Things to Do in Winter

Family Fun & Indoor Play

From bowling alleys to arcades and indoor adventures, winter is a great time to gather the crew and play inside.

• Sandusky: Enjoy indoor thrills at attractions such as Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, and Cedar Point Sports Center Adventure & Arcade. You’ll also find bowling, cinemas, escape rooms, and more throughout the city.

• Port Clinton & Catawba: Keep the fun rolling at Star Lanes at the Harbor Bowling and explore aviation history at Liberty Aviation Museum.

• Huron, Vermilion & Surrounding Towns: Classic bowling lanes, shuffleboard clubs, and cozy local hangouts offer laid-back winter entertainment for all ages.

Use our Things to Do listings to find bowling, arcades, escape rooms, indoor waterparks, and more across the region.

Museums, History & Culture

Cold days are perfect for exploring the stories that shaped Shores & Islands Ohio.

• Sandusky: Step back in time at the Merry-Go-Round Museum, Maritime Museum of Sandusky, Follett House Museum, and the Underground Railroad Self-Guided Tour.

• Milan: Learn about one of America’s greatest inventors at the Edison Birthplace and Milan Museum.

• Port Clinton & Oak Harbor: Discover local heritage at the Ottawa County Museum, Magee Marsh Visitor Center, and the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.

• Castalia, Huron, Vermilion & more: Smaller museums and historical societies tell the unique stories of each community, from local industry to lakefront life.

Browse the Museums & History category for hours, admission, and additional locations.

Nature, Wildlife & Quiet Escapes

Winter brings a peaceful, scenic side of Lake Erie—perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

• Spot winter wildlife and migratory birds at Magee Marsh, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Old Woman Creek, and other preserves and MetroParks around the region.

• Visit the Castalia State Fish Hatchery for a unique look at local fisheries and outdoor viewing areas.

• Wander through lakeshore parks and trails for snowy views, frosty marshes, and crisp winter air.

Check the Parks & Natural Areas listings and Chronologs to see how the landscape changes throughout the seasons.

Indoor Waterparks & Winter Getaways

Turn a cold-weather weekend into a warm, splashy escape.

• Sandusky is home to major indoor waterpark resorts including Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Castaway Bay, Great Wolf Lodge, and more.

• Many offer on-site dining, arcades, spas, and packages that bundle lodging and waterpark admission.

Explore Water Parks and Lodging Packages to plan a full winter getaway.

Cheers Trail – Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries

Warm up with a visit to local wineries, breweries, and distilleries along the Cheers Trail. Pick up a Cheers Trail brochure—and get tips on where to start—at one of the Shores & Islands Ohio Welcome Centers.

Ice Fishing on Lake Erie

When conditions allow, Lake Erie becomes a premier winter ice-fishing destination. Our Ice Fishing Directory, available at the Welcome Centers, includes:

• Winter-friendly lodging

• Bait shops and supply stores

• Island transportation options

• Safety tips

• Licensed ice fishing guides

Always check current conditions and safety recommendations before heading out.

Cross-Country Skiing, Ice Skating, Sledding & Snowmobiling

Looking for classic winter fun? Area parks and recreation sites offer opportunities for:

• Cross-country skiing

• Ice skating

• Sledding and tubing

• Snowmobiling (where permitted)

For the most up-to-date list of locations and conditions, contact a Shores & Islands Ohio Welcome Center. Our team can help you find the best options based on weather and where you’re staying.