Planning a trip that teens will actually get excited about? Mission accepted — and Shores & Islands Ohio delivered BIG time.
This region is packed with epic adventures, jaw-dropping attractions, and seriously delicious food. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend escape or a few days to reset and reconnect, Shores & Islands Ohio has everything you need to keep teens entertained, active, and asking, “When can we go back?”
From water slides and safari drives to foodie stops and thrill rides, here’s the ultimate teen-approved getaway itinerary. Save this one for your next family adventure!
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions:
Get ready for nonstop waterpark thrills!
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is so much more than just a place to stay — it’s a full-blown adventure hub perfect for teens. As soon as we checked in, my boys made a beeline for the massive indoor waterpark. With water slides that twist and turn at lightning speed, a winding lazy river to chill out, and the FlowRider surf simulator to test their skills, they were completely in their element.
One of the biggest hits? The brand-new Dawn Breaker water slide. It’s fast and the ride will take your breathe away on the big drop. They rode it too many times to count.
And when they got hungry, Kalahari’s new dining spots totally impressed:
- MACS served up next-level gourmet mac-and-cheese creations with toppings you can only dream of. I never knew there were so many ways to eat Mac-and-cheese. My oldest lives on Mac and Cheese so this was heaven to him.
- The Last Bite was perfect for grabbing sweet treats and quick snacks after hours of waterpark fun. Hand dippped ice cream cones and root beer floats are our favorite but you can’t go wrong with any of it.
- Cinco Niños is a new Mexican style restaurant that the whole family loved. Who can say no to chips, salsa, and queso.
Beyond the water fun, Kalahari also has a gigantic arcade, mini golf, VR gaming, mirror maze, and even a spa for a little R&R. Our teens are obsessed — and so will your kids.
African Safari Wildlife Park
Ready for a totally wild experience?
African Safari Wildlife Park brings the adventure up close — literally. This drive-thru safari lets you feed exotic animals right from your car windows. It was jaw-dropping how close the animals got! We’re talking bison, zebras, elk, and the cutest alpacas all coming up for snacks (and selfies).
The teens absolutely loved the interactive element — I even found them taking photos to share on Snapchat and messaging friends. It felt like part safari, part road trip, and all-around amazing.
Pro tip: Buy a few extra cups of lettuce and food at the gate — trust me, you’ll run out fast!
Adventure Play
When teens need to burn off energy, this is the place to be.
The new Adventure Play is a 13,000-square-foot inflatable obstacle course wonderland. From towering slides to ninja-style courses, there’s something for every adrenaline level. The setup is super clean, well-organized, and full of challenges that older kids and teens can really get into.
Parents will appreciate the comfy seating areas (with clear sight lines) and the option to sit back while the kids bounce, jump, climb, and race their way through the courses. Or you can be like us and join in with the kids. We had so much fun as adults too.
The teens loved competing against each other on the inflatable races, and it turned into one of the most unexpected highlights of the trip!
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
All the thrills. All in one spot.
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center is a must for families with teens who love spooky thrills and fast-paced fun. Here’s what’s packed under one roof:
- Haunted House: One of the top-rated haunts we’ve ever experienced — perfectly creepy without being too over the top. Seriously, we have visited a ton of haunted houses and this one tops the list.
- XD Dark Ride: Ride simulators that had us gripping the seats, shooting bad guys, and laughing the whole time.
- 3D Blacklight Mini Golf: Super fun and the 3D glasses made it super interesting to hit the ball and navigate through the courses. I don’t think we have even done 3D so this was super cool!
- Roller Skating Rink: Throwback vibes but with awesome music that had the teens showing off their moves and the parents hanging on for dear life.
- VR Gaming, Arcade, Laser Maze, Play Area and more: There is something for everyone and any age to enjoy.
It was one of those places where you walk in planning to stay an hour and end up spending half the day!
The Maca Root Juice Bar & Eatery
Healthy can be seriously delicious too!
After all that activity, we were ready for a recharge — and The Maca Root Juice Bar & Eaterywas the perfect stop. The bright, modern space made us feel instantly energized, and the menu was packed with smoothies, cold-pressed juices, bowls, and wraps that even the pickiest teen will get excited about.
Our orders included:
- PB&J Smoothie: Rich, nutty, and just sweet enough.
- Mint Chip Smoothie: Tasted like a milkshake but packed with nutrients.
- Acai Bowls: Fresh, colorful, and loaded with toppings like granola, strawberries, and coconut.
It’s the kind of place where you leave feeling GOOD and ready for the next round of adventures.
Toft Dairy
When in Ohio, ice cream is a non-negotiable.
A visit to Toft Dairy is a must when you’re in Shores & Islands Ohio. Established in 1900, it’s Ohio’s oldest dairy — and the old-school charm hits you the second you step inside.
We couldn’t believe the flavor choices — over 70! — and the portions are huge.
Favorites included the Lake Erie Cookie Island Monster (cookie dough + cookies and cream = heaven) and the classic Mint Chocolate Chip is a family favorite.
It’s an easy, fun stop that teens will definitely want to tell their friends about when they see the size of those scoops.
Ørchard Farm Stand
Foodie heaven meets farm charm.
Our final stop was Ørchard Farm Stand — a true hidden gem nestled on Catawba Island. We grabbed a table by a cozy fireplace with views of the surrounding fields and vineyards and dug into some seriously fabulous food. The applewood-fired pizzas were a huge hit, along with the BBQ brisket sandwiches, and the locally roasted coffee.
Inside, the farm stand itself was adorable — packed with local jams, homemade desserts, gifts, and cute Ohio-made goodies. We brought some home to share with family and friends.
It was the perfect place to slow down, soak it all in, and savor every moment of the trip before heading home.
Sweet Tip: Download the Sweet Treats Trail Mobile Passport!
Before you hit the road, don’t forget to download the Sweet Treats Trail mobile passport from shoresandislands.com.
It’s free, fun, and a great way to map out all the must-visit bakeries, ice cream shops, and sweet stops across the region. Every stop you visit gets you closer to winning fun prizes — plus, it gives teens a little extra motivation to explore more places!
Shores & Islands Ohio is the ultimate getaway spot for teens.
There’s a perfect balance of high-energy fun, chill downtime, and unique local experiences — and best of all, it’s easy to get around and packed with hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for waterpark thrills, animal adventures, foodie stops, or spooky excitement, Shores & Islands checks every box.
Big thanks to Shores and Islands for making this an unforgettable trip! We’re already dreaming of our next visit. 💙
Save this itinerary for later — your teens will thank you!
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