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Splash into the newly reimagined Castaway Bay in Sandusky, Ohio. Cedar Point’s freshly renovated indoor waterpark and hotel is Ohio’s all-new family aqua adventure! Explore all the exciting activities on the property with the help of Castaway Bay’s mascot Gordy and friends.
Whether you are planning a visit to Cedar Point amusem*nt park or a fun winter escape, Castaway Bay is the ideal getaway for families with kids under ten years old. Playful touches such as interactive character doors, character meet-n-greets, and an abundance of kid-friendly waterpark activities are a few reasons we can’t wait to revisit.
Take A Peek At The Playful Rooms
At check-in, guests receive the story of Gordy and how Castaway Bay came to be. The entire hotel becomes part of the story, starting with your hotel room. The rooms are bright and cheery, with special touches made for families in mind. Each floor is themed to match an island setting – Air, Land, and Sea. When you enter the room or “habitats,” you are met by Castaway Bay’s group of loveable, colorful island animals. Themed “Special Touches” will help immerse you into the world and story of Castaway Bay.
Single and two-room suites are available for guests, including rooms with bunk beds. Check out the pricing and room options atCedar Point Castaway Bay Indoor Water Park.
Top Things To Do At Castaway Bay
Explore The Waterpark
Guests of all ages will love splashing in the 100,000-gallon wave pool! The 38,000-square-indoor waterpark has something for the whole family, including a small wading area for the tiniest guests. Changing rooms and bathrooms are available.
A favorite was the Rocket’s Canopy Coaster, the uphill water roller coaster kids can ride as long as they are 42″ tall. Other popular attractions included School Crossing, Pierce’s Play Pool, and Hank’s Hangout, a fun water playground with slides.
Cedar Point’s Castaway Bay is an excellent fit for parents with younger children. There are many attractions kids can do with life jackets or with adult supervision. While each attraction has varying height requirements, the majority were 42″ or below, with the only exception being the Air Racer Rally water slides at 48″ inches tall.
Toddler Options at Castaway Bay
Toddlers will have a blast splashing around Fernando’s Tadpole Pool. Kiddos will love this interactive kiddie pool with slides, water pipes, spraying gadgets, and sea creature play structures. With a water depth of only 18″, even hand-held infants can join in on the action with their supervision companion.
Little ones will love exploring Hank’s Hangout as well. While they may not be tall enough to go down the slides (36″), they can join the dumping bucket, water prayers, and tipping pails.
Gordy’s Getaway
Soothe those aching muscles and relax in this 50-person hot tub. The spa is indoor and outdoor, with a waterfall. Guests must be over five years old to enter Gordy’s Getaway.
Grab Lunch and Drinks at Surfside Beach Bar
If your crew gets hungry, swing by the Surfside Beach Bar inside the waterpark. Surfside Beach Bar serves up pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages for adults.
Tip:Don’t forget to pack your ID because they do card for alcoholic beverages.
Club Castaway
Club Castaway is near the party rooms and will feature a variety of live entertainment. Guests can enjoy live music, kids’ activities, and more at Club Castaway on the hotel’s third floor. Get a copy of the Island Times at the front desk that will highlight the daily activities, events, and happenings going around Castaway Bay.
Gamer’s Grotto Arcade
One classic family activity is playing games at the arcade. Gamer’s Grotto Arcade has a variety of traditional and modern video games, photo booths, and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. With games for all ages, expect to see a few of your favorites, including skeeball, basketball, and MORE.
Grab Ice Cream at the Sprinkle Shack
Top off your evening with a special treat from the Sprinkle Shack! Sprinkle Shack features local Toft’s Dairy Soft Serve Ice Cream, hand-crafted flurries, milkshakes, and sundaes, as well as plenty of candy toppings to satisfy your cravings.
Don’t Miss Out On The Lobby Activities
It’s hard to miss the massive ship in the hotel lobby! The boat is called the HOPE and is full of fun interactive activities for kids to enjoy. Help navigate the ship around Lake Erie, solve puzzles in your Pathfinder Pouch Adventures, and more!
PlanningTip:Grab your Island Times for a detailed schedule of character meet-n-greets, live music, and games in the lobby. There is usually a Good Morning Deck Party twice a day! Once for the early birds and another for the late risers.
Fernando’s Craft Room
Every day the Deck Hands make some exciting recyclable crafts at Fernando’s Craft room on the 2nd floor of the south wing. My daughter enjoyed making a darling paper cup octopus, a seashell crown, and plenty of pictures!
Planning Tip:The craft room is only open at designated times throughout the day. Be sure to check your Island Times, so you can catch them.
Go On An Scavenger Hunt
Throughout the hotel, Gordy and his friends have their own hotel rooms. You can visit each one and receive a special message by ringing the doorbell. Grab your Pathfinder Pouch Adventures to help solve a mystery as you make your way to each door.
Play A Round Of Black Light Mini-Golf
Can you sink your shot in a glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course? Do you have what it takes to putt your way over, through, and around fun obstacles on your way to the hole? With a wide range of putter sizes, even smaller children can play mini-golf at Gordy’s Mini-Golf Adventure! Pick out your brightly colored golf ball, grab a putter, and take a scorecard to keep track as you go.
Tip:You will need to purchase a game card with points, as the machine that gives out your mini-golf balls only uses a game card.
Try Tiki Mini-Bowling
Kids of all ages will love bowling on miniature lanes with cool lighting effects. Mini bowling combines all the action of traditional bowling with a smaller, more fast-paced bowling experience. It is very similar to duck-pin bowling. My daughter adored it and wanted to go back every evening to play again.
Grab Dinner at Quaker Steak & Lube
The only dinner option on the property outside the Surfside Beach Bar is Quaker Steak & Lube. It is a family classic serving delicious wings, burgers, and more. They do have seating for large groups as well.
If you aren’t feeling Quaker Steak & Lube, there are many great restaurants within minutes of the hotel.
Pathfinder Pouch Adventures
The front desk will give all the children in your party a fun Pathfinder Pouch Adventure Packet full of puzzles, games, and mysteries you will have to solve by exploring the hotel. Many can be solved by the Ship HOPE or by visiting Gordy’s and his friends’ doors.
Break Out The Escape Room
Can you escape from Castaway Island before a massive storm engulfs you? Families can test their skills by investigating and solving various puzzles and riddles to make it out in time. The escape room will test your skill, determination, and resolve as you work together.
Planning Tip: Check out the different Gamer’s Grotto Arcade packages available to save!
Get Coffee At Rocket’s Market
Savor a cup of fresh-brewed Starbucks coffee or hand-crafted espresso drink from our Rocket’smarket. Grab a freshly made pastry, snack, or quick breakfast item, or enjoy your morning coffee in our charming seating area.
Tip:There is not a full Starbucks menu here, and an excellent option if you want a smaller breakfast.
Helpful Tips For Visiting Castaway Bay
There are a few things that guests need to be aware of before booking a reservation at Castaway Bay.
- There isNOshuttle to Cedar Point from Castaway Bay. You will have to drive to the park or take alternative transportation. The complimentary shuttle is only for guests staying at Cedar Point properties on the peninsula.
- I found the breakfast buffet at High Tide Cafe overpriced. There are many great breakfast options nearby for a fraction of the cost. However, for convenience, you can’t beat it. We brought portable breakfast foods to keep with us in our room fridge, then got coffee at Rocket’s Market.
- During my visit, the fitness center left much to be desired, as many machines were broken. Only one elliptical was in working order.
- The hotel offers free wi-fi and free parking.
- Guests are required to wear wristbands to enter the waterpark. You will have to purchase another if one is lost or broken.
- Flo’s Surf Shop has the perfect souvenir and anything you may have forgotten from home.
Our five-year-old daughter lived her best life at Castaway Bay because the entertainment was non-stop. We often found ourselves on an adventure in the hotel lobby or making crafts with the Deck Hands when we weren’t having a blast in the waterpark.
Check out more things to do in the Sandusky area below:
Helpful Tips For Visiting Kalahari Resort
A Guide To Middle Bass Island
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Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark in Sandusky Ohio
