It’s that time of the year when winter feels like it has been dragging on forever and you have been cooped up inside longer than you would like. Your kids have played the same games a trillion times and I know, mama, you could use some relaxation.
Before you go booking the next flight out of town, consider something a little closer to home.
Dare I say a relaxing family-friendly getaway around Toledo?
Right before the holidays, I ventured out to Maumee Bay State Park. Not because I wanted to, but because I had to. I was participating, as a vendor, in an event for a ladies’ weekend retreat hosted by the Park. As I worked at this event I became preoccupied with all of the beauty of Maumee Bay State Park.
I was in awe, captivated by the view, indulging in the peacefulness, and overcome by relaxation even if it was only for a moment.
Honestly, in the 30 years, I have spent living in Toledo, this was the first time I have actually visited Maumee Bay State Park in the winter. I have always been one to visit in the summertime. I thought that it was a park where you spend time outside, swim, and enjoy nature. To my surprise, it was such an amazing experience, despite the frosty cold day, and I made plans to return, A.S.A.P.!
If you have never been there, it is way more than just your average park. Situated minutes outside of downtown Toledo on the perfect picturesque shore of Lake Erie, are over 1,000 acres that make-up Maumee Bay State Park. There is a mix of serene wilderness, wildlife, and fine recreational activities to please everyone in the family. There is a beautiful lodge complete with an oversized fireplace and amazing floor to ceiling views of Lake Erie. They have a restaurant with fantastic food (it’s so good I trusted them to cater my wedding). Also, plenty of indoor activities to keep kids of all ages occupied: indoor pool, hot tubs, arcade, play area, board games, and volleyball/racquetball court. I also discovered, the park hosts weekly themed events. The best part?! You don’t have to be a guest at the lodge to enjoy most of the activities!
Recently, I made it out to Maumee Bay State Park for my second winter visit! This time, I had my two boys (3 years old and 8 years old) and my puppy in tow. Yes, that’s right my dog was with us! Maumee Bay has dog-friendly grounds for a nice walk with a great view.
We were all very excited to have more time to spend enjoying everything. My boys enjoyed themselves in the arcade, play area, and they even spent some time on the outdoor playground, despite the cold. It was great seeing them having some good old fun and unplugging from all of their electronics.
My favorite part, was still simply relaxing and taking in the peaceful calm of nature. Which every mama deserves as much as possible! Lucky for us, such a spectacular little getaway is just a short drive from anywhere in Northwest Ohio. It is well worth it to take a visit even if it is just to enjoy the view.
Location:
Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center
1750 State Park Road
Oregon, Ohio 43618
