Toledo Parent Family Favorites 2013
The time to see who reigns supreme is here again! Parents have cast their votes for who wears the crown when it comes to feeding the family, entertaining on birthdays, keeping them healthy, and everything in between. The local favorites below will help you take in the best Toledo has to offer.
Place for winter fun
Sylvania Playland
3620 Centennial Rd., Sylvania
419-517-9094
sylvaniaplayland.com
Runner Up: Imagination Station
Activity for rainy days
Imagination Station
1 Discovery Way, Toledo
419-244-2674
imaginationstationtoledo.org
Runner Up: Toledo Museum of Art
Summer day camp
Maumee Valley Country Day School
1715 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo
419-381-1313
mvcds.org
Runner Up: West Side Montessori
Dance class
Dance Expressions
7343 International Dr., Holland
419-867-7827
dance-expressions-studio.com
Runner Up: Toledo Ballet
Martial arts program
Kempo Martial Arts
6801 W. Central Ave., Toledo
419-885-1519
kempomania.com
Runner Up: All American Karate
Art studio
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St., Toledo
419-255-8000
toledomuseum.org
Runner Up: Paint Your Place
Music class
Kindermusik with Miss Heather & Friends
3307 N. Holland Sylvania Rd., Toledo
419-356-8026
kindermusik.com/missheather
Runner Up: Musically Me with Ms. Cheryl
Free activity
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St., Toledo
419-255-8000
toledomuseum.org
Runner Up: Toledo-Lucas County Public Library
Family-friendly fair or festival
Lucas County Fair
1406 Key St., Maumee
419-893-2127
lucascountyfair.com
Runner Up: MacQueen’s Apple Butter Stir Festival
Picnic spot
Wildwood Preserve Metropark
5100 W. Central Ave., Toledo
419-407-9700
metroparkstoledo.com/metro
Runner Up: Side Cut Metropark
Kid’s theater
Valentine Theatre
410 Adams St., Toledo
419-242-3490
valentinetheatre.com
Runner Up: Children’s Theater Workshop
Place to volunteer
Toledo Area Humane Society
1920 Indian Wood Cir, Maumee
419-891-0705
toledohumane.org
Runner Up: ProMedica Toledo Hospital
Park or playground
Wildwood Preserve Metropark
5100 W. Central Ave., Toledo
419-407-9700
metroparkstoledo.com/metro
Runner Up: Side Cut Metropark
Spot to read a book
Wildwood Preserve Metropark
5100 W. Central Ave., Toledo
419-407-9700
metroparkstoledo.com/metro
Runner Up: Toledo-Lucas County Public Library
Activity for rainy days
Imagination Station
The unimaginable happens in downtown Toledo where science, physics and fun combine to make an educational playground for families. It’s no wonder that children revel in exhibits and activities ranging from their current traveling exhibition, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, to summer camp programs at Imagination Station. Children’s creativity will be sparked by hands-on activities and their eight Learning Worlds: including Mind Zone, Water Works and Eat it Up! With a membership, families have access to over 300 science centers, which sounds to us like the equation for “pure science fun.”
1 Discovery Way, Toledo
419-244-2674
imaginationstationtoledo.org
Swim lessons
YMCA & JCC of Greater Toledo
Visit ymcatoledo.org for locations
Runner Up: St. James Club
Water park
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
7000 Kalahari Dr., Sandusky
419-433-7200
kalahariresorts.com/ohio
Runner Up: Great Wolf Lodge
Vacation spot
Cedar Point
1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky
419-627-2350
cedarpoint.com
Runner Up: Maumee Bay State Park
Family-friendly gym
Super Fitness
1207 N. Reynolds Rd., Toledo
419-535-7333
superfitnesstoledo.com
Runner Up: YMCA & JCC of Greater Toledo
Gymnastics center
Sunrise Gymnastics Academy
3640 N. Holland Sylvania Rd., Toledo
419-841-2902
sunrisegymnastics.com
Runner Up: YMCA & JCC of Greater Toledo
Bowling alley
Timbers Bowling Lanes
1246 Conant St., Maumee
419-893-7631
timbersbowling.com
Runner Up: ForestView Lanes
Place for a birthday bash
Hero’s
This special day only comes around once a year and parents always want to make sure that it’s special. But don’t do it alone, Hero’s comes to the rescue to do what they do best. The family-owned business throws birthday parties that children will remember forever. Party Heroes are there to customize bashes with appropriate games and activities to keep kids and parents smiling. Don’t worry about the planning or the mess, just watch the birthday magic unfold. When the birthday boy or girl blows out their candles, they’ll be wishing for more family celebrations like this one!
9851 Meridian Ct., Rossford
419-873-9400
herostoledo.com
Family friendly entertainer
Andrew Martin Professional Magician
Visit andrewmartinmagic.com
419-472-4333
Runner Up: Laurel’s Princess Parties
Place to get a birthday cake
Wixey Bakery
2017 Glendale Ave., Toledo
419-382-6684
wixeysbakery.com
Runner Up: 7 Little Cupcakes
Place to see animals
Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way, Toledo
419-385-4040
toledozoo.org
Runner Up: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Tween activity
Ohio Skate
5735 Opportunity Dr., Toledo
419-476-2808
ohioskate.com
Runner Up: Toledo Museum of Art
Sports camp
YMCA & JCC of Greater Toledo
Visit ymcatoledo.org for locations
Runner Up: University of Toledo
Kid’s photographer
Finn Photography
Visit photographyfinn.com
Runner Up: Crystal Josza Photography
Shop to buy birthday gifts
Learning Express Toys
Visit learningexpress.com for locations
Runner Up: Toys “R” Us
Local toy store and baby boutique
Lullaby Lane
Parents will never forget the “firsts” of having babies. The first time their baby falls asleep in their arms, the first time they look up to smile or laugh, and the first time they sleep through an entire night. Lullaby Lane at Fallen Timbers loves to be a part of that journey by providing the perfect crib, stroller, or outfit for your bundle of joy. They believe that “products are just objects” without parents to make them something special. Originally based out of California, Lullaby Lane moved to the Toledo area in 2011 and continues to give parents a prime destination for their baby and maternity needs. Go ahead, spoil your little sweetheart!
3100 Main St., Maumee
419-878-0127
lullabylane.com
Kid’s clothier
Once Upon A Child
Visit onceuponachild.com for locations
Runner Up: Gymboree
Kid’s shoe shop
Stride Rite
5333 Monroe St., Toledo
419-843-6050
striderite.com
Runner Up: Payless ShoeSource
Maternity clothing store
Destination Maternity
5001 Monroe St., Toledo
419-475-2730
destinationmaternity.com
Runner Up: Kohl’s
Place for furnishing the baby room
Once Upon A Child
Visit onceuponachild.com for locations
Runner Up: Lullaby Lane
Local baby boutique shop
Lullaby Lane
3100 Main St., Maumee
419-878-0127
lullabylane.com
Runner Up: Sweet Cheeks
Place for pampering
Beauty Bar
Between the sports activities, play dates, school events and family obligations, it’s no secret that moms deserve a break sometimes. And we know the place to do it. Creative artists at Beauty Bar know that making women feel confident is the key to making them feel beautiful. The full-service salon offers everything from an aromatic spa and private party room to a nail lounge to help moms press the “refresh” button. The business idea began in 2002 when the Spallinos offered a unique “menu” for clients, including nail services that came with drinks, and the “beauty bar” got its name.
2919 W. Central Ave., Toledo
419-537-5400
beauty-bar.com
Support groups for moms
Mothers’ Center of Greater Toledo
4765 N. McCord Rd., Sylvania
motherscenter.net
Runner Up: Toledo Area MOPS
Mom-friendly play date
Sylvania Playland
3620 Centennial Rd., Sylvania
419-517-9094
sylvaniaplayland.com
Runner Up: Parks
Place for single parents to meet
Church
Runner Up: Coffee Shop
Parent blog
Mothers’ Center of Greater Toledo
4765 N. McCord Rd., Sylvania
motherscenter.net
Runner Up: Mama On The Fly
Date night restaurant
Mancy’s Bluewater Grille
461 W. Dussel Dr., Maumee
419-724-2583
mancys.com/bluewater-grille/bluewater-grille
Runner Up: BRAVO! Cucina Italiana
Place for pampering
Beauty Bar
2919 W. Central Ave., Toledo
419-537-5400
beauty-bar.com
Runner Up: Reve Salon & Spa
Grown-up getaway
Belamere Suites
12200 Williams Rd., Perrysburg
419-874-2233
belameresuites.com
Runner Up: Put-in-Bay
Mother’s Day festivities
Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way, Toledo
419-385-4040
toledozoo.org
Runner Up: Holiday Inn Perrysburg-French Quarter Brunch
Preschool
West Side Montessori
7115 W. Bancroft St., Toledo
419-866-1931
montessoritoledo.org
Runner Up: Maumee Valley Country Day School
Place for tutoring/Learning center
Sylvan Learning Center of Toledo
1736 Broadway St., Toledo
419-867-1331
sylvanlearning.com
Runner Up: Holland Huntington Learning Center
Teacher and their school
Brandi Parcell, West Side Montessori
7115 W. Bancroft St., Toledo
419-866-1931
montessoritoledo.org
Runner Up: Mrs. Debbie Mens, McCord Junior High School
Elementary school
West Side Montessori
7115 W. Bancroft St., Toledo
419-866-1931
montessoritoledo.org
Runner Up: Ottawa Hills School System
Middle school
Fallen Timbers Middle School
6119 Finzel Rd., Whitehouse
419-877-0601
anthonywayneschools.org/fallen-timbers-middle-school
Runner Up: West Side Montessori
After-school program
YMCA & JCC of Greater Toledo
Visit ymcatoledo.org for locations
Runner Up: West Side Montessori
Extracurricular activities
Soccer
Runner Up: Dance
Special needs services
The Ability Center of Greater Toledo
5605 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-885-5733
abilitycenter.org
Runner Up: Rehab Dynamics, Inc.
Daycare
Children’s Discovery Center
Visit childrensdiscoverycenters.com for locations
419-867-8570
Runner Up: YMCA & JCC of Greater Toledo
Drop-in daycare
Kidz Watch Sylvania
6819 W. Central Ave., Toledo
419-843-2997
kidzwatch.net
Runner Up: Eagles Nest
Pediatrician
Dr. Hani Haidar, MD, Franklin Park Pediatrics
2000 Regency Ct. #103, Toledo
419-475-5433
franklinparkpediatrics.com
Runner Up: Dr. Marianne Black, MD, Franklin Park Pediatrics
Pediatric practice
Mercy Pediatric Associates
Visit mercyweb.org for locations
Runner Up: South Toledo Pediatric Associates
Place to nurse a baby
Franklin Park Mall
5001 Monroe St., Toledo
419-473-3317
shoppingfranklinparkmall.com
Runner Up: Home
Emergency care
ProMedica Toledo Hospital
2142 N. Cove Blvd., Toledo
419-291-4000
promedica.org/toledo
Runner Up: Flower Hospital
Place to give birth
ProMedica Toledo Hospital
2142 N. Cove Blvd., Toledo
419-291-4000
Runner Up: Flower Hospital
OB/GYN
Maumee OG/GYN Associates
660 Beaver Creek Cir, Maumee
419-891-6201
Runner Up: Sarah S. Puckett, DO, ProMedica
Midwife
Donna Augustine, CNM, ProMedica
6135 Trust Dr., Holland
419- 491-0041
Runner Up: Irma Cobian, CNM
Family doctor
Dr. Kelly Emch, MD, Family Practice of Toledo
3740 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo
419-442-0844
Runner Up: Dr. Todd Francis, MD, ProMedica Physicians
Optometrist
Dr. Robert Rhee, MD, Pediatric
Ophthalmology Consultants
2927 N. McCord Rd., Toledo
419-517-5500
pocllc.com
Runner Up: Dr. Robert Layman, MD, Pinnacle Eye Group
Chiropractor
Dr. Connie Smith, DC, First
Choice Chiropractic
2955 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo
419-473-2955
1stchoicechiropractor.com
Runner Up: Dr. Martin Adams, DC
Allergist
Dr. Lois Nelson, MD, Allergy Asthma & Immunology
3454 Oak Alley Ct., Toledo
419-536-1322
Runner Up: Dr. John Winder, MD, Winder & Associates
Nutritionist
Dr. Michelle Rowe, RN, Mercy Weight Management Center
3930 Sunforest Ct #100, Toledo
419-407-3990
mercyweightmanagement.com
Runner Up: Dr. Casie Carr, DC, 1st Choice Chiropractic
Veterinarian
SylvaniaVET
4801 N. Holland-Sylvania Rd., Sylvania
419-885-4421
sylvaniavet.com
Runner Up: West Suburban Veterinary Associates
Dentist/Orthodontist
Dr. Jennifer Zoll, DDS
3036 W. Sylvania Rd., Toledo
419-474-0733
drzoll.com
Runner Up: Dental Health Associates of Sylvania
Vision Care
Dr. Robert Rhee, MD, Pediatric Ophthalmology Consultants
2927 N. McCord Rd., Toledo
419-517-5500
pocllc.com
Runner Up: Costco Optical
Dermatologist
Dr. Hope Mitchell, MD, Mitchell Dermatology
815 Commerce Drive, Perrysburg
419-871-3737
mitchellderm.com
Runner Up: Dr. Timothy Anders, MD, Anders Dermatology, Inc.
Chiropractor
Dr. Connie Smith, DC, First Choice Chiropractic
2955 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo
419-473-2955
1stchoicechiropractor.com
Runner Up: Dr. Martin Adams, DC
Allergist
Dr. Lois Nelson, MD, Allergy Asthma & Immunology
3454 Oak Alley Ct., Toledo
419-536-1322
Runner Up: Dr. John Winder, MD, Winder & Associates
Nutritionist
Dr. Michelle Rowe, RN, Mercy Weight Management Center
3930 Sunforest Ct #100, Toledo
419-407-3990
mercyweightmanagement.com
Runner Up: Dr. Casie Carr, DC, 1st Choice Chiropractic
Veterinarian
SylvaniaVET
4801 N. Holland-Sylvania Rd., Sylvania
419-885-4421
sylvaniavet.com
Runner Up: West Suburban Veterinary Associates
Dentist/Orthodontist
Dr. Jennifer Zoll, DDS
3036 W. Sylvania Rd., Toledo
419-474-0733
drzoll.com
Runner Up: Dental Health Associates of Sylvania
Vision Care
Dr. Robert Rhee, MD, Pediatric Ophthalmology Consultants
2927 N. McCord Rd., Toledo
419-517-5500
pocllc.com
Runner Up: Costco Optical
Dermatologist
Dr. Hope Mitchell, MD, Mitchell Dermatology
815 Commerce Dr., Perrysburg
419-871-3737
mitchellderm.com
Runner Up: Dr. Timothy Anders, MD, Anders Dermatology, Inc.
Bakery and Place to get a birthday cake
Wixey Bakery
A piece of cake from Toledo’s family-owned Wixey Bakery is more than delicious, it’s divine. Get a taste of their baked goods, doughnuts, cookies and cakes at their location on Glendale Avenue and we promise you’ll be back for more. A part of Toledo’s history for the past 80 years, some things remain the same as the day they opened, using recipes and hand-crafted techniques passed down four generations. The neighborhood bakery continues to serve authentic creations made from scratch with love.
2017 Glendale Ave., Toledo
419-382-6684
wixeysbakery.com
Family-friendly restaurant
Bob Evans Restaurants
Visit bobevans.com for locations
Runner Up: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
Place to have ice cream
Mr. Freeze
2031 N. McCord Rd., Toledo
419-866-7075
Runner Up: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt
Healthy fast food
Balance Pan-Asian Grille
5860 W. Central Ave., Toledo
419-578-7777
Runner Up: Magic Wok
Local pizza place
Vito’s Pizza & Subs
4804 Lewis Ave., Toledo
419-478-8486
vitos.com
Runner Up: Marco’s Pizza
Place where kids eat free
Fricker’s
19 N. St. Clair St. #1, Toledo
419-244-9464
frickers.com/Locations/19-N-St-Clair-St
Runner Up: Bob Evans Restaurants
Natural food store
Health Foods by Claudia
3904 Secor Rd., Toledo
419-474-2400
healthfoodsbyclaudia.com
Runner Up: Bassett’s Health Foods
Holland Strawberry Festival
Wednesday, June 11- Sunday, June 15 / Community Homecoming Park
There will be sweetness all around at the Holland Strawberry Festival, complete with every type of strawberry treat imaginable. Throughout the festival, hundreds of pounds of red berries will be served, from pies to breads and everything in between. The 5-day long celebration includes live music and carnival rides, along with a Strawberry Queen & King Pageant, a strawberry dessert contest and a Sunday parade. Each night there will be a 50/50 raffle drawing at 8pm.
See the website for a full schedule of events.
Wednesday & Thursday, 4-11pm; Friday, 4pm-midnight; Saturday, noon-midnight; Sunday, noon-10pm.
Free admission; fees for rides.
Community Homecoming Park, 7807 Angola Rd., Holland. 419-867-1532.hollandstrawberryfestival.org
Bonjour et bienvenue!
Toledo will be welcoming about six teenagers from France on July 11 and they need good homes and fun families to stay with during their visit.
Trips to Cedar Point and a Toledo Mud Hens game are among activities on the to-do list.
If you or someone you know is willing to participate in the program and make these visitors feel welcome, contact Tom & Yvonne Goodwin at 419-461-1894 or 419-340-2945.
Yoga for All, Big and Small
The benefits of yoga have long been touted for adults, but recent studies have shown the positive impact yoga can have on kids as well. Yoga can encourage self-esteem and acceptance at an early age, as well as help kids focus on the present moment, calm their thoughts, and listen to their bodies.
Heather Meyer, who attends Mommy & Me yoga at Sylvania’s Harmony in Life with her 5-year-old, Ella, describes some benefits of attending the weekly class, “I would say increased confidence and her ability to relax during final relaxation. The girls are also learning to listen to their bodies and to concentrate on achieving the pose they’re trying to get their little bodies into.”
She adds, “We felt it was important for our girls to see mom exercise. Instead of going to a nursery, they could see us exercise and how I cannot do it perfectly, and to learn from our mistakes!”
Gale Clark, owner of Harmony in Life in downtown Sylvania, recognizes the numerous benefits of yoga for kids. 
She says, “We want to encourage not only parents, but also children, to experience the mind-body connection. What better way to do that than with yoga and mindfulness.”
To provide both kids and parents opportunities to learn more about yoga, Gale instituted several programs and trainings focused on yoga for kids.
Harmony holds a weekly Mommy & Me class for parents who wish to practice with their toddlers/children on Thursdays from 4:15-5:15pm. This summer, Harmony will also host three Yoga Kids Workshops (ages 4-10) on Wednesdays from 10am-noon on June 18, July 23, and August 13.
For more information, visit Harmony’s website at
harmonyinlifecenter.com.
West Side Montessori holds the Power in their Pens
West Side Montessori impressed judges in March when they walked away as champions of the Power of the Pen regional competition.
“The little school that won big” had two middle school teams take first place in their respective team competitions. Their combined total scores resulted in the first time ever that WSM received the Highest Points Award.
Claire Kohler and Benjamin Theis earned first place as individual writers, Maddy Vesoulis earned second, Parker Caesar earned eleventh, and Libby Stupica and Zaynab Lazreq tied in fifteenth place.
Benjamin continued to make WSM proud when he was awarded a Best of the Best honor for a January district competition story. The story will be published in this year’s Book of Winners which showcases the best stories written statewide.
The individual award winners will have an opportunity to compete at the state competition on May 22 and 23 at The College of Wooster.