Every year, thousands of Toledo area parents weigh in on the businesses, places and people they love. Parents rely on our list of winners to help them choose pediatricians, find the perfect birthday venue, grab the most delicious meal and much more. We are honored that you take the time to let your voice be heard and support your favorite area institutions. Here are the TAP Family Favorites of 2021!
Places and Spaces
Overnight Trip with the Kids
WINNER: Kalahari Resorts
Sandusky
7000 Kalahari Dr., Sandusky
877-525-2427
kalahariresorts.com
RUNNER UP:
Great Wolf Lodge
greatwolf.com
Family Activity
WINNER: Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way
419-385-4040
toledozoo.org
RUNNER UP:
Country Lane Tree Farm
countrylanetreefarm.com
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: Main Library
325 N. Michigan St.
419-259-5200
toledolibrary.org
RUNNER UP: Waterville
Place to Worship
WINNER: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Maumee
104 W. Broadway St., Maumee
419-893-4848
stjosephmaumee.org
RUNNER UP: Cedar Creek
cedarcreek.tv
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
toledowalleye.com
Place to Volunteer
WINNER: Toledo Humane Society
827 Illinois Ave., Maumee
419-891-0705
toledohumane.org
RUNNER UP:
Toledo’s Pet Bull Project
toledospetbullproject.com
Animal Encounters
WINNER: Indian Creek Zoo
2744 Consear Rd., Lambertville, MI
734-224-0390
indiancreekzoo.com
RUNNER UP: Toledo Zoo
toledozoo.org
Garden/Nature Center
WINNER: Toledo Botanical Garden
5403 Elmer Dr.
419-270-7500
metroparkstoledo.com
RUNNER UP: The 577 Foundation
577foundation.org
One of the Glass City’s most powerful resources of breathtaking views, the Toledo Botanical Garden offers 60 acres of quiet beauty. Offering 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.
COVID-Friendly Spot
WINNER: Metroparks Toledo
Various locations
419-407-9700
metroparkstoledo.com
RUNNER UP:
Country Lane Tree Farm
countrylanetreefarm.com
TIME TO PARTY
Party Entertainment
WINNER: Laurel’s Princess Parties
6800 Central Ave.
567-455-1134
laurelsprincessparties.com
RUNNER UP: Addie’s Closet Parties
addiescloset.shop
Place to Buy a Birthday Cake
WINNER: Sarah’s Sweets
facebook.com/sarahssweetstoledo
RUNNER UP:
Crowned Cakes by Jess
crownedcakesbyjess.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: Toledo Lamp Co.
toledolampcompany.com
Place for an indoor birthday bash
WINNER: Country Lane Tree Farm
3525 N. Bolander Rd., Genoa
419-461-1298
countrylanetreefarm.com
RUNNER UP: Paint Your Place
paintyourplacebyjm.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
metroparkstoledo.com
DELICIOUS EATS
Cupcakes/Bakery
WINNER: Natalie’s Cake Library
nataliescakelibrary.com
RUNNER UP: Cake in a Cup
cakeinacup.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: Local Thyme
6719 Providence St., Whitehouse
567-246-5014
localthyme.pub
RUNNER UP: Whitehouse Inn
thewhitehouseinn.net
Healthy Family Restaurant
WINNER: Fowl and Fodder
614 Adams St.
419-214-1588
fowlandfodder.com
RUNNER UP:
Balance Pan-Asian Grille
balancegrille.com
Kid Friendly Coffee Shop
WINNER: Flying Joe
2130 Preston Pkwy., Perrysburg
419-931-0273
theflyingjoe.com
RUNNER UP:
Brew House Coffee & Bake Shop
brewhousemaumee.com
Frozen Treats Shop
WINNER: Mr. Freeze
2031 N. McCord Rd.
627 W. South Boundary St., Perrysburg.
“Mr. Freeze” on Facebook
RUNNER UP: General’s Ice Cream
generalsicecream.com
Local Pizza Place
WINNER: 5th Street Pub
105 W. 5th St., Perrysburg
419-931-9933
5thstreetpub.com
RUNNER UP: PizzAroma
pizzaromamenu.com
Place Where Kids Eat Free
WINNER: Fricker’s
Various locations
frickers.com
RUNNER UP: El Vaquero
vaquerorestaurant.com
Best Delivery Option
WINNER: Jimmy John’s
Various locations
jimmyjohns.com
RUNNER UP: Vito’s Pizza
vitos.com
Best Curbside Option
WINNER: Balance Pan-Asian Grille
5860 W. Central Ave. 419-578-7777
26520 N. Dixie Hwy., Perrysburg.
419-874-7777 balancegrille.com
Though its downtown location may be temporarily closed, Balance’s Central Ave. and Perrysburg restaurants adapted admirably to a pandemic world. Customers can order on the official Balance App and pick up curbside at either location. With their amazing selection of snacks, bowls, tacos and more, there are few options that are better (or better for you) than Balance.
RUNNER UP: Zingo’s
eatzingos.com
Locally Owned Place to Buy Kids’ Clothing
WINNER: Piper Jean Bowtique
3132 West Sylvania Ave.
419-215-5720
“Piper Jean Bowtique”
on Facebook
RUNNER UP: Once Upon a Child
onceuponachild.com
Baby Boutique Shop
WINNER: Piper Jean Bowtique
3132 West Sylvania Ave.419-215-5720
Search “Piper Jean Bowtique”
on Facebook
RUNNER UP: Bowinkles
bowinklesboutique.com
Mom-Owned Business
WINNER: Axiom Lux
5650 W. Central Ave., Ste. D3
419-318-9005
axiomlux.com
RUNNER UP:
Piper Jean Bowtique
“Piper Jean Bowtique” on Facebook
Family Photographer
WINNER:
Lindsey Brown Photography
11639 Savannah Lake Blvd.,
Whitehouse
419-265-2518
lindseybrownphotos.com
RUNNER UP: Galati Photography
galatiphoto.com
Bike Shop
WINNER: Wersell’s
2860 Central Ave.
419-474-7412
wersellsbikeshop.com
RUNNER UP: Cycle Werks
shopcyclewerks.com
Kids’ Consignment/ Resale Shop
WINNER: Once Upon a Child
Various locations
onceuponachild.com
RUNNER UP: Twice but Nice
Search “Twice but Nice” on Facebook
Family-Friendly, Locally Owned Grocery Store
WINNER: Walt Churchill’s Market
3320 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee.
419-794-4000
26625 N. Dixie Hwy., Perrysburg.
419-872-6900
waltchurchillsmarket.com
RUNNER UP: Sautter’s
sauttersmarket.com
Place to Buy Children’s Books
WINNER: Gathering Volumes
196 E. South Boundary St., Perrysburg
567-336-6188
gatheringvolumes.com
RUNNER UP:
NeverMore Used Bookstore
Search “NeverMore Used Bookstore”
on Facebook
Black-Owned Business
WINNER: We Be Ribs
21 Wenz Rd.
419-537-9268
weberibs.com
There are some names that are just synonymous with cuisine in Toledo. Steak: Mancy’s. Hot Dogs: Packo’s. Ribs: …well, it’s right there in the name. Owner and founder James McDay has worked tirelessly to create the most lip-smackingly delicious sauce in Northwest Ohio for his ribs and one taste will let you know it was worth every effort. We Be Ribs has been a staple of Toledo diets since 1993.
RUNNER UP:
Jera’s Heavenly Sweets
jheavenlysweet.com
Local Parent Facebook Group
WINNER: Toledo Moms
facebook.com/toledomomcollective
RUNNER UP:
Toledo Moms for Social Justice
Search “Toledo Moms for Social Justice” on Facebook
Local Online Influencer
WINNER: Toledo Moms
facebook.com/toledomomcollective
RUNNER UP:
Mom on the Go in Holy Toledo
momonthegoinholytoledo.com
Local YouTube Videos
WINNER: Erin Marsh Yoga
facebook.com/ErinMarshYoga
RUNNER UP: Jaden Jefferson Reports
Search “Jaden Jefferson Reports” on YouTube
Local Business/Organization that Transitioned Online due to COVID
WINNER: Laurel’s Princess Parties
6800 Central Ave.
567-455-1134
laurelsprincessparties.com
RUNNER UP: Toledo Library
toledolibrary.org
WATCH ME SOAR
Preschool
WINNER: Children’s Discovery Center
Various locations
419-867-8570
childrensdiscoverycenters.com
RUNNER UP: Elizabeth Wayne Preschool
stpaulsmaumee.org/ewpreschool
Teacher
WINNER: Melissa Gottschalk, Waterville Primary School
RUNNER UP: Marissa Minnick-Metcalf, St. Joseph Catholic Church
School Principal
WINNER: Jamie Hollinger,
Waterville Primary
RUNNER UP: Cristy Seely, Elizabeth Wayne Preschool
Elementary School
WINNER:
Waterville Primary School
457 Sycamore Ln., Waterville
419-878-2436
anthonywayneschools.org
RUNNER UP:
West Side Montessori
montessoritoledo.org
Middle School
WINNER:
Fallen Timbers Middle School
6119 Finzel Rd., Whitehouse
419-877-0601
anthonywayneschools.org
RUNNER UP: Perrysburg Jr. High
perrysburgschools.net
Charter School
WINNER: Toledo School for the Arts
333 14th St.
419-246-8732
ts4arts.org
Founded by Martin Porter in 1999, TSA has distinguished itself as one of the preeminent performing arts schools— not just locally, but nationwide. Beyond preparing its students for the collegiate level with a focus on core subjects, attendees get the chance to learn about theatre, dance, visual arts and more, with opportunities to learn from professional artists and working partnerships with Toledo cultural cornerstones as well.
RUNNER UP:
Northwest Ohio Classical Academy
nocacademy.org
Parochial School
WINNER: St. Ursula
4025 Indian Rd.
419-531-1693
toledosua.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: St. John’s Jesuit
sjjtoledo.org
After-School Program
WINNER: Girls on the Run
6024 Renaissance Pl.
419-318-9211
girlsontherun.org
RUNNER UP:
Children’s Discovery Center
childrensdiscoverycenters.com
Tutoring Center
WINNER: Sylvan Learning
Various locations
sylvanlearning.com
RUNNER UP: Kumon
kumon.com
Special Needs Service
WINNER:
Help Me Grow— Lucas County
1020 Varland Ave.
419-691-1429, ext. 244
helpmegrow.org
RUNNER UP:
Ability Center of Greater Toledo
abilitycenter.org
Daycare
WINNER:
Children’s Discovery Center
Various locations
419-867-8570
childrensdiscoverycenters.com
RUNNER UP:
Maria Early Learning Center
mariaelc.org
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES
Acting and Theatre Classes
WINNER:
Children’s Theatre Workshop
2417 Collingwood Blvd.
419-244-5061
ctwtoledo.org
RUNNER UP:
Perrysburg Musical Theater Company
perrysburgmusicaltheatre.org
Dance Studio
WINNER:
Rising Stars Dance Academy
3640 N. Holland Sylvania Rd.
419-279-1127
risingstarsdanceacad.com
RUNNER UP: Dance Expressions
dance-expressions-studio.com
Kids Art Class
WINNER: Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St.
419-255-8000
toledomuseum.org
RUNNER UP: Pop It Paint It
popitpaintit.com
Gymnastics Class
WINNER:
Sunrise Gymnastics Academy
3640 N. Holland Sylvania Rd.
419-841-2902
sunrisegymnastics.com
RUNNER UP:
New Heights Gymnastics and More
newheightstoledo.com
Martial Arts Program
WINNER:
New Heights Gymnastics and More
6539 Weatherfield Ct., Maumee
419-795-2132
newheightstoledo.com
RUNNER UP:
Jon Penny’s Black Belt Academy
jpblackbeltacademy.com
Swim Lessons
WINNER: SafeSplash + SwimLabs
1510 Spring Meadows Dr. #D-100
419-370-2801
safesplash.com
RUNNER UP:
YMCA of Greater Toledo
ymcatoledo.org
Horseback Lessons
WINNER: Country Lane Tree Farm
3525 N. Bolander Rd., Genoa
419-461-1298
countrylanetreefarm.com
RUNNER UP: Oxford Farm
oxfordfarms.com
Soccer Lessons
WINNER: Soccer Shots
soccershots.org
RUNNER UP:
Pacesetter Soccer Club
pacesettersoccer.com
DOCTOR’S ORDERS
Pediatric Practice
WINNER: Perrysburg Pediatrics
1601 Brigham Dr. #200, Perrysburg
419-872-7700
RUNNER UP: Franklin Park Pediatrics
franklinparkpediatrics.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. The hospital also features a variety of childbirth classes and postpartum support groups.
RUNNER UP: McLaren St. Luke’s
mclaren.org
Music Lessons
WINNER: Forté Music School
3208 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-471-2100
fortemusicandarts.com
Name an instrument, almost any instrument. Yep, Forté 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 of these awards every year.
RUNNER UP:
The Liz Baldwin Studio
Search “Liz Baldwin Studio” on Facebook
Chiropractor
WINNER: Innate Health Chiropractic
26580 N. Dixie Hwy #101, Perrysburg
419-872-2255
getinnatehealth.com
RUNNER UP: Brendon McMahon, McMahon Chiropractic
mcmahonchiropractictoledo.com
Allergist
WINNER: M. Razi Rafeeq, ProMedica Physicians
1050 Isaac Streets Dr. #128, Oregon
419-693-2230
promedica.org
RUNNER UP: Dr. Ghassan Safadi, Allergy Clinic Ohio
allergyclinicohio.com
Pediatric Dentist
WINNER:
Erin Knierim
3036 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-474-0733
drknierim.com
RUNNER UP:
Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care
sylvaniapediatricdentalcare.com
Family Dentist
WINNER:
Jon Frankel Dentistry
5012 Talmadge Rd., #100
419-474-9611
jonfrankeldentistry.com
RUNNER UP:
Howard, Nicholas and Baburek
happysmiletoledo.com
Orthodontist
WINNER: HLS Orthodontics
Various locations
perfectbraces.com
RUNNER UP: Dr. Jean Kay,
Kay and Paulus Orthodontics
kayandpaulus.com
Speech/Language
Therapist
WINNER: Leah Bechstein, Wood County Hospital Rehab Services
950 W. Wooster St., Bowling Green
419-354-8900
woodcountyhospital.org
RUNNER UP: Grace Kelly, 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:
Anchored in Hope Counseling
anchoredinhopecounseling.org
Natural
Homeopathic Health
WINNER: Dr. Maleigha Watts, Toledo Naturopathic
13 S. 3rd St., Waterville
419-376-6104
toledonaturopathic.com
RUNNER UP: Jennifer Pfleghaar, Pflegmed Integrative Medicine
pflegmed.com
Veterinarian
WINNER:
Whitehouse Animal Hospital
6828 Texas St., Whitehouse
419-877-0411
Search “Whitehouse Animal Hospital”
on Facebook
RUNNER UP:
Heatherdowns Veterinary Clinic
heatherdownsvetclinic.com
Local Doc/Practice
that Instituted Innovative Ways to Stay Safe
during COVID
WINNER:
Perrysburg Family Physicians
702 Commerce Dr. #160, Perrysburg
419-872-7600
perrysburgfp.com
RUNNER UP: Dr. Jon Frankel,
Jon Frankel Dentistry
jonfrankeldentistry.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
ottawapark.org
Place to Play Mini-Golf
WINNER: Par 2 Golf
210 E. Alexis Rd.
419-478-4477
par2golf.com
RUNNER UP:
Perry Falls Mini Golf
Search “Perry Falls Mini Golf” on Facebook
Park or playground
WINNER: Oak Openings
4139 Girdham Rd., Swanton
419-360-9179
metroparkstoledo.com
RUNNER UP:
Toledo Botanical Gardens
metroparkstoledo.com
Waterpark
WINNER:
Kalahari Resorts Sandusky
7000 Kalahari Dr., Sandusky
877-525-2427
kalahariresorts.com
Featuring the state’s largest indoor waterpark, Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky offers a remarkable variety of ways to have fun while getting wet, no matter if you wanna take it easy or find some excitement. And the kids will love the colorful slides!
RUNNER UP: Great Wolf Lodge
greatwolf.com
Family Friendly Gym/Fitness Club
WINNER:
New Heights Gymnastics & More
6539 Weatherfield Ct., Maumee
419-795-2132
newheightstoledo.com
RUNNER UP: YMCA of Greater Toledo
ymcatoledo.org
Soccer Program
WINNER: Pacesetter Soccer Club
5400 Central Ave.
419-885-3140
pacesettersoccer.com
RUNNER UP: Soccer Shots
soccershots.org
Youth Sports League
WINNER:
Anthony Wayne Youth Foundation
7225 Providence St., Whitehouse
419-877-5050
awcommunity.net
RUNNER UP: YMCA of Greater Toledo
ymcatoledo.org
Summer Day Camp
WINNER:
New Heights Gymnastics & More
6539 Weatherfield Ct., Maumee
419-795-2132
newheightstoledo.com
RUNNER UP: Country Lane Tree Farm
countrylanetreefarm.com
Kids Fitness Class
WINNER:
New Heights Gymnastics & More
6539 Weatherfield Ct., Maumee
419-795-2132
newheightstoledo.com
RUNNER UP:
YMCA of Greater Toledo
ymcatoledo.org
Park for Family Hikes
WINNER: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark
4139 Girdham Rd., Swanton
419-360-9179
metroparkstoledo.com
RUNNER UP:
Wildwood Preserve Metropark
metroparkstoledo.com
Family Friendly Bike Trails
WINNER:
Oak Openings Preserve Metropark
4139 Girdham Rd., Swanton
419-360-9179
metroparkstoledo.com
RUNNER UP: University Trail
metroparkstoledo.com
Date Night
WINNER: Benchmark Restaurant
6130 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg
419-873-6590
benchmark-restaurant.com
RUNNER UP: Spaghetti Warehouse
meatballs.com
Girls’ Night Out
WINNER:
Peace Love & Pottery Studio
6750 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-517-4414
peaceloveandpotterystudio.com
RUNNER UP: The Heights
theheightstoledo.com
Spa Day for Mom
WINNER:
Serenity Health & Wellness Center
1685 Lance Pointe Rd., Maumee
419-891-2181
serenitywellness1.com
RUNNER UP:
Soto Signature Salon and Spa
sotosalonspa.com
Most Generous Volunteer Group
WINNER: Acoustics for Autism
acousticsforautism.com
RUNNER UP:
Lucas County Juvenile Court CASA
casakids.net
Best Online Resource for Education
WINNER:
Toledo-Lucas County Public Library
toledolibrary.org
RUNNER UP:
Toledo Zoo
toledozoo.org
Best Remote Learning Options
WINNER:
Anthony Wayne Local Schools
anthonywayneschools.org
RUNNER UP:
Imagination Station
imaginationstationtoledo.org
Workout for Mom
WINNER: YMCA of Greater Toledo
6465 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-729-8135
ymcatoledo.org
No matter your age or how intense a workout you are looking for, the YMCA offers something for you. A vast variety of group exercise classes and programs are available, and if you want something a little more in depth, the Y also offers sessions with personal trainers who can tailor your workout to your particular needs.
RUNNER UP: Fitmama 419
fitmamas419.com
