**Spring is here! Check out my families trip to Put-in-Bay from summer of 2013.
Our Family Day Trip to Put-in-Bay – Part One
**Read Put-in-Bay – Part Two**
It’s really hard to imagine that I’ve lived in Northeast Ohio my whole life, yet until recently had never visited the gorgeous Lake Erie Islands. Crazy, huh? With the islands not being very far from my home in Lorain County, I jumped at the chance to visit South Bass Island and the village of Put-in-Bay. Since my hard-working husband was at work, I brought along my mom and three boys.
Put-in-Bay Ohio is a quaint little town dotted with historic homes, mouth-watering restaurants, unique gift shops and local pubs. It’s also home to the nation’s third tallest monument. While the island can be a bit more boisterous on the weekends, it’s a perfect family destination during the week.
Before ourday trip to Put-in-Bay, we stopped at the Lake Erie Shores and Islands Visitor’s Center in Sandusky, Ohio (they also have a second location in Port Clinton). If you are looking for any information regarding the Shores and Islands area, this is the place.
Once we stepped inside, I was amazed by the amount of brochures, maps, and discount coupons readily available. While you’re there you also want to take some time looking at their interactive displays and video. As a mom of three little ones, I was impressed that they even had a few things to keep my boys occupied while I looked around including a pint-sized table where they could color and a life-sized boat.
Before we left we asked for directions to the pier and while I was expecting verbal instructions that I was sure to mix up, the helpful employee pulled out a map and highlighted the exact streets to take. This made our quick trip to the dock even easier.
While you are here be sure to grab your FREE Shore Savings Card. When you show this card you’ll snag discounts at participating at local attractions, restaurants, shops, and lodging accommodations. You can hop over and find what is included in the Shore Savings Card. To make it more convenient, you can even print this card right off their website. Of course, since you know I LOVE coupons, I just had to have one of these!
For our family’s first trip to Put-in-Bay, we decided on the Island Fun Pack. The Island Fun Pack is perfect for families as it allows you to visit many activities on the island for one cost per person. These packs can be purchased at Lake Erie Shores & Islands-West (or by calling 800-441-1271), Miller Boat Line: Catawba Island Ticket Booth, the Jet Express: Port Clinton and Sandusky Ticket Booths, or The Depot at downtown Put-in-Bay
Stay tuned as I’ll be sharing more about each location included in the Island Fun Pack in my next post.
Island Fun Packs Include Ticket Vouchers to:
Included in our Island Fun Pack were ferry tickets with either the Miller Boat Line or Jet Express. This time we took the Jet Express but I’m sure both are great choices. As we pulled into the ferry parking lot (which is FREE) my youngest, Jackson, squealed with delight when he saw the “big boat”. While standing in line to get on the ferry he couldn’t help but show everyone his new “boat shirt” that I had just bought the night before at Target (on clearance, of course).
Once on the Jet Express we were welcome to explore. With seating both inside and out you’ll have two different experiences to enjoy. With a quick stop at Kelly’s Island before heading to Put-in-Bay, our trip was about 40 minutes. That was the perfect time to sit both inside and out. While on the top deck we enjoyed the beautiful scenery while the ferry zoomed along. While there are benches to sit on outside, inside you can choose to sit on a chair or at a table large enough for a family. Inside there are large windows on either side of the ferry that you can open and close depending on how much wind you would like.
Once we arrived in Put-in-Bay we were all very excited to start our adventure! Stay tuned for my next post that will share all the family things to do on the island!
Disclosure: This is not a paid post. A huge thanks to Lake Erie Shores and Islands Visitor’s Center for providing us with free Island Fun Pack tickets to facilitate our review.
I haven’t been to PIB since I was a kid. Would love to take my kids but as an adult my impression has been it is a party spot. Glad to hear it is very much family oriented. I will have to look into the Island Pack.
I agree! Great to hear that there’s more to Put-in-Bay than partying….not that there’s anything wrong with that:-) but when you bring your kids, that’s not the atmosphere you want! Glad to hear it can be for families too!!!
Thanks for sharing. Didn’t know about the shore savings card!
Thank You for sharing all the family oriented things to do . Some times it’s hard to find inexpensive things to do as a family.
It looks like your family had an amazing time at PIB! I would love to go again. Maybe with my couponing I can save up enough money to go again! Thanks for all of your advice. 😀
Looks like a lot of fun. Have been thinking of taking the family. Will have to plan a trip soon!
Thanks for sharing! With all of this great info- I’m tasking the kids next week:) you are AWESOME!!!
I loved it there when I visited! It’s family friendly and has of course bars for the party-goers. To each their own. My sister in law and her husband left today for there, for Christmas in July. I hope you had a great time with your family at Put In Bay. I know my family and I do! 🙂
always wondered if it was a family friendly stop
Glad you had a fun time with your Mom and sons! I took my daughters there years ago from a contest I won thru channel 3.
Thanks for all the info on Put-In-Bay. We are heading there sometime next month and this info is great to know.
I’ve been to PIB twice and never knew they had a butterfly house or antique car museum. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing… cant wait to hear about the adventures at put in bay! We ve only been to kelleys, i always thought/heard that put in bay was more of the party island then family! I love that there was someone out there still putting the customer in service! (Highlighting the map)!!! Awesome!
i have never been to pib, but it sure does look fabulous, and kid friendly.
thank you for sharing your trip 🙂
Where in Lorain county is this? I’m always looking for new places to check out since I’m not from Cleveland. Thanks for the idea! 🙂
Britni, I believe it’s in Ottawa County. Near Cedar Point. Since it’s an island it’s only accessible by ferry or boat. 🙂
We love visiting the islands! We also enjoy going on the Goodtime. It’s day trip is perfect amounts of time for site feeing with the family.
Would love to do this next year with the kids!! I will not dare a day trip yet with a 6 week old.
I, too, have lived in Northeast Ohio my whole life and have never visited the Islands. I looked into taking a day trip there this summer, but didn’t know what the “must sees” were or how close different attractions are from one another, etc. and we stalled at the planning phase. Thank you for your detailed post! It really inspires me to plan a fun getaway close to home! 🙂
The shore savings card sounds like a great way to save while touring the islands. We have been wanting to go.
Love PIB and is on my to do list with the family! I want to take kiddos to the cave! Interested in learning more about the family fun pack!!
Love your article ..would love to do a family trip this summer. I would also recommend Kelley’s Island for a fun time.
I think we may visit there before school starts. 🙂
Sounds & looks like you had a great time.
Put-in-Bay Ohio is a quaint little town dotted with historic homes, mouth-watering restaurants, unique gift shops and local pubs.
We recently spent time in Sandusky. The welcome center was very helpful. Put in Bay is on our list of day trips.
Sounds like you had a great day with the family
PIB is such a fun place. I took the family last summer. I really hope we can make it back there this year. I’m glad to see you had a great time!
We always take the Jet Express out of Sandusky. Smoother ride and closer to home.
Loved Put-In-Bay when my parents took me when I was younger. May have to plan a trip with my kids. I don’t think my husband has ever been there. Looks like you all had a great time!!!
My husband and I enjoyed put in bay seversl years age. It was such a great day as a couple. It would be great to go as a family. Thanks for the ideas.
Thank you so much for sharing! It’s a wonderful idea and I think we might be doing this next weekend! Thanks for the ideas and tips!
I love that u share Family Friendly Affordable things, events & sales xoxo So happy I found YOU !!!
Thank for all the information on Put-In-Bay. I have not been there before and I look forward to checking it out. Especially since it is close. Thanks again.
The butterfly garden is one off my favorite places to visit on the island
I have been thinking about taking a trip to the islands…this made me want to do it even more:)
Thanks for the great review – I’ve lived in Ohio my entire life and have never been. I want to go soon and your review makes me really want to go!
This looks like a great time. We’ve been to Cedar Point many times but never made the stop for Put-In-Bay, even though it’s right along the route. I look forward to seeing your future posts about the time on the island and maybe we’ll have to make it a family stop.
I have wanted to take a trip there thanks for all the great tips!
I have never been to PIB either, but it sounds like a great day trip for my family!
I enjoy reading your posts, today is the 1st time I’m commenting, in hopes to win something!!! As dory from finding nemo would say…”ooh pick me, pick me!” Happy Friday 🙂
I think the last time I was there was when I was in Girl Scouts…..hmmmm looks like I need to take the kiddos on an adventure now, looks like you had soo much fun!
I love PIB. My daughter thinks the cave is so cool.
try hitting up Bergman’s Orchard if you get a chance next time! Great produce and some amazing breads! 🙂
Put n Bay is a great one day adventure. We go at least one a year.
Looks like you had a great time!
Looks like you guys had fun! I’ve lived here most of my life and have never been there either. Looks like I’ll have to check it out! Thanks
Great tips! Plan on using them soon. 🙂
Looks like a lot of fun!!!
I’ve never been to PIB. It looks great. I wonder with all the activities off the water are there any places to get jet skis? I really like the Jet Express boat you all went on. I would love to take a few of my nieces on there. They would be thrilled. Thanks for the post about your family trip.
Thanks for sharing all of your family adventures this summer. Only been to Put in Nay a couple times and didn’t know about the Shore Savings Card, I’ll be sure top pick one up next time.
Twins or no twins, I’d love to get out to the islands again. Last time I visited was 1999.
Thanks for the reminder of how much there is to do out there.
My mom had a place in Marblehead , they have a ton of stuff for kids and families. I haven’t been up there in years , now I want to go back! Thanks for the post there were a lot of thing on here I didnt know about, especially the savings card
Thank you for sharing! It looks like you had a great time. Hoping to take the kids there before school starts.
The winery is my favorite stop up at the bay. A great place to get together with old friends and have a great afternoon.
If you are looking for a great Halloween weekend (adults only), PIB throws a great party!
I’ve never been there. Looks so nice. I’m going to look into planning a day trip soon! Thanks so much for all your great tips.
Thanks Rachel for sharing your time at Put In Bay. I didn’t realize there was so much to do for a family. Will have to put it on my to do list.
Thanks for info. I haven’t been there in years. We need to go!!!!
Haven’t been for a long time. Is it handicapped friendly? (wheelchair)
Lori, it looked like the island was very handicap accessible.
Thanks for sharing! I have not been for many years, and after reading this post I am planning on taking by 5 year old. 😉