Want to encourage your child to enjoy being physical? Play to their personality. Toledo’s trainers and instructors can help children discover the fun in fitness, from
dirt bike to yoga mat.

Camryn Elster, 3, (right)
She is wearing: Leotard, shorts, tights and shoes from Dancer’s Pointe
www.dancerspointeperrysburg.com
Headband from Kids Clothesline,
Facebook.com/TheKidsKlothesline

For the creative, daring, artistic acrobat: BIRD’S EYE VIEW CIRCUS SPACE

Circus acts are so awe-inspiring that viewers typically respond with, “I could never do that!” or “I wish I could do that!” If your child has that daredevil spirit, then perhaps a private lesson on partner balance, aerial silks or hoop, juggling, hooping and/or stilt-walking is the perfect challenge.  

Benefits: The physical benefits depend on the type of circus act your child chooses, but in general, your child practices and perfects hand-eye coordination, poise, and balance. All of the activities are also deceptively challenging, and they require endurance and strength. Dan Sandy, physical therapist and clinical director of rehabilitation at APRN Balance and Mobility Center, as well as the father of two young girls, says the “main thing to improve would be coordination, and an improvement [in balance]. “

Classes: Bird’s Eye View Circus offers private lessons ($60/hour for one instructor) and open gyms. Children ages 9 and up generally benefit most from these circus acts, and the entire family is welcome to join in on the fun and stay in shape together (the hourly rate stays the same). Bird’s Eye View Circus Space, 2412 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo / 517-927-3098 / www.facebook.com/BirdsEyeViewCircusSpace.

Brooklyn Marrow, 5, (left)
She is wearing: Tank top and leggings from Target

For the focused, gentle introvert: YOGA

Why it’s for your child: Yoga is a noncompetitive physical activity that allows kids to focus on their own moves instead of competing against another child. Most of the class focuses on yoga poses, which allows kids to work individually and improve physical fitness, but the class also includes singing and games to gently encourage bonding and interacting.

Yoga benefits: Yoga helps kids take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and yoga at an early age has also been shown to encourage self-esteem and body awareness. Many young athletes (swimmers, runners, etc.) are even beginning to turn to yoga to enhance their performance and to guard against injury. According to Dan Sandy, physical therapist and clinical director of rehabilitation at APRN Balance and Mobility Center, yoga’s physical benefits include “improved flexibility, balance, strength, and posture. Yoga forces you to maintain certain difficult positions,
and that strengthens postural muscles.”

Classes: Harmony in Life, 5747 Main St., Sylvania / 419-517-0047 / harmonyinlifecenter.com/yoga.php. Lotus Yoga, 3307 N. Holland Sylvania Rd. Suite 15, Toledo / 419-885-1055 / lotusyogatoledo.com/kidsyoga.html. Still Waters Yoga, 8115 Monclova Rd., Monclova / 419-877-9038 / stillwatersyoga.com/ChildrenFamily. Lullaby Lane, Fallen Timbers, Maumee / 419-878-0127 / www.lullaby-lane.com.

Brynli Melchert, 4, (right)
She is wearing: Clothing from Dancer’s Pointe
www.dancerspointeperrysburg.com

For the rambunctious, active young child: TUMBLE TOTS

Why it’s for your child: Not every child, especially when young, is ready for structured lessons. If you are looking for something free-spirited for an active child, then tumbling tots fits the bill. Toddlers can jump, tumble, and swing to their hearts’ content without the commitment to a weekly/daily lesson.  

Benefits: Tumbling tots encourages young children to exercise (disguised as fun) in a padded environment. Kids can explore some of the gymnastics equipment, which will help them gain independence while safely working on coordination, flexibility, strength, and motor skills. Dan Sandy, physical therapist and clinical director of rehabilitation at APRN Balance and Mobility Center affirms that this kind of physical activity results in “improved strength, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness.”

Classes: Sunrise Gymnastics, 3640 Holland Sylvania Rd., Toledo /  419-841-2902 / www.sunrisegymnastics.com. St. James Club, 7337 W. Bancroft, Toledo / 419-841-5597 / www.stjamesclub.net.

Cooper Wegman, 5, (left)
He is wearing: Shirt from Kids Clothesline
Facebook.com/TheKidsKlothesline
(Shorts and shoes are model’s own)

For the observant outdoor explorer: TODDLER TRAILS and GEOCACHE ADVENTURES

Why it’s for your child: There is nothing like the great outdoors to enthrall the explorer in every child. If your child loves to be outside and constantly observes the world around him or her, then check out the many programs geared for children offered by Toledo Metroparks.  

Benefits: Many of the programs encourage children to be outside and interact with their natural surroundings while also remaining active. Sandy explains that this kind of trail walking improves “endurance and even balance, especially for toddlers, because kids are walking on different types of surfaces. There is also increased cognitive function and attention because you’re forcing [the kids] to focus on completing a task, and they have to really think about what they’re doing.”

Classes: The Metroparks offer numerous programs for children of all ages to investigate the world around them. Toddler Trails (ages 18 months to 3 years) is an outdoor, exploratory program for child and parent. The Kids Geocache Adventure teaches kids how to use GPS for a “fun adventure of high tech hide and seek.” Programs vary by location. www.metroparkstoledo.com.

Brock Heard, 5, (right)
He is wearing: Swimwear from Kids Clothesline,
Facebook.com/TheKidsKlothesline

For the independent, competitive water-enthusiast: SWIM LESSONS

Why it’s for your child: Swimming is both an individual and team sport, so it’s perfect for the independent child who likes to compete on her own but still enjoys interacting with teammates. It’s also great for those who are naturally drawn to the water; swim lessons can channel that love of water into a healthy workout. Plus, you can start swimming with your baby as early as 6 months old!

Benefits: Swimming provides an exceptional cardiovascular workout with minimal impact on the joints, so it’s an excellent “lifetime” sport. Even if your child decides not to competitively pursue swimming, the sport provides strength and coordination that are beneficial in any other sport. While this may seem obvious, swim lessons also help prevent drowning, which is the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is cardiovascular and pulmonary improvement with swimming, and also increased strength and stability, mainly in the neck and back.”

Classes: JCC/YMCA of Greater Toledo, locations vary / 419-729-8135 / www.ymcatoledo.org. St. James Club, 7337 W. Bancroft, Toledo / 419-841-5597 / www.stjamesclub.net. University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo / 419-530-3703 / www.utoledo.edu. Sylvania Natatorium, 5403 Silica Dr., Sylvania / 419-360-2161 / www.sylvania.k12.oh.us.

Jett Quigg, 8, (left)
Karate uniform from Kempo Martial Arts Toledo
www.kempomania.com

For the timid or action-loving child or adolescent: KARATE KIDS

Why it’s for your child: Karate allows the active child to expel excess energy, but it also gives the shy child self-confidence. Additionally, if your child is a huge Chuck Norris or Bruce Lee fan, he/she can practice karate moves in a safe environment with the guidance of an experienced teacher.  

Benefits: An obvious benefit of karate is self-defense, but along with that comes a natural self-confidence. When you give a child the tools to defend himself, he will inevitably become more confident in himself and his abilities. Martial arts also teach children respect and discipline through routine and structure, all while encouraging physical fitness, “strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility.”

Classes: Kempo Martial Arts, 6801 W. Central Ave., Toledo. 419-473-1519 / www.kempomania.com. Toledo Jiu Jitsu Center, 5222 Tractor Rd., Toledo / 419-779-7164 / toledojiujitsu.com. Sylvania Family Karate, 2032 N. Holland Sylvania Rd., Toledo / 419-320-6780.

Bella Strauss, 8, (right)
Bike and helmet from Reggie’s Bike Shop, reggiesbikes.com
Clothing from Dick’s Sporting Goods

For the adventurous thrill-seeker: BMX

Why it’s for your child: Nothing screams adventure like a BMX bike racing over mounds of dirt, jumping over obstacles, or sliding down railings. While this may seem like an adolescent sport, young kids — even ones who only recently learned to ride a bike — can participate. This is for the daredevil child whose parents are NOT prone to worrying, as the sport can be dangerous. But that’s the allure, right?   

Benefits: Biking is obviously cardiovascular, but riders also build muscle by pedaling and pulling/jerking the handlebars over obstacles. BMX does not have set rules, so this allows kids to be creative and find their niche within the sport. Furthermore, kids meet friends their own age who seek the same challenging and exhilarating experiences. Sandy also described a benefit of biking that many do not know: “The vestibular system is made up of the organs in the inner ear that give you your sense of balance. That type of activity [BMX biking] will train that system to work really well.”

Classes: BMX can be expensive; one must invest in a BMX bike (that must meet certain safety standards) and safety gear, pay the annual membership, and then pay for individual practice time ($5) and for each race ($10). Toledo Speedway BMX, 5639 Benmore Rd., Toledo / 419-450-9930 / www.toledospeedwaybmx.com.

Meet the photographers

Masters of natural light photography (and quasi-children’s entertainers!) Jennifer Daher and Emily Moody captured the winners of our first-ever model casting call. Daher and Moody, who form the team behind JEM Photography, enjoyed reliving their childhood fitness routines during our shoot. “We were extremely active kids,” says Emily. “During the summer it was all about staying outside as late as possible.”

JEM Photography
5758 N. Main St., Haymarket Square, Sylvania
www.momentsbyjem.com

Breathe easy, parents — June is the month you're allowed to play favorites. In fact, we encourage it!

Every year, our readers (an opinionated bunch!) tell us their picks for the spots that make Toledo such a great place to raise a family — their top places to eat, play, learn, and be cared for — in our Family Favorites awards. Their votes create an annual guide to the best of the best for the families of Northwest Ohio.
Use the 2013 results as your family resource — and feel free to let your favorites be known!

Place for winter fun 
Sylvania Playland
3620 Centennial Rd., Sylvania
419-517-9094
www.sylvaniaplayland.com
Runner up: Toledo Zoo

Rainy-day activity
Imagination Station
1 Discovery Way (at Summit and Adams St.)
419-244-2674
www.imaginationstationtoledo.org
Runner up: Westfield Franklin
Park Mall Cinema

Sunny-day activity
Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way (off the Anthony Wayne Trail)
419-385-4040
www.toledozoo.org
Runner up: Wildwood Preserve Metropark

Place to sneak in a history lesson
Fort Meigs
29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg
419-874-4121
https://www.fortmeigs.org
Runner up: Toledo Museum of Art

Dance class
Toledo Ballet
5001 Monroe St.
419-471-0049
www.toledoballet.net
Runner up: Dance Expression

Martial arts program
Joseph Hurtseller
Martial Arts Center
2145 W. Laskey Rd.
419-473-8535
www.toledomartialartscenter.com
Runner up: Roberts & Mitchell,
All American Karate 

Art class
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St.
419-255-8000
www.toledomuseum.org
Runner up: In-2-Art Studio

Music class
Kinder Music
3307 N. Holland Sylvania Rd.
419-842-8331
Runner up: Music Together/Hand in Hand

Free activity
The Toledo Lucas
County Public Library
www.toledolibrary.org
Runner up: Wildwood Preserve Metropark

Family-friendly fair or festival
Lucas County Fair
www.lucascountyfair.com
Runner up: MacQueen Orchard
Apple Butter Stir Festival 

Live theater for kids
Valentine Theatre
410 Adams St.
419-242-3490
www.valentinetheatre.com
Runner up: Children’s Theater Workshop

Place to hop on a horse
Hunter’s Run
9241 Secor Rd., Temperance, Mich.
734-856-2404
www.huntersrunmhja.com
Runner up: Vail Meadows

Place to volunteer
Cherry Street Mission
105 17th St.
419-242-5141
www.cherrystreetmission.org
Runner up: The Toledo Humane Society

Park or playground
Wildwood Preserve Metropark
5100 W. Central Ave.
419-407-9700
www.metroparkstoledo.com
Runner up: Side Cut Metropark

Story hour
The Toledo Lucas
County Public Library
www.toledolibrary.org
Runner up: Barnes & Noble Booksellers

Swim lessons
Sylvania YMCA/JCC
of Greater Toledo
6465 Sylvania Ave.
419-885-4485
www.ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: Fort Meigs

Place to swim
Sylvania YMCA/JCC
of Greater Toledo
6465 Sylvania Ave.
419-885-4485
www.ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: Perrysburg Pool

Indoor water park
Splash Bay Resort
1705 Toll Gate Dr., Maumee
419-482-7777
www.splashbayresort.com
Runner up: Kalahari

Vacation that won’t empty our wallet
Cedar Point
1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky
419-627-2350
www.cedarpoint.com
Runner up: Maumee Bay State Park

Family-friendly gym
YMCA/JCC of Greater Toledo
For locations, visit www.ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: Wildwood Athletic Club

Gymnastics center
YMCA/JCC of Greater Toledo
For locations, visit www.ymcatoledo.org
Runner up: Sunrise Gymnastics

Place to play rec sports
Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter
7060 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-855-1167
www.playsylvania.com
Runner up: YMCA of Greater Toledo

Bowling alley
Timbers Bowling
1246 Conant St., Maumee
419-893-7631
www.timbersbowling.com
Runner up: Southwyck Lanes

Family Restaurant
Bob Evans
For locations, visit www.bobevans.com
Runner up: Red Robin

Healthy fast food
Balance Pan-Asian Grille
For locations, visit www.balancegrille.com
Runner up: Zingo’s Mediterranean

Pizza joint (non-chain)
Amie’s Pizza Factory
6710 W. Central Ave.
419-842-8008
www.amiespizzafactory.com
Runner up: J&G Pizza Palace

Burger place (non-chain)
Burger Bar 419
For locations, visit www.burgerbar419.com
Runner up: Koral Hamburger

Ice cream shop
Handel’s
For locations, visit www.handelsicecream.com
Runner up: Mr. Freeze

Place where kids eat free
Fricker’s
For locations, visit www.frickers.com
Runner up: Bob Evans

Kid-friendly grocery store
Kroger
For locations, visit www.kroger.com
Runner up: Giant Eagle

Natural food store
Health Foods by Claudia
3904 Secor Rd.
419-474-2400
www.healthfoodsbyclaudia.com
Runner up: Bassett’s

Entertainer
Andrew Martin, magician
419-472-4333
www.andrewmagic.com
Runner up: Daisy Blue the Clown

Birthday party venue
Hero’s
9851 Meridian Ct., Rossford
419-873-9400
www.herostoledo.com
Runner up: Chuck E. Cheese

Place for goodie bag loot
Party City
For locations, visit wwwww.partycity.com
Runner up: Hero’s

Place to buy a cake
Wixey’s Bakery
2017 Glendale Ave.
419-382-6684
www.wixeysbakery.com
Runner up: Eston’s Bakery

Kid’s clothier
Kids Klothesline
111 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg
419-874-5437
Runner up: Twice but Nice

Kid’s shoe shop
Stride Rite
5333 Monroe St.
419-843-6050
www.striderite.com
Runner up: Scoots

Kid’s consignment
Once Upon a Child
Visit website for locations,
www.onceuponachildtoledo.com
Runner up: Twice but Nice

Place to buy maternity clothes
Clothes Mentor
Visit website for locations, www.clothesmentor.com
Runner up: Destination Maternity

 Place to furnish your little one’s “nest”
Target
Visit website for locations, www.target.com
Runner up: Babies-R-Us

Locally owned specialty toys/gifts
Learning Express
Visit website for locations, www.learningexpress.com
Runner up: The Toy Box at Scoots

Support group for moms
Mothers’ Center of Greater Toledo
www.motherscenter.net
Runner up: Cedar Creek Momentum

Mom-friendly play date
Sylvania Playland
3620 Centennial Rd., Sylvania
419-517-9094
www.sylvaniaplayland.com
Runner up: Wildwood Preserve Metropark

 Place for single parents to meet
Church
Runner up: The park

Parent blog
Moms In Heels by Lisa Harst
www.momsinheels.net
Runner up: mothercenter.org

Date night restaurant
Mancy’s Italian Grill
5453 Monroe St.
419-882-9229
www.mancys.com
Runner up: Granite City

Place for mom to be pampered
Reve Salon and Spa
5633 N. Main St., Sylvania
419-855-1140
www.revessalonandspa.com
Runner up: Beauty Bar

Romantic getaway
Belamere Suites
12200 Williams Rd., Perrysburg
419-874-2233
www.belameresuites.com
Runner up: Holiday Inn French Quarter

Neighborhood to raise kids
Sylvania
Runner up: Perrysburg

Program (activity for preschoolers)
Kindermusik
Visit website for locations, www.kindermusik.com
Runner up: activities at the Library

Summer day camp
Children’s Discovery Center
Visit website for locations,
www.childrensdiscoverycenters.com
Runner up: West Side Montessori

Tutor/learning center
Huntington Learning Center
6638 Centers Dr., Spring Meadows
419-867-4000
www.huntingtonhelps.com
Runner up: Sylvan Learning Center

Teacher
Mr. Mike Black, 5th grade teacher, 
Fallen Timbers Middle School
Runner up: Mr. Ron Bushrow, 6th grade science
Monac Elementary School

 Family-friendly  car dealership
Yark Automotive Group
6055 W. Central Ave.
866-390-8894
www.yarkauto.com
Runner up: Grogan’s Towne
Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Kid-friendly emergency room
ProMedica Toledo
Children’s Hospital
2142 N. Cove Blvd.
419-291-5437
www.promedica.org/toledochildrens
Runner up: ProMedica St. Luke’s Hospital

Place to take dad for Father’s Day
Mud Hen’s game at Fifth Third Field
406 Washington St., 419-725-4367
Runner up: Golfing

Place to take mom for Mother’s Day
Bravo! Cucina Italiana
5001 Monroe St.
419-472-1200
www.bravoitalian.com
Runner up: Nagoya Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi

Kid-friendly salon
Great Clips
Visit website for locations, www.greatclips.com
Runner up: First Choice Haircutters

Picnic spot
Wildwood Park
51 W. Central Ave.
419-407-9700
www.metroparkstoledo.com
Runner up: Side Cut Metropark

Parent-friendly work place
ProMedica
www.promedica.org
Runner up: University of Toledo

Bank/financial institution
Huntington Bank
Visit website for locations, www.huntington.com
Runner up: Fifth Third Bank

Family Lawyer
Bradley Waugh
Malone, Ault & Farell, maf-law.com
Runner up: Matt Hutchison of Shindler, Neff, Holmes, Worline & Mohler, LLP

Dentist/ Orthodontist
Sylvania Orthodontist
6407 Monroe St, Sylvania
419-882-1017
www.perfectbraces.com
Runner up: Dr. Jennifer Zoll, DDS, pediatric dentist

Place to give birth
ProMedica Toledo Hospital
2142 N. Cove Blvd.
419-291-4000
www.promedica.org/toledo
Runner up: Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center

OB/GYN
Dr. Ann Rhee
ProMedica Physicians, Maumee OB/Gyn Associates,
660 Beaver Creek Cir., Maumee / 419-891-6201
Runner up: Dr. Bob DeRosa,
Sunforest OB/GYN Associates

Optometrist
Dr. Reed Roth,
Perrysburg Eye & Hearing Center
28370 Kensington Lane, Perrysburg
1-800-433-7210
Runner up: Dr. James Robinson,
Anthony Wayne Vision Services, Inc.

Midwife
Donna Augustine, CNM
3840 Woodley Rd.
419-475-0001
Runner up: Jonelea Thomas

Pediatric practice
Toledo Pediatrics
7140 Port Sylvania Dr.
419-843-8170
Runner up: Franklin Park Pediatrics

Doctor (TIE)
Dr. Marrianne Black and Dr. Hani Haidar
Franklin Park Pediatrics
2000 Regency Ct. #103,
419-475-5433,
www.franklinparkpediatrics.com.
Runner up: Dr. Robert Mills, Pediatric Care Associates

Chiropractor
Dr. Nick Dumas of Rapid Relief Chiropractic Center
4210 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH ‎
(419) 474-6500 ‎ 
rapidrelieftoledo.com
Runner up: Dr. Shawn Brohl, Chiropractors Holland

Allergist
Dr. David Hunter
Drs. Wiseley & Hunter, Inc.
3425 Executive Pkwy.
419-535-7798
Runner up: Dr. M. Razi Rafeeq

Veterinarian
Sylvania Vet
4801 N. Holland-Sylvania Rd., Sylvania
419-885-0244
www.sylvaniavet.com
Runner up: High Point Vet

Place to nurse a baby
Westfield Franklin Park Mall
5001 Monroe St.
419-473-3317
www.westfield.com/franklinpark
Runner up: Imagination Station

 Kid’s photographer
Jem Photography
5758 N. Main St., Sylvania
419-356-7554, 419-410-4974
www.momentsbyjem.com
Runner up:  Allison Darr Photography

Special needs services
Mercy Autism Services
3521 Briarfield Blvd., Maumee
419-794-7259
www.mercyweb.org
Runner up: The Ability Center

Place to worship
CedarCreek Church
Visit website for locations, www.cedarcreek.tv
Runner up: St. Joseph’s Sylvania

Preschool
West Side Montessori
Visit website for locations, www.montessoritoledo.org
Runner up: Children’s Discovery Center

 Daycare
Children’s Discovery Center
2303 Cheyenne Blvd.
419-865-8191
www.childrensdiscoverycenters.com
Runner up: Fiddlestix

Drop-in childcare
Kidz Watch
Visit website for locations, www.kidzwatch.net
Runner up: KinderCare

Family-friendly restroom
Westfield Franklin Park Mall
5001 Monroe St.
419-473-3317
www.westfield.com
Runner up: Toledo Zoo

Favorite thing about Toledo Area Parent
Calendars/Events
Runner up: Articles

Things you would love to see in Toledo Area Parent
Coupons
Runner up: Dad Section

 Best Toledo Area Parent Column
Mother Mayhem
Runner up: New Kids on the Block

Reason to visit www.toledoparent.com
Information
Runner up: Calendar/Events