9+ Thrilling Activities at Ghostly Manor Thrill Center in Sandusky

At Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, it isn’t a matter of whether or not you’ll have fun. It’s a matter of how much fun. There may be some shocks and scares, or even some screams. But at the end of the day, there’ll be plenty of smiles too.

If you’re looking for the best in family fun, look no further than the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center. Located in Sandusky, Ohio, This multi-attraction family entertainment center has been featured as a leading haunted attraction in the United States and one of the top indoor things to do in Sandusky Ohio.

If you like dragons, ghosts, skeletons, zombies, and generally anything spooky, you won’t be disappointed because Ghostly Manor has it all when it comes to spooky things. No matter how old you are, you’ll find one-of-a-kind fun you won’t see anywhere else.

Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center | photo via Tricia S. (Facebook)

About the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center

The chances are good that you’ve been to arcades, family fun centers, and mini-golf courses. But you may have never seen the scope of entertainment options that Ghostly Manor offers. There’s little wonder why it has been recognized as a top national attraction.

The Ghostly Manor’s History

The Ghostly Manor Thrill Center was opened in September 2001 and stemmed from the minds of owners Bill and Jayme Criscione. During Halloween, the family always dressed up and greeted trick-or-treaters.

As years went by, the family amassed a collection of Halloween items to entertain kids. One of their best scares was when Bill would dress up as a monster and rise up off a hay bale, while Jayme dressed as Elvira.

These Halloween hijinks led to the purchase of the Skateworld property in Sandusky. Once all of the Halloween props and memorabilia were moved in and the property was renovated, Ghostly Manor opened for business.

Things to Do at the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center

As a multi-attraction family entertainment center, the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center offers all kinds of fun for visitors of all ages. Below are some of Ghostly Manor’s best attractions!

Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center | photo via Jim D. (TripAdvisor)

Escape Room

Think you’re smart? Put your skills to the test. Enter the room as a pair or as a group, and decipher a series of clues to escape. Try your best to find and solve the clues, and escape the room before time runs out.

Haunted House

The Ghostly Manor haunted house is one of the nation’s top-rated haunts — for good reason. It’s packed with thrills and chills. Ghosts are lurking around every corner as you wander through the mansion, so keep a sharp eye.

Even if you think you’re too cool for haunted houses, the manor could unearth your deepest fears. The haunted house features a mix of real actors and animatronics to keep you on your toes. Even people who swear they never get scared have admitted to jumping at least a few times.

Laser Maze

This is tons of fun, but you need to be quick on your feet. The laser maze opened in 2017 and, since then, it has been one of the center’s hottest attractions.

Prepare for a race against time as you maneuver past hundreds of laser beams. Think of laser tag but unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. If you’re skilled and agile enough, you may just make it to the leader board.

Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center | photo via Visit Northwest Ohio (Facebook)

VR Gaming

If you love video games, this experience takes gaming to the next level. Technology called Hologate offers advanced graphics for a thrilling virtual experience. You can work as a team or compete as a team.

If you’ve never played a VR game, you’re in for a treat because the graphics make everything you do feel real.

Roller Skating

Roller skating has been one of the nation’s most popular activities for decades, and it’s hard not to have fun when you’re skating around a rink with lights going and music playing.

Skateworld at Ghostly Manor is fun for visitors of all ages. It’s a great place to celebrate a special event, get out of the house, or cool off on a hot summer day. You can rent regular skates, in-line skates, or scooters, or bring your own.

Miniature Golf

Mini golf is the quintessential family activity, and Ghostly Manor offers a one-of-a-kind experience. You can not only play mini golf but also try to slay a dragon on a 3D adventure at the same time.

You’ll golf through a forest, caves, and more on your quest to slay the dragon and save the Wizard of Wimblebain.

Ghostly Manor Thrill Center - Sandusky, Ohio
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center | photo via @bloggymoms

Bounce Houses & Play Area

There are plenty of spooky things around Ghostly Manor, but there are lots of other fun things too. The bounce houses and play area are the perfect place for kids 12 and under to slide, bounce, and jump on huge slides and obstacle courses.

There are over 5,000 square feet of fun here, so kids can be occupied for quite a while.

XD 4D Theater

Roller coaster enthusiasts haven’t experienced anything quite like this before! You can transcend space, time, and your imagination in this 4D theater. You can experience up to 44-mph acceleration and marvel at the screen, which has surround sound and on-screen action with wind effects.

Ghostly Manor is currently showing five movies — Snow Ride, Haunted Mine Ride, Cosmic Coaster, Canyon Coaster, and Aqua Ride. Whichever you experience will be thrilling indeed!

Cedar Point, Sandusky - Spring in Northwest Ohio
Cedar Point

More Things to Do Around Sandusky Ohio

Once you’ve had your share of ghosts and ghouls in the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, there are lots of other fun things to do in Sandusky Ohio. Here are a few of the best!

Cedar Point

Known as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, there’s something for everyone here. Cedar Point’s operating season runs from early May to Labor Day. It’s home to more than a dozen roller coasters, including five that are at least 200 feet high. Also, it’s home to an indoor water park — Castaway Bay.

Castaway Bay

There’s plenty of fun to be had at Castaway Bay with a 38,000-square-foot indoor water park and a 6,000-square-foot arcade, among other activities. You can visit for the day or book a room in one of more than 200 hotel rooms and suites.

Lake Erie Cruise

Sandusky is right on Lake Erie, so why not have some fun on the water? Goodtime I – Lake Erie Island Cruises offers many options, including a sunset cruise, a Friday Night Party Cruise, and a daytime Island Hopping Cruise.

Merry-Go-Round Museum

This museum is open seven days a week and displays quite the collection of carousels. You can see an array of merry-go-rounds — from wooden ones with hand-carved wooden animals to modern ones made of aluminum and fiberglass.

Parasailing

If you’re really looking for a thrill, try parasailing in Sandusky. It’s available to everyone ages 6 and older, and it offers a great view of the Lake Erie coastline. If you’re looking for unforgettable experiences, this is one you’ll want to book.

Merry-Go-Round Museum, Sandusky - Ohio Museums
Merry-Go-Round Museum | photo via @jamie_habanek

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center

Where is the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center?

Ghostly Manor is located at 3319 Milan Rd in Sandusky Ohio. It sits just 3 miles from Cedar Point.

When does the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center open?

The Ghostly Manor Thrill Center is open every day from noon to 5 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, it’s open from noon to 8 p.m.

How much does the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center cost?

Ghostly Manor offers a variety of pricing options for its attractions. You can purchase tickets for single attractions — mini golf, haunted manor, or bounce houses — or buy one of several passes that include food and admission to multiple attractions.

What kinds of accommodations are offered near the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center?

There are many places to stay in Sandusky, but the folks at Ghostly Manor recommend the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites. It’s right next door and sits close to Cedar Point, Sandusky Mall, and other local attractions.

What’s offered for groups at the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center?

The Ghostly Manor Thrill Center can accommodate groups of 20 to 500 people and promises the experience of a lifetime.

Group prices are available for several of the attractions by contacting the center. Group rates are available on food too, including pizza, pop, breadsticks, and cookies.

Check Out Everything That Sandusky Ohio and Lake Erie Shores and Islands Have to Offer

Aside from the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center and other Sandusky attractions above, there are tons more outdoor things to do. For instance, you could check out the Lake Erie lighthouses nearby, such as the tower in Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. There are several Ohio beaches in the area as well.