Looking for some family fun that won’t break the family budget? Look no further! We’ve assembled a list of summer activities that are free (or nearly free!) in the area.
577 Foundation
Kids can read along with the StoryWalk trail, look for fossils at Did’s Dig, hike the River Walk Trail, or explore the Nature Playscape. Programs on gardening, birds, cooking, crafts, bees and more. Admission is free.
577 East Front St., Perrysburg. 419-874-4174.
Fossil Park
Take your junior paleontologists to this park for some real dinosaur digging adventures. Tools are not permitted but feel free to bring brushes to clean up any finds. Choose from three ADA-friendly dig sites at Olander Park, where you will find fossils from the Devonian Era. Fossil Park is free and open April to November.
5705 Centennial Rd., Sylvania. 419-882-8313.
Kids Bowl Free
Register kids online for this fun program which allows for two free games each day during spring and summer. More information can be found at kidsbowlfree.com. Call participating lanes for hours and more information.
Participating lanes:
Forest View Lanes. 2345 Dean Rd., Temperance. 734-847-4915. forestviewlanes.com
Timbers Bowling Center. 1246 Conant St., Maumee. 419-893-7631. timbersbowling.com
All Strikes Lanes. 5133 Telegraph Rd., Toledo. 419-476-7775. allstrikeslanes.com
Interstate Lanes. 819 Lime City Rd., Rossford. 419-666-2695. interstatelanes.com
Imagination Station
Free on Saturdays for Lucas County kids ages 12 and under with purchase of an adult admission (limit 7 kids per adult). Participate in hands-on science experiments, see cool demonstrations, and have fun at these interactive exhibits.
1 Discovery Way, Toledo. 419-244-2674.
Metroparks Toledo
Choose from over twenty metroparks and trails in the area, each with its own unique programs and features. Check the website for hours and event listings. Admission is free.
metroparkstoledo.com. 419-407-9700
Music Under the Stars at the Toledo Zoo
Enjoy free concerts in the Toledo Zoo’s amphitheater from July 7-August 11. Visit the website for complete listings.
2 Hippo Way, Toledo. 419-385-5721.
Public libraries
From summer reading programs to movies and special events, the local libraries are a great place to find free entertainment and educational experiences. Check your library’s website for the calendar of events.
Toledo Lucas County Public Library. 325 Michigan Street, Toledo. 419-259-5200. toledolibrary.org
Way Public Library. 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. 419-874-6129. waylibrary.info.
Bedford Branch Library. 8575 Jackman Rd., Temperance. 734-847-6747. mymcls.com/branch/bedford-branch-library.
Toledo Firefighters Museum
Admission is free. Future firefighters will enjoy exploring the exhibits, talking to firefighters, and learning about fire safety. Climb aboard fire engines and slide down the pole for an authentic experience. Open Saturdays 12-4pm
918 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo. 419-478-3473. toledofirefightersmuseum.org.
RELATED: Toledo Family Summer Fun Guide 2024
Toledo Museum of Art and Glass Pavilion
Free admission Wednesday through Sunday. Parking is $10, and special exhibits are $10 per person. Make sure to visit the Family Center, where kids can make art inspired by the exhibits.
2445 Monroe St., Toledo. 419-255-8000. toledomuseum.org.
Toledo Police Museum
Admission is free. Learn about the TPD history while exploring exhibits. Open Saturdays 10am-4pm.
2201 Kenwood Blvd., Toledo. 419-720-2485. toledopolicemuseum.com
The Toledo Zoo
Free admission for Lucas County residents on non-holiday Mondays from 10am-12pm with proof of residency.
2 Hippo Way, Toledo. 419-385-5721. toledozoo.org.