There's nothing quite like getting up close to some of the world's most fascinating animals, and the kids will love doing that at the African Safari Wildlife Park. This is not a typical zoo-type experience. This is an actual breeding animal park which offers a completely different and unique way to see some of your favorite wildlife. Kids will enjoy feeding the animals, seeing the hilarious pig races, and even being a part of the various animal shows. Plus, don't miss the incredible alpaca and llama exhibit, which is the largest exhibit of its kind in the United States. Also, make sure to see the rare giant eland, the biggest antelope in the world, is quite possibly the park's most popular exhibit.
History is both preserved and highlighted at the Fort Meigs State Memorial. This fort was the largest walled fortification in the country. The structure was ordered to be built by President William Henry Harrison on the south side of the Maumee River in 1812. This was the site of two important battles of the War of 1812. The historic attraction has been restored and was even the site of a massive archeological excavation that was started in the 1960s. There are self-guided tours available as well as various demonstrations that offer an even more detailed look at a fascinating piece of United States history.
Imagination is something you never outgrow, and nowhere is that more obvious than at Toledo's Imagination Station. Formerly COSI, this amazing venue touts the wonders of science in a fun and highly interactive way. The kids will love the many experiments, exhibits and attractions that will draw them into and make them part of various scientific principles, but they will also enjoy some of the special features here like Mindbender Mansion and various summer camp programs. There are also special tour packages available to groups and area schools.
The whole family will be star-struck when you plan a visit to the Ritter Planetarium and Brooks Observatory in Toledo. This is a spectacular way to learn about what's in the night sky in a fun and very interactive way. Hear the stories behind the many constellations that will engage everyone's imaginations. Plus, see and learn about recent advances and discoveries in astronomy and space travel. There is plenty to see and do here, so prepare to look up and be amazed in so many ways!
While it may be true that history is all around us, sometimes you have to travel a bit to get to it. That is the case with Sauder Farm and Craft Village. Located about an hour's drive outside of Toledo, this historical attraction vividly demonstrates what rural life was like in Ohio back in the 1800s. Visit a blacksmith, a potter, and a general store as well as a popular quilt shop. There are also many historic homes and picturesque gardens that you can stroll through. And, if you get hungry, enjoy a delicious meal at the nearby Barn Restaurant.
The Toledo Botanical Garden is a benchmark against which similar gardens are measured throughout the country, and with good reason. This is considered to be one of the pioneering gardens because of its dramatically beautiful visual and natural presentation. Fragrant meadows of sunflowers and wildflowers, rose gardens, herb gardens and sharply manicured walkways make spending time here something special for the entire family. Also, the kids will especially love visiting the recreated pioneer garden which many consider to be one of the site's main attractions.
Kids love to scribble and draw. If your little ones have an artistic inclination, then foster that talent and maybe even inspire them with a visit to the Toledo Museum of Art. This impressive attraction features art that spans the historical sweep from the ancient to the modern. Many pieces are presented in various media that include pottery, sculpture and photography. There is also a fascinating section of exhibits that spotlight historical furniture and other artifacts.
For those who may not know, the city of Toledo was named after a small town outside of Madrid, Spain. The Toledo Spain Plaza stands as a reminder of that link. This is a grassy area off Collingwood Avenue which actually resembles more of a median than a plaza. The plaza is located at the edge of the Historic West End neighborhood and is an excellent place for a leisurely walk or even a picnic.
The whole family will go wild for the wildlife that you will encounter at the Toledo Zoo. The attraction has the distinction of being the country's most complete zoo, meaning that the animals that are kept here in their natural habitats most represent the many species found in the natural environment. See favorites like hippos, giraffes, polar bears, tigers, lions, monkeys and many more. There are also various seasonal events held here as well as an impressive summer concert series.