Sandusky

Sandusky, Ohio, is on the shores of Lake Erie and is famous for its family attractions, amusement parks, animal experiences and quirky, kid-friendly museums. Among the most famed sites in Sandusky is the famed Cedar Point amusement park, which boasts one of the highest roller coaster counts in the world. Here, you can ride thrill rides, eat carnival food, play games, see live entertainment and spend days of family adventure. The greater Cedar Point Shores features a full waterpark with slides, rapids, lazy rivers and other wet rides.

Not far off, kids will love seeing the Merry-Go-Round Museum with its collection of vintage wooden animals including a restored historic functioning carousel to ride. The Maritime Museum of Sandusky showcases exhibits and artifacts related to shipbuilding, ice harvesting and maritime accidents. For the grown-ups, the Firelands Winery and Restaurant offers tastings of local vintages with tours. For history, the Cooke-Dorn House Historic Site offers a restored 19th-century home and period-accurate exhibits.