Lake Erie for the Family

I wasn't expecting to like Splash Lagoon. I'm not a strong swimmer, and an entire indoor resort devoted to it creeped me out. When I got in there and saw the thought and the general great management of the facility, I decided to give it a try. Only the Hurricane Hole emptied out into deep water, so all of the slides are kid safe. Some don't even empty into water, but end like the big body sides do. There are about 10 slides, which I will admit was not that many, but there were small lines so you were able to run around and do it again. I was amazed at the creativity in the park. Everything was skillfully planned. While I did not like being squirted by kids when trying to get to a slide, I could imagine the adventure the kids felt soaking an unsuspecting 21-year-old. It's a great place to take a family. It's heavily life guarded, so you can let older children run around by themselves while you play with the younger ones in the monkey pool. There is also a family hot tub, which was very cool so everyone can enjoy.

My only complaint about Splash Lagoon was the price. At close to $40 apiece, it can cost a family of four $200 just for 10 indoor water slides. A way around these expensive prices is to stay at one of the participating area hotels. The Best Western that is attached to the water park costs about $120 a night and includes four passes to Splash Lagoon. It's a great deal. Splash Lagoon is a great idea for those pent-up winter days where you can escape to an 84-degree tropical paradise for one day for a family adventure you will never forget.

For more information check out Splash Lagoon's website: http://www.splashlagoon.com

Presque Isle is simply a beautiful state park located on a peninsula in Lake Erie. Lake Erie is so large it feels as if you are at the regular ocean beach. The road wraps around the peninsula with little signs pointing to the different beaches (over 10 in all). While it was too chilly to swim when we were there, it was still relaxing to lay on a blanket, play cards and enjoy the atmosphere. The beaches have lifeguards, so it is a more kid-friendly beach. There is a small lighthouse, which I believe may host tours. There are pontoon boat swamp tours as well. Interestingly, Misery Bay is grave to soldiers who fell during the Battle of Lake Erie in September of 1813.

Outside of the park's gates are campgrounds and luxury homes. Surrounding the park is a multi-purpose trail that is perfect for bike riding. It is far enough from the road and the water that it is safe. I wish we’d had more time to explore, but we were impressed from what we saw. It's a great beach area for family fun.

Visit:http://www.presqueisle.org/

Family First Fun Center is an amazing sports complex. It is home to over 15 outdoor fields, a driving range, outdoor/indoor mini-golf, two rock climbing walls, go-karts, bumper boats, arcades, batting cages and more. Our family came for the mini-golf. Although my sisters are avid cheaters, we had a great time. It was cold so we were going to try the indoor course but were a bit disappointed with the small, not so challenging course.

The outdoor course was like a professional mini-golf course. It had all the challenges but without the windmill. It was $6 a game per person and was well worth the money. We were there over an hour and didn't get to finish the game. The Go-Kart track and bumper boats seemed like a fun time for all. The center offers sports camps with residence halls for overnight guests. Parties are always happening at Family First Fun Center, which rock climbing an option. There are $20 passes which give you unlimited go to everything in the park. You could easily spend a whole day there.