Note: As I mentioned in the past, I’m moving my Ohio travel posts to my main blog right here at Hall of Fame Moms. The giveaway is over.
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Last weekend our family enjoyed an overnight stay at Castaway Bay located in Sandusky, Ohio as part of their blogger outreach program and I was sent home with four day passes to giveaway to one of you! I think this was our sixth year covering a winter getaway to Castaway Bay.
It’s been a treat to watch our boys grow up over the years through the pictures and videos we taken over the years to share these reviews. Please note, while most everything needed for this review was provided, this is not a paid post and opinions are our own.
So, as I noted above this was probably our sixth visit to Castaway Bay for the blogger program. Back when our oldest was a baby, and I was not blogging, we made our very first visit to Castaway Bay.
I wanted this post to be a bit different. If you’ve never been to Castaway Bay, this is the post for you! I hope to point out all the important basics so you have an idea of what Castaway Bay has to offer your family in this beginner’s guide to Castaway Bay. I think it’s very helpful to know what to expect.
When you walk into the lobby at Castaway Bay you’ll notice a lovely sitting area with a huge warm fireplace. I just love this aspect of Castaway Bay. There are also two shops to your left: Nick Knacks where you can take your pick of lots of souvenirs (and maybe some snacks) and Pearl’s where they sell clothing, swim suits, jewelry, etc..
Last weekend they had a big big sale on women’s swim suits and shirts and I found two pairs of swim shorts for me. I paid less than $10 tax and all out the door!
As you’ll see a little further down, Castaway Bay offers special family-centered activities outside of the waterpark itself. On Friday night they had free hot coca and cookies for families in this lobby. A lot of families came down for it! The cups were very big, in my opinion, and I thought it tasted great!
By the way, your waterpark passes are included in the price of your room as I understand when you stay overnight. Sometimes you can find (afflink) great deals on Groupon for Castaway Bay.
Now, as I said, to the left are the shops. Well, to the right is the check-in desk and a couple places to eat: Ebb & Eddy’s for small stuff like coffee, donuts, deli wraps and more and Mango Mike’s (serves a breakfast buffet). Quaker Steak and Lube is also connected to Castaway Bay, we enjoyed dinner there during our stay.
While you are checking in be sure to look for the Island Times flyer as it will have show what and when the kids’ activities are scheduled. Usually when we visit they have cookie decorating, a time to color shirts, towels or totes, Story time with Snoopy before bed and maybe some other things – like the hot cocoa and cookies.
A lot of the activities I mentioned above will probably be happening upstairs in Castaway Bay’s Club Castaway which is the room you’ll notice in the pictures below of Snoopy and of my boys coloring their shirts.
I do believe all the activities I mentioned are free with the exception of the actual shirts, towels and totes your child wants to color. There is a fee for those exact products. Check all my info when you call or visit Castaway Bay in case I’m wrong or something has changed.
But, the real reason you came to Castaway Bay is for the waterpark, right?
Castaway Bay offers a wave pool, barrel crossing, kiddie pool play area, raft ride, hot tube that lead outdoors, other slide tubes, basketball/play pool, and of course that big climbing fort with slides and other water fun including the huge bucket that fills and dumps on those waiting for it.
Besides lots and lots of seating throughout the waterpark, you’ll also find Big Daddy’s snack shack where you can buy food.
Castaway Bay has lockers you can rent. This is great when you’re just there for using day passes. But, you can play in the waterpark before and after your check-in/check-out when you stay the night.
This year Castaway Bay put us in the Pelican room. We usually have stayed in the Starfish room. The only difference I know of between the two is the bed size. The Pelican has two queen beds and the Starfish has two double beds. There are other rooms/suites available to accommodate bigger groups.
While the waterpark is the main-feature this trip we actually enjoyed relaxing in our room for awhile beforehand. I love that there are many places to sit in and around Castaway Bay. Some family members will just enjoy sitting in warm attractive areas to read or relax over playing in the water, I think. Bring the grandparents!
Our room had a fridge and microwave too, which is great for bringing your own food.
Visit Castaway Bay’s website here and look for possible $99 deals for overnight stays on select dates or call 419-627-2106.
Are you ready for a chance to win 4 day passes to Castaway Bay?
Simply follow the Rafflecopter directions below! Winner will be randomly picked and emailed. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email or a new winner will be selected. Day passes will be mailed to winner. I am not responsible for problems with the postal system. Entering giveaway contest means you accept all terms of this giveaway.
I hope this beginner’s guide to Castaway Bay was helpful for some of you. Will you be planning a trip to Castaway Bay in the near future?
