Be sure to check out the Midwest Region page for other ideas around the best things to do in Northern Ohio!
*Last updated 9/4/2023
Put-In-Bay and Kelleys Island
Put-In-Bay, located on South Bass Island, gets the well-earned reputation as a party town. During the summer months, that is very much what it offers with loads of bachelor and bachelorette parties.
However, during the spring and fall, it is much more subdued and is more affordable as well. We had a great time in September, cruising around the island in a golf cart. It felt like we had the island all to ourselves!
If you are looking to go in the summer, Kelleys Island is a more family-friendly alternative to Put-In-Bay. You can access both Put-In-Bay and Kelly’s Island by ferry from Port Clinton.
Port Clinton and African Safari
If you just want to do a day trip to Put-In-Bay or Kelly’s Island, consider staying in Port Clinton. The prices to stay are more affordable here and there a lot of restaurants and attractions as well.
One of the popular sights in visiting the African Safari Wildlife Park. You drive your own car through the park, so maybe avoid if you don’t want to buff out antler marks in your paint job. You can also purchase animal feed and carrots to feed to the animals. Most kids will enjoy the chance to get up close and personal with the friendly wildlife.
Cedar Point
You go to Disney World for fairytales, but you go to Cedar Point for all-out adrenaline rides. Home to some of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world, Cedar Point sets the bar.
Cedar Point removed Top Thrill Dragster (pictured), unfortunately, but it was frequently closed due to high winds. No worries, it has some amazing coasters, like award-winning Millennium Force.
Cleveland
To quote the movie Howard the Duck, “Cleve…land? That is a perfectly weird name for this planet”.
Being from Cincinnati, we have a healthy cross-state rivalry with Cleveland. But I have some friends who live there and always have fun when I visit.
Major sports teams include Cavaliers (NBA), Browns (NFL) and Guardians (MLB, formerly the Indians) so you may want to check their season schedule and go to a game.
Additionally, Cleveland is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Zoo and the Cleveland Museum of Art. For nightlife, “the Flats” is a popular area. If you like Italian food, make sure to visit Little Italy.