Castaway Bay, Sandusky, Ohio
Our family is no stranger to these wintertime oasis's, and for years we've wanted to visit Castaway Bay and now we finally got the chance! We enjoyed it so much, we decided to go back the following weekend! (and subsequently the same time a year later). Below we've compiled 12 reasons why you shouldn't wait as long as we did to give Castaway Bay a visit! This may be one of the most comprehensive reads you'll find as you'll get the review from our 3 trips (now totaling 12 in the last 3 years), which sort of makes us "Professional Castaways", so take your time and enjoy!
(Note that many pictures are slides with detailed descriptions so be sure to look through them all!)
1. Lodging
 Approved6 Kids approved room!!! |  The Pelican2 nice sized and comfortable queen beds, and Castaway Snoopy just hanging out |  After Move InThe kids are happy to find out that there are more than enough outlets to charge their phones as they drain them by using them non-stop |
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 Tarpon Suite Bay ViewBeautiful night view from the balcony |  Bay ViewView from the Balcony of the Bay and Castaway |  Night Bay ViewQuaker Steak in the background |
 Pull Out Mini ChairThis couch pulls out to reveal a bed that will sleep one adult |  A Few StaplesCastaway Snoopy, A Castaway Bay tumbler, Big Mama the Castaway Parrot and a box of legendary Cedar Point Saltwater Taffy |  Exterior ViewOf screened in balconies from the front of the resort |
 Castaway SnoopyEnjoying the morning views from the balcony |  Tarpon SuiteGetting a good night's sleep won't be a problem here! |  EntryLove the roller coaster artwork on the walls |
 Tarpon Suite Closet!This closet is huge and can be used for several different things. |  Tarpon Suite Bunk Beds2 sets of bunk beds are sure to be a hit with the kids in your group |  Kids SuiteAlso includes their own TV! |
 PricelessSydney and Colada having a good time LOL |  |  Bay Harbour ViewView from our screened in balcony. Most rooms include a balcony or patio, which is great in winter and excellent in summer helping to keep the bugs out! |
 Tarphon Suite LayoutOne of 13 different available room types |  Night ViewFrom the balcony of the Tarpon suite |
One big advantage Castaway Bay has would have to be the wide range of available room configurations. Boasting a whopping 237 rooms with 13 different room layouts, ranging from double beds to multi-room suites! In addition, all rooms feature a mini fridge / microwave and (most) a balcony or patio, many with views of the beautiful Sandusky Bay and if you're lucky, a view of Cedar Point's breathtaking Roller Coasters off in the distance. With a large family like ours, the different room options are a plus that prevents us from having to book separate accommodations.
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The first (& 2nd) trip we stayed in the "Tarpon Suite" which has a King bed in its own separate room and a balcony, which was immediately claimed by the ole lady and I. The kids didn't have any issue with this as they were surprised to find that they had their own room with 2 sets of bunk beds and a Tv! The suite also includes a huge closet that's more like a small room. What was cool about this addition is the kids used it as a changing room when someone was in the bathroom and it was still large enough to store luggage for 8 plus a stroller and wagon, out of sight, providing a more comfortable environment within the living spaces.
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We've also stayed in both "Pelican" & "Starfish" rooms, which can be rented individually or as in our case, connected by an adjoining door. Both rooms have 2 Queen beds, but the "Starfish" included an extra mini couch that pulls out into a bed, allowing for 5 people to stay in the room.
2. Dining Options
When visiting an Indoor Waterpark, especially in the Winter, You'll want to minimize the need to leave the resort (I mean who really wants to leave the comfort of a tropical paradise and have to venture out into the cold cruel world we know as reality), And Castaway Bay definitely has you covered here.
 Ebb and Eddy'sIce Cream, snacks, sandwiches, Starbucks and a hint of mystery (more on that later) |  The Brothers!Vegas felt Ebb & Eddy needed a 3rd member! |
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 Options! |  And I chooseVegas chose the Cinnamon Roll |
 Probably...Some of the largest Buckeye's i've seen in person! |  The ViewBeautiful |
 Mike and MikeOutside of Mango Mikes! |  Mango Mike'sBreakfast buffet. |
 Breakfast With a ViewGreat way to wake up! |  BuffetEndless buffet! You can also purchase a package with the buffet included! |
 Big Daddy's Snack ShackLocated inside the waterpark, grab all of your favorites poolside! |  Big Daddy'sIf you could, grab a side of cheese sauce for my pretzel please, I forgot to pick it up |
On-site are several dining options where you can grab everything from a quick bite to eat or snacks, to a full blown meal:
Ebb and Eddy's: Home to Starbucks, Muffins, Bagels other snacks and quick bites. You can also grab a triple scoop of Toft's famous Ice Cream in several different flavors. E&E's is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. with great views of the bay!
Mango Mike's: A Full Blown Breakfast Buffet that's surprisingly not full of the typical buffet fare that makes feel like you've consumed slop and immediately start to question you purpose in life afterwards (i'm not the only one that feels this way right?). Aside from the aforementioned fact, we loved Mango Mike's because the kids could fill up with whatever they wanted for one price! Vegas was a fan of the pancakes while Scoop was in Bacon Heaven.
Big Daddy's Snack Shack: Located inside the waterpark, This is the place to grab Pizza, Pop (Or Soda depending on your area of upbringing) & Pretzels plus all of the usual suspects kids gravitate towards.
 Daily SpecialsCall ahead for updated ones prior to your visit |  Quaker SteakAttached to the resort! Never leave the building! |
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 Night ViewOf the Lube |  The TankReady for a Lubin! |
 As A Coaster FanThese posters caught my eye! |  6 Kids One Quaker SteakTime to fill up |
 All SmilesMunchie and Chipmunk |  Mj Boom Boom ShrimpApparently were very filling as he stalled out at about this point |
 The CrewCheck out all of those TV's!!! |  Big MamaWatching over my loaded Mac and Cheese Skillet |
 Close upTry not to eat your screen |  |
 Pretty awesome nachos |  Beautiful ViewFrom the deck looking at the Bay and Castaway Bay. |
 LOADED MAC N CHEEEESSSEEEEELOADED MAC & CHEESE SKILLET. Gooey, extra cheesy mac & cheese topped with Pork Carnitas. Served with grilled garlic bread |  READY TO DIVE IN!! |
 Lower Seating AreaIn warmer months, the garage doors open to the outside waterfront seating area |  SPORTSBARPlenty of tvs to catch all the current events |
For a filling sit down meal, rather lunch or dinner, look no further than the massive Quaker Steak & Lube located on site serving everything from appetizers to ribs and of course their legendary wings. In the Winter months, sit inside and view the Bay via the large windows that surround the restaurant while watching your favorite sporting event on one of the many TV's. Now However in the summer, feel free to sit out on the large deck that connects to the boat docks and abuts the Bay. Recommendation: Go for the Skillet Mac and Cheese with carnitas. I ordered this and a side of wings... After the Mac and Cheese, I could barely eat the wings. I did however, but barely 🤣🤣 The kids love the kids meals and the portions are enough for the kids under 10. Mj had the Boom Boom Shrimp meal, which came with 12 pieces of Shrimp, needless to say he tapped out after eating only 6!
3. Shopping
No need to load your car down bringing items from home. Located within the main lobby concourse are 2 stores where you can purchase everything you may need to complete your trip:
Nick Knacks - Since each room has a fridge and microwave, why not stop in and grab all of your convenience items such as snacks, milk, food in addition to medicine and hygiene products.
Pearl's Swimwear- Great spot to buy all your Castaway Bay branded merchandise from Swimwear and clothing items to Cedar Point posters, maps and all the souvenirs you want to keep the memories alive well after your return home.
4. Location
Let's face it, there aren't many of us that can walk out of our front door and into 82 Degree weather year round.
Located in Sandusky, Ohio, Castaway Bay is 1 hour from Cleveland and only about 2 hours & change from Detroit, Michigan or Columbus, Ohio. In other words, you'll be pulling up in the parking lot before your kids have the chance to ask "Are we there yet?"
5. Water Water Water
I mean this is what you're here for right? The centerpiece of the resort is the Waterpark and boy is she lovely! The design is perfect as there is only one way in and out and plenty of seating all around so we can allow the kids to play while keeping an eye on them.
Large enough to keep kids and adults entertained for the day but small enough to where you won't have to worry about losing track of your group (which is a God send when you have 6 little ones to watch out for). Plenty of attractions for all ages, which is something we were first concerned about as some waterparks only focus on one main demographic and either the kids will be satisfied and your teenagers bored, or vice versa. But Castaway Bay definitely mirrors Cedar Point in the fact that they know how to cater to all in one location.
Some of the water attractions include:
 Welcome To Castaway Bay!Are You Ready???? |  Quit Running In & Out Of The House!!3 Tube speed slides that wind their way around the exterior of the building before entering back inside and ending in a triumphant splash landing at the bottom. |  |
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 Tropical Tube SlidesSplash Down! |  Mj & Scoop Ready To Blast OffOn Rendezvous Run the water coaster! |  Wave PoolHome to one of only two indoor wave pools in northern Ohio, 100,000 gallons worth of waves in fact! |
 Wave Pool |  |  Let's Go!Enjoy the Jacuzzi Hot Tub inside or out! |
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 Creatures CovePlay area with basketball hoops and water play toys |  Cargo CrossingBrave the crossing with loose cargo below and a shaky cargo net above! Don't Fall! |  Cargo CrossingMunchie hanging on for dear life! |
 Toddlers Tide PoolZero depth play area with slides for the lil' tots to splash around in and prepare for the days they can tackle the big slides |  Toddlers Tide PoolVegas had a blast! |  |
 Toddlers Tide Pool |  Lookout Lagoon Family FunhouseSeveral stories tall playhouse with water slides, climbing nets, water jets, geysers, tunnels and anything you can think of to combat any chances of remaining dry... O and to top it of, a Huge bucket that yep... drenches everyone and everything in the area |  |
 Lookout Lagoon Family FunhouseNo ones safe! |  |  Lookout Lagoon Family Funhouse |
 Have Fun! |
6. It wouldn't be a Cedar Point property without a....
Roller Coaster.. well not technically a Roller Coaster, but Castaway Bay is home to one of three Water Coasters in the STATE! While definitely not in the same class as the Magnum XL-200, it provides just enough thrill to entertain adults and make your little ones feel like they have overcome their fears at the finish line! Scoop and Mj ride "Rendezvous Run" everytime we come, but this last trip was special as Munchie put on her brave hat and finally gave it a try! She had a blast and immediately jumped back in line! Chipmunk, your turn is next....
7. Club Castaway
Club Castaway is a huge benefit for families as we have been to many other indoor waterparks and what CC offers for free, some others charge for. Located on the 3rd floor, they have several free activities the kids will love, especially the free cookie decorating classes. I mean free cookies AND all the icing your can pile on that round disc of goodness? I see no reason to complain here!
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Also available are paid add ons for a very low cost such as "Color your own T-shirts, Pillowcases and Book bags", that can either be included in a room package or bought individually for $10 or less. This was the kids first time and they decided to color a T-shirt and pillowcase and really took it seriously. We thought this would only take 20 minutes or so, but they were so into it, 2 hours later and Mj was just putting the finishing touches on his masterpiece. A great option to explore when you want to step out of the water for a bit.
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In addition, there are other fun activities such as "Karaoke With Peanuts" (Can you control the crowd better than Lucy?) , "A Peanuts Dance Party" (Linus has some serious moves i'll tell you that!), Activity of the day crafts or games, "A Meet and Greet with the Peanuts Gang" and a nightly Snoopy movie and storytime. This was a fun way to wind down after the waterpark as the kids put their PJ's on and found a spot to lay down while watching. These extras provide family bonding time that we all talked about well after the trip concluded.
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Be sure to pick up an Island Times Newsletter in the lobby each day for a schedule of events!
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Also, leave a letter for Snoopy in the Mailbox and he will write you back and drop the letter at your door in the morning!!
8. Crabbies Quarterdeck Arcade
 Crabbie's Quarterdeck ArcadeAnother must visit! |  |  |
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 Game TimeThe Kids cards are charged up and ready to get swiping! |  |  |
 Learning About LifeVegas learns important life lessons playing the claw game LOL |  The Munch Is All SmilesElectronic heaven! |  |
 You May Be Kinda Old If...You remember the "Snorks"! |  Spacetime SquadTeam up with a friend and fight aliens in this super cool VR game! |  |
 Games Galore! |  |  Prize CounterThis is just one part of the huge prize counter!!! |
 Even More Prizes!Spend your tickets like there's no tomorrow! |  Five Nights At FreddysMunchie could not believe this game existed! As possibly the biggest FNAF (as she calls it) fan ever, she spent an hour easily here and when she ran out of credits.... she just stood there in awe! |  VegasWorking on his jump shot getting ready for the little tikes league LOL |
 Ice ZombiesPart water gun spray game, part zombie apocalypse / all fun |  |  |
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Question of the day "How many arcade games can you fit comfortably in a 6,000 Sq. Ft. room and still have space for kids and their parents? anyone know the answer class"?
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If you said a whole lot then guess what! you're right!
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Crabbies Quarterdeck arcade is the video game paradise we dreamed of as kids, this is what "Putt Putt" or "Aladdin's Castle" (big nostalgia moment here), would've morphed into if they survived past the 90's. Here you'll find pretty much all of the latest games for kids young and old and you'll have no problem keeping the kids entertained for hours!
"But wait.. play for HOURS??!? Who can afford THAT?!?!