SUUUUUMMER!!!!!!!
Who doesn’t LOVE the warmer weather, the sandals coming out of the closet, the cookouts, the windows open in the house and car and all of the festivals going on? Spring and Summer are my two FAVORITE seasons followed closely by Fall. There are merely endless opportunities to get moving, be active, and enjoy the weather. Winter has its own perks but being outside, having windows open, and cooking out are not on that list. So, what is one to do with this wonderful weather???
Our family turns the TV off and we PLAY. We play outside, inside, we have play dates, we explore local parks, etc. In fact, I have had NO PROBLEM keeping my littles busy over Summer break. I want to share the many ideas that you too can implement into your summer routine.
1.Hit up the local parks. Most parks have different activities you can sign your littles up for a small fee. I have attached Wildwood Metropark and Sidecut Metropark’s website so you can check out their events and sign up if wanted. You can also take canal rides at Providence Metropark in Grand Rapids, Ohio, the Walcott House in Maumee is an adventure, The Manor House at Wildwood is educational, etc. Check out the local parks in the attached link below.
Side Cut Metropark: https://metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/side-cut/
Wildwood Preserve Metropark: https://metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/wildwood/
Metroparks Website: https://metroparkstoledo.com/outdoor-adventures/
2. 577 Foundation: Founded by Virginia Secor Stranahan, The 577 Foundation is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the historic property at 577 East Front Street in Perrysburg, Ohio.
The Foundation, open to all, is an ecologically sensitive place that encourages diversity and seeks to foster exploration, experimentation, personal enjoyment and creativity in education.
http://www.577foundation.org/index.html
3. The Toledo Zoo. I don’t know about you, but every time we go to the zoo, we have a very different experience. The zoo is endless entertainment for littles and adults alike. From animals to splash pads and lazy rivers, the zoo is a place to hit up weekly in the summer. They also offer animal demonstrations and animal skits back in the Nature’s Neighborhood area.
https://www.toledozoo.org/events
4. The Toledo Museum of Art is another great resource we have in our backyard. Each week the kids’ area has a theme and their make-it-take-it activities are always a crowd pleaser.
http://www.toledomuseum.org/visit/events
5. First Friday in Perrysburg, Ohio. The first Friday of every summer month Perrysburg, Ohio opens their streets to vendors and family friendly activities along with live music. The event is free and is sure to entertain the kids and adults alike.
http://www.downtownperrysburg.org/firstfriday/
6. Perrysburg, Ohio Farmer’s Market. Get Fresh! Visit the Perrysburg Market in historic downtown Perrysburg for locally grown and produced annuals, perennials, herbs, baked goods, garden art, prepared foods, fruit, vegetables and unique gifts.
http://www.perrysburg-farmers-market.com
7. Local Libraries. For those rainy days that need to spent inside, we head on out to the local libraries. They have soooo many summer activities going on and most are free to all. Kids events, activities, story times, workshops, etc. The possibilities at the library are endless.
8. Local Festivals. Just because it is mid-July (pushing late July) doesn’t mean festival season is heading out, late Summer and Fall festivals are about to make their debut and they are a must hit!
Ann Arbor’s Festival of the Arts is a fun festival http://www.artfair.org
Bowling Green’s Black Swamp Arts Festival http://www.blackswampfest.org/aboutbsaf/
9. City Bike Trails. Explore the many bike trails around the area. This is a great way to get the kiddos moving and spend time as a family staying healthy and enjoying the outdoors.
https://www.traillink.com/city/toledo-oh-trails/
10. Maumee Bay State Park. Our family has taken a liking to this little gem of a place. They offer bike trails, beach swimming, hiking, golfing, camping, a playground inside as well as outside, a hotel with a restaurant, etc.
http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/maumeebay
11. Imagination Station. Explore the many STEM activities at Imagination Station. Imagination Station is a non-profit, hands-on science museum located on the riverfront in downtown Toledo, Ohio. The facility has over 300 exhibits for “children of all ages.”
https://www.imaginationstationtoledo.org
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