We’ve been going to Cedar Point with young kids for several years now. I hadn’t been in over 20 years when we started going so I had forgotten that there’s a lot more than just massive roller coasters. I go with three young kids so I’ve gotten the chance to explore everything else that Cedar Point has to offer for families. One big decision to make before each of our trips how to choose the best hotel. We’ve stayed at Hotel Breakers, Castaway Bay and Lighthouse Point. Each one has its perks so I’ll break down how we make the choice. Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll have a great time!
Hotel Breakers
Location, location, location! This is our favorite for a lot of reasons. Its proximity to EVERYTHING is at the top of the list. It’s situated right on the beach and is an easy walk to both the theme park and the water park. There are also two pools and a splash pad area along the boardwalk, each one facing the beach.
The beach itself has beautiful soft sand, the water is warm and shallow. The trifecta for traveling to Cedar point with young kids. There are two entrances to the theme park and one of them puts you right in the snoopy themed area. It’s full of rides that are perfect for little ones and we’ve never waited for more than a few minutes for each one. We spend most of the day at the waterpark, head to the hotel for dinner then the theme park in the evening. It’s a great spot if you’re traveling when it’s warm enough to enjoy the beach, pools and waterpark.
This option is going to be the most expensive of the three I go over. We usually only stay there once each summer. The only thing, besides the price tag, that I don’t love about Hotel Breakers is the lack of updates and cleanliness. We usually stay in what’s called the Horizon Suite which has a huge screened in patio that faces the beach. There is a large bedroom with a king size bed, a dining area and a truly giant living room with a pull out couch and two pull out chairs. If you’re going to Cedar Point with kids, it gives you a ton of space, you never feel like you’re on top of each other.
BUT, we’ve had problems with the refrigerator not working well, the carpet and furniture seem old and my biggest issue…I’ve found trash, dirt etc in plain view. That to me says that the carpet either isn’t being vacuumed well or maybe not at all. If it didn’t have the location that it does, we probably won’t stay there, especially for the money but again…the location can’t be beat when you’ve got young kids.
Castaway Bay
The first time I stayed here was in the summer. We wanted to go to Cedar Point for the weekend but didn’t want to pay to stay at Hotel Breakers. The hotel itself is fantastic. It’s so well themed, theres crafts, games, dance parties and of course an indoor waterpark. But, I don’t prefer to stay here if we’re planning on going to the theme park or outdoor waterpark. It’s purely personal preference, but I don’t like all the transitions when traveling to Cedar Point with young kids. Packing the car for the day, driving to the park (it’s probably ten minutes) and parking. Plus, I like to easily take a child back early if they’re ready before the others. The other locations are walking distance to everything. If you need to go to the room for something or if someone needs a nap, it’s easy to do.
What I do LOVE to do, is stay here when it’s not hot out. Spring, fall, winter and are absolutely amazing. We spent Christmas break here once, and went a few times during the fall and spring as well. It was great to be able to take a quick trip, enjoy the waterpark and all the other amenities without having to leave the property.
The room we usually request has two sets of bunk beds and a queen bed. The room itself is spacious. The kids like having their own little space with their own TV. The downside is that there is hardly any place for storage and outlets are limited. My only other complaint is that the room is directly outside the elevators. It tends to get VERY loud when everyone is leaving the waterpark at 10:00pm. So make sure you verify that you’re not getting room by the elevators if you’ve got light sleepers.
Lighthouse Point
We stayed here for the first time last year. It was a last minute decision to go and this was the only place available so we decided to give it a try. We ended up getting a lakeside cottage and it was lovely. There is a small patio that faces the lake, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee. When you walk in, there is a small living room/kitchen area. Then down the hall is a bathroom and then the bedroom is in the back. Overall, it’s not a lot of space but we were there one night and didn’t spend a ton of time in the room. The back bedroom had a queen size bed and a set a bunk beds. We didn’t feel like there was enough bedding so I’d bring a few extra blankets in the future.
There was a small pool, splash pad and hot tub as well as a beautiful pier to walk down or fish off. The location of the cottages or cabins is on the other side of the parking lot from the waterpark. Depending on which cottage or cabin you get, it can be a little bit of a walk to the waterpark or theme park but it’s not bad. If you and your littles can handle the walk, it does help to not have to deal with parking.
Overall, we love going to Cedar Point and not having to drive home the same day is such a treat. The way we choose where to stay is usually based on weather. Once a year we splurge and stay at Hotel Breakers. In the cooler months we stay at Castaway Bay and we go with Lighthouse Point the other trips. Whichever you choose, I’m sure you’ll have a great time!
If you want to read more tips about tackling Cedar Point with your kids, click here
