I discovered a wonderful secret this past summer: children do not need to cramp your style while traveling. I’m not sure why I was worried about this, because I grew up on the road with my parents and siblings first in Volkswagen buses, and second in a ‘72 Dodge Motorhome.

Nonetheless, it was a great relief when my wife and I loaded our toddler in our Prius and took off for almost three weeks of adventure, which included the Finger Lakes, Maine, Quebec City and Montreal. It was a blast. We all had so much fun. Townes, our little one, saw and waded in an ocean for the first time. We saw a moose on the side of the road on our way up to the Canadian border. I ate lobster and poutine like it was nobody’s business. We hiked all over the hills of Quebec and Montreal, and we all danced to some great music at the Montreal Jazz Festival. 

I’d like to share some of my favorite spots near and far. You don’t have to go to Canada to have a great time. We’ll start with two of the closest Day Trips (and check back because I will hopefully be adding more over time):

Day Trips

Bowling Green (<30 minutes)

Arlyn’s Good Beer

The number-one option on my kid-friendly brewery roundup, Arlyn’s is fun for all ages with dirt mounds and toy trucks for the little ones and games for the older kids.

520 Hankey Ave.

Downtown Bowling green 

Before or after eating, park downtown and take a walk either through the beautiful neighborhoods to the west of downtown or right down Main St. which has lots of places of interest for anyone in the family, including:

• Grounds for Thought: 174 S. Main St. 419-354-3266.
• Rock’em Sock’em Retro: 127 S. Main St. 419-806-4750.

Grand Rapids, Ohio (~ 40 minutes)

This is a great drive that I like to do at least once a season. I like to take one side of the river down and the other one back. The Perrysburg side is a more scenic and hilly drive. You can stop at Nazareth Hall (which won Toledo City Paper’s Best of Toledo Wedding Venue award in 2020) and visit the beautiful little grotto.

While in Grand Rapids, there is plenty to see and do. I always walk along the river first and sit on a swinging bench to watch the rapids. 

Grand Rapids Park

There is a nice little playground close by for the little ones. 

Carp St.

1 of 5

Library House Books and Art

This is another place I always stop if it’s open. There are books downstairs and a gallery upstairs. The kids will enjoy this place as well, as there is a wonderful kid’s room in the back and a full size Battlecat (from He-Man) in the main book store.

A lot of other cute gift shops and antique stores line Front St. 

24164 Front St. 419-830-3080.

LaRoe’s Restaurant

A great place to eat if you want a nice dinner. Make sure to call ahead for reservations; they book up pretty fast.

24138 Front St. 419-832-3082.

Snyder’s Pizza

If you want something a little more casual and family-friendly, it doesn’t get any better than pizza AND ice cream!

24098 Front St. 419-832-0842.

Providence Metropark

Providence is a delightful park that also includes the Isaac R. Ludwig Historical Mill and the Canal Boat Experience. Both are interesting experiences for all ages.

13801 S. River Rd.

Bend View Metropark

In the middle of the Towpath trail, Bend View is the quietest of these three parks if you want some peace and quiet and nature.

10613 S. River Rd., Waterville. 567-316-3859.

Waterville (~20 minutes)

Farnsworth Metropark

Farnsworth has one of the best playgrounds in the area. 

Just after Farnsworth, the road splits into the Anthony Wayne Trail and S. River Rd. I usually choose the river unless we are in a hurry to get home. There are a lot of places to eat in Waterville if you are getting hungry again.

8505 S. River Rd., Old U.S. 24. 419-779-6052.

Carruth Gift & Gallery

The Carruth Garden Smiles store relocated here in 2021. Unfortunately, one can’t visit it while walking around downtown Waterville anymore, but it is still a local treasure.

1178 Farnsworth Rd.