We’ve found a resort setting smack dab in the middle of a state park on the shores of Lake Erie.
Ohio may not be the first destination that comes to mind for outdoorsy families, but it deserves to be on your radar. Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, one of Ohio’s state park lodges, offers a variety of family activities, outdoor recreation, and lots of fresh air right inside Maumee Bay State Park on the shimmering shores of Lake Erie.
Upon arriving, you immediately recognize that this is a place for families. I was drawn to the schedule on a large whiteboard that included several fun activities for kids. While heading to the front desk, my family and I also walked pass bikes that are available for rent and caught a glimpse of the pool. But what really got my boys’ attention? The ice cream parlor located on the other side of the front desk!
Activities at Maumee Bay Lodge
Water activities
Weather in Ohio isn’t always great for swimming, but Maumee Bay Lodge has taken care of that with both outdoor and indoor pools. The heated outdoor pool is located just beyond the main building and features stunning views of Lake Erie. The indoor pool isn’t incredibly large, but the splash area and large sprinklers near the pool kept my kids entertained for hours. Parents may want to find a spot in the hot tub or sauna, sit back, and simply relax.
In addition to Lake Erie, Maumee Bay State Park offers a 57-acre inland lake with pedal boat and canoe rentals. Fishing equipment rentals are available, too, but I’d recommend bringing your own poles or buying some before you arrive.
Outdoor activities
Outdoor options abound here. The resort itself boasts an 18-hole golf course as well as tennis and basketball courts. The front desk has equipment available on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll also find sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, and an outdoor playground. The hardest part is finding enough time to take it all in!
If you’d prefer to explore nature, rent bikes from the front desk and hit the nature trails; bikes with baby seats are available. The easy, 2-mile wetlands boardwalk trail will take you pass some of the area’s highlights. For those who would rather explore by foot, there are miles of hiking trails for all skill levels. Several of the trails led to the nature center which is open select hours each day and features kid-friendly programs.
Indoor activities
When Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, Maumee Bay Lodge offers a variety of indoor activities. My boys enjoyed racquetball and wallyball during our visit. You do have to reserve time at the front desk, but after a certain point each night, the courts do become first-come, first-served. The lodge also offers a pirate-themed, soft play area for younger kids. Older kids can head to the game room, complete with board and video games.
Family activities
Each day, the staff arranges a variety of activities for families. During our stay, options included ping pong tournaments, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, capture the flag contests, and nightly movies with popcorn. The activities are free to lodge guests. These activities are not drop-off but instead designed to be done together as a family.
Accommodations at Maumee Bay Lodge
Maumee Bay Lodge has several lodging options that can accommodate families of all sizes. The lodge itself has three different types of rooms – king rooms, queen rooms, and loft rooms, all with different view options. The king room includes a king bed and is perfect for two people, while the queen room has two queen beds and can accommodate a family of four. The loft room is a two-story space with two queen beds on the first floor and two twin beds on the second floor. All of the lodge rooms include a private balcony or patio. Depending on your family’s needs, you also can request connecting rooms to give yourself some additional space.
The property offers individual two- and four-bedroom cabins, located down the road from the main lodge. A cabin includes a queen bed in one room, a set of twin bunk beds in a second room, and two twin beds in a loft area, as well as a living room with gas fireplace and a full kitchen. It also has a screened-in porch and picnic table. The four-bedroom cabins can hold up to 11 people with a variety of different bedroom configurations and two bathrooms. None of the cabins offer bathtubs in the bathrooms.
KidTripster Tip: The cabins are a great place to spread out, but they’re a bit of a hike from the main lodge. If you intend to take advantage of the lodge activities, swim in the pools or eat at the restaurant, anticipate a long walk or short drive.
Dining options at Maumee Bay Lodge
Families headed to Maumee Bay Lodge have lots of choices when it comes time to eat. The resort offers several restaurants including the Water’s Edge Restaurant, Icebreaker Lounge, and Bayside Snack Shop. All are located in the main lodge. Our family particularly enjoyed Water’s Edge which features gorgeous views of Lake Erie and a large kids’ menu. Kids’ meals end with a popsicle for dessert.
KidTripster Tip: All of the restaurant options do have limited hours and food service ends by 9:30 p.m. at the very latest. If you are late eaters or spend a day out-and-about and plan to grab food when you return, make sure you pay attention to closing times. There aren’t many dining options off-property, so if you miss the dining room service, it could be a long night.
Getting to Maumee Bay Lodge
Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center is located in Oregon, Ohio, about 10 miles east of Toledo. Because the resort itself is fairly isolated, you’ll need to have a car. There’s no daily parking fee at the resort.
Check out our review of another of Ohio’s Great Lodges, Burr Oak Lodge.
Former journalist Jamie Farber lives in West Michigan with her husband and three sons. Her English degree somehow led her to a career planning Disney vacations with Mickey Travels.
This writer received a complimentary stay for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
Pin to Pinterest & Read Later
