6 Best Lake Erie (Ohio) Beaches for Families with Kids

By VacationIdea Staff on August 25, 2022 - Updated

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Out of all of America's natural wonders, the Great Lakes really stand out as some of the most impressive, rivaling the likes of the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park in terms of raw, natural, awe-inspiring beauty. All five lakes can be a joy to visit, but if you're looking to spend some time at a Great Lakes beach, Lake Erie might be your best option as it is the southernmost lake and tends to get the warmest temperatures and best weather for large parts of the year. Lake Erie is the fourth biggest of the Great Lakes.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Overview

Located on the International Boundary, Lake Erie stretches out into the Canadian Province of Ontario as well as the American states of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Ohio is one of the best states to visit if you're looking to check out Lake Erie's beaches and visit the lake for recreational purposes. Ohio has the longest coastline on Lake Erie of any state and is also home to some of the lake's very best beaches. Many of Ohio's Lake Erie beaches can be reached quickly and easily from some of the state's major cities like Cleveland and Toledo. Even if you happen to be down in Columbus, it doesn't take long to drive up to the coast.

Best Beaches in Ohio for Lake Erie

Who needs the Atlantic or Pacific when you've got a Great Lake right on the doorstep? Like all of the Great Lakes of North America, Lake Erie has some astonishing beaches for people of all ages to enjoy. Whether you're looking to do some swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, kite flying, Frisbee throwing, picnic eating, or something else altogether down on the sandy shores of Lake Erie, you'll find all you need at some of Ohio's best beaches.

2.Cedar Point Beach

When you hear the name 'Cedar Point', you probably think of rides and fairground attractions, with the Cedar Point park being one of Ohio's best places to visit, but the beach here is also highly enjoyable. In fact, the Cedar Point Beach offers a nice little relaxing getaway spot when compared to the noise and bright lights of the fairground rides located just a few hundred yards away. This a great place to come in the evenings, with a really chilled-out vibe all around the beach, and there are some good nearby amenities including restaurants and hotels.

3.Kelleys Island State Park

Just off the coast of Ohio is Kelleys Island. The Kelleys Island State Park covers over 650 acres of land, with lots of beautiful forests to explore and get lost in, as well as plenty of sandy and rocky spots on the coastline to enjoy. The only way to get over to the island is by boat, but there are regular ferry crossings from local coastal cities like Marblehead, and the island is definitely worth the trip, offering some really nice swimming and picnic opportunities.

4.Edgewater Park Beach

If you happen to be located in the big city of Cleveland, Edgewater Park Beach is the best Lake Erie beach for you. It's only a short walk from the downtown streets of the city, so you won't even need to take the car to visit this beach, which offers awe-inspiring views of both the city skyline and the natural majesty of the lake itself. There are lots of good facilities at this beach, including play areas for kids and lots of picnic tables and benches. It's a popular spot with city-dwellers, so crowds can gather here at weekends or on special occasions.

5.Maumee Bay State Park

If you're visiting or living in the city of Toledo, Maumee Bay State Park is one of the best Lake Erie beaches for you to check out. It's only a short drive from the city and covers more than 1,800 acres of land. Two big beaches can be found here, with both of them offering soft, comfortable sands and exceptional views. Lots of helpful and fun amenities can be found around the park too, including a golf course, concessions, rental properties, a marina, scenic trails, and restrooms.

6.Headlands Beach State Park

Headlands Beach State Park is actually home to Ohio's biggest natural beach. It runs for around a mile in total, meaning there's always more than enough room for people of all ages to enjoy. Whether you're coming here alone, as a family, with a special someone, or accompanied by a group of friends, you'll be able to find a nice big spot of sand to spread out and feel totally relaxed and at one with nature. The waters are very calm here too and lifeguards are on-duty in the summer months, so it's a good Lake Erie beach for swimming.

7.East Harbor State Park

Accessible by either car or ferry, East Harbor State Park is another excellent Ohio beach location for Lake Erie. The beach here runs for around 1,500 feet in total and is backed by some gorgeous natural scenery. The views here are good enough to take one's breath away, so this is definitely an excellent Ohio beach to do some photography. Lots of wildlife can be spotted in the area as well, including herons and turtles, and there are some good amenities here including a disc golf course and restrooms.