You don’t have to spend money to have fun while you’re on the island. There are plenty of free things to do in Put-in-Bay.
Getting to Put-in-Bay
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received free tickets to Put-in-Bay on Miller Ferry in order to facilitate a review. I also received free samples of Waterpura which are included in this post. All opinions are my own and may differ from yours.
This is the third year I’ve been to Put-in-Bay aboard the Miller Ferry, and I can honestly say they are the best! Not only are they the least expensive way to get to Put-in-Bay, but they are also hassle-free. Getting cars and riders loaded and unloaded in an efficient and fast manner can’t be easy, but the people at Miller Ferry make it seem that way.
I know when it is hot outside, the faster you can get aboard, the better! I don’t know anyone who loves to stand in line. The fact that even when the lines are long, they move quickly is a plus. That’s thanks to the amazing people who work for Miller Ferry.
Put-in-Bay on a budget
You don’t have to spend money to have fun while you’re on the island. There are plenty of free things to do in Put-in-Bay. If you take your bikes to the island, you won’t even have to pay for transportation, but that can be difficult if you have children or want to take a lot with you. I suggest you rent a golf cart from E’s Put-in-Bay Golf Carts. They are really economical and make getting around very easy. I definitely recommend reserving one ahead of time since they do run out on busy days.
The day we visited this year, the first annual Put-in-Bay Music Festival (JUNE 8, 2019 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM 2019 will be the 3rd annual music festival) was held on the lawn by Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
It was a nice, sunny day, so I packed a picnic lunch for us to eat on the lawn.
I also packed Waterpura (now known as Bets & Emy) which are great for babies AND big kids. You know your hands are going to get sticky or messy when you eat outside, so taking along these wipes is a super idea. Though they are made for baby bottoms, I love using them as a hand wipe. I love these because they are made with only 2 ingredients: 99.9% water and 0.1% citrus extract. My daughter has always had super sensitive skin, so these are still perfect for her.
I also made sure to pack a book because I’m always reading! It is a great way to just relax and spend part of your day. The music at the festival was great, so I do hope that this first annual event does become annual! The bands were amazing with such talented musicians. The festival also had free lawn games for both kids and adults, free music workshops, a Guitar Hero contest, corn hole contest, and drinks and food for sale.
More free things to do in Put-in-Bay
Sometimes it is just fun to kind of go with the flow when you’re on a day trip. Over planning can get overwhelming! We didn’t plan anything except the music festival, so it was a go-with-the-flow day. After listening to music for a while, my kids and I decided to walk around town and down by the lake. Photo ops are another one of the free things to do in Put-in-Bay! Everyone loves pretty photos!
It is beautiful, and there are fun shops to look in (and shop in!) while you are walking around. I finally bought a PIB sticker for my car! I hadn’t really had time to shop around on previous trips since I had other things to review while there.
We also drove around in the golf cart to explore the island. There’s never been time for that! I saw some very cool houses on the lake that I’d love to live in during the summer. Winter…not so much! We found the lighthouse and a couple of snakes hiding out….
Another one of the free things to do in Put-in-Bay is to visit Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial. There is so much information available on this historic battle. You can watch a very informational short film if you don’t want to read all of the signs.
Many of the events on the island are free as well.
No matter what you decide to do when you visit Put-in-Bay, be sure to get there with Miller Ferry!
Miller Ferry
What a wonderful day trip! I’d love to visit this island, listen to the live music and ride around in a golf cart to check out all the beautiful homes, dream a little bit and get a little shopping done. I also think it’s great that you decided to go with the flow and not over-plan your day. Even the ferry ride looks fun and hassle-free.
Some days you just have to go with the flow for sure or else you’re exhausted after your trips!
I haven’t been on a ferry for many, many years. Brings back fond memories. We would go for the local history and to just wander around and enjoy everything there is to see.
There is so much history there. You’d enjoy it!
I live in the wrong area because I love to attend events and there’s nothing around here. I’m going to have to work in a vacation to your neck of the woods because I’d love all of these free things to do.
You’ll have to organize some events for your area!
Love that cute little golf cart. |We had one in a resort we were staying in and it was so much fun. This looks like a great day out to spend with family and learn a few new things, relax and enjoy.
Sheri – http://www.abusybeeslife.com/
I love how they name all of the golf carts!
It looks like you had a great time. Free is always the best price. I am always looking for places to go that don’t cost money but still able to have a lot of fun.
Definitely! I love searching for free things to do wherever we travel!
Aww, it looks like you had a great trip. I have never even heard of Put-in-Bay before today!
It’s a really fun place!
I love when we’re visiting somewhere and you can explore on a golf cart. That is just so cool to me.
It is really convenient!
What an amazing looking island and how cool it is all free! There is nothing better than getting out there, having a good time and it not costing a penny.
Yes, there are some great free things to do!
Driving around anywhere in a golf cart is so fun to me. I bets its even better on an island. This sounds a nice weekend adventure.
It is always fun to explore in one!
Oh bringing our bikes would be a lot more fun. I love the tips you mentioned on how to cut the cost while visiting this place.
Yes, it would be fun biking around too!
I love ferry rides. It always refreshes me. Its a great way to relax and have lots of fun with friends and family. Looks like you had great time there at best price. I liked the golf cart. This is really a fun trip.
It was a very relaxing day!
Renting a golf cart is also a great idea rather than renting or riding a bike because we have senior citizens that usually come along with us. They find it hard to walk and move about for long.
Yes, it does help a lot.
Nice. I guess this is good family activity. A little of history and fun activity for everyone.
It’s always fun to get away for the day!
This looks like such a fun day trip. We’ve taken ferries over to islands down here in Texas, and it’s such an easy thing and fun for the kids.
I love islands.
This is my kind of adventures. The sight of the ocean is very relaxing and oh the music would be a great thing too plus the museum!
Water is always so soothing!
I’ve been to the Sandusky area a zillion times but I’ve never been to Put-In-Bay. We’ll have to make a weekend trip sometime, looks like someplace we’d enjoy.
You definitely need to! Make sure you ride the ferry!
Looks like you had a really good time. What a fun day trip!
It was very nice, thanks!
I like places that won’t cost you a lot of money. Just go there and drive, park, and have a good time.
For sure!
I like places that won’t cost you a lot of money. Just go there and drive, park, and have a good time. 🙂
Exactly! Though you do have to take the ferry to get there lol. The ferry is the most economical way to go!!
I would definitely love to explore Put-in-Bay on a bike! What time of the year would you suggest going?
Summer and autumn are the best times to go! If you look at the events page, you’ll see different things to do during the season and pick your favorites!