Hotel at a Glance: Castaway Bay

From bodysurfing on 3-foot waves in the 100,000-gallon wave pool to zooming down multistory water slides, there’s no shortage of fun to be had at Castaway Bay and its large indoor water park. An added bonus: families can enjoy a variety of children’s activities, including a meet-and-greet with Peanuts characters.

• Huge indoor water park: The five-story complex boasts pools and slides for all ages. This Getaway comes with daily passes for everyone in your party.
• Arcade with video games, air hockey, basketball, and more
• Restaurants: Onsite dining options include Quaker Steak & Lube, Mango Mike’s breakfast buffet, Ebb & Eddy’s Deli and Big Daddy’s Snack Shack.
• Where you’ll stay: Guest rooms come with a private deck or balcony (in most), flat-screen television, free WiFi, microwave, and mini refrigerator.

Sandusky, Ohio: Family-Friendly Town with Amusement Parks Along Lake Erie

The town of Sandusky lies on the shores of Lake Erie, about midway between Cleveland and Toledo. It’s a family-friendly destination with a slew of theme parks and scenic coastal islands. Cedar Point, open May through October, is one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States and a must-do for thrill seekers. The park’s Millennium Force roller coaster set records as the tallest and fastest in the world when it was introduced in 2000. More recently, the GateKeeper scooped up seven world records when it opened in 2013, including the “longest drop on a wing coaster.”

If you prefer a slower pace, visit Sandusky’s former post office, which has been transformed into the Merry-Go-Round Museum. The grand building is full of antique carousels of all shapes and sizes, restored to their original splendor; it’s also rumored to house a couple of ghosts. More spooky fun awaits at Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, which features a haunted house, a roller rink, a 4D theater, black-light mini golf, and bounce houses.