(This post has been sponsored by Miller Ferry. All opinions are my own.)
Are you in need of a little getaway? A day trip may be just the thing! With so many people cancelling their extended travel plans, taking a day trip is a great way to get out and create some family fun!
Last week, Dan, the kids and I spent the day at Put-In-Bay and it was a perfect getaway. Put-In-Bay is located on South Bass Island in the western basin of Lake Erie, near Sandusky, Ohio. (There are plenty of options for overnight and extended stays, but we made it a day trip!)
Before we left, I scouted out what to do on the island. With an assortment of restaurants, shops, caves, parks and family activities, I knew we wouldn’t be hurting for things to do. But in the end, we discovered five ideas that will make the most of any family day trip. Check them out below!
1. Try something NEW.
There is something fun and bonding about scouting out a new place or trying a new activity together. Our kids had never been to the island before. And even though I had been there about 30 years ago (ouch!), it still felt new and was extra enjoyable as we explored together.
Our day started with a trip on the Miller Ferry. The ferry takes travelers and their cars (if desired) to both Put-In-Bay and Middle Bass Island. Taking the ferry was a treat and a fun way to start our adventure. The wind blowing in our hair, the warm sun and beautiful lake . . . it was a gorgeous fall day for a ferry ride.
Peter and I loved watching the logistics of loading and unloading the vehicles! Miller Ferry was incredibly efficient and we find that kind of thing very cool. (Yes, we are weird like that.)
This seagull flew with the ferry on the road home at the end of the day. He was funny to watch but made us a bit nervous every time he flew over our heads since we were on the outer part of the deck. Thankfully, we didn’t go home with any extra souvenirs!
2. Do something that is PURE FUN.
At times, I am guilty of loading up our day with either strictly educational activities or things that fall under my agenda. But I love it when we include something that is just pure fun, something I know the kids will wholeheartedly enjoy.
One of our “pure fun” activities was hanging out at Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center. We played miniature golf at their War of 18 Holes (a play on words for the involvement Put-In-Bay had in the War of 1812 – see #4).
We also raced through their Fort aMaze’n. I LOVE mazes and this one did not disappoint, except for the fact that the kids beat me. But hey, they were running!
One of the central activities at Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center is going into the cave itself. We were excited to check out the stalagmites and stalactites in this half acre cave!
BONUS TIP: One thing that I so often forget about is keeping our eyes open for a fun playground and Put-In-Bay had an awesome one. The kids turned it into a timed obstacle course and another kid even joined the challenge. While they enjoyed time here, I hit up the stores in the center of town and did some shopping!
3. Get out and explore NATURE.
Do you ever feel like your kids need to get outside more and enjoy nature? Put-In-Bay has several lovely sites to do just that. I don’t know what it is about being near the water, but I find it especially enjoyable to be out in nature and enjoying God’s creation at the lake. At Put-In-Bay, you’ll find several wildlife and park areas, including a State Park. We visited the Massie Cliffside Preserve, hiking through the woods to get to this beautiful spot.
Wouldn’t you like to hang out here for a bit?
4. Add in EDUCATIONAL VALUE.
We love to learn . . . just about anything. And since we started homeschooling three years ago, I am always on the lookout for those add-ins to a fun day that allow us to grow and learn.
Put-In-Bay has fascinating historical ties to the War of 1812. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry used Put-In-Bay/South Bass Island as a base of operations during the war. His amazing defeat over the British was a key event leading to the end of the war. Perry Monument, the 352 foot granite structure, is a reminder not only of the naval battle but also the peace that has lasted for more than 150 years.
We spent time walking around the monument and also in the Visitor Center which offers many displays and a 15 minute movie telling the riveting story. As a national park, the site is staffed with Park Rangers who are a wealth of information! Learning about the island’s history added so much to our trip.
Yes, that is us in a golf cart next to the Perry Monument which takes us to . . .
5. Blend ACTION with RELAXATION.
So often I end up with all or nothing when it comes to action or relaxation. But finding that middle ground really does make for a more enjoyable day. Our day was full of activity with the hike, the monument, and the Family Fun center. The relaxation came in simply touring around the island on our golf cart. (That was a first for us too!)
Just up from Miller Ferry’s location on the island is E’s Put-In-Bay Carts where we picked up our golf cart. It was a nice short walk and couldn’t have been more convenient. My kids were thrilled that we were assigned to the Mandalorian golf cart (see below). And what a treat is was to be trekking around the island via golf cart! (It was a bit weird at first to be driving a golf cart on the road with cars, but the carts are all road-ready with seat belts and turn signals.) I loved driving it; it took me back to my days of working at the golf club.
Special thanks to Katrina at Miller Ferry for inviting us, and to Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center and E’s Put-In-Bay Carts. Please find more information for Put-In-Bay and these companies below.
Miller Ferry | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Official Put-In-Bay Website | Facebook | Twitter
Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center
My name is Kristen. I'm a former Wedding & Event Planner blogging about fun ways to celebrate each and every day and the special occasions of life. Here you'll find inspiration for family fun, children's activities, party planning and a faith-filled life. 
