Massive Indoor Water-Park Resort with Relaxing Spa

With more than 15 water rides and attractions underneath a massive transparent roof, America’s largest indoor water park is at Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky, Ohio. You could spend all day experiencing different attractions; rides here range from high-banked, high-speed turns on the Zip Coaster to the “whirling vortex of fun” at the Tanzanian Twister. Parents can unwind inside the steamy indoor spa while kids burn off their energy at the Shooting Star water basketball court. The resort’s FlowRider attraction re-creates an ocean-like swell, allowing guests to experience the thrills of surfing as if they were catching waves off Hawaii’s coastline. Guests staying in Kalahari Resorts get admission to this whimsical water park, included in the daily resort fee. As part of this deal, you’ll get admission to Safari Adventures Animal Park.

Many aspects of the resort are kid-centric, but adults will find plenty of activities suited to them. Grab a tropical drink and lounge in a private cabana (extra fee) a safe distance from any rogue cannonball splashes. The resort’s black-light mini-golf course and mini-bowling make a great date night or a full-family outing. When all you want to do is relax, Spa Kalahari specializes in rejuvenating massages and body treatments.

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.

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