There comes a time (or many times) in a parent’s life when they need to grab the kids and do something productive. Preferably educational, but also fun. Toledo has lots of options when it comes to planning some time away from home – both outside and inside activities – for even the youngest kids.
Harvard Health says it’s good to get the kids out – for exercise, becoming creative and imaginative, taking risks, socialization and (when they’re outside) sunshine and an appreciation of nature. And engage the kids when you’re out with them. According to The LEGO Foundation, games, instruction, guided play (with a prompt) and free play can make any walk at all – anywhere – a rewarding experience.
And there isn’t a need to make each time away the biggest or best ever. Time in the back yard, a walk in the neighborhood, exploring the nearest Target store all count. Try these locations for some special adventures.
Outdoor experiences
Toledo Botanical Garden, part of Metroparks Toledo, is a special place to explore its 60+ acres of grasslands, formal gardens and plant collections, and find a wide range of sculptures. Tackle the Secret Forest multi-level outdoor discovery area, or the sensory Doneghy Inclusive Garden. And visit the Artist Village for its monthly open houses to learn about making your own art.
Getting outdoors can bring a plethora of benefits, and Metroparks Toledo works hard to serve everyone, from exercise to camps and classes. Take the youngest kids along as you walk or bike their miles of trails. And nurture kids’ budding skills at a variety of camps and classes that run throughout the year, most beginning for kids at age 5 and up. For example, the Metroparks Outdoor Explorers Camp (from age 5 to 7) is a week-long adventure. Or how about archery, fishing, horseback riding or other skills in day-long programs?
An environmental oasis along the Maumee River, Perrysburg’s 577 offers play and discovery for kids of all ages, including a river walk trail, an interactive garden, nature playscape or archaeologist’s dig. In addition, classes (many for kids as young as 4 years old, along with their parents) can be a great introduction to pottery, bees and butterflies, cooking and coloring.
RELATED: Prioritize Hydration for Summer Adventures
Head outside at the Toledo Zoo for a Stroller Safari, where both you and your child are stimulated by a walk around the grounds and fun facts about all the animals. Older kids head inside to meet the animals and learn about conservation.
Other outdoor experiences for young kiddos:
- Pumpkin or apple farms, offering tours, you-pick opportunities and samples
- How about a Mud Hens game
- Parks systems in Toledo, Sylvania, Wood County and other areas
Inside fun
A stroller walk through the Toledo Museum of Art is a great way to explore new and favorite works of art while changing your child’s viewpoint for a time. Entrance is always free to the museum (however, some special exhibits are ticketed). Then try the Family Center’s free, one-hour workshops that include supplies and guidance for creating works of art. Activities are daily and registration is required. Formal classes for kids begin at age 6 and run throughout the year.
Downtown’s main library branch is a beautiful place to explore, its art deco design, vast spaces and children’s mural supplying lots of inspirational views. But also check out their programs: Babytime helps to develop early literacy skills in babies up to 18 months. Preschool Learn and Play and Preschool Storytime helps kids ages 3 to 5 get ready for school through movement, crafting, playing and even STEM work. Programs for older kids are also available, here and at the library’s 20 neighborhood locations.
Learn about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) while you have a ball at Imagination Station! The science center is a visual delight for kids, and demonstrations and programs are exciting to witness. Take a break with a stop at their 3D theater. Plus, kids younger than kindergarten age can participate in programs, and 6-year-olds in summer camps.
Some other stops for indoor fun:
- Stroll through the shopping mall to get some steps and see the busy retail stores
- Local YMCA locations are a great place for preschool gymnastics (ages 1-5) or (in some centers) a swimming lesson
- Private gymnastics centers around the area have classes for kids under 5
- Heritage Sylvania center offers a hands-on look at the area’s history
- Book stores are a great visual experience, and many have children’s centers
- Let’s go see the Walleye
- Restaurants with kids’ fun (Chuck E Cheese, Dave & Buster’s)
