A roundup of must-see playgrounds and parks
Winter is finally over and everyone is ready to soak in the sunshine and fresh air. For some free, and fun, activities, check out these great local playgrounds and parks to keep kids entertained. And parents, don’t be surprised if you feel like playing along, too.
Farnsworth Park
8505 S River Rd., Waterville
419-779-6052
metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/farnsworth
Farnsworth Park’s playground is definitely unique and a ton of fun. This playground is relatively new, having opened in 2014. It was designed by artists who created play equipment mixed with natural-looking pieces of art that are built for play. For instance, kids enter the playground through a replica of a tree, and encounter animal statues throughout. This playground is not only fun, but artistically beautiful.
Fort Imagination Playground
E. Boundary St. and SR 795, Perrysburg
815-622-6200 | ci.perrysburg.oh.us
Tucked in beautiful Woodlands Park, Fort Imagination Playground is a bastion of fun. This huge community built playground is a great time for kids of all ages, with monkey bars, swings and a variety of different slides, including the ever popular tall twirly slides. For younger kids there is a smaller playground perfect for people their size. When, and if, the kids tire of the playground you can take a stroll through the flower gardens, visit the open field and fly a kite, or check out the 18 hole disc golf course.
Imagination Kingdom Playground
700 E. Oak St., Wauseon
facebook.com/pages/Imagination-Kingdom/238251962968579
Located in Reighard Park, Imagination Kingdom Playground is handicapped accessible, making it available to all children. Kids just need to bring their imagination here! Designed like a castle, each child becomes a prince or princess as they walk through the entrance. Children can become a conductor on a train or even an outlaw in the Wild West as they explore the various settings and scenes in the playground. Also, this playground is made entirely of plastic and is completely fenced in, so no need to worry about splinters or anyone running off.
Strawberry Acres
950 S. McCord Rd.,
Holland 419-865-7104
hollandohio.com/strawberry-acres-park
Strawberry Acres Park offers not one, but two playgrounds for your children’s enjoyment. One playground is specifically designed for toddlers, so you don’t have to worry about your littlest ones on the super tall slides. But for the older kids, the tall spinny slide is a sure hit! Other highlights of the park include the walking path, picnic areas with grills, and pickleball courts.
Oak Openings Metropark
4139 Girdham Rd., Swanton | 419-360-9179
metroparkstoledo.com/features-and-rentals/oak-openings-playground
Oak Openings Metropark not only has awesome hiking and biking trails, but it also has a recently refurbished playground, located at Mallard Lake, which features some natural and unique aspects of Oak Openings. Kids can enjoy a two-story plastic oak tree that gives them an awesome view of the park and access to the big spinny tunnel slide. Also unique to this playground is a play hill with a tunnel and slides, an arch swing set, and a zipline. Right next to the playground is the Buehner Center, an indoor hands-on educational nature facility that kids can visit to learn more about nature in their own backyard.
Wildwood Metropark
5100 Central Ave.,
Toledo 419-270-7500
metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/wildwood
Wildwood Metropark is a great place to spend a day. A huge hit, nature’s creatures are incorporated throughout to imbue a forest and field theme. Kids will love the merry-go-round and the multi-user disk swing which allows multiple kids to swing at once. The playground also includes four slides, rope bridges, monkeybars, and swings for all ages. Right next to the playground are two picnic shelters, perfect for a lunch break. A large field near the playground is great for kicking a ball around or playing baseball with friends.