Toledo offers a growing number of indoor spaces designed for kids of all abilities. With sensory-friendly hours, accessible features, and inclusive programming, these destinations make play more welcoming to all families.
The Sandbox for Kids
6710 W. Central Ave in the Regency Plaza, Toledo. 419-517-4074
The Sandbox for Kids, a family-owned and operated business, provides a unique opportunity for play in an 1,000 square foot indoor sandbox. The sand is natural, safe, silica-free, dust-free, allergy-free and non-toxic. They have a Autism certification from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards and work with a speech language pathologist to offer inclusive support.
Defying Odds Therapy Playspace (DOT)
6544 W. Central Ave., Suite A, Toledo. 419-517-1332
Kids of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the fun at Defying Odds Therapy Playspace (DOT). This indoor playground features exciting play areas such as a gross motor gym, a sensory room, a creative cafe and private treat- ment rooms. DOT also offers occupational and speech therapy services as well as classes, activities and events.
Urban Air Adventure Park
5243 Airport Highway, Toledo. 419-962-3257
Urban Air Adventure Park offers year-round fun with trampolines, climbing walls, ropes courses and more. Hosting a sensory friendly day on the last Monday of each month provides an opportunity for sensory sensitive individuals to experience the fun in an environment with lower lights and softer sounds.
Toledo Museum of Art (TMA)
2445 Monroe Street, Toledo. 419-255-8000
The Toledo Museum of Art strives to make art and play experiences open to all. Free admission and accessible entrances ensure that every family can enjoy its galleries together. The museum is a Certified Autism Center, offering sensory bags, headphones and quiet spaces. Visitors who are blind or have low vision can take part in hands-on tours that allow them to explore sculptures through touch.
The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
2 Hippo Way, Toledo. 419-385-5721
The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium works hard to ensure every visitor can enjoy its wonders. Through its “Zoo For All” initiative, sensory tools—like noise‐canceling headphones, fidget items and social stories—are available at no extra charge. ADA accessible rides, walkways and picnic areas make movement across the grounds easier; service animals are welcome. Visitors who are blind or low vision can take “Sight Guided Tours,” while ample signage and visual schedules help everyone navigate smoothly.
The Toledo Lucas County Public Library
Various locations. 419-259-5200
The Toledo Lucas County Public Library makes learning and play accessible for all families. Branches are designed with wide aisles, elevators and wheelchair-friendly spaces so kids and caregivers can move around easily. Large print books, audiobooks and magnifiers support readers with low vision, while captioned media and sign language services help those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Children can explore sensory-friendly storytimes and hands-on activities that welcome different learning styles. With free Wi-Fi, lending devices, and community programs in multiple languages, the library creates an inclusive environment where children can read, play and discover.
The National Museum of the Great Lakes
1701 Front Street Toledo. 419-214-5000
The National Museum of the Great Lakes welcomes families of all abilities to explore and learn. Accessible entrances, ramps and restrooms make it easier for visitors with mobility needs to navigate the space. Staff is available to help make accommodations when possible. A wheelchair for guest use is available on a first come, first served basis. The museum, a Certified Autism CenterTM, hosts sensory friendly mornings with quieter sounds and softer lighting on the second Saturday of every month.
Maumee Indoor Theatre
601 Conant Street Maumee 419-897-8902
Maumee Indoor Theatre offers sensory friendly showtimes that have lower volume and lights at mid-level. There are also select showtimes that have open captions. Additionally, those with hearing and/or vision impairments have access to active listening and audio description headsets.
Imagination Station
1 Discovery Way, Toledo. 419-244-2674
The Imagination Station is a great place to take your family to experience hands-on fun, offering Sensory Friendly Hours every third Sunday of the month from 10 am–noon. Sensory-friendly 3D films in the KeyBank Discovery Theater are shown every Tuesday at 4:15pm and every Sunday at 12:30pm. The Theater also has wheelchair-accessible seating and companion seats. Other mobility accessibility features include ADA compliant parking, accessible restrooms and free wheelchair access during visits. Vision and hearing accessibility features include braille signage at all bathrooms, large print maps, audio descriptions for certain films among other accommodations.
