A go kart track on Put-in-bay
My 12-year-old nephew was visiting last week and we took him over to Put-in-bay on Friday with some trepidation. We weren’t sure if there was enough there to interest kids and we were a little worried about giving him an education in what can be a mostly-adult playground.
We had a great time, there was lots for kids to do and as long as you head out by six or so, no worries on adult education.
Leaving Port Clinton on the Jet Express
Perry’s Monument
Perry’s Monument, erected in 1912 to commemorate the centennial celebration of Admiral Perry’s key victory over the British
We went over to Perry’s Monument, the museum display is small but very good, and the trip up the elevator to see the entire area and lake from above is well-worth the $3 (kids 12 and under are free). They have great maps at each point on the top, identifying the islands and mainland.
After you go up Perry’s Monument, stick around for the muzzle demonstration — Fun!
After we got back down, one of the staff members gave a great talk and demonstration of loading and firing a musket like they would have done during the Battle of Lake Erie.
Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Park
Cool – a 1924 Model T Snowmobile
From there, we rented a golf cart and went exploring. I was skeptical when we pulled up to the Family Fun Park along the main road, right across from Crystal Caves and Heinemen’s Winery. It was fun! I loved the barn filled with antique cars and bicycles, my nephew enjoyed panning for gems, and we all enjoyed a trip down to Perry’s Cave. We passed on the miniature golf and the laser tag. My nephew said, “I would have done the laser tag if the course had been more interesting.”
Mining for gems
Go Karts and Shopping
The Home Port shop has lots of nice beachy and nautical gifts.
This little driftwood frame at Home Port caught my eye
Next, we stopped at the Adventure Bay Fun Center, or rather, I sent the boys on to the Adventure Bay Fun Center to ride go-karts while I shopped at the Compass Point shops. I loved Home Port, which is part of the Island Hardware store, and the Little Store had really cute jewelry and gifts. See more pictures from the shops here.
The Little Store, really little, has some very cute gifts, jewelry and other items.
Stop for a brew
My husband and I had a brew at the Put-in-bay Brewery (kids are welcome) and then we all got some ice cream at the PIB Candy Bar (ice cream is in the back).
When we turned in our golf cart, I asked about the next ferry back and the guy told me the times and encouraged us, seeing my nephew, to head back by 7 to avoid the “adult education.”
There were tons of families on the island having fun. If you go to Put-in-bay, there are two different ferries you can take.
I’m hoping to do a Put-in-Bay without kids post – it really is fun. Although I’ve never been to Key West, I’ve heard people say it’s a bit like that. Lots of bars and dance places tucked into nooks and crannies that you wouldn’t know were there.