Pre-Trip Fun for Sandusky, Ohio

"Thrill Ride" -- The Science of Fun -- Discover the science behind the most exciting amusement park rides before you get to Cedar Point. (School Age and Up)

"Amistad" -- The youngest prisoner aboard the slave ship Amistad eventually graduated from Oberlin College. (Rated R -- Best for Teens)

"Wind" -- It takes place on the ocean, but world-class sailors have gotten their start on Erie Lake. (Teens)

Fish and Chips: So kids are ready to appreciate the commercial fishing history of Erie Lake (and the fresh perch at local restaurants).

"Boats" by Anne Rockwell Brown -- Vibrant illustrations let little shipmates recognize the real things on vacation. (Ages 2-4)

"Roller Coaster" by Marla Frazee -- A little girl shares what it's like to ride a coaster for the first time. (Ages 4-8)

"Up and Down on the Merry-Go-Round" by Bill Martin -- Show them what's in store at Cedar Point, home to tons of rides. (Ages 4-8)

"Sarah's Boat: A Young Girl Learns the Art of Sailing" by Douglas Alvord -- For water bugs and sailors-to-be (Ages 9-12)

"North Star to Freedom: The Story of the Underground Railroad" by Clement Oubrerie -- Get the Ohio backstory before hitting the historic site. (Ages 9-12)

"Thomas Edison for Kids: His Life and Ideas, 21 Activities" by Laurie Carlson -- The Sandusky native still sparks imagination. (Ages 9-12)

"At the Amusement Park" by Paul Yoon -- A group of students learns the science behind thrill rides. Older kids might get a kick out of knowing how fast those coasters will be whipping them around. (Ages 9-12)

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe -- A classic Stowe says was partly based on interviews she did with escaped slaves while she was living in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Ages 12 and Up)

"The Wizard of Menlo Park: How Thomas Alva Edison Invented the Modern World" by Randall E. Stross -- More background on Sandusky's most famous native. (Ages 12 and Up)

"The American Roller Coaster" by Scott Rutherford -- Cedar Point is famous for its thrill rides. Enthusiasts, read up. (Ages 12 and Up)

Adire Cloth -- In honor of the Kalahari resort (where walls are lined with authentic African mud cloths) and the African Safari

Beach Bag -- Keep sunglasses, sunscreen and souvenirs tucked away while visiting Kelley's Island and touring the Erie lighthouses.