The kids are restless again, the snack cupboard is running low and there’s nothing good to watch. Sound familiar?
Before you spend another Saturday trying to entertain everyone, or spend a couple hundred dollars just to get out of the house, remember that some of Northwest Ohio’s best family adventures are right in our own backyard.
Toledo is home to an incredible collection of Metroparks, each with something different to offer. From trails made for little legs to playgrounds that can keep kids busy for hours, from quiet places to watch wildlife to wide-open spaces perfect for running, climbing and exploring, there’s a Metropark for just about every kind of family.
And perhaps best of all? Getting outside doesn’t have to break the bank. Spending time in nature is good for our kids, good for our families and, in a time when everything seems to cost more, very good for the pocketbook.
So pack the water bottles, grab the snacks, leave the tablets at home (or don’t we’re parents, after all), and get ready to explore.
Each Toledo Metropark has something unique to offer, so try one or try them all. Here’s my parent-tested guide to making the most of a weekend exploring the Metroparks of Northwest Ohio.
Wildwood Metropark
5100 Central Ave, Toledo
Best for: Variety
Why we love it: The amount of options that cater to all ages
The trails: There are many stroller friendly and little leg friendly trails as well as slightly more challenging ones that go more ‘off road’.
The playground: One of the larger playgrounds available good for a range of ages.
Family-friendly amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, shelters. Wildwood is also home to The Manor House, which is open to tours on a limited schedule.
Accessibility: Accessible trails, playground features, parking, bathrooms and other considerations.
Parent tip: There are so many areas to explore, you might want to plan more than one trip to do so and focus on one spot at a time.
Weekend verdict: Wildwood is a family favorite and a must visit in Toledo.
Glass City Metropark
1505 Front St, Toledo
Best for: Options and Amenities
Why we love it: Not only are there playground options, but The Ribbon for rollerskating or scooters as well as restaurants for family dining.
The trails: This park is less about trails, although you can walk along the river. It’s more about great playgrounds, one catered to younger children and the other for the big kids as well as the option to rollerblade, rollerskate or rent a scooter.
The playground: Two playgrounds are available, one for the younger kids and one for the big kids. Glass City features the biggest slides and tallest climbs of all the parks.
Family-friendly amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, shelters, dining and splash pad.
Accessibility: Accessible trails, playground features, parking, bathrooms and other considerations.
Parent tip: Be prepared to rent rollerskates or scooters to have maximum fun.
Weekend verdict: We like this spot because we can play and then grab lunch or dinner all in one spot.
Swan Creek Metropark
4301 Airport Highway, Toledo
Best for: Riding Bikes
Why we love it: There are two playgrounds, lots of trails through the woods, and bike paths.
The trails: Not only are there trails that are great for hiking, but there are many paved paths that making loading up the bikes worth it.
The playground: Both entrances to Swan Creek feature a playground. While neither is very large, they are well maintained and offer plenty of fun for the kiddos.
Family-friendly amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas, shelters.
Accessibility: Accessible trails, playground features, parking, bathrooms and other considerations.
Parent tip: Pack a picnic and really off road it. Pack up the bikes and bring them along.
Weekend verdict: When we really feel like being in nature, this is our pick!
Northwest Ohio is lucky to have so many beautiful places to explore right in our backyard. So the next time the kids are climbing the walls and you’re wondering what to do, skip the screens, grab some snacks and head to a Metropark.
