It is officially back-to-school season, which means bedtimes are back on track and busy schedules are in full swing again. This issue features our education guide which includes information on various educational resources in the Toledo Area. Take a look to learn more about the opportunities available to your family.
But before we fully embrace the new routine, we’re taking one last look at the memories made on warm summer nights. In this issue’s Show and Tell section, we highlight some of our favorite reader-submitted photos of summer fun. Keep an eye out for our photo contests posted on Toledoparent.com to be featured in a future issue.
Of course, the fun doesn’t end when summer does! The fall is one of the most exciting times of year with pumpkin patches, apple picking and family-friendly Halloween events. Be sure to check out our Halloween Haunts and Happenings guide to find the best seasonal events best for your family. In this issue, you will also find stories highlighting local entrepreneurs in the Toledo Area, specifically a story on a local mom’s travel business and a roundup of teen-owned businesses. To read stories from previous issues and other online exclusive stories and contests, visit toledoparent.com.
September brings cooler days, back-to-school routines and the first hints of spooky season. This month’s picks are filled with ghosts, gardens, pumpkins and plenty of laughs.
Whether your child is looking for a Halloween read or a story about friendship, community and celebrating what makes us unique, these books are perfect for starting fall with a fresh stack of stories.
by R.J. Palacio After the trick-or-treaters have gone home, ghosts gather at a very special playground to swing, slide and play. But when two human children unexpectedly arrive, the spooky fun takes a surprising turn. With playful rhymes and delightfully eerie illustrations, this Halloween story is more fun than frightening. Ages 4-8.
by Ruth Spiro A child and a seedling take root in a neighborhood garden, where firefighters, chefs, shopkeepers and other community members work together to help it thrive. As flowers and vegetables grow, so do friendships and a sense of belonging. This warm, colorful celebration of teamwork shows young readers what can happen when a community comes together. Ages 4-8.
By Alice Hemming Bird’s pumpkins are disappearing, and Squirrel is determined to catch the culprit. With footprints, peck marks and even a feather left behind, all the clues point to a pumpkin thief, but the truth may not be quite what it seems. Filled with fall fun and silly surprises, this seasonal mystery is a perfect pick for pumpkin season. Ages 4-8.
by Ryan T. Higgins Penelope Rex is used to being the only seven-foot-tall, scale-covered student in her class. When a new kid arrives who is just as big and unusual as she is, Penelope struggles with no longer being the only one of her kind. This funny and relatable story explores jealousy, friendship and the realization that someone else’s uniqueness doesn’t make your own any less special. Ages 3-5.
This collection of books was curated by freelance writer Lori Orlinsky, an award-winning, bestselling children’s book author and industry expert who lives and breathes children’s books. She is the author of the Being Me series, including her 2025 book, Being Middle.
There’s something magical about fall in northwest Ohio. As the temperatures cool and the leaves begin to change, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, family festivals and fright-filled attractions begin popping up across the region. Whether you’re looking for daytime adventures with the kids or haunted experiences after dark, here’s a look at some of the area’s family-friendly events from September through Halloween.
Apple Orchards and Pumpkin Patches
Bennett’s Orchard
Bennett’s Orchard at 5647 Consear Rd., Ottawa Lake.
August 1 through October 31
Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm | Saturday: 9am-7pm Sunday: 10am-5pm November and December Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm | Sunday 10am-5pm
5647 Consear Rd., Ottawa Lake, MI
734-854-2523
For generations, Bennett’s Orchard, just north of Toledo, has been a favorite stop for fresh apples, cider and fall treats. Families can browse the orchard’s seasonal offerings, enjoy fresh cider and baked goods, and take home locally grown produce. Adults can also visit the Broken Barrel Hard Cider Co. tasting room, which features hard cider made from apples grown right on the farm.
Erie Orchards and Cider Mill
Monday-Saturday: 9am-7pm | Sunday: 11am-5pm
1235 S. Erie Rd., Erie, MI
734-848-4518
Erie Orchards and Cider Mill offers something new nearly every weekend throughout the fall. In addition to fresh apples, cider, doughnuts and other seasonal favorites, families can enjoy special events throughout the season, including the Apple Festival, Harvest Festival, Pumpkin Festival, Kids Weekends, Cider Making Weekend, Halloween Weekend and Halloween Treat Day. Hayrides, farm tours and a well-stocked market make it a favorite fall destination just across the Michigan border.
Haslinger Orchards
Monday-Saturday: 9am-5pm | Sunday: 11am-5pm
7404 U.S. 6, Gibsonburg
419-288-2567
A fifth-generation family farm, Haslinger Orchards is known for its fresh-pressed apple cider, homemade apple butter and wide variety of apples. During September and October, visitors can enjoy pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, then browse the farm market for seasonal produce, local honey, jams, fresh doughnuts, cider slushies and other fall favorites.
Fleitz Pumpkin Farm
September 8 through October 31
Daily, 10am-7pm 7133 Seaman Rd., Oregon
419-836-7613
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 doughnuts, doughnut corndogs, mini doughnuts and fresh kettle corn. All activities are open during business hours, making any visit a great time for fall fun.
Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm
Labor Day through Halloween
Daily, 9am-7pm 13639 Mulberry Rd., Ottawa Lake, MI
517-486-2237
A full farm-day retreat featuring pumpkin picking, barnyard animals, a corn maze, weekend hayrides, hot cider, cider slushies and doughnuts made fresh on-site. Be sure to explore the farm’s 5 acres of U-pick flowers and sunflowers, making it an even more colorful stop for fall family fun.
MacQueen’s Orchards
May through October: 9am-7pm
7605 Garden Rd., Holland
419-865-2916
Whether you’re picking apples, browsing the farm market or treating yourself to something from the bakery, MacQueen’s Orchards is a fall favorite for northwest Ohio families. Visitors can enjoy Pick Your Own apples and pumpkins from mid-September through the third week of October, shop for seasonal produce and gifts, and experience one of the area’s most well-known orchards.
Pumpkin Pete’s and Gwen’s Gourds
Pumpkin Pete’s at 10988 Neiderhouse Rd., Perrysburg.
Opening day: Saturday, September 19
Friday: 4-8pm | Saturday and Sunday: 9am-8pm
10988 Neiderhouse Rd., Perrysburg
Make Pumpkin Pete’s and Gwen’s Gourds part of your fall tradition with pumpkins, gourds and rotating food trucks. It’s a relaxing autumn stop just outside Perrysburg.
Wheeler Farms
September 19 through October 31
Friday: 5-10pm | Saturday: Noon-10pm | Sunday: Noon-6pm
11500 Obee Rd., Whitehouse
Make your way through Wheeler Farms’ family-friendly corn maze and enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by the sights and colors of autumn. Campfires, fresh country air and wide-open spaces make it an ideal destination for families, while evening corn maze adventures offer an extra challenge for those bringing a flashlight.
Fall Festivals and Activites
Boo-To-Do in Downtown Waterville
Thursday, October 29 | 5-7pm
Downtown Waterville
419-878-5188
The Boo-To-Do in Waterville.
Wear a costume and stroll through downtown Waterville to be part of this family-friendly Halloween tradition. Local businesses welcome young trick-or-treaters with candy and treats, while food trucks and a festive atmosphere make for a fun-filled evening.
Grand Rapids Apple Butter Festival
Sunday, October 11 | 10am-5pm
Downtown Grand Rapids
419-832-1106
One of northwest Ohio’s most beloved fall traditions returns with a full day of small-town charm and seasonal fun. Browse hundreds of juried craft vendors, enjoy live entertainment, watch historical demonstrations and costume re-enactors. Be sure to take home a jar of the festival’s famous apple butter.
Northwood Fall Festival
Saturday, October 10 | Noon-6pm
Central Park, 6000 Wales Rd., Northwood
Celebrate the season at Northwood’s annual Fall Festival, where families can enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment, delicious food, local vendors and activities for all ages. Browse more than 60 vendors, cheer on the community parade and soak up a favorite fall traditions.
Sylvania Fall Festival
Saturday, October 17 | 2-8pm
Sunday, October 18 | 10am-4pm
Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania
419-882-2135
One of Sylvania’s favorite fall traditions returns for another weekend of family fun. This year’s festival moves to Centennial Terrace as construction continues in downtown Sylvania, but visitors will still enjoy local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, family activities, a cornhole tournament and the annual Fall Festival Parade on Sunday at 1pm. It’s the perfect place to celebrate the season and experience the best of the Sylvania community.
Oak Harbor Apple Festival
Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11
Downtown Oak Harbor, 161 W. Water St., Oak Harbor
The Oak Harbor Apple Festival.
A northwest Ohio tradition for generations, the Oak Harbor Apple Festival welcomes more than 25,000 visitors each year for a weekend filled with family fun and small-town charm.
Browse more than 120 vendors, enjoy delicious food and live entertainment, explore the Kids Zone and catch crowd favorites like the Grand Parade, Classic Car Show, baking
contest, cornhole tournament and the Apple Festival Royalty Court. Admission is free.
Frights
Haunted Waterville Tours
September 12, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 17, 22 and 31 Tours at 5:15pm, 6pm, 6:45pm, 7:30pm and 8:15pm
The Robbins House Museum, 114 S. River Rd., Waterville
Step inside the historic Robbins House Museum before setting out on a horse-drawn trolley ride through downtown Waterville. Along the way, guests will hear eerie tales of local hauntings from ghost hunters and mediums, including several new stories added for this year’s tours. Children 12 and younger receive a free T-shirt to remember the experience.
Fall Fun at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library
Main Library, Maumee Branch and Sylvania Branch
The Toledo Lucas County Public Library is celebrating the season with hands-on programs for kids throughout October, including Fall Craft Fun, Fall Is for Pumpkins, Halloween Craft Party, Batty About Bats!, Booook Bash, Exploding Pumpkins and a Spooky Scavenger Hunt. Visit the online events calendar for registration information and additional October programs.
Panic in the Pines at Bowlander Farm
Saturdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
Nighttime haunts: 8-10pm Daytime Fall Fun: Saturdays and Sundays, October 3, 4, 10 and 11, 11am-4pm
3525 N. Bolander Rd., Genoa
During the first two weekends of October, families can enjoy daytime farm fun and animal experiences. After dark, the farm transforms into Panic in the Pines, featuring a haunted hayride, eerie walking trail and haunted woods.
Toledo Zoo Events
Buckeye Broadband ZOOtoberfest
Friday, October 2 | Evening event Adults 21 and older can enjoy craft beer, live entertainment and animal encounters during one of the Zoo’s signature fall events.
Pumpkin Stomp & Chomp
Saturday, October 24 | During Zoo hours
Watch many of the Zoo’s animals stomp, smash and snack on pumpkins during special enrichment activities.
Harvest Fest
presented by Superior Credit Union October 1-31 | During Zoo hours Celebrate the arrival of fall with giant pumpkins, festive decorations, seasonal treats and all of your favorite Zoo animals.
Little Boo presented by Meijer
October 15 and 16 | 10am-3pm Designed especially for children ages 5 and younger, Little Boo offers a not-so-spooky Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating, entertainment and photo opportunities.
Pumpkin Path
October 17 and 18 | 10am-4pm Trick-or-treat stations, live entertainment and festive activities make this one of the Zoo’s favorite fall traditions.
We often share a lot of fun activities for families, but sometimes mom needs an afternoon or evening out with friends or a chance to meet new friends. Check out these fun craft ideas that Toledo has to offer for a great day out with the other moms.
The Toledo Artists’ Club & Gallery has multiple classes offered throughout the year with instructors who are all experts in their field. Class frequency varies from once a month to once a week and include beginner friendly options. Workshops are also offered, lasting usually one or two days, making them less of a commitment. Workshops and classes vary from drawing to painting to photography. There’s something for everyone!
For those who are interested in learning how to crochet, Ariel Kay Crochet offers beginner classes as well as classes for more experienced crocheters. If you already crochet and for an afternoon out when you can meet some new friends, join the crochet club.
Callisto Terra is a family owned candle studio which offers hands-on workshops making soy wax candles. Classes are beginner friendly and, with candle making events where participants create their own custom candles, weekend themed projects and seasonal speciality events are also available.
Since 2006 Copper Moon Studio has been providing crafting fun focused around glass art experiences. Class options include Lil’ Chips, where participants create fused glass mosaics, the Cut Your Own Glass classes lets participants pick from a large list of options that an experienced teacher will help lead you. Copper Moon Studio also welcomes other local teachers (including some on our list!) for special event classes where a variety of mediums are explored.
The 577 Foundation offers an abundance of classes in a variety of specialities for various experience levels. Some classes have participants come for a day and make a creation, and other classes occur over the course of a few weeks. To explore something new or develop a stronger skill set in a particular area, 577 Foundation offers classes, including those focused on pottery, fiber arts, studio arts, culinary arts, enrichment and wellness and gardening.
Owens Work & Play classes are a great way to learn new skills and find new interests. The Personal Enrichment classes are fun special interest classes including ceramics, cricut, culinary, music, photography and even studio art welding. Most any topic you can think of is offered. Some classes meet just once while others meet over the course of a few weeks. Grab some friends and learn something new!
Vod’s Here! Sewing & Crafting Emporium
5800 Monroe Street Building D, Unit 2 Sylvania vodshere.com/
With a belief that everyone has a creative side, Vod’s Here! Sewing & Crafting Emporium offers workshops, gatherings and private classes focusing on sewing, knitting, crocheting and quilting. Learn a new skill, or have fun improving an old skill, while also socializing with others. Vod’s Here! Sewing & Crafting Emporium also is a retail space.
Discovery School, Children's Discovery Center's kindergarten program, offers a warm, joyful educational experience where children thrive.
Every child learns differently, and our community is filled with programs to help young learners discover their passions, build new skills, and grow with confidence. These local resources that can help your child thrive.
Looking for a kindergarten program that sees your child as strong, capable and endlessly curious? Discovery School, Children’s Discovery Center’s kindergarten program, offers a warm, joyful educational experience where children thrive.
Featuring a curriculum approved by the Ohio Department of Education and fully aligned with state standards, Discovery School provides a rigorous foundation in reading, writing, math, science and social studies while nurturing creativity, problem-solving and teamwork. Through hands-on projects, SmartBoard technology, field trips and special classes in Spanish and Art, children learn to express themselves and to lead their own discoveries. A Christian education program supports the development of strong values and character.
Headquartered at Children’s Discovery Center’s Waterville location, Discovery School’s tuition includes before and after school care, lunch, two daily snacks and transportation from other Children’s Discovery Centers. Give your child a kindergarten experience that sparks a lifelong love of learning. childrensdiscoverycenters.com/contact to schedule a visit.
Bringing together Toledo Ballet, Toledo Symphony School of Music (TSSM), and Toledo Symphony Youth Orchestras (TSYO), this vibrant arts hub offers opportunities for children of all ages and skill levels to learn, grow, perform and build lifelong creativity. TSSM provides private lessons and group classes, beginning with ages as early as three. Families exploring music can take advantage of the Sample Lesson 4-Pack — four standalone 30-minute lessons designed to help beginners discover the instrument that’s right for them — no longterm commitment required. Scholarship opportunities make lessons accessible to all. Toledo Ballet offers year-round instruction in ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance, while TSYO provides advanced ensemble training and performance experiences. Together, these programs create a welcoming community for young artists to thrive. liveartstoledo.com/education.
Maumee Valley Country Day School
1715 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH 43614
419-381-1313 | mvcds.org
Grades Offered: PreK – Grade 12
Look closely at a Maumee Valley student, and you’ll see an authentic journey unfolding. It starts in PreKindergarten forest school, where hands-on, nature-based learning teaches children to ask big questions. Through Middle School, students step out of their comfort zones, building intellectual courage in small, close-knit classes.
By Upper School, that curiosity turns into extraordinary achievement. Ditching traditional worksheets, our students lead hands-on intensives—whether mastering winter survival, tackling social issues in Latin America, cracking CSI forensics cases, or engineering championship-winning robotics. Alongside peers from around the world, they travel internationally, compete in athletics, and excel in the arts without compromise.
With dedicated 4-year college counseling starting in 9th grade, students pair their real-world experiences with top-tier academics—yielding Toledo’s highest SAT scores and 100% 4-year college placement. From forest school to college admissions, we don’t just prepare students for the future—we empower them to shape it. Step into extraordinary. Explore Your More at Maumee Valley Country Day School.
HOPE Learning Academy of Toledo is committed to providing a positive, safe, and supportive learning environment where students are valued and individual learning needs are met. HOPE serves students in grades K–8 and is designed for children who benefit from smaller class sizes, personalized support, and an engaging educational setting. With class sizes of 10 or fewer students, teachers are able to provide individualized attention while building a strong classroom community.
HOPE’s curriculum supports academic growth while also incorporating reading and math intervention, sensory supports, social skills development, and enrichment opportunities. The school is especially focused on helping students with learning differences reach their full potential through research-based strategies, accommodations for different learning styles, and a commitment to positive outcomes. Families who are looking for a school environment that emphasizes safety, support, individualized instruction, and whole-child development are encouraged to learn more about HOPE Learning Academy of Toledo. For more information, visit hopelearningacademy.org.
by Ryan T. Higgins
5403 Elmer Dr. Toledo
151 N. Michigan St. Suite 227/228 Toledo
Since 2006 Copper Moon Studio has been providing crafting fun focused around glass art experiences. Class options include Lil’ Chips, where participants create fused glass mosaics, the Cut Your Own Glass classes lets participants pick from a large list of options that an experienced teacher will help lead you. Copper Moon Studio also welcomes other local teachers (including some on our list!) for special event classes where a variety of mediums are explored.
4747 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo
