Kids Activities

A serene green space right in the heart of downtown Put-in-Bay, DeRivera Park covers over 5 acres of waterfront property. The park is named after South Bass Island’s original owner, Joseph DeRivera St. Jurgo. The park is a great place to enjoy some people watching on a sunny summer day. You can also enjoy some great sites on a walk through the park itself. Additionally, you can learn quite a bit about the island through the park’s memorials. What You’ll Find At DeRivera Park The wishing fountain in DeRivera Park…

The Chocolate Cafe and Museum is one of the yummiest attractions Put-in-Bay has to offer. Chocolate is life, is it not? The story behind chocolate spans over 2000 years, founded in Central and Southern America. It is one of the most sought after flavors on the planet, especially in the United States. At the Chocolate Cafe and Museum, guests will be able to explore every aspect of the chocolate-making process. With that said, guests will also be able to browse through their collection of chocolate-making memorabilia from days pasts. Enjoy…

Located directly next to the historic Town Hall and Opera House, lies South Bass Island Historical Museum. Founded in 1975 by Lake Erie Islands Historical Society the museum is still operated by them today. Their mission is to preserve the island’s rich history and educate the local community and visitors who come to explore. There are four buildings that make up the museum, spanning over 6,000 square feet. You will definitely find your time here worthwhile here. There is also a Research Library and historical archives on the grounds for…

Located at Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, Fort aMaze’n is Put-In-Bay’s premiere giant maze challenge. At the beginning of this brain-teasing attraction, participants are given a passport stamped with their start time, then they are let loose in this larger than life maze. They race against the clock and collect unique passport stamps, marking their progress while exploring twists and turns on a mission for the elusive exit. Try to beat your own time, work together as a team, or challenge those brave enough to challenge your navigational prowess. With…

The Butterfly House at Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center is great for the entire family. The Butterfly House covers over 4,000 square feet and is home to over 50 different types of butterflies. Step inside the aviary and you’ll be surrounded by these majestic flying insects. The plant life in The Butterfly House has also been hand-picked and butterfly approved. The attention to detail and habitat layout creates a lovely environment for insect lovers and out-of-town visitors alike. Guests will stroll through the secret passageways and listen to the calming…

Step into the shoes of a prospector from days of old, seeking their fortune! Gemstone Mining at the Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center is a completely unique experience. If you’ve got young ones, it’s an outing they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. I can say that firsthand. Sifting through the rough for these gems is one of only two clear memories I still have from my first trip to Put-in-Bay over two decades ago. It was exhilarating, and the experience remains just as awesome now as it was…

Hoping your family can learn a little and have fun at the same time? One of the preferred educational Put-in-Bay Attractions is the Aquatic Visitors Center, operated by the Ohio Sea Grant. Learn about Lake Erie aquatic science up close and personal located on Ohio State University’s island campus. From June 20th through August 25th, guests can visit free of charge or pay $4 p/p for a guided group tour. ODNR Division of Wildlife also provide children, under the age of 16, with fishing gear and bait for free. Fish…

Did you know Put-in-Bay is home to the world’s largest geode? Take a tour of Crystal Cave 40 feet below ground, and experience the Put-in-Bay in a whole new way. Just beneath the Heineman Winery, you will be able to descend through the pale blue crystals formed as far back as 15,000 years ago. Not only is the cave a beautiful sight to see, but it also holds deep history and some of the greatest tales of the island. In fact, it was accidentally discovered when winery workers were digging a…

Did you know that Put-in-Bay has more antique vehicles per capita than any other place on Earth? I bet you didn’t. If you’re coming up to the island for the weekend you’ll definitely see a few driving around in the sun. You can also see many more at the Antique Car Museum at Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center. Here you will find awesome old memorabilia from gas stations and road signs of old, as well as an amazing collection of vintage automobiles. Charles “Skip” Duggan started the tradition on Put-in-Bay…