The Imagination Station, located in Toledo, Ohio, is the perfect day trip destination no matter the weather. Featuring hundreds of hands-on STEM activities, there is something here for everyone. The Wonder and Wander – Jackson crew visited recently, and we are all still talking about the fun we had.
Our Favorite Parts
Little loved the Little Kidspace – a playspace specifically for the five and under crowd. This space features a treehouse, pretend play spaces including a grocery store, giant legos and building blocks area, water tables, and more! We could have played in this space for hours! (Kids older than five can enter this space if they are accompanying a younger sibling or child.) Little also loved wandering through the other exhibits at the Imagination Station, and trying out everything he could!
If you are visiting the Imagination Station with bigger kids, you will have tons of fun exploring two floors full of exhibits. Bigger kids would also enjoy watching the featured film in the theater – just note this is an add-on to the ticket price. Big especially loved the optical illusion exhibits and the giant hamster wheel for humans. Big was also brave enough to try the high wire cycle, which is a staple exhibit at the Imagination Station.
Plan Your Visit to The Imagination Station
We also want to include a few important logistical tips as you plan your visit! There are multiple parking garages within walking distance of the Imagination Station. We parked in the Vistula Garage, which is connected to the IS through an underground tunnel. Just take the elevators to the bottom floor of the parking garage, and take a left to enter the tunnel doors – the IS is just a short walk from there!
If you are staying through lunchtime, you can find a cafe’ with items for purchase on the bottom level of the IS, or you can find Barry’s Bagels on the top floor (to the left of the theater). You could also pack a picnic and find some seating along the nearby waterfront – as you can exit and reenter the IS as needed. If you are eating at peak lunchtimes, you can expect longer lines at the food areas, so plan ahead!
You can also purchase your admission tickets online from the Imagination Station website before you visit. They offer free admission to teachers (bring your badge!), military discounts, and children two and under are free.
We loved our visit to this incredible location, and with this being a short 90-minute drive away, we cannot wait to visit again!
The Details
Location Name: Imagination Station
Address: Click here to view it on Google Maps
Why we love it: Hours of hands-on STEM fun for all ages
Features: Little Kid area, hundreds of hands-on exhibits, and the fear-inducing high wire cycle
“Big’s Review”: This place is cool! There is so much fun stuff and great food. Are you brave enough to try the high wire cycle like me?
Elizabeth’s Suggestion: See helpful tips in the Plan Your Visit section above
Toddler Approved? Yes!
Stroller friendly? Yes! I had our stroller with us and found plenty of parking spots for it when Little wasn’t riding.
Big Kid Approved? Yes!
Full Sun or Shade? Indoors.
Restroom? Yes – including family restrooms.
Cost? Find Admission Rates here
Parking? See parking information in the Plan Your Visit section
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm, Sunday noon-5 pm
Website: https://www.imaginationstationtoledo.org/
Looking for more kid-friendly day trips? Click here!