Couldn’t take off for the spring break vacation? Would you still like to do something fun with your family, but not sure what?
Here are some ideas close to home, as well as a few day trips worth loading up the car for!
The Outdoor Enthusiast
Because we all benefit for a fresh air reset and experience.
577 Foundation
Located in Perrysburg, it is quite the hidden treasure. They offer classes and experiences for different age groups, and everyday opportunities to explore nature up close. It features a Story Walk, Nature Playscape, Riverwalk Trail, Bee Room, Bird Blind and Did’s Dig (opens in spring). 577 is open daily 9am-5pm. Visit Here
MetroParks
Local parks and playgrounds can open up a long afternoon of fun. Pack your lunch and spend time not only exploring the play areas but pick a path and go on a nature scavenger hunt. Go on a bike ride. Have an early riser? Why not pick up some coffee and pastries and have an out of the norm breakfast.
Here is a list of parks and playgrounds to checkout.
Did you know Metroparks have tree-climbing programs, archery practice, and nature programs! Check their calendar to see specific dates and times.
The Toledo Zoo
While this feels like it needs no reminder that we house a great resource in our 419 area, we couldn’t leave it off the list either. Walk around, check out the animals and explore the Nature’s Neighborhood. There is a large playground at the center for the kids to get extra energy out. Plan to spend quite a bit of time here and dress to be outside but also inside at times. 
For Book Lovers
Because good books make for great memories with your kids.
Mazza Museum
If you’re not familiar with the Mazza Museum in Findlay, they have over 14,000 pieces of artwork from picture books.
Spend the afternoon rediscovering some of your favorite childhood books.
Lucas County Libraries
The Main Library in Downtown Toledo has an impressive children’s area to explore. What’s great about the world of books, and a fun place to enjoy them, is ALL ages can find a book to have fun with and explore. If you have little ones, they have a great play area for them. You could make an afternoon of it. Calendar of events.
Way Public Library
Looking for ways to limit your kid’s electronic time? Check out the “Beyond Books” collection at the Way Public Library. You can rent board games, musical instruments, and giant outdoor games.
Hands on Discovery and Museums
Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.”- Fred Rogers
Spangler Candy World
Head on a day trip to Bryan Ohio and visit the famous candy company and museum. Spangler Candy World is filled with interactive games and learning experiences. The best part? The long history that is present with Spangler Candies. You can explore the history and check out historical artifacts and learn more about the place where Sweetheart Candies, Dum Dum suckers, Bit-O-Honey and Candy Canes are made! Make sure to bring a sweet tooth and grab some goodies at the gift store.
Imagination Station
Imagination Station is another fun stop for kids. There are lots of interactive activities for kids of all ages. They have a separate area for little kids as well. We love playing make-believe in their interactive grocery store.
National Museum of the Great Lakes
Looking for more hands-on fun? Check out the National Museum of the Great Lakes. They have interactive exhibits for kids to explore. Kids love their underwater diving/exploration simulator. They also have a fun spot just for toddlers to play.
Findlay Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum of Findlay offers 24 hands-on exhibits built just for kids ages 0-10. CMF exhibits provide a safe place where kids can be creative and stretch their imaginations to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) concepts. They are open Wed-Sun.
Ann Arbor Hands On Museum
Not a long drive, depending on where you are driving from. Ann Arbor itself offers a variety of places to eat or grab food before or after your visit. The Museum has an open area for the younger ones to crawl and explore in, while offering tons of hands-on learning station for the old (ish) kids. Our favorite is a water center for the young (and old) to build at and play. Plan to spend 1-2 hours depending on your child. Check it here.
Armstrong Air and Space Museum
This will be a full day’s trip, as it may take up to 1.5 hours drive depending on where you are starting from in our NW Ohio area. Located in Wapakoneta Oh, you may recognize the big white sphere popping out of the ground if you’ve ever passed it on 75s. History fills the halls with real artifacts from missions. Peak inside and even sit in a mockup of the Gemini and check out space suits and food astronauts have up in space. There are 7 interactive exhibits and 2 simulators. At the center, see stars and planets fly overhead in the Astro Theatre. Their site also gives ideas for places to also visit while in Wapakoneta.
Henry Ford Museum
Travel through time. From early cars and trains, to early household gadgets, The Henry Ford really brings about exploration of the past. Special engagements are always a unique opportunity at the Henry Ford. 
This Spring Break you can check out Paw Patrol: Adventure Play. (Running through April 28th). Check out their calendar for any upcoming events and attractions.
The Creative
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” – Pablo Picasso
Toledo Museum of Art Family Center
Think art museums aren’t for kids? Think again! The Toledo Museum of Art goes out of their way to make kids feel welcome.
They have an incredible Family Center with various art projects your kids can do for free. The project typically ties in with an art exhibit at the museum.
Their Family Center Hours differ from the museum’s hours, so make sure to double-check before you go.
Hidden Gem
Tin Goose Diner and Aviation Museum
Take a lazy afternoon drive out to Port Clinton and have lunch at a vintage 1950’s Tin Goose Diner. Your kids will love sitting at the counter, ordering a milkshake. The diner is part of the Liberty Aviation Museum that has artifacts, vehicles, and aircraft from the Golden Age of Aviation.
