Spring has officially arrived on the calendar, and spring break has also arrived for school-aged kiddos. If you are looking for some local day trips, why not consider a trip to Toledo? Just over an hour away, Toledo is filled with plenty of kid-friendly spots. Keep reading to see our top recommendations!
The Toledo Zoo
The Toledo Zoo is one of our favorite zoos, and the perfect kid-friendly day trip location! I find this zoo to be easily walkable – it has smooth paved paths that are perfect for strollers and wagons. I love how it is not too spread out, which means that many young kiddos can walk it themselves. We have visited this zoo with toddlers, littles, and bigger kids, and everyone found something to enjoy. As for the animals, we especially love the polar bears and the aquarium!
Kids of all ages will love Nature’s Neighborhood – a special kid-friendly area, featuring both an inside building with plenty to explore and an outside play space. You’ll find different features during different seasons, from a splash pad to various events. There is even a carousel, a safari train, and a ropes course!
For more information on admission and hours for the Toledo Zoo, visit:
https://www.toledozoo.org/
Imagination Station
We featured this fantastic science center before, but it just has to be placed on our Toledo Kid-Friendly Day Trip list! Featuring a little kid play area, hundreds of hands-on opportunities, and so much science, we highly recommend visiting. Parking is easy to navigate (within walking distance), and there is a cafe on sight, and a Barry Bagels too. Check out all of our tips for visiting the Imagination Station here.
For more information on admission and hours for the Imagination Station, visit:
https://www.imaginationstationtoledo.org/
Swan Creek Preserve Metropark
If you are looking for a place to get outside or to get some wiggles out, plan a stop at Swan Creek Preserve Metropark! Swan Creek spans 441 acres with an additional 154 acres along the creek. Activities and attractions include scenic overlooks along the trails, a swinging bridge, indoor and picnic facilities, a gazebo made for weddings, two playgrounds, and a Window on Wildlife.
For more information on Swan Creek Preserve Metropark, visit:
https://metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/swan-creek-preserve-metropark/
National Museum of the Great Lakes
While we haven’t visited this spot in person yet, it came highly recommended to us! The National Museum of the Great Lakes features over 40 hands-on exhibits, including the 617-foot iron ore freighter Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship.
For more information on the National Museum of the Great Lakes, visit:
https://nmgl.org/
Toledo Museum of Art
If you are looking to introduce your children to the world of art, look no further than the Toledo Museum of Art. Featuring the main building, and the glass pavilion with a live glass-blowing studio, you’ll take in many different styles of art. This spot might be better for older children, especially the glass pavilion.
For more information on the Toledo Museum of Art, visit:
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