every meal feels special when you’re watching the water sparkle just outside the window. Guests rave about brunch and dinner, and it’s easy to see why.
For other family-friendly lodging ideas, check out my previous visit to the Bayfront Resort at Cross View and The Explorer Rest and Recreation.
A Visit to Kelleys Island
As a mom juggling both elementary-aged kids and teens, our family needs three things to love a getaway: room to play, something for every age, and a laid-back vibe. There’s something surreal about breezing onto Kelleys Island, which is where we found all of the necessary parts for a fantastic family trip. The rhythm of gentle waves and island breezes is real aboard the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line. Bring your vehicle along or leave it behind. Once you arrive on Kelleys Island, renting a golf cart and getting around that way is an acceptable and encouraged mode of transportation, and your kids will love it.
Glacial Grooves
739 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438
One of our first stops: the Glacial Grooves. Even teens have to admit these ancient, carved limestone ridges are cool. It’s a quick activity, kid-friendly, and so different from anything you’ll find near home. It’s like stepping into a real-life geology lesson, only way more fun and hands-on than anything they’ll find in a textbook.
These grooves were carved into solid limestone by massive glaciers over 18,000 years ago, and they’re the largest, most accessible example of glacial scoring in the world. When you tell your kids that ancient moving ice carved out those deep ridges, you can practically see their imaginations fire up with a million questions, and a few wild guesses about how it all happened (one theory involved dinosaurs, of course).
Kelleys Island State Park Beach
920 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438
Next up is a trip to a sandy beach. Picture this: a stretch of soft sand that slopes gently into crisp Lake Erie waters, perfect for both my youngest splashers and the teens eager to swim out deeper. The calm, shallow water is a fantastic playground for kids to alternate between building elaborate sandcastles, racing along the water’s edge, and swimming. You’ll find families fishing, watch boats bob by, and even spot some kayakers paddling.
The Kelley’s Island Wine Co.
418 Woodford Rd, Kelleys Island, OH 43438
Spread across the largest outdoor space on the island, this winery offers picnic tables, covered pavilions, horseshoes and volleyball courts, and a grassy play area, just perfect for energetic little ones to burn off steam while parents unwind with a glass of wine. Kids will be thrilled when they discover the friendly farm animals: chickens, goats, and even a few curious creatures. The generous tasting flights allow the adults to sample without rushing, and the open-air vibe means you can chat and snack while watching the kids play, or take a few strolls through the nearby grapevines. When live music or community events are happening, the atmosphere shines.
Inside, the winery is family-friendly, with an AC indoor tasting room and full-service restaurant. We tried their flatbreads, cheese platters, and burgers, all kid-approved and easy to share. Grown-up pleasure and kid-friendly fun!
Charles Herndon Gallery and Sculpture Garden
114 Laylin Ln, Kelleys Island, OH 43438
Nestled on 10 acres at 114 Laylin Lane, this gallery and garden is the passion project of Charles Herndon, an acclaimed sculptor who’s been shaping stone, metal, and wood here for decades. a beautiful, artsy outdoor adventure—wide open spaces, nature trails, and giant sculptures tucked between trees. Kids will love playing “spot the sculpture” and wandering the garden paths like they’re on a treasure hunt. Inside the two galleries, the collection expands: smaller sculptures, richly textured woods, polished stones, and even paintings and photographs inspired by island nature. During summer weekends and some weekdays, you can watch a glassblower or another type of artist demonstrate their craft.
A quick heads-up for parents: some of the sculptures are, let’s say…anatomically inspired. It’s art! It’s nature! It might lead to a few giggles or some curious questions, but honestly, it was a great opportunity to talk about how art can be bold, abstract, and even a little silly sometimes. The whole place feels peaceful, thoughtful, and welcoming—like a walk through someone’s creative brain.
Monarch Winery
604 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438
The perfect cool down on a warm island day? Monarch Winery is famous for its wine slushies. The flavors are fun, sweet, and not too serious. There are snacks and treats for the kids to enjoy in the greenhouse seating area while you chill out with a slushie or two…or a flight.
Caddy Shack Square
115 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438
Caddy Shack Square is Kelleys Island’s main entertainment venue. There’s an 18‑hole putt putt course with quirky features like a windmill, mini waterfall, and even an old‑time clock at the final hole. The course is definitely vintage and full of character. Kids will love grabbing an ice cream cone, playing a round, cooling off in the arcade, and maybe even doing some gem mining. Caddy Shack Square is the perfect stop to rent a golf cart or even bikes for the whole family.
Crooked Tree Vineyard
715 E Lakeshore Dr, Kelleys Island, OH 43438
If you’re vineyard hoping on the island, Crooked Tree Vineyard is a can’t-miss. Enjoy a wine flight at the outdoor pavilion or sit in the tasting room where you’ll see the behind-the-scenes of the winery operations. Sip the bold Cabernet Franc and the fun “Raccoon Red”, named for local raccoons that can’t resist the grapes. Inside, the tasting room is cozy and friendly with small tables, glass windows overlooking the vineyard, and no rush to finish.
Things to Do Along the Ohio Shores
A weekend away at Ohio’s Shores and Islands is great for families who want the lake views and beach town vibes without the crowds or high prices of coastal getaways. Plus, there’s so much to do in this area!
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH 43440
If your family is like mine, maybe you’re drawn to the beauty and stories of lighthouses. The lighthouse at Marblehead is a great stop for families to see the lake, learn about the lighthouse, and explore the rocky shoreline. During the summer months, the lighthouse is open for visitors to climb to the top, where you’ll have a beautiful view of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island, and even distant Cedar Point.
Red’s Lakehouse
9268 E Bayshore Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440
When your family walks into Red’s Lakehouse, you’ll immediately capture the feeling that you’re welcome here and a good time is to be had. Whether you curl up in a booth and share the photos on your phone of your day, or sit outside on the patio and enjoy the music, you’ll feel right at home. It won’t be long before you’ve devoured the Lake Erie perch tacos, and even the pickiest eater at the table will polish off their chicken tenders. The appetizers are *chef’s kiss* and the drinks are full of flavor.
African Safari Wildlife Park
267 S Lightner Rd, Port Clinton, OH 43452
From your car windows, you can greet zebras, bison, and other unique animals at the African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton. They’ll walk right up to your car for a snack and a photo opp. One of the best ways to see the resident creatures is to walk through the park and see them all. For a truly special experience, take advantage of the opportunities to feed your favorite animals. Kids and their adults can get up close to animals like capybaras, giraffes, tortoises, birds, sloths, porcupines, and others. This was a highlight of the trip for me.
Beagle Bay Knot Works
507 Main St, Huron, OH 44839
Everyone wants a fun reminder of their vacation, and a trip to Beagle Bay Knotworks is a great place to shop for the perfect treasure that’s full of fun and beachy vibes. Their nautical decor is a great addition to your home, your holiday decorations, a gift for a friend, or a keepsake. Kids and adults love the Beagle Bay classic, the Back to the Bass bracelets. They’ll leave them on all summer long as they take shape with each summer adventure. Watch their Facebook page for special knot-tying events.
Ferguson’s Gallery
5890 E Harbor Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440
The moment you walk in, your kids will be drawn to the vibrant glass pieces, jellyfish sculptures, lighthouse prints, and swirling vases that shimmer in the light. Cary Ferguson, the artist behind it all, has spent over 40 years mastering glass-blowing, engraving, and painting on Lake Erie themes. The gallery offers a variety of pieces from glass jewelry, landscape prints, and handcrafted souvenirs that are meaningful.
After a few days exploring Ohio’s Shores and Islands, one thing will be very clear: this region was made for families. Nearly every stop offers something new and unexpected for most ages. It’s a great place to take your family to keep the kids engaged at a relaxed pace, packed with memories.
