As a mom with two energetic little boys aged 6 and 7, I’m always on the lookout for exciting places where we can create lasting memories. This weekend, we decided to escape Cincinnati, Ohio, and visit the Castaway Bay Water Park in Sandusky for a much-needed getaway. This was the perfect opportunity to introduce the boys to the Castaway Bay characters and read the story of Gordy the turtle and his friends on the road trip up, and the boys were super excited!
Gordy, the brave sea turtle, along with his friends Flo the flamingo, Hank the rhino, Rocket the sloth, Scoops the pelican, and Ophelia the octopus, are the lovable characters that make Castaway Bay a magical place for everyone. Each of them has a unique personality and story that the kids found enchanting.
One of the best things about Castaway Bay is that you can go year-round, as it’s mostly indoors and maintains a comfortable temperature of 82 degrees. We were thrilled to see that after being closed for two years, the water park had undergone a complete transformation, with fully reimagined rooms and renovations. The 38,000 square-foot indoor water park boasts a 100,000-gallon wave pool, 10 waterslides, and water activities suitable for all ages.
The dining options at Castaway Bay cater to even the pickiest of eaters. We enjoyed the breakfast buffet at High Tide Café, which offered scrumptious scrambled eggs and cheesy potatoes. The kids adored the decorated donuts and were thrilled when Rocket the Sloth, Gordy’s friend, paid us a visit during breakfast!
Lunch at the Surfside Beach Bar inside the water park was a hit, with a delicious selection of pizzas, hot dogs, deli sandwiches, fresh fruit, and taco bowls. We also appreciated the convenience of the bar’s location, allowing us to enjoy signature cocktails, local craft beer, and frozen drinks without leaving the water park.
We loved that Quaker Steak and Lube was connected to the resort via an indoor boardwalk, so there was no need to venture outside. Their wings were amazing, and choosing from the 20 different sauces was a fun challenge.
For a sweet treat, Sprinkle Shack offered delightful ice cream cones with fun toppings like crumbled Reese cups. And for a quick breakfast or snack, Rocket’s Market had a full Starbucks barista, fresh pastries, and a beautiful area to enjoy the lake views and lobby activities.
The Gamers Grotto arcade had a variety of classic and modern video games, photo booths, and fun activities for the whole family. We enjoyed playing games and strategizing to win tickets for a cool toy. The mini bowling with cool lighting effects, the wacky 9-hole, black light mini-golf, and the thrilling escape room were also highlights of our trip.
The escape room, titled “Escape from Castaway Isle,” was a fantastic experience. Our mission was to escape a deserted island before a massive storm engulfed us. We had to investigate and solve various puzzles and riddles to make it out in time. The escape room tested our skills, determination, and teamwork, providing an exciting challenge. We even did it a second time to see how fast we could escape!
Club Castaway offered scheduled events like karaoke and dance parties, while Fernando’s craft room allowed us to create our own souvenirs. The boys had a blast with the lobby activities, including morning yoga, steel drum performances, and untamed games, while I relaxed with a coffee and enjoyed watching them have fun.
The renovated rooms at Castaway Bay offered various layouts and themes, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable stay. Each floor was themed to match a specific island setting – Air, Land, and Sea – and was populated by the lovable characters from Gordy’s story. We stayed in a Land-themed room, where Hank the rhino and Rocket the sloth welcomed us with their jungle charm. The kids absolutely adored the bunk beds and the decor. I appreciated the room amenities, such as a mini fridge, a microwave, and the generous supply of soaps and towels. The lake-view rooms were a treat, with windows designed to make guests feel like they were on a ship!
The water park was the family favorite, providing an island paradise experience as soon as we entered. The boys couldn’t get enough of the five-story high dump bucket and the Castawave Pool. My seven-year-old especially enjoyed the Rocket’s Canopy Coaster, where riders navigate twists and turns on a raft. The best part was not having to carry the raft up the stairs, as the resort staff managed the rafts, ensuring a seamless experience. In total, there were 10 waterslides to explore!
Fernando’s Tadpole Pool was perfect for my six-year-old, while the School Crossing offered a fun challenge for him to cross the pool while walking along the floats and hanging onto ropes. I thoroughly enjoyed relaxing in the hot tub at Gordy’s Getaway, which connected to the outdoors and featured a beautiful waterfall.
Castaway Bay has made transactions easier by going cashless, accepting credit cards, debit cards, or smart devices with Apple Pay or Google Pay. For those without cards, their Cash-to-Card Kiosks convert cash into a prepaid debit card with no fees.
Our weekend at Castaway Bay Water Park in Sandusky, Ohio, was truly unforgettable. The beautiful lobby, fun interactive activities for the kids, the unique guest rooms, and the enchanting characters like Gordy and his friends created an experience we’ll cherish forever. If you’re looking for a perfect weekend getaway with your family, Castaway Bay is the place to be!
