Back in January, I found out a few local Ohio and Michigan bloggers were invited to an event at Castaway Bay. Since I’m not afraid to ask for things, I asked if I could be invited too.
I got invited (I didn’t even beg too hard. Ok, there was an opening). I was pretty darn excited.
None of my big kids that live with me could come. Neither could my husband. Prior commitments, etc. So, I decided to ask my husbands ex-wife to come along with me and bring my stepson. There, in and of itself, contains another blog post. Which will probably only be written in the recesses of my tiny brain.
Anywhoo…
Off we went. Sandusky, Ohio. Home of Cedar Pointe and other amusing things.
First of all, I should let you all know, we took our kids to Castaway Bay in August. My little guy who was 7 had the most amazing time. Even my teenage daughters had a great time, they didn’t sneer as much as usual which tells you something because pleasing teenaged girls is next to impossible. Unless you buy them something. Yeah, I’m digressing. I’ll save that for another post.
I’ll start with the drive from Detroit. It’s short and easy (coming home was another story, I got lost). 2 1/2 hours door to door. That’s not bad.
You walk in the front door and you immediately feel like you’re on vacation. That’s a good thing.
The rooms are lovely. We were given a “suite” with a balcony which, when it’s not winter would be amazing. Winter…not so much use out of it.
Once you are at Castaway Bay, there is no reason to leave. Unless you are going home. Everything you need is right there. Restaurants, spa, gift shops, and most important…the indoor Waterpark and game room.
I never saw my kids. They were off having a great time and I was very much left alone. That’s a really good thing.
The minute we got into our room, they changed into their swimsuits and disappeared. I saw them when they were hungry or needed money. Personally, I didn’t go on the water rides because I refuse to wear a bathing suit. Even at my own pool. Yeah. I know.
Castaway Bay is one of the most affordable, convenient, fun places to take the family. During the warmer months, there is Cedar Pointe too. So spending an entire weekend playing in Sandusky is not out of the question. Last August, we spent a day at Castaway Bay and then went off to Cedar Pointe. It was a great weekend.
Anyways, point is…Castaway Bay. The waterpark itself has some slides that even get adults screaming for their lives. I know this because my husbands ex-wife went on one with the boys. My kids said she screamed like a girl. Which, coincidentally…she is a girl. There is a wave pool, a bunch of little pools with things for the little squirts to play in, big and small water slides, an indoor/outdoor jacuzzi and more. There is also an arcade. The kind where the kids spend a bagillion dollars trying to earn tickets to win prizes. I think I spent a zillion dollars so that my son could win a few dog stuffed animals from “the claw”.
The restaurants are decent. The breakfast buffet is delish. The rooms are standard and just fine. It’s not luxury but that’s not why you are going there. The beds are pretty comfy except when you’re sleeping next to a heat generator of an 8 year old. Then? Not so much. There is also a T.G.I Fridays on site but it closes at 10. Luckily, there is room service and they deliver wine.
We are going back this Summer. My kids have been begging. I still won’t wear a bathing suit. But I’ll be happy to sit, have a drink and take pictures.
Castaway Bay is located in Sandusky, Ohio. And it’s worth the drive. For sure.
disclosure: I was sent by Thundertech PR. My room, waterpark and family dinner were comped. Thank you to my new found friends there. Bring on the klout war.