
Say you’ve got friends visiting Toledo for a weekend; where do you take them to best give an idea of what Toledo has to offer?
This list is intended to answer that question. It includes the popular locations as well as a few hidden gems. In general, it is family friendly because this is Toledo Parent; although I have included a few things for some kid-free time. The date of the visit would make a big difference too but I’ve tried to include places that are great all year. Here’s the list:
Friday morning/afternoon
The Toledo Zoo is a must-visit for families. With over 10,000 animals representing 720 species, it’s a wildlife lover’s paradise. Children can feed giraffes, ride a train and explore the impressive aquarium. The zoo’s commitment to conservation and education ensures a safe and enlightening experience. Currently, you can see Kirkja, the baby elephant. She is adorable!
2 Hippo Way, Toledo. 419-385-5721.
Friday afternoon into the evening
One of the best free art museums in the country. If you get here before five, make sure to take the kids to the Family Center, where they can work on the art project of the day or do their own thing. After that check out the art and make sure to walk across the street to the Glass Pavilion. If you’re lucky maybe there will be a concert in the gorgeous Peristyle. Eat dinner at the cafe.
2445 Monroe St, Toledo. 419-255-8000.
Extra time
Walk or drive through the Old West End, Toledo’s most beautiful neighborhood.
Saturday morning
Open year-round, the downtown farmers’ market is a great place to find local food and more.
525 Market St, Toledo. 419-255-6765.
Great prices on all things glass. Take home a little keepsake from the Glass City.
205 S Erie St, Toledo. 419-254-5000.
Lunch
Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar
Toledo is spoiled with a lot of great Lebanese restaurants. Show the out of towners why this newish downtown restaurant is still the talk of the town. Souk blends Lebanese with Turkish, Greek, Italian and other Mediterranean dishes to make it a great place for everyone.
139 S Huron St, Toledo. 567-777-7685.
Afternoon (Summer)
The Mud Hens moved downtown over twenty years ago and it has been a wonderful boost to the area. Even if you don’t make a game or it is out of season, take a stroll around the beautiful stadium. Peek in to the stadium through the holes in the fence in the statue which immortalized this writer’s childhood at Ned Skelton Stadium
406 Washington St, Toledo. 419-725-4367.
Afternoon (Winter)
Toledo has had a lot of fun minor league hockey teams through the years but the Walleye are my favorite and the Huntington Center is a great place to watch a game.
500 Jefferson Ave, Toledo. 419-725-9255.
Afternoon (any season)
Perfect spot for a rainy, cold or dreary day. Two floors filled with fun stuff for kids and kids-at-heart.
1 Discovery Way, Toledo. 419-244-2674.
Dinner (more casual)
Tony Packo’s (the original)
What would a Toledo bucket list be without Tony Packo’s? I prefer the original for the ambiance and history but there is also one close by Fifth Third Field.
1902 Front St, Toledo. 419-691-6054.
Dinner (fancy)
So good! Best sushi in the area and the yakitori options are wonderful for those that don’t care for sushi. Make sure you get reservations.
38 S St Clair St, Toledo. 419-214-0574.
Watch the sunset
Huge new park with lots of things for the whole family: a boardwalk with rope swings, two great playgrounds, kayaking, roller/ice skating, Mini Maumee splash pad, etc….All with great views of the downtown skyline.
1505 Front St, Toledo.
Bonus time:
1701 Front St, Toledo. 419-214-5000.
Great museum for anyone interested in learning more about Earth’s largest collection of freshwater.
1717 Adams St, Toledo. 419-214-1717.
Buy a local keepsake to remember Toledo.
Sunday (Choose your own adventure)
Rest and relax at our amazing metroparks:
Our largest metropark with a lot of things to see! Mallard Lake, Sand Dunes, The Spot.
Great basecamp for the best hikes or bike rides in the area.
Best place in Toledo for taking photos of humans in beautiful surroundings
Kayak the Maumee River
Lovely park for a stroll along the river. Walk to downtown Maumee for lunch or dinner
Not a metropark, but still a beautiful spot. Stroll the grounds, feed the fish, explore the geodesic dome, buy some used books; this has been one of my favorite places in the area for years.
577 E Front St, Perrysburg. 419-874-4174.
Watch a movie at our unique theaters:
4500 Navarre Ave, Oregon. 419-407-6628.
601 Conant St, Maumee. 419-897-8902.
RELATED: Kid-Friendly Breweries in the Toledo Area
Checklist for next visit:
Drinks / Breweries
- The Heights
- Georgjz419 Food, Fun, & Spirits
- Earnest Beer Works
- Maumee Bay Brewing Company
- Toledo Spirits / Heavy Beer Co.
- Patron Saints
- Arlyn’s Good Beer (especially with kids)
- Downtown
- Adams Street
- Maumee
- Sylvania
- Perrysburg
Restaurants
- Byblos
- Sidon
- Tiger Bakery
- Black Forest Cafe
- J’Mae’s
- J & G’s
- Inky’s
- Gino’s
- San Marcos
- Clara J’s Tea Room
In memoriam
Rusty’s Jazz Cafe
One of my favorite places on Earth. If you were lucky enough to have made it to Rusty’s before she sold the joint twenty years ago, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it will stay with you, for Rusty’s is a moveable feast.