Kelley's Island, Ohio

Kelley's Island, located in Lake Erie is the most beautiful island around.With it's clear blue water, rental homes, private beaches and less crowd, this island attracts families with kids in summer.Kelleys island ferry boat  from Marblehead, Ohio is the easiest way to get to Kelleys Island. One way price is 10$ per adult. Note that there is extra 10$ for parking if you wish to park your car and ride the ferry. The ferry prices are bit steep compared to Put-in-Bay. But it is worth to rent a golf cart in the Island as it has beautiful views that can be better enjoyed in a golf cart ride.Make a quick stop at the Glacier Grooves state memorial. These 5000 year old glacier grooves carved in limestone bed by the advancing glaciers deserves a visit.

Take a quick drive through the road that runs around the island.  Make a quick stop at West Bay. Rocky shores and blue water makes an awesome view.

Spend an afternoon in the small sandy beach of Kelley's Island State Park. Other than kayaking, there are no other activities in this island. The downtown is cute and neat with local shops.

Put-in-Bay, Ohio

Put-in-Bay is a good summer weekend get away located in Lake Erie.  This island is smaller but busier compared to Kelly's island.

Miller's Ferry from Catawaba island  is the easiest way to reach Put-in-Bay.  It costs 7$ per adult one way or You can take a car for extra 16$ one way. Golf carts are available for renting on the island for around 80$ for a four seater / day. On a busy day, it is better to rent a golf cart since parking is much easier. Boardwalk has variety of restaurants and activities including parasailing. 

Perry's Victory & International Peace Monument:

A flight of steps take you to the elevator and the elevator goes till the top of the monument.

Monument is in a beautiful park surrounded by water with beautiful views.

Take the cart and go for a ride around the island .  A helicopter ride on a sunny day over the island is a good choice too. 

Perry's Cave family fun center has lot of activities. I would suggest skipping the cave tour all together as it felt more like a tourist trap.

Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton, Indiana

Indiana Dunes State park ...... Summer, Beach, Splashing Waves and Sand Castles.. this has it all. This 15 mile beach on the shores of Lake Michigan is an easy access summer beach for people in Midwest. No need of explaining how fun beaches are. Better to leave heavy stuff like strollers in the car as they wont be of much use.