Every year, thousands of Toledo Parent readers cast votes for the businesses, places, and people they love. Readers rely on the voting results to help them choose pediatricians, find the perfect birthday venue, grab the most delicious meal and much more. We are honored that you let your voices be heard with support for your favorite area institutions. Here are the Toledo Area Parent Family Favorites selected for 2021!
Places and Spaces
Overnight Trip with the Kids
WINNER: Sauder Village
22611 OH-2, Archbold
419-446-2541
saudervillage.org
If you’re planning on a quick overnight trip chock full of fun, Sauder Village is an excellent option. Not only does the destination offer food and activities, but your kids will learn so much about history here. From the 1920s Main Street, complete with a meticulously recreated soda shop, movie theater, candy shop and more, to other exhibits and stores focused on early Ohio settlers, you could easily spend a whole weekend at Sauder Village.
RUNNER-UP: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
childrensmuseum.org
Family Activity
WINNER: Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way
419-385-4040
toledozoo.org
Kids of all ages love the Zoo, and for good reason. The Toledo Zoo is one of the best in the nation, featuring more than 10,000 animals that your family can get up close and personal with. And with summertime events like Christmas in July, special events at the amphitheater, a splash pad and epic playground, petting zoo, and educational talks from the zookeepers, there are many reasons to “Zoo it” this season!
RUNNER UP: Urban Air Adventure Park
urbanair.com/ohio-toledo
Family Day Trip
WINNER: Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way
419-385-4040
toledozoo.org
RUNNER UP: Country Lane Tree Farm
countrylanetreefarm.com
Favorite Library Branch
WINNER: King Road Branch
3900 King Rd.
419-259-5380
toledolibrary.org
RUNNER UP: Main Branch
Indoor Playspace
WINNER: Imagination Station
1 Discovery Way
419-244-2674
imaginationstationtoledo.org
When families come to Toledo, one of the very first attractions they visit is Imagination Station. Regardless of the weather, the kids will never get bored inside this science center. From 3D movies and interactive exhibits to a children’s play area featuring a miniature hospital and grocery store, there’s an abundance of things to do. With frequently updated exhibits and even a baby room for the littlest ones to explore, it is truly a spot to spend the day with the whole family.
RUNNER UP: Country Lane Tree Farm
Place to Worship
WINNER: Cedar Creek Church
Locations in South and West Toledo, Perrysburg, Findlay, Oregon, and Whitehouse
419-661- 8661 (Perrysburg location)
cedarcreek.tv
RUNNER UP: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sylvania
stjoessylvania.org
Kid-Friendly Museum
WINNER: Imagination Station
1 Discovery Way
419-244-2674
imaginationstationtoledo.org
RUNNER UP: Toledo Museum of Art
toledomuseum.org
Sporting Event for Families
WINNER: Toledo Mud Hens
Fifth Third Field, 406 Washington St.
419-725-4367
milb.com/toledo
RUNNER UP: Toledo Walleye Hockey
toledowalleye.com
Place to Volunteer
WINNER: Ronald McDonald House
3883 Monroe St.
419-471-4663
rmhctoledo.org
RUNNER UP: Toledo Humane Society
toledohumane.org
Animal Encounters
WINNER: Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way
419-385-4040
toledozoo.org
RUNNER UP: Country Lane Tree Farm
countrylanetreefarm.com
Garden/Nature Center
WINNER: Toledo Botanical Garden
5403 Elmer Dr.
419-270-7500
metroparkstoledo.com
One of the Glass City’s most powerful and breathtaking views, the Toledo Botanical Garden offers 60 acres of quiet beauty. A place to learn about gardening and perennials, remarkable pieces in the Artisan Village, the Secret Forest play area for kids and the new Doneghy Inclusive Garden, the Botanical Garden delivers unforgettable experiences for all ages.
RUNNER UP: The 577 Foundation
577foundation.org
TIME TO PARTY
Party Entertainment
WINNER: Country Lane Tree Farm
3525 N. Bolander Rd., Genoa
419-461-1298
countrylanetreefarm.com
RUNNER UP: Laurel’s Princess Parties
laurelsprincessparties.com
Place to Buy a Birthday Cake
WINNER: Wixey Bakery
2017 Glendale Ave.
419-382-6684
facebook.com/wixeybakery
RUNNER UP: 7 Little Cupcakes
7littlecupcakes.com
Locally owned place to buy a gift
WINNER: Fiddlestix Boutique
5693 Main St., Sylvania. 419-386-2812
4165 Chappel Dr., Perrysburg. 419-931-2022
fiddlestixboutique.com
RUNNER UP: Buff City Soap
toledooh.buffcitysoap.com
Place for an indoor birthday bash
WINNER: Urban Air Adventure Park
5243 Airport Hwy.
419-962-3257
urbanair.com/ohio-toledo
RUNNER UP: Country Lane Tree Farm
countrylanetreefarm.com
Place for an Outdoor Birthday Bash
WINNER: Country Lane Tree Farm
3525 N. Bolander Rd., Genoa
419-461-1298
countrylanetreefarm.com
RUNNER UP: Wildwood Preserve Metropark
metroparkstoledo.com
DELICIOUS EATS
Cupcakes/Bakery
WINNER: Natalie’s Cake Library
nataliescakelibrary.com
RUNNER UP: 7 Little Cupcakes
7littlecupcakes.com
Candy Shop
WINNER: Boyd’s Retro Candy Store
954 Phillips Ave.
419-720-7387
boydsretrocandy.com
RUNNER UP: Maumee Valley Chocolate and Candy
valleycandy.com
Family Friendly Restaurant
WINNER: Inside the Five Brewing Company
5703 Main St., Sylvania
567-408-7212
insidethefivebrewing.com
RUNNER UP: Charlie’s Homemade Ice Cream & Burgers
charlieshomemadeicecream.com
Healthy Family Restaurant
WINNER: Balance Pan-Asian Grille
2515 N. Summit St.
419-243-2222
5860 Central Ave.
419-243-7777
26520 N. Dixie Hwy., Perrysburg
419-874-7777
balancegrille.com
All three Balance locations offer up delicious and healthy choices for your family. With an amazing selection of snacks, bowls, tacos and more, there are few options that are better (or better for you) than Balance. Their downtown location is the site of an incredible hydroponic system where they grow microgreens, and more, on a large scale. They are committed to freshness in everything they serve!
RUNNER UP: Blue Pacific Grill Perrysburg
thebluepacificgrill.com
Healthy Fast Food
WINNER: Balance Pan-Asian Grille
2515 N. Summit St.
419-243-2222
5860 Central Ave.
419-243-7777
26520 N. Dixie Hwy., Perrysburg
419-874-7777
balancegrille.com
RUNNER UP: Tropical Smoothie Cafe
tropicalsmoothiecafe.com
Kid Friendly Coffee Shop
WINNER: Georgette’s Grounds & Gifts
311 Conant St., Maumee
419-891-8888
georgettes.org
RUNNER UP: Papa Moose’s Donuts
papamoosesdonuts.com
Frozen Treats Shop
WINNER: Mr. Freeze
2031 N. McCord Rd.
627 W. South Boundary St., Perrysburg.
facebook.com/mymrfreeze
For many in Northwest Ohio, it’s not summer until they visit Mr. Freeze. For over half a century, the ice creamery has served its trademark sundaes, shakes and more to happy patrons. Visit Mr. Freeze and prepare to be overwhelmed by generous portions and cold deliciousness.
RUNNER UP: Odd Fodder
Local Pizza Place
WINNER: PizzAroma
4444 Keystone Dr. #C, Maumee
8555 S. Holland-Sylvania Rd.
419-887-6000
pizzaromamenu.com
RUNNER UP: Charlie’s Homemade Pizza & Italian Cuisine
charlieshomemadepizza.com
Place where kids eat free
WINNER: Charlie’s Restaurant
6945 W. Central Ave.
419-841-5326
12407 Airport Hwy., Swanton
419-825-2076
1631 Toll Gate Dr., Maumee
419-794-7870
charliesoftoledo.com
RUNNER UP: Fricker’s
frickers.com
SHOP LOCAL
Locally owned place to buy kids’ clothing
WINNER: Once Upon a Child
142 E. South Boundary St., Perrysburg
419-874-3606
onceuponachild.com
RUNNER UP: Bowinkle’s
bowinklesboutique.com
Mom-owned business
WINNER: 7 Little Cupcakes
25661 Ft. Meigs Rd., Ste. D., Perrysbur
419-252-0858
7littlecupcakes.com
RUNNER UP: That Glow Tho. Spray Tan & Sun Shop
thatglowtho.com
Places to Get a Kid’s Haircut
WINNER: Cookie Cutter’s Haircuts for Kids
25684 N. Dixie Hwy., Perrysburg
419-279-2631
haircutsarefun.com
RUNNER UP: The Choice Salon
Search The Choice Salon on Facebook
Family Photographer
WINNER: Galati Photography LLC
24186 Front St., Grand Rapids, OH
419-830-3040
galatiphoto.com
RUNNER UP: Courtney Lee Photography
courtneyleephotography45.mypixieset.com
Bike Shop
WINNER: Wersell’s Bike & Ski Shop
2860 Central Ave.
419-474-7412
wersellsbikeshop.com
RUNNER UP: Cycle Werks
shopcyclewerks.com
Place to Buy Children’s Books
WINNER: Learning Express
Promenade Shops, 5577 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-885-3959
learningexpress.com
RUNNER UP: Encore Books
encorebookstol.com
DIGITAL AGE
Local Parent Facebook Group
WINNER: Toledo Thrifty Moms
facebook.com/groups/toledothriftymoms
RUNNER UP: Mothers Helping Mothers Toledo
Search “Mothers Helping Mothers Toledo” on Facebook
Local Online Influencer
WINNER: Mom on the Go in Holy Toledo
momonthegoinholytoledo.com
WATCH ME SOAR
Preschool
WINNER: Elizabeth Wayne Preschool
310 Elizabeth St., Maumee
419-893-3383
stpaulsmaumee.org/ewpreschool
RUNNER UP: Hope Preschool and Childcare
hopechildcareoh.com
Teacher
WINNER: Jaclyn Willman, Northwest Ohio Classical Academy
RUNNER UP: Marissa Minnick-Metcalf, St. Joseph Catholic Church
School Principal
WINNER: Cristy Seely, Elizabeth Wayne Preschool
RUNNER UP: Robb Brown, Springfield Local
Elementary School
WINNER: West Side Montessori
7115 W. Bancroft St.
419-866-1931
montessoritoledo.org
RUNNER UP: Waterville Primary School
anthonywayneschools.org
Middle School
WINNER: Fallen Timbers Middle School
6119 Finzel Rd., Whitehouse
419-877-0601
anthonywayneschools.org
RUNNER UP: West Side Montessori
montessoritoledo.org
Charter School
WINNER: Northwest Ohio Classical Academy
5025 Glendale Ave.
567-420-6180
nocacademy.org
RUNNER UP: Toledo School for the Arts
ts4arts.org
Parochial School
WINNER: St. Joan of Arc School
5950 Heatherdowns Blvd.
419-866-6177
joanofarcschool.org
RUNNER UP: Notre Dame Academy
nda.org
Private School
WINNER: St. Joseph’s Maumee
104 W. Broadway St., Maumee
419-893-3304
stjosephmaumee.org
RUNNER UP: Notre Dame Academy
nda.org
After-School Program
WINNER: Girls on the Run
6024 Renaissance Pl.
419-318-9211
girlsontherun.org
RUNNER UP: YMCA of Greater Toledo
ymcatoledo.org
Tutoring Center
WINNER: Huntington Learning Center
6638 Centers Dr., Holland
419-867-4000
huntingtonhelps.com
RUNNER UP: Sylvan Learning
sylvanlearning.com
Special Needs Service
WINNER: Ability Center of Greater Toledo
5605 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-885-5733
abilitycenter.org
The Ability Center of Greater Toledo (ACT) offers many resources to help kids with disabilities thrive, but the Center is also instrumental in making sure that our city is the most accessible it can possibly be. The organization provides therapy dogs, help with home accessibility, referrals, and a youth transition program to help with independent living. Visit their website to read more about the incredible work they do in our community.
RUNNER UP: Help Me Grow— Lucas County
helpmegrow.org
Daycare
WINNER: Children’s Discovery Center
Various locations
419-867-8570
childrensdiscoverycenters.com
RUNNER UP: Over the Rainbow Early Learning Center Springfield
otrelc.com/
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
Places for Crafting
WINNER: Toledo Museum of Art Family Center
2445 Monroe St.
419-255-8000
toledomuseum.org
RUNNER UP: Copper Moon Studio
coppermoonstudio.com
Acting and Theatre Classes
WINNER: Children’s Theatre Workshop
2417 Collingwood Blvd.
419-244-5061
ctwtoledo.org
RUNNER UP: Toledo Repertoire Theatre
toledorep.org
Dance Studio
WINNER: Toledo Ballet
5327 Monroe St.
419-471-0049
toledoballet.com
RUNNER UP: Mini Motions Dance Center
minimotionsdance.com
Kids Art Class
WINNER: Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St.
419-255-8000
toledomuseum.org
Whether you want your kids to learn from home or have a hands-on experience, there are few resources for artistic education quite like TMA. Students as young as six can sign up for courses in a wide variety of disciplines, and the Museum’s annual summer camps offer wonderful off-school experiences as well.
RUNNER UP: Paint Your Place by Jessica Mack
facebook.com/PaintYourPlaceByJessicaMack
Gymnastics Class
WINNER: Sunrise Gymnastics Academy
3640 N. Holland Sylvania Rd.
419-841-2902
sunrisegymnastics.com
RUNNER UP: Exceleration Gymnastics Center
excelerationgymnastics.com
Music Lessons
WINNER: Forté Music School
3208 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-471-2100
fortemusicandarts.com
Name any instrument, and Forté likely offers lessons for it. No matter what your child wants to learn, no matter how much experience they have, no matter whether they will take lessons in person or online— Forté is your go-to destination. With dozens of professional teachers on staff and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s clear why Forté has been a staple as the best place for music lessons for years.
RUNNER UP: The Studio Connection
studioconnection.net
Martial Arts Program
WINNER: Rudo Jiu-Jitsu
5810 Southwyck Blvd.
419-932-0786
rudojiujitsu.com
RUNNER UP: Jon Penny’s Black Belt Academy
jpblackbeltacademy.com
Swim Lessons
WINNER: SafeSplash + SwimLabs
1510 Spring Meadows Dr. #D-100, Holland
419-370-2801
safesplash.com
RUNNER UP: Swim with Kym
swimwithkym.com
Horseback Lessons
WINNER: Hunter’s Run
9241 Secor Rd., Temperance, MI
734-856-2404
huntersrunmhja.com
RUNNER UP: Country Lane Tree Farm
countrylanetreefarm.com
DOCTOR’S ORDERS
Pediatric Practice
WINNER: ProMedica Physicians Perrysburg Pediatrics
1601 Brigham Dr. #200, Perrysburg
419-872-7700
promedica.org
RUNNER UP: PediatriCare Associates
facebook.com/PediatriCareToledo
Urgent Care
WINNER: ProMedica Urgent Care
Various locations
promedica.org
RUNNER UP: Sylvania Urgent Care
sylvaniaurgentcare.com/
Place to Give Birth
WINNER: ProMedica Toledo Hospital
2142 N. Cove Blvd.
promedica.org
Nearly half the babies born in our area are born at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. Featuring spacious rooms for labor, delivery and recovery, the hospital also hosts a level 3 perinatal unit, specifically for high-risk births. Also featured are a variety of childbirth classes and postpartum support groups.
RUNNER UP: McLaren St. Luke’s
mclaren.org
OB/GYN
WINNER: Ann Rhee, MD, ProMedica Physicians Sunforest Obstetrics and Gynecology
5700 Monroe St., Ste. 303, Sylvania
419-473-6622
promedica.org
RUNNER UP: Kristel Ward, ProMedica Physicians Obstetrics and Gynecology – Maumee
promedica.org
Midwife
WINNER: Christine McBride, CNM, ProMedica Physicians Obstetrics and Gynecology 2751 Bay Park Dr., #300, Oregon
419-690-8880
promedica.org
RUNNER UP: Melanie Miller, CNM, ProMedica Physicians Obstetrics and Gynecology – Sylvania
promedica.org
Family Doctor
WINNER: Dr. Travis Rasor, DO, Fallen Timbers Family Physicians
5705 Monclova Rd., Maumee
419-893-3321
mclaren.org
RUNNER UP: Dr. Paul Schultz, MD, UT Physicians
utmc.utoledo.edu
ENT Doctor
WINNER: Dr. Jay Jindal, MD, ProMedica Physicians
5700 Monroe St., Ste. 310, Sylvania
419-578-7555
promedica.org
RUNNER UP: Dr. Stephanie Cole, MD, ProMedica Physicians
promedica.org
Optometrist/Ophthalmologist
WINNER: Dr. Jenna Bailey, OD, ProMedica Vision Associates
3330 Meijer Dr.
419-578-2020
visionassociates.net
RUNNER UP: Dr. Robert K. Rhee, MD, Pediatric Ophthalmology Consultants
pocllc.com
Chiropractor
WINNER: Innate Health Chiropractic
26580 N. Dixie Hwy #101, Perrysburg
419-872-2255
getinnatehealth.com
RUNNER UP: Dr. Bryan Royer, DC, Harmony Chiropractic Center, Inc.
besttoledochiropractor.com
Allergist
WINNER: Dr. M. Razi Rafeeq, ProMedica Physicians
1050 Isaac Streets Dr. #128, Oregon
419-693-2230
promedica.org
RUNNER UP: Promedica Physicians Allergy and Immunology
promedica.org
Pediatric Dentist
WINNER: Dr. Erin Knierim, pediatric dentist
3036 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-474-0733
drknierim.com
RUNNER UP: Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care
sylvaniapediatricdentalcare.com
Family Dentist
WINNER: Dr. Jon Frankel, Jon Frankel Dentistry
5012 Talmadge Rd.
419-474-9611
4359 Keystone Dr., Maumee
419-893-0221
jonfrankeldentistry.com
RUNNER UP: Maley Family Dental
maleyfamilydental.com
Orthodontist
WINNER: HLS Orthodontics
Various locations
perfectbraces.com
RUNNER UP: Dr. Sheila Phelan, DDS, Phelan Orthodontics
mylocalortho.com/dr-sheila-phelan
Speech/Language Therapy
WINNER: HopeBridge Autism Therapy Center
1900 Indian Wood Circle, Ste. 100, Maumee
419-830-0078
hopebridge.com
RUNNER UP: Toledo Pediatric Speech Therapy
toledospeechtherapy.com
Family Mental Health and Counseling Services
WINNER: The Willow Center
5565 Airport Hwy #100
419-720-5800
willowcenter.com
RUNNER UP: Drescher and Associates Clinical Services, LLC
dreschertherapy.com
Natural Homeopathic Health
WINNER: Dr. Maleigha Watts, Toledo Naturopathic
13 S. 3rd St., Waterville
419-376-6104
toledonaturopathic.com
A graduate of the University of Toledo, Dr. Watts has been guiding Toledo patients through the world of naturopathic medicine for a decade. Watts’ personal approach to care has clearly made an impression on area voters. Her patients rely on her for natural, holistic treatments through non-invasive care.
RUNNER UP: ProMedica Natural Wellness
promedicanaturalwellnessshop.com
Veterinarian
WINNER: Heatherdowns Veterinary Clinic
2454 Cass Rd.
419-385-0325
heatherdownsvetclinic.com
RUNNER UP: West Suburban Animal Hospital
westsuburbananimalhospital.com
GET ACTIVE
Place to Go Ice Skating
WINNER: Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter
7060 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-885-1167
sylvaniatamoshanter.com
RUNNER UP: Ottawa Park Ice Rink
ottawapark.org
Place to Play Mini-Golf
WINNER: Sportway of Toledo
5950 Angola Rd.
419-867-3895
sportwayinc.com
RUNNER UP: Perry Falls Mini Golf
facebook.com/perryfallsminigolf
Park or playground
WINNER: Wildwood Preserve Metropark
5100 Central Ave.
419-407-9700
metroparkstoledo.com
The reason why you’ll often find people doing photoshoots at Wildwood Preserve Metropark: The varied and scenic backdrops available in the Park. Taking a stroll through the woods brings such a sense of peace while you’re getting your steps in, and the playground is full of fun features for kids of all ages to enjoy for hours. Wildwood Manor is a beautiful experience — make sure to take a tour and explore the surrounding gardens!
RUNNER UP: Toledo Botanical Gardens
metroparkstoledo.com
Waterpark
WINNER: Great Wolf Lodge
4600 Milan Rd., Sandusky
800-641-9653
greatwolf.com
RUNNER UP: Kalahari Resorts Sandusky
kalahariresorts.com
Family Friendly Gym/Fitness Club
WINNER: Sylvania YMCA/JCC
6465 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-855-4485
ymcatoledo.org
No matter your age or the intensity of your desired workout, the YMCA offers fitness options for everyone. With a variety of group exercise classes and programs, for something more challenging the Y offers sessions with personal trainers who tailor workouts to individual needs. The Sylvania YMCA/JCC turns out to be a local favorite among all the other locations, so make sure to check out their amazing facility!
RUNNER UP: YMCA of Greater Toledo
ymcatoledo.org
Soccer Program
WINNER: Pacesetter Soccer Club
5400 Central Ave.
419-885-3140
pacesettersoccer.com
RUNNER UP: Springfield Futbol Club
springfieldfc.club
Youth Sports League
WINNER: YMCA of Greater Toledo
Various Locations
ymcatoledo.org
RUNNER UP: Anthony Wayne Youth Foundation
awcommunity.net
Sports Camp
WINNER: Sylvania Recreation District
7060 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-882-1500
playsylvania.com
RUNNER UP: Anthony Wayne High School Girls Lacrosse Camp
anthonywayneschools.org
Summer Day Camp
WINNER: Country Lane Tree Farm
3525 N. Bolander Rd., Genoa
419-461-1298
countrylanetreefarm.com
RUNNER UP: Toledo Zoo
toledozoo.org
ME TIME
Date Night
WINNER: Mancy’s Steakhouse
953 Phillips Ave.
419-476-4154
mancyssteakhouse.com
RUNNER UP: Benchmark Restaurant
benchmark-restaurant.com
Girls’ Night Out
WINNER: Urban Pine Winery
3415 Briarwood Blvd., Maumee
567-703-1281
urbanpinewinery.com
RUNNER UP: Hollywood Casino Toledo
hollywoodcasinotoledo.com
Workout for Mom
WINNER: Renegade Fitness
4101 King Rd., Sylvania
419-517-4654
renegadefitnesstraining.com
RUNNER UP: Fitness 4 All
fitness4alltoledo.com
Spa Day for Mom
WINNER: Serenity Health & Wellness Center
1685 Lance Pointe Rd., Maumee
419-891-2181
serenitywellness1.com
Serenity Health & Wellness is a med-spa with the ideal setting for Mom to unwind. You can spend your day getting a facial and massage, or book an acupuncture session and foot detoxification. Their list of services is extensive, so make sure to browse your options on their website, and don’t forget to check out their special packages and deals!
RUNNER UP: Open Arms Wellness Center & Yoga Loft
openarmsmassagestudio.com
