While there are lots of fun activities and camps geared toward the younger kids, let’s not forget about the teens. Help your teens unplug from video games and social media and check out some of these great places to hang out in the area.
Does your teen love the arts? If so, the Toledo Museum of Art is a great place to spend time. With some of the most impressive galleries and exhibits in the area. Additionally the Museum regularly offers art classes and workshops geared toward teens. Admission and parking is free, so this is a great place to visit for teens on a budget.
Fun is in the name for a reason. Funagin’s is a great place for the whole family, and teens will especially enjoy the laser tag facility. Additionally the roller rink is always a hit with its great music and lighting. Your teen might also enjoy checking out the arcade with dozens of games. For something both unique and challenging for the whole family, or for your teen and their friends, Funagin’s offers three escape rooms that can be reserved.
Teens are never too old for a trampoline park. With attractions like a ninja warrior course, trapeze and swing, ultimate dodgeball and skyslam, your teens will have a blast.
The Toledo area is lucky to have multiple YMCA locations with various activities scheduled every day. The YMCA is a great place for teens to workout, socialize, develop new skills and have fun. Activities vary depending on location, but many YMCA locations have pools, basketball courts, workout equipment and various classes and programs.
For the teens with a love for adventure, Toledo offers beautiful Metroparks, located throughout the Toledo area, and they have so much to do. There are numerous paved trails perfect for biking and skateboarding, unpaved trails great for hiking, skiing and mountain biking, water access for fishing and kayaking and volunteer opportunities for teens with various camps. Additionally the Metroparks offer programs such as rock climbing, archery, camping 101, paddleboarding and so much more.
A great family trip that your teen will love is Cedar Point. If you’re up for a short drive, Cedar Point will not disappoint. Cedar Point has some of the tallest, fastest and longest rollercoasters in the world, top-notch musical performances and good food.
When it comes to music education in the Toledo area, Forté Music School has set itself apart as the premier destination for students of all ages and skill levels. With the area’s most professional instructors, a caring and dedicated office team and a state-of-the-art facility, Forté has earned its reputation as the best in the region since 2006.
Recently, Forté Music School renovated and expanded its Toledo campus, to now include a dance studio, a recital hall, 4 spacious waiting areas and 30 light-filled studios designed to inspire creativity and accelerate student progress. These improvements create an environment where both students and families feel comfortable, supported and motivated.
In addition to its Toledo expansion, Forté has proudly opened a new location in Perrysburg, further extending its reach and opportunities for local families. This new location includes a 250 seat auditorium, a recital hall, a dance studio, a large waiting area, ample on-site parking and 20 large studios.
Enrollment is now open at both locations, offering a full range of programs that nurture a love of music from the earliest ages through adulthood.
Forté offerings include Music FunTime classes for children as young as 18 months, Group Piano Lessons for ages 5–7 and Private One-On-One Instruction for all ages, all instruments and all skill levels — from complete beginners to advanced musicians.
Starting this fall, Forté is also thrilled to introduce Princess Pre-Ballet Classes for young beginners ages 3–7. The unique, curriculum-based program “Around the World Fairytale Princess Ballet” is a dream come true for little dancers, blending movement, imagination and global fairytales into an enchanting first step into the world of dance.
Since opening its doors in 2006, Forté Music School has maintained a proven track record of excellence. With its talented faculty, welcoming environment and commitment to student growth, Forté continues to be the place where music education—and now dance—thrives.
Grace and Gavin Gibson and their project to make blankets for kids in hospitals.
TPS becomes phone-free
Toledo Public Schools recently announced a new policy now in effect, district-wide. Students will no longer have access to their cell-phones during school hours. The policy also includes no personal electronic devices. This new policy is a direct response to Ohio House Bill 250, which requires all Ohio schools to adopt official cell-phone use policies for during the school day. Students’ devices are locked up throughout the day and unlocked upon dismissal.
Kids sell lemonade to help warm hearts
This summer Northwood siblings, Grace and Gavin Gibson, took the initiative to start “Project Warming Hearts,” intended to help kids in need. The duo ran a lemonade stand and are using the money to buy fabric to make blankets for kids in need at local hospitals.
Toledo introduces new task force
Twenty-seven people were recently chosen by the Lucas County Commissioners to serve on the Lucas County Child Protection Task Force. The County Commissioners stated purpose “of the task force is to bring together essential representatives of our community to look at the necessary support, partnerships, and services our families need to protect our children.”
Local teacher travels abroad for intensive field study
This summer, Megan Helman, an English Language Arts teacher at Perrysburg Junior High School, participated in an intensive Holocaust education field study in Poland — with the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial Education Commission (OHGMEC) and Yahad– In Unum. “Initially, I thought this trip would answer all my questions and provide clarity on the Holocaust,” Helman shared, adding “However, what I’ve discovered is a richer, more nuanced understanding that has raised even more questions. The complexity of this history continues to unfold, deepening my perspective and urging me to explore it even further. I remain committed to honoring the voices of those lost by continuing to learn, teach and share their stories so they are not forgotten.”
As they begin the process of renovating the playgrounds at Mayfair and Greenwood Parks, Toledo’s Parks and Youth Services is asking for feedback at community input sessions.
Through these sessions, Toledo’s Parks and Youth Services will get insight on what features and layout local families want to see done during the renovations.
Residents are invited to join Toledo’s Parks and Youth Services in an open house-style meeting on Oct. 3 from 5-6:30pm at Precious Blood Church, 5253 Bennett Rd, Toledo.
For those who can not attend the open house, there are surveys open for residents to give their feedback.
The Believe Center provides various programming for local youth, including summer camps.
At the corner of 1 Aurora L. Gonzalez Dr. in Toledo, The Believe Center has become a hub for youth and families looking for a safe, supportive place to grow. Founded with the mission: “rooted in hope, committed to well-being, and grounded in safety,” the center empowers young people to build confidence, connect with their community, and create lasting change.
A place for everyone
Kids at The Believe Center’s summer camp.
The Believe Center serves children as young as kindergarten age through 17, offering a mix of sports, educational, and cultural programming. Director Vincent Riccardi describes it as more than just an after-school program:
“This is a youth organization where you can play sports, get tutoring help. We help new adults find jobs in the community. We even go into schools with our ‘Too Good for Drugs’ program to talk about positive choices and substance abuse.”
Importantly, most programs are either free or low-cost. “We want this so that money is never an issue,” Riccardi emphasized.
Programs that build futures
The Believe Center offers a wide variety of activities, including:
Youth Flag Football
El Corazón de México dance program
Toledo Boxing Association
Lady Tigers Softball
Youth Coaches Clinic
Rana Sana cultural programming
Program Director Elaina Hernandez notes the long-term impact.
“For our dance group, every single participant graduated high school. Many of the kids love it so much here that they come back as adults to volunteer. We’ve become one big family,”Hernandez
Breaking barriers and building trust
The center’s bilingual staff helps bridge language gaps in the community. But what makes the Believe Center truly stand out is the trust it builds with its youth.
“They even trust us with their personal issues,” Hernandez said. “We listen and help guide them to the right resources.”
Much of the Believe Center’s success comes from former participants who now volunteer. Still, more help is needed.
“We’re always looking for more volunteers,” Riccardi said. “If you want to get involved, just call or come in and apply. We run background checks to keep the community safe, but everyone is welcome.”
The center’s biggest challenge is funding. With reduced government support, they rely heavily on fundraisers and community donations to keep programs affordable. shared his dream.
“We work with what we have, but one day we hope to expand the building. A bigger space would be amazing for the kids,” Riccardi said.
Upcoming events
The Believe Center also engages the community with events throughout the year, including:
September 5 – Broadway Street Fest
October 18 – Trunk or Treat, partnered with Lucas County Child Services
November 24 – Annual Turkey Giveaway (over 200 turkeys distributed)
How to get involved
Community members can support the Believe Center by volunteering, mentoring, donating, or simply showing up at outreach events. Look for their tables at local festivals and gatherings.
The season of crunching leaves, cozy sweaters and pumpkin-spiced delights is on its way. Whether you’re chasing colorful hayrides or spooky nighttime thrills, northwest Ohio is bursting with fall activities for all ages. From laid-back farm visits to eerie haunted adventures, your family calendar is about to fill fast! Here are our top picks for September through Halloween. Enjoy!
Wheeler Farms invites families to get lost in fall fun at their classic corn maze — no scares here, just good times! Cozy up by the campfires, take in the countryside views, and enjoy a wholesome autumn outing. Group visits are welcome with advance scheduling. Bring a flashlight for evening maze runs!
Sept.: 4, 11, 20, 25, Oct.: 11, 16, 25, 30
Tours at 5:15, 6, 6:45, 7:30, and 8:15 p.m.
The Robbins House Museum 114 S. River Rd., Waterville
Each 90-minute tour begins inside the historic Robbins House, where guests meet a real-life ghost hunter and hear chilling tales from Waterville’s past. Then, step aboard a horse-drawn trolley and enjoy vintage ghost stories as you ride through the heart of town, guided by rotating paranormal experts and spooky special guests. Kids 12 and under receive a free T-shirt!
Maumee Bay State Park
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 10–11 5:30pm–10pm
1400 State Park Rd., Oregon
419-461-7366
Brave a half-mile spooky trail with witches, zombies, games, face painting and a Friday trunk-or-treat kickoff. Sensory-friendly hours are offered too.
Enjoy food trucks, quarry tours, antique tractors, kids’ inflatables, games and a community celebration of autumn. A perfect blend of rural fun and fall charm.
The event speaks for itself. It’s one of the region’s most popular fall events! Live apple butter making, over 100 artisan booths, folk music, costumed interpreters and historic fall fun for all ages.
Open Tues.–Sun., 10am–7pm (Closed Mondays)
1560 E. Sterns Rd., Erie, MI
734-848-4049 | trabbicpumpkinfarm.com
For more than 100 years, the Trabbic family has worked this land, and for the past 34 years, they’ve opened it up to the community for fall fun. With over 30 acres of pumpkins, hayrides, animals, cider and donuts, this faith and family-focused farm offers a warm and welcoming setting for autumn traditions. From field crops to fresh produce, everything is rooted in heritage—and their hospitality shows it. Free parking and admission make this a must-visit spot just over the border in Michigan.
A family-run favorite since 1989, Fleitz Pumpkin Farm has grown from a small roadside stand into a beloved fall destination. Enjoy a day filled with pre-picked pumpkins, corn mazes—including one of the area’s first—and a unique corn kernel play area. Say hello to the goats, grab a cider slushie and don’t miss the Snack Shack’s famous donuts and must try donut corndogs. New this year: a rentable party space, mini donuts and fresh kettle corn. All activities are open during business hours, making any visit a great time for
fall fun.
Sept. 1 – Late Oct.
Mon. – Sat. 9am–5pm and Sun. 10am–5pm
12540 County Road 7-2, Delta
419-822-4080 | hoensorchard.com
A fourth-generation family farm offering U-Pick apples starting September 1 and pumpkins later in the fall. With over 15 varieties of apples, gourds, squash and a farm market stocked with seasonal produce, Hoen’s is a charming stop for autumn fun.
Since 1982, this two-day celebration has kicked off October with pony rides, barrel train rides, inflatables, cider slushies, apple picking (16 va- rieties!), corn maze, craft vendors, food trucks, live music and more. Pick Your Own Apples MacQueen Orchards Mid-Sept. – Late Oct. 7605 Garden Rd., Holland, OH MacQueen’s Pick-Your-Own orchard features s16 apple varieties across scenic rows. Don’t want to pick? Pre-bagged options are available at the market.
Saturdays: October 4, 11, 18, 25 & November 1
Nighttime Haunts: 8 – 10 pm
Daytime Animal Tours: 11am–4pm
Bowlander Farm (formerly Country Lane Tree Farm) 3525 N. Bolander Rd., Genoa, OH
419-461-1298| panicinthepines.com
Bowlander Farm is your ultimate fall destination by day and night. During the day, families enjoy the award-winning Animal Tour experience from 11 am to 4 pm — perfect for young kids and animal lovers. When the sun sets, the farm transforms into Panic in the Pines — a triple- threat haunted experience featuring a terrifying haunted hayride, eerie walking trail and chilling haunted woods. Admission for the nighttime haunts is $25, and tickets are available online or at the gate. Open every Saturday in October and on November 1, this is one of northwest Ohio’s premier haunted attractions.
Included with Zoo admission, this month-long fall celebration is bursting with autumn vibes — giant pumpkins, harvest-themed treats, photo ops and festive fun await in every corner of the Zoo.
This 21+ beer-tasting bash brings together local and regional brews, animal encounters, live tunes and a fall festival feel like no other. Sip, stroll and celebrate under the Zoo lights!
Geared toward little ghouls up to age five, this daytime event is perfect for your tiniest trick-or-treaters. Enjoy candy stations, pumpkin carving demos, strolling magic and photo ops with your favorite characters — plus all the fall fun the Zoo has to offer!
Toledo Zoo’s beloved weekend celebration of all things fall returns with trick-or-treating stations, musical acts, strolling performers and nonstop family fun. Perfect for kids of all ages
It’s the animals’ turn to get festive! Watch elephants, tigers, bears and more stomp, smash, snack and play with pumpkins as part of their natural enrichment. Included with Zoo admission.
metroparkstoledo.com 
Forté offerings include Music FunTime classes for children as young as 18 months, Group Piano Lessons for ages 5–7 and Private One-On-One Instruction for all ages, all instruments and all skill levels — from complete beginners to advanced musicians.
This summer Northwood siblings, Grace and Gavin Gibson, took the initiative to start “Project Warming Hearts,” intended to help kids in need. The duo ran a lemonade stand and are using the money to buy fabric to make blankets for kids in need at local hospitals.
