Parks

With busy schedules and handheld electronics inside the home, it’s often difficult to get your kids the time outdoors they need. But with a little planning and creativity, getting your kids to enjoy the outdoors while on vacation, specifically at a Put-in-Bay park is easy! An hour of unstructured, free playtime every day is ideal and can be as simple as a walk in the park. Here’s a sample of activities to get you and your kids started in our Put-in-Bay parks.

Wildlife

Encourage your kids to watch for wildlife. There is often wildlife at Put-in-Bay parks including bugs, birds, and sometimes larger animals. kids can scrapbook the wildlife they see into a notebook, create drawings or take photos.

Scavenger Hunt

Go on a scavenger hunt. Work together to create a list of items you could see in a park like a leaf, a pinecone, sand, a swing, a fence etc. You can even go beforehand and hide some biodegradable (just in case you forget and can’t find them) clues and shopping treasures to find.

How do I make a Nature Map?

Draw a nature map of your local park. Walk the park and then have your kids draw the map of the park including important features and details from your walk. Have them highlight specific spots where you saw a critter. Get supplies at the Island Hardware Store.

Can you have a picnic in Put-in-Bay?

Yes! Visitors often picnic in the park. Your lunch basket often tastes better when you are sitting in a beautiful park. Bring a blanket and your favorite foods from one of our Put-in-Bay restaurants to enjoy the nice weather. Don’t forget to pick up your trash and recycle.

Where should I walk around Put-in-Bay?

Walk! It’s simple to do. Before or after dinner, take some time to walk together as a family. Put-in-Bay parks provide ample opportunities for this. You can even just walk from your Put-in-Bay Condos to the downtown area. Discuss what happened during the day while getting a little exercise. It is a bonding moment to remember.

Where can I see artwork on the island?

Make art from nature. Press flowers, leaves, pinecones or draw part of your favorite park. Bring a little bit of Put-in-Bay nature back home with you. Play with dirt and mud. Let your kids have the opportunity to get really dirty while learning how to play and be creative by themselves.

Can I collect Sea Glass on Put-in-Bay?

There are many beaches where you can start a beach glass collection! Collect all different shapes and sizes, colors, and surfaces. Another great way to bring a bit of the outdoors home with you. It takes about 30 years for Lake Erie to break down regular glass into beach glass, and not all beaches are capable of creating it, which is why a good beach glass beach is hard to find. Clear glass is the most common, as are brown and green. The most prized, rare glass is orange and red. Most importantly, keep toys and handheld electronics to a minimum when visiting a park. That goes for parents also; leave your smartphone and work back in your Put-in-Bay lodging. It is important to teach your kids to have a fun time away from all their modern-day electronics. It also will decrease YOUR stress to slow down, enjoy a Put-in-Bay park, and enjoy the bountiful Lake Erie nature.