16 Best Things To Do in Sandusky Ohio

Are you looking for fun things to do in Sandusky Ohio?

There are so many fun things to do in Ohio and visiting Sandusky is one of them.

If yes, then we have prepared this article for you outlining the best attractions and activities in this Midwestern city.

From waterparks to museums to lighthouses, there is a lot to explore and do in Sandusky Ohio. Whether you are traveling with family or friends, this Midwest destination has activities to suit everyone.

Here are 16 best things to do in Sandusky Ohio for an epic vacation!

16 Best Things To Do in Sandusky Ohio

Cedar Point Amusement Park

One of the top things to do in Sandusky Ohio is spending a day at the famous Cedar Point Amusement Park.

Opening in 1870, Cedar Point Ohio Sandusky is one of the oldest amusement parks in the USA.

From exciting roller coasters to kid-friendly rides, and lots of food stalls, this amusement park in Sandusky has everything to suit visitors of all ages.

You can try one of the 18 roller coaster rides, ride the Giant Wheel, or eat mac n cheese at one of the food shacks here.

Apart from the rides and snacks, Ohio Sandusky Cedar Point also features Sports Force Parks where families can play mini-golf, trampoline, etc., and attend sports events.

So, whether you wish to experience thrilling rides or spend a weekend enjoying camping and sports events in Ohio, Cedar Point Amusement Park is one of the top places to visit in Sandusky.

Spend a Day at Lake Erie

If you want to enjoy some shore time with your family, then one of the best things to do in Sandusky Ohio is planning a day out at Lake Erie.

Lake Erie is surrounded by a beautiful shoreline and a stunning beach park, making it the ultimate place to visit with your family. You can sit and relax in the beach park, swim in the lake, or go boating.

That’s not all, there are many amazing amusement parks and waterparks in Ohio located next to this lake too. Plus, there are many birding trails that nature lovers can explore.

Visitors can do a lot of water activities here as well including cruises, kayaking, boating, jet skiing, and more.

Watch Sunset at Shoreline Park

Are you looking for free things to do in Sandusky Ohio? Well, look no more, because we have the perfect activity for you.

The 8-acre Shoreline Park is one of the top attractions in Sandusky and is a great place to enjoy a picnic in the city.

The park is located beside Lake Erie and offers the most stunning sunset view in the entire city.

Visitors can enjoy several activities at this park such as grilling, walking, running, and more.

There is also a playground here where the kids can play and bike rentals available for families to enjoy biking in the park.

Moreover, this is a dog-friendly park featuring several restrooms and concession stands, allowing you to enjoy a fun and quiet picnic here.

Visit The Merry-Go-Round Museum In Sandusky Ohio

If you want a fun thing to do in Sandusky Ohio, then what could be better than visiting the unique Merry-Go-Round Museum.

This charming museum was established after the carousel stamps were issued by the US Postal Service in 1990. It is located next to Washington Park and displays merry-go-round artifacts.

From miniature carousels to painted carousel horses, you will find all kinds of merry-go-around memorabilia here.

Guests can even ride the large carousel inside the museum and can buy souvenirs from the museum’s gift shop.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Sandusky Ohio with your family, then Merry-Go-Round Museum is a top attraction to visit.

Howard Collier State Nature Preserve

Located around 1 hour away, one of the best things to do near Sandusky Ohio is exploring the Howard Collier State Nature Preserve near Sandusky River.

This nature preserve features a loop trail consisting of a wooden boardwalk that will take you to the flood plain. There are several other short hiking trails here as well that offer you stunning views of the Sandusky River.

Apart from the fun hiking trails, you can also view the beautiful wildflowers that grow here. Another thing to do is feed the fish in the Sandusky River.

For nature lovers, one of the best things to do in Sandusky Ohio is exploring the trails, trees, and wildlife in Howard Collier State Nature Preserve. Sure, it is a little away from the city but it is definitely worth the road trip!

Day Trip to Put-in Bay

Sandusky is the perfect base for planning a day trip to nearby islands such as Kelly Island and Put-in-Bay.

This is one of the closest and most popular islands in Ohio to visit from Sandusky.

You can take a ferry from Sandusky to Put-in-Bay and can visit a variety of attractions such as South Bass Island Lighthouse, Heineman Winery, Crystal Cave, and more.

A trip to Put-in-Bay Island is one of the top things to do near Sandusky Ohio. There are many resort-style restaurants here where you can enjoy a delicious meal while enjoying Lake Erie views.

So, if you are looking for amazing things to do in Sandusky Ohio, then a day trip to Put-in-Bay is a must.

Huron Pier and Lighthouse

One of the best free things to do in Sandusky Ohio is visiting the Huron Fishing Pier and Lighthouse. It is located in the nearby city of Huron and is a 20-minute drive from Sandusky

Located at the mouth of Huron River, this is one of the top fishing spots in Sandusky and a great place to watch birds in Ohio.

The lighthouse is not open for tours but visitors can walk the pier and enjoy the view of this beautiful lighthouse.

That’s not all, if you are a beach lover, then you should check out Nickel Plate Beach in Huron too.

It is a short walk from the pier and has the softest sand that your kids will love to play with.

Honestly, this is one of the most offbeat places that you can visit in Sandusky.

Mull Covered Bridge Is One Of The Fun Things To Do In Sandusky Ohio

If you are looking for free things to do in Sandusky Ohio, then check out Mull Covered Bridge in Ohio.

This is one of the few remaining covered bridges in Northern Ohio that one can visit from Sandusky. It is listed as a historic place and is a great way to learn about the history of the area.

The bridge was built by Henry Mull’s family in 1851 and was operational until 1962.

Earlier used as a trade route to Mull Mill, visitors can pay a short visit to this covered bridge in Ohio to marvel at its construction and historical significance.

Kalahari Resorts Sandusky

Kalahari Waterpark is one of the biggest waterparks in Sandusky Ohio where you can have fun with your entire family.

This Ohio waterpark features an amazing collection of indoor and outdoor waterslides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. That’s not all though, there are several non-water activities that you can enjoy here too.

You can go to the Safari Outdoor Adventure Park to try ziplining, rope courses, wall climbing, and more.

It is one of the most famous Sandusky Ohio waterparks that features both accommodation and waterpark passes.

So, if you have a few days, then one of the best things to do in Sandusky Ohio is to stay at Kalahari resort to spend time in the waterpark here.

Maritime Museum of Sandusky

If you are still unsure about what to do in Sandusky Ohio, then we have a unique attraction for you to explore in the city.

This unique museum educates visitors about the maritime activity in Sandusky Bay for several years. Tourists can explore the exhibits here on shipwrecks, pirates, commercial fishing, and more.

One of the best things about this museum is that it is fun for the entire family. Kids can enjoy the interactive zone where they can build their own boats, play games, complete a maze, and so on.

There are educational programs hosted here throughout the year so, you can check the calendar before planning your visit. Honestly, if want to learn and have fun, then this is one of the coolest places to visit in Ohio!

Marblehead Lighthouse

One of the most photographed lighthouses on the Great Lakes, Marblehead Lighthouse is one of the top places to visit near Sandusky. It is located at a 30-minute drive from town and offers amazing views of Lake Erie.

Established in 1821, this also happens to be the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Visitors can also get a short tour of the lighthouse where they learn more about its history and its use.

One can even climb the 77 stairs inside the lighthouse to enjoy a panoramic view of the lake, Cedar Point, and Kelly Island.

Taking a tour of Marblehead Lighthouse is one of the top things to do near Sandusky Ohio.

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area

For wildlife enthusiasts, one of the best things to do in Sandusky Ohio is to spend a few hours in Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.

This marsh area is located on the southern shore of Lake Erie and is a great spot for bird watching.

Every year, thousands of tourists flock to this area in spring to watch migratory birds such as warblers and take their photos.

Visitors can take guided bird walks, bird photography tours, etc., and can even attend the annual birding festival hosted in May here.

If you love watching birds or hiking in nature, then this is a great place to visit.

Sandusky Bay

One of the top fun things to do in Sandusky Ohio is touring around Sandusky Bay.

There are many things to do in and around Sandusky Bay. This includes biking around the bay, going on segway tours to enjoy the views of Sandusky Bay, visiting the Maritime Museum, and more.

That’s not all. Visitors can also rent jet skis or boats to head to the water and spend more time in Sandusky Bay.

This is one of the best places for boating in Sandusky Ohio and make the most of your vacation here.

Visiting Follett House Museum Is One Of The Coolest Things To Do In Sandusky Ohio

For history buffs, the top free thing to do in Sandusky Ohio is visiting the Follett House Museum.

Located in a Greek Revival-style building, this library-operated museum showcases the history of downtown Sandusky and Erie county through a wide collection of artifacts.

The museum tells what life was like for different groups of people including military members, families, tourists, and more. There are four floors to uncover the history of Sandusky.

From learning about the Battle of Lake Erie to enjoying the panoramic view of Sandusky from Widow’s Walk, there is a lot to do here. Plus, you can enjoy free entry to this museum.

If you are a history enthusiast, then one of the best things to do in Sandusky Ohio is to visit the Follett House Museum.

Rusty Wallace Racing Experience at Sandusky Speedway

The most fun thing to do near Sandusky Ohio is to get behind the wheel of a NASCAR car and see how it feels.

No, we are not kidding. This is possible at Rusty Wallace Racing Experience at Sandusky Speedway, located south of Sandusky in Perkins Township.

You can choose to ride with a professional driver in a NASCAR car for a few laps in the Ride-Along Experience.

If you are looking for a little more adventurous experience, then opt for Driving Experience.

This gives you a chance to handle the wheel yourself and enjoy an adrenaline rush as you drive through the track.

All the NASCAR stock cars available here have motors that were previously used in races. So, it feels like you are a part of a NASCAR race too.

This is one of the coolest adrenalin-pumping things to do near Sandusky Ohio.

Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor Is One Of The Delicious Things To Do In Sandusky Ohio

Known for its delicious ice creams, Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor is one of the oldest attractions in Ohio.

This family-run ice cream parlor started out as a small dairy farm and has become a well-known institution in the city now.

They source their milk from the local farmers which is why their ice creams taste so amazing.

With over 70 ice cream flavors, this place is a hit among both tourists and locals.

From cherry vanilla to rocky road, you will find all kinds of fun flavors to try here.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Sandusky Ohio, then nothing could be better than visiting Toft’s Ice Cream Parlor and trying the numerous flavors available here.

Packing List When Discovering Things To Do In Sandusky Ohio

If you are searching, here are some tips on how to pack lightly when packing for visiting Sandusky Ohio.

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when exploring the best things to do in Sandusky Ohio.  It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking Insta-worthy selfies while discovering island getaways in the US.

I never much believed in using packing cubes when traveling. That is until I tried them. Now I am hooked. These are the exact cubes I use to stay organized when I pack for a trip!

You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you. 

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for your adventures and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

The replaceable carbon filter ensures you have fresh drinking water when you want it.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car. Then this set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all. 

You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. during long hours of hiking in Minnesota. No matter the time of day or evening.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great. And it comes in many different colors.

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Here you have 16 amazing and fun things to do in Sandusky Ohio. Visiting Sandusky OH is one of the best things to do in Ohio.

It is one of the most popular weekend getaways in Ohio, and if you can’t get away for an entire weekend, visiting Sandusky Ohio would make a great Ohio day trip instead!