After School Activities | Education and Childcare | Health and Wellness | Out and About | Shop Local | Social Media Faves | Party Time | Me Time | Family Friendly Eats | Get Active
We asked and you answered. From the best place for after school activities to the best family friendly restaurant to the best doctor in town, you shared with us your vote for Family Favorites. And since our readers know the Toledo area best, the following list can serve as your go-to for places to go, people to see and things to do all year long.
After School Activities
Acting and Theater Classes
#1: Children’s Theatre Workshop | ctwtoledo.org
Runner up: Toledo Repertoire Theatre
Dance Studio
#1: Company C Dance Club | companycdanceclub.com
Runner up: Toledo Ballet
Gymnastics Class
#1: Toledo Turners Gymnastics | toledoturners.com
Runner up: Sunrise Gymnastics
Horseback Riding Lessons
#1: Hunter’s Run, Temperance, MI | huntersrunmhja.com
Runner up: Fox Meadow Farm
Kids Art Class
#1: Toledo Museum of Art | toledomuseum.org
Runner up: Copper Moon Studio
Martial Arts
#1: Sylvania Family Karate | sylvaniafamilykarate.com
Runner up: All American Karate
Music Lessons
#1: Forte Music School | fortemusicandarts.com
Runner up: Toledo Symphony School of Music
Swim Lessons
#1: YMCA | ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: The Josh Project
Education and Childcare
After School Program
#1: YMCA | ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: Girls on the Run, Northwest Ohio
Charter School
#1: Toledo School for the Arts | ts4arts.org
Runner up: Imagine Schools
Daycare
#1: Children’s Discovery Center | childrensdiscoverycenters.com
Runner up: Educare Academy
Middle School
#1: Toledo Christian Schools | toledochristian.com
Runner up: Christ the King
Preschool
#1: West Side Montessori | montessoritoledo.org
Runner up: Toledo Christian Schools
Private/Parochial School
#1: Maumee Valley Country Day School | mvcds.org
Runner up: Toledo Christian Schools
School Principal
#1: Joe Carroll, Christ the King School | ckschool.org
Runner up: Joy McWhinnie, Toledo Christian Schools
Special Needs Services
#1: Help Me Grow | helpmegrow.ohio.gov
Runner up: Sunshine Inc.
Teacher
#1: Cory Hall, West Side Montessori | montessoritoledo.org
Runner up: Jen Maquire, Lake Elementary
Tutoring Center
#1: Sylvan Learning | sylvanlearning.com
Runner up: Kumon Math & Reading of Sylvania
Health and Wellness
Allergist
#1: Dr. Ghassan Safadi, Allergy Clinic Ohio | allergyclinicohio.com
Runner up: M. Razi Rafeeq, M.D.
Chiropractor
#1: Innate Health Chiropractic | getinnatehealth.com
Runner up: Rebel Chiropractic
ENT Doctor
#1: Dr. Christopher Perry, ENT, The Toledo Clinic | toledoclinicent.com
Runner up: Dr. Stephanie Cole, M.D., ProMedica ENT
Family Doctor
#1: Dr. Sue Federman, Toledo Clinic
4411 N Holland-Sylvania Rd, Sylvania
419-843-3627 | toledoclinic.com
Look no further than the Toledo Clinic to find your favorite family doctor in town. Dr. Susan Federman consistently delivers high-quality care, while making your family feel comfortable.
Runner up: Dr. Travis Rasor, DO, Fallen Timbers Family Physicians
Family Mental Health & Counseling Services
#1: Dr. George R. Williams, Harbor Behavioral Health | harbor.org
Runner up: Erin Wiley, MA, LPCC, The Willow Center
Midwife/Doula
#1: Erica Krause, CNM, ProMedica Midwifrey | promedica.org/provider
Runner up: Irma Cobian, CNM, Mercy Health
Natural & Homeopathic Health
#1: Serenity Health & Wellness Center, Maumee | serenityspamaumee.com
Runner up: Toledo Hemp Center
OB/GYN
#1: Dr. Danielle Barrow, ProMedica Physicians Obstetrics | Gynecology | promedica.org/provider
Runner up: Dr. Ann Rhee, ProMedica Physicians Obstetrics | Gynecology
Optometrist/Ophthalmologist
#1: Dr. Preston Linley, OD, ProMedica Physicians Eye Care | promedica.org/provider
Runner up: Dr. Robert Rhee, Pediatric Ophthalmology Consultants, LLC
Orthodontist
#1: Kay & Paulus Orthodontics | kayandpaulus.com
Runner up: HLS Orthodontics
Pediatric Dentist
#1: Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care | sylvaniapediatricdentalcare.com
Runner up: Dr. Erin Knierim
Pediatric Practice
#1: Franklin Park Pediatrics | franklinparkpediatrics.com
Runner up: ProMedica Physicians Toledo Peds
Out and About
Animal Encounter
#1: Toledo Zoo | toledozoo.org
Runner up: Indian Creek Zoo
Family Activity
#1: Toledo Zoo | toledozoo.org
Runner up: Imagination Station
Family Day Trip
#1: Cedar Point | cedarpoint.com
Runner up: Toledo Zoo
Indoor Play Space
#1: Imagination Station | imaginationstationtoledo.org
Runner up: Sky Zone Toledo
Kid Friendly Museum
#1: Imagination Station | imaginationstationtoledo.org
Runner up: Toledo Museum of Art
Nature Center
#1: 577 Foundation
577 E Front St, Perrysburg
419-872-0305 | 577foundation.org
Looking for something to add to the summer bucket list? Check out this family favorite. Founded by Virginia Secor Stranahan, the 577 Foundation is dedicated to preserving the greenspace property at 577 East Front Street in Perrysburg. The foundation also seeks to educate children and families about the land around them. This lush, 10-acre property includes a community garden, a geodesic biodome (think year-round greenhouse), honey bee hives, a river walk and more. You can also take a class, teach a class, plant a garden or just tour the grounds.
Runner up: Toledo Botanical Garden Board Inc.
Place to Camp
#1: Maumee Bay State Park Oregon | parks.ohiodnr.gov/maumeebay
Runner up: Camp Miakonda, Erie Shores Council, Boy Scouts of America
Place to Read
#1: Main Library, Toledo Lucas County Public Library | toledolibrary.org
Runner up: Barnes & Noble
Place to Volunteer
#1: Toledo Area Humane Society | toledohumane.org
Runner up: Cherry Street Mission Ministries
Place to Worship
#1: Cedar Creek Church | cedarcreek.tv
Runner up: Christ the King Church
Sporting Events for Families
#1: Toledo Mud Hens | milb.com/toledo
Runner up: Toledo Walleye Hockey
Place to Give Birth
#1: ProMedica Toledo Hospital | promedica.org/toledohospital
Runner up: St. Luke’s Hospital
Speech/Language Therapy
#1: Toledo Hearing & Speech Center | greatlakesautism.org/toledo-hearing-and-speech-center
Runner up: Rehab Dynamics
Urgent Care
#1: ProMedica Urgent Care | promedica.org/pages/medical-services/urgent-care
Runner up: Mercy Health Urgent Care
Veterinarian
#1: SylvaniaVET | sylvaniavet.com
Runner up: East Suburban Animal Clinic
Shop Local
Baby Boutique Shop
#1: Kids Klothesline Perrysburg | facebook.com/kids.klothesline.online
Runner up: Bowinkles
Bike Shop
#1: Wersell’s Bike & Ski Shop | wersellsbikeandskishop.com
Runner up: Reggie’s Bike Shop
Family Friendly Locally Owned Grocery Store
#1: Walt Churchill’s Market & Pharmacy | waltchurchillsmarket.com
Runner up: Monnette’s Market
Family Photographer
#1: Nicole Slovak Photography | nicoleslovak.wixsite.com
Runner up: Finn Photography
Kid’s Consignment/Resale Shop
#1: Once Upon a Child | facebook.com/OnceUponAChildToledo
Runner up: Lil’ Rascals
Mom-owned Business
#1: Mini Motions Dance Center | minimotionsdance.com
Runner up: Nicole Slovak Photography
Place for Furnishing the Nursery
#1: Babies R Us | babiesrus.toysrus.com
Runner up: Buy Buy Baby
Place to Buy Children’s Books
#1: Barnes & Noble | barnesandnoble.com
Runner up: Books-A-Million
Place to Buy Children’s Clothing
#1: Once Upon A Child Perrysburg | onceuponachild.com/perrysburg
Runner up: Kids Klothesline
Social Media Faves
Local Instagram Account
#1: @dotoledo
Runner up: @photographynicole
Local Parent Blogger
#1: Mom on the Go in Holy Toledo | momonthegoinholytoledo.com
Runner up: Our Cozy Den
Local Parent Facebook Group
#1: Toledo Thrifty Moms | facebook.com/groups/toledothriftymoms
Runner up: Toledo Parent University
Party Time
Party Entertainment
#1: Laurel’s Princess Parties | laurelsprincessparties.com
Runner up: Hero’s the Party Experience
Place for an Indoor Birthday Bash
#1: Sky Zone Toledo | skyzone.com/toledo
Runner up: Sylvania Playland
Place for an Outdoor Birthday Bash
#1: The Toledo Zoo | toledozoo.org
Runner up: Wildwood Preserve Metropark
Place to Buy a Birthday Cake
#1: Wixey Bakery | wixeysbakery.com
Runner up: Eston’s Bakery
Place to Buy a Gift
#1: Learning Express Sylvania, Maumee | learningexpress.com
Runner up: FiddleStix Boutique & Gallery
Me Time
Date Night Restaurant
#1: Mancy’s Italian | mancys.com
Runner up: 5th Street Pub
Girls Night Out
#1: Hollywood Casino Toledo | hollywoodcasinotoledo.com
Runner up: The Heights
Workout for Mom
#1: YMCA | ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: LBs Circuit Training
Spa Day for Mom
#1: Reve Salon and Spa
5633 Main St, Sylvania
419-885-1140 | revesalonandspa.com
When you get a rare moment for some “me time”, Reve Salon and Spa in downtown Sylvania is where you want to go for rest, relaxation and much deserved pampering. This upscale salon goes beyond haircuts and color: they offer a variety of massages to relax and invigorate busy moms, along with facials, and makeup and nail services.
Runner Up: Serenity Health & Wellness Center
Family Friendly Eats
Candy Shop
#1: Boyd’s Retro Candy Store | boydsretrocandy.com
Runner up: Maumee Valley Chocolate & Candy
Cupcakes/ Bakery
#1: Cake in a Cup | cakeinacup.com
Runner up: 7 Little Cupcakes
Family-Friendly Restaurant
#1: Barry Bagels | barrybagels.com
Runner up: Fricker’s
Frozen Yogurt Shop
#1: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Shop | handelsicecream.com
Runner up: Lola’s
Healthy Family Restaurant
#1: Balance Pan-Asian Grille | balancegrille.com
Runner up: Barry Bagels
Kid-Friendly Coffee Shop
#1: BIGGBY Coffee | biggby.com
Runner up: Black Kite Coffee & Pies
Local Pizza Place
#1: Marco’s Pizza | marcos.com
Runner up: Inky’s Italian Food
Place Where Kids Eat Free
#1: Fricker’s | frickers.com
Runner up: Buffalo Wild Wings
Ice Cream Shop
#1: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt
Sylvania: 5908 W Sylvania Ave, 419-882-1112
Toledo: 5655 Secor Rd, 419-474-8861
handelsicecream.com
When you and yours need a sweet treat to cap off a hot summer day, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt is your go-to. Since 1945, Handel’s has been making ice cream and yogurt fresh daily, using the best available ingredients to create their distinct smooth and creamy texture. With more than 100 flavors to choose from, there’s sure to be something for everyone in your family, whether they prefer sundaes, parfaits or just a classic cone.
Runner up: Mr. G’s Barn
Get Active
Faith-based Summer Camp/Vacation Bible School
#1: Cedar Creek Church—Fusion Camp | cedarcreek.tv
Runner up: Saint John XXIII
Family Friendly Gym/Fitness Club
#1: YMCA | ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: Wildwood Athletic Club
Park or Playground
#1: Wildwood Preserve Metropark | metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/wildwood
Runner up: Fort Imagination at Woodlands Park
Place to go Ice Skating
#1: Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter | sylvaniatamoshanter.com
Runner up: Ottawa Park
Place to Play Mini-Golf
#1: Par 2 Golf Courses | par2golf.com
Runner up: Sylvania Playland
Soccer Program
#1: Pacesetter Soccer Club | pacesettersoccer.com
Runner up: Soccer Shots
Sports Camp
#1: YMCA Sports Camps | ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: St. Ursula Academy Summer Athletic Camps
Summer Day Camp
#1: YMCA | ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: Imagination Station
Waterpark
#1: Kalahari Resorts Sandusky | kalahariresorts.com/ohio
Runner up: Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky
Youth Sports League
#1: Pacesetter Soccer | pacesettersoccer.com
Runner up: Toledo Volleyball Club
