Jet Express is the quickest way to get to the islands, and it leaves right out of Sandusky. Kelleys Island and South Bass Island (also known as Put-In-Bay) are both great places to spend the day. Kelleys Island is the largest of the Lake Erie islands, and is about 12 miles offshore. It’s a great place to go kayaking, biking or fishing. Kelleys Island State Park Beach has a swimming beach with bathrooms and a small boat launch. Check out Glacial Grooves National Natural Landmark, where you can see “glacial grooves” that were carved into the landscape by the last ice age, and contain fossils that are millions of years old. If you want to learn a bit about the history of the area, take the narrated island tour by train. While there, visit Perry’s Cave, a limestone cave with a small lake, about 50 feet below the ground. Next door is the Butterfly House, which has 500-odd species of butterflies; kids will get a quick presentation before roaming through the garden. There is a stone swimming beach with picnic tables and a play area. You can also rent golf carts, scooters and bikes. Ferry services run from late May through mid September. Free daily parking is located at Jackson Street Pier.