Low-Cost Summer Fun for Families Using SNAP/EBT Benefits in the Toledo Area

If you are using SNAP/EBT benefits, here are some great options for fun summer activities.

National Museum of the Great Lakes

1701 Front Street, Toledo. 419-214-5000.

Visit the National Museum of the Great Lakes, which boasts over 300 artifacts, photographs and audiovisual displays.  Tour the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, which is over 600 ft. long!

This museum is also part of Museums for All.  Admission to the museum and boats are free for all ages with a valid EBT card and ID.   

Imagination Station 

1 Discovery Way, Toledo. 419-244-2674.

At Imagination Station, you can learn about the science behind Star Wars, interact with water, learn about nutrition, exercise, sustainability, agriculture and your own mind.  

On Saturdays, Lucas County kids are admitted free, regardless of income level or benefits.  On other days, those with benefits are eligible for $3 tickets with up to 8 guests.  Bring your SNAP or WIC card and a photo ID to make use of this program. Note that Museums for All admission cannot be purchased online. 

Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

2 Hippo Way, Toledo. 419-385-5721. 

See birds, reptiles, fish, bugs and everything in between at the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium.  

Unlike some of the other museums on these lists, the SNAP/EBT admission reductions are only available online, through the Community Partner Membership Program.  

Cleveland Natural History museum

1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland. 216-231-4600 

Watch a 3D movie on dinosaurs of Antartica, check out the planetarium to learn about stars (and see a tribute to David Bowie!), and learn about the process of evolution through an interactive display.  

SNAP/EBT recipients are eligible for $1 tickets for up to four guests. In addition, Saturdays and Sundays are free for residents of Cleveland, East Cleveland, Brooklyn, Euclid, Garfield Heights, Maple Heights and Warrensville Heights, but proof of address is required. Children under 2 years of age are free. 

Fort Meigs Historic Site

29100 W River Rd, Perrysburg. 419-874-4121.

A relic of the War of 1812, this historic site has staff onsite, interacting with the fort and answering questions.  Spring through fall, the entire site is available for tours, guided or self-guided, including the fort, the visitor center, and the museum. The fort is closed for the winter months, but the other areas of the site remain open.  

Children 5 and under are always free, and this site is part of Museums for All. According to their Facebook, Fort Meigs is offering $1 tickets for adults and children are free for those presenting a valid SNAP card. 

Museum of Fulton County

8848 State Highway 108 Wauseon. 419-337-7922.

Learn all about Fulton County’s local history through exhibits, programs, demonstrations and a research facility.  The museum itself is a replica of the county courthouse.  

Also partnering with Museums for All, the Museum of Fulton County is offering 1$ admission to those with SNAP/EBT.  

Looking in a different area?

Check out Museums for All website! 

For all receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits), The Museums for All Initiative means anyone receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to over 1500 museums.  Click the link to find a museum near you!