Let’s face it: thinking of fun outings on the fly isn’t always easy when you’re a busy parent trying to keep the kids entertained. It’s easy to say, “Let’s just stay home and play in the yard,” when you are fresh out of ideas. That’s where we come in! We put together a fun list of places for you to take the kiddos in the Toledo area. Have some others you’d like us to add? Make sure to give us feedback on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Boyd’s Retro Candy Store
954 Phillips Ave.
419-720-7387
For the last 80 years, Boyd’s Retro candy store has brought joy to countless Toledoans, young and old. Its bright pink building has basically become iconic. Candy holds a special place in every generation’s heart, so parents and grandparents will love this trip as much as the kids do. Specializing in candy from the 50s, 60s and 70s, there’s a little something for any era’s nostalgia. Boyd’s Retro Candy Store also takes catering orders to make every event this summer a little sweeter!
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
2 Hippo Way
419-385-5721
Anyone from Toledo will tell you that you simply have to check out our zoo. Housing over 10,000 animals and 720 different species, the Toledo Zoo serves as a great educational arena for both children and adults. With exhibits such as the arctic encounter, hippoquarium, primate forest and the reptile house, the zoo has something for everyone to enjoy.
Sauder Village
22611 OH-2, Archbold
419-446-2541
Sauder Village is a blast from the past that celebrates the Indigenous origins, early immigrant settlers and the development of local communities in our region. Families are given the opportunity to enjoy America’s history spanning from 1803 through 1920! The Village also hosts special events and classes this summer as well. The chance to meet farm animals is also an experience offered. Finally, after a long walk through the village, homestyle food and sweets are available at the Barn Restaurant and the Doughbox Bakery!
Toledo Botanical Garden
5403 Elmer Dr.
419-279-7500
The Toledo Botanical Garden is open to the public every day and is visited by 120,000 people all year round. Visitors are given the chance to enjoy more than 60 acres of land, and the Garden also offers a natural playground called the Secret Forest that kids will love. All visitors are given the opportunity to learn more about nature through hands-on experience with nature and craft workshops.
918 W. Sylvania Ave.
419-478-3473
Visitors enjoy free admission at this educational museum dedicated to our brave first responders. Kids will love seeing memorabilia, a 1929 fire truck, and compelling stories about firefighters throughout the years. Take advantage of this hidden local gem on Saturdays from noon until 4pm.
Imagination Station
1 Discovery Way
419-244- 2674
Imagination Station is a nonprofit organization that welcomes over 200,000 visitors every year and encourages all visitors to think outside the box. With hundreds of interactive hands-on activities, events, and workshops, Imagination Station is a great way to expand and build upon a child’s scientific knowledge. This organization gives children the opportunity to feed their innate curiosity for the world of science.
Tam-O-Shanter
7060 W Sylvania Ave, Sylvania
419-885-1167
The winter activities don’t have to come to an end just because it’s summer, right? Tam-O-Shanter offers ice skating and hockey for adults and children. This Recreational center also hosts events revolving around these activities during the summer. Tickets must be pre purchased, so visit their website today if you are planning a trip there.
Fossil Park
5705 Centennial Rd, Sylvania
419-882-8313
Fossil Park is a great way to explore the outdoors. Open all year round, the park provides fossil hunting, as well as a bike and walking trail. Fossil Park has five acres of land, offering plenty of opportunities for your child to test their archeological skills! This park is also dog friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the area as well.
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St, Toledo
419-255-8000
Since 1901, the Toledo Museum of Art has focused on enriching art education in our community. These opportunities include workshops, tours, hands-on activities, lectures and more. What’s more, all visitors can come and enjoy all the art free of charge.
The Glass Pavilion
2444 Monroe St.
419-255-8000
Toledo is known as the Glass City for a reason! Toledo and glass-making have a rich history that visitors are encouraged to learn about at the Glass Pavilion. Open since 2006, it has been an incredible resource and source of joy for families in our region. For those interested in the history of the art of glass blowing, the Glass Pavilion offers art classes and workshops for both children and adults!
National Museum of the Great Lakes
1701 Front St.
419-214-5000
This museum provides information about the Great Lakes and provides interactive activities for people of all ages. Visitors are also able to go inside the historic boats, in addition to learning about the natural and man-made parts of the Lakes themselves. For those unfamiliar with the importance the Great Lakes have played in local and national history, this museum is a great place to start!
National Construction Equipment Museum
166623 Liberty Hi Rd., Bowling Green
419-352-5616
The 2023 37th HCEA (Historical Construction Equipment Association) convention will be held in Bowling Green from September 22-24. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire over 180 construction machines, all from the late 19th and 20th century! Trucks, engines, and military vehicles will also be displayed. There will also be on-site camping.
The HCEA is also well on their way to opening a museum and are currently raising the funds for the project. Currently, over $200,000 has been raised due to the generous donations of those in the community. Ken Taylor, owner of Ohio CAT has agreed to match $500,000 of donations!
To donate or for more information, visit hcea.net.
Tickets for the convention are:
- $10 Per day
- $ 20 per weekends pass
- Free for children under age 12
