Summer Activities in Toledo Ohio

Summer Fun in Toledo

Summer is a fantastic time where the sun is out, and the weather is warm. Kids are out of school and everyone is trying to find something to keep them active and busy while they have the extra sunlight available to accomplish things. This guide to all the different summer activities in Toledo Ohio will help you fill your calendar as much as you desire. Whether you would like to relax at a free concert in the park, learn a new skill, or catch a minor league baseball game, there is something for everyone in Northwest Ohio!

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Outdoor Activities in Toledo

There is no shortage of outdoor activities in the area which is great news if you are an active person. Whether you prefer to be a part of a group, meet new people, or are more of a loner, you can find the perfect fit. The best part is that many of these activities are free!

Fossil Hunting

One unique opportunity is the ability to go fossil hunting at Fossil Park in nearby Sylvania. This is a fun, free outing for anyone that does not mind getting dirty. You are not allowed to bring tools like hammers, picks, or shovels but I suggest that you bring a bucket, sifter/strainer, and some small brushes and towels to help clean off your finds. You can bring home whatever fossils you find (mostly be different brachiopods and coral). The fossil pit is open seasonally (typically April- September) so be sure to check their website before heading over. The hiking trails are open year-round. Dogs are allowed on the walking trails but are not allowed in the fossil hunting area.

Toledo Zoo and Aquarium

One of the main things that Toledo is known for is its Zoo! Adult tickets for Lucas County residents are $20 and $22 for non-residents. They are open year-round but visiting in the summer is much more enjoyable because you will be able to see more of the animals and the aerial adventure course will be open for those looking for more of a thrill. The adventure course is an additional fee and they do require closed-toe shoes if this is something that interests you. Be sure to check out the behind-the-scenes tours and other animal interaction experiences while you are there!

Disc Golf

Ottawa Park is home to a nice disc golf course if you have access to a set of discs. You will also find tennis courts at several of the parks in Toledo available for use.

Meet New Friends

Multiple running groups meet during different days of the week if you are looking to run with a group. Check local Facebook groups or stores like Dave’s Running shop that hosts several group runs throughout the warmer months and all are free to join. You just show up at the designated location and time which is especially great if you are just visiting Toledo or if you would rather run with a group. Be sure to check out Dave’s Facebook page to find the best fit as some runs are for particular groups of people (like women) versus other runs that are open to anyone. This store also provides a paid training program if you want to take your running to the next level and live in the area.

Facebook groups will also provide connections if you are looking for other people to bike with, hike local trails, or even walk your dogs. There are multiple long biking trails in the Toledo Metroparks systems, and they are great for rollerblading too!

Toledo Metroparks

The Toledo Metroparks system provides opportunities for endless outdoor activities of all kinds. This park system won the 2020 National Gold Medal Award in parks and recreation and has some amazing activities and programs available. Toledo has set a goal to have a park within 5 miles of every home in the county which means there is an abundance of parks to choose from.

Throughout the year, Metroparks hosts different programs and outings to help people get outside. Join a guided walk where you can learn more about nature and the different wildlife in the area. A lot of these walks are themed which means you can select a walk that focuses on birds, plants, or even after dark walks where you listen for bats! Many of the hikes are free, but if there is a cost to a particular program it is generally on the low side.

Some programs teach you new skills such as fishing, backpacking, kayaking, and gardening. Occasionally they even organize trips out of state that you can sign up for. One of the more popular ones is a group trip to backpack a part of the Appalachian Trail.

The parks provide wonderful bird-watching opportunities with the biggest week occurring in early May tied to bird migration. This year it is during May 6^th -10^th. Parks such as Oak Openings, Howard Marsh, and Pearson parks are just some of the great places to get some bird-watching in.

Outside of Toledo, you will find Maumee Bay State Park, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, and Magee Marsh Wildlife Area for some other fantastic birding spots. There are also some great hiking trails in these parks.

Recently in Oak Openings, they built several treehouses available for people to rent and stay overnight in. This provides a unique experience available in only a few places in Ohio.

Oak Openings is also home to a free mountain bike course and trails. The FitPark Ride course provides 21 different obstacles to help you practice different challenges that might be encountered on the different trails in the park. This is a fun way to improve your skills or just have some fun! Be sure to stay safe and bring a helmet.

If you are interested in archery, head to Westwinds Metropark on the weekend to rent a bow and arrow to use on their range. They have a static range that is available to everyone and a 3D range you can use once you can prove your proficiency and safety with the equipment.

Multiple parks in Toledo will provide the opportunity for different water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Howard Marsh is my personal favorite spot to see wildlife while kayaking. You can also rent kayaks at different parks, just be sure to check the hours of availability before you go.

If you are into rock climbing, Blue Creek provides a place for you to try bouldering. Bouldering is basically rock climbing without the equipment. They do recommend that you bring crash pads if you are new to this sport to prevent serious injury.

If you’d rather try your hand at bouldering in a more controlled setting, Climb Toledo is a small rock climbing gym near the downtown area. Due to the small size, you do need to reserve your spot in advance. The gym is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 6 pm- 10 pm and Saturdays from 12- 4 pm. The price is very affordable at $8 for a 2-hour session and an additional $2 to rent climbing shoes if you don’t have your own.

Concert Series

For more low-key entertainment, there are multiple chances to enjoy free concerts in different parks around town. They change locations regularly but just a quick google search will point you in the right direction! Bring some lawn chairs or a blanket along with some food and your favorite person and you will be all set! I bring my oldest dog, Remington to one of the concert series for a ‘date night’.

Botanical gardens

Toledo Botanical Gardens is home to several of the concerts in the park series along with beautiful gardens and an Artist Village. You can sign up for different arts and craft classes or buy some local art in this tiny village. Just check their calendar to pick the class that interests you. The Botanical Gardens is free to visit however they do not allow pets in the park.

Indoor Activities

If you need a break from the outdoors and want to enjoy some air conditioning, never fear, there are countless indoor options in the area too. You can explore some museums, take a class, play some games, or watch a show. Toledo is a great city that provides many indoor activities as well.

Toledo Ohio Museums

There are multiple museums to visit in the area which we talked about in our Winter Activities in Toledo post. Be sure to look at the complete list, for ideas of what to do on rainy days.

National Museum of the Great Lakes

During the summer, be sure to visit the National Museum of the Great Lakes which is when you can tour the two boats docked there. The Museum Tug Ohio (an old fire tug) and Colonel James M Schoonmaker (a flagship for a furnace company) both have apps so you can take a self-guided tour and are open to the public during the warmer months. This attraction is closed on Tuesdays and you can get a combo ticket for both boats and the museum for $16.

Toledo Museum of Art

Take the opportunity with warmer weather to explore the outdoor area and sculptures at the  Toledo Museum of Art. Don’t forget to see what traveling exhibits they have available inside and take the time to enjoy the work by famous artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, and Rembrandt. The museum is typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and there is no entrance fee. However, there is a fee to park in their lot. Some of the traveling exhibits may have a separate admittance fee.

Blair Museum of Lithophanes

The Blair Museum of Lithophanes is the world’s largest collection of lithophanes. Lithophanes are a 3D representation of a photo that can only be seen when illuminated from behind. Their collection is made up of pieces from all over the world and the detailed artwork on some of them is astounding. The collection has been moved to Schedel Arboretum & Gardens and is open seasonally during the warmer months starting in April.

Catch a Show

If you are looking for more indoor activities, you can watch a play or musical at the Collingwood Arts Center or Stranahan Theater. Comedy shows are available at Funny Bone Comedy Club.

When the sun goes down, why not watch a movie at the Parkside Drive-In Theatre. Have fun experiencing a movie on a large screen while under the stars.

Play a Game

For the gamers in town, go to Old School Gaming on Thursdays to get your board game on. This store also hosts Dungeons and Dragons along with other events so be sure to check out their calendar.

Visit an Arcade

For arcade games, there is the DraftCade and my husband’s personal favorite The Basement-Toledo’s Geekeasy. The Basement is adult only and hosts weekly pinball tournaments for a chance to win some money.

Toledo Library Programs

The Toledo Library system also hosts all kinds of programs throughout the year. From computer programing, crafts, movies, to specialty cooking classes, they have something for all ages and interests. Most of these programs are free.

Fun Things to Do in Toledo

Summer is a great time to take advantage of enjoying a baseball game and the outdoor patios of local breweries, bars, and restaurants. Some restaurants even offer other outdoor activities like volleyball.

Watch a Baseball Game

Toledo is home to the Toledo Mudhens, a minor league baseball team. If you like baseball be sure to catch one of their games and enjoy America’s favorite pastime for a wonderfully affordable price. The Mudhens do have certain game dates that you are able to bring your pup.

Grab a Drink

If you want to enjoy a cold beer with your friends, several local breweries are around town. Many provide outdoor seating and are close to some fantastic food options. Take a look at 419 Ale Trail for all the options available. My personal favorite combination is Ernest Brew Works with the Smashdogs food truck. If you have a dog, check ahead as some of the breweries do allow dogs on their patios.

Toledo is home to an abnormal amount of restaurants and food trucks guaranteed to make any Foodie happy.

If your group is over 18 years old, you can book a tour of the downtown area with Handlebar Toledo. They will stop the bike at different bars (so it is better if you are over 21) which will offer drink specials and/or you can bring your own drinks along to enjoy on the ride. If you do not want to drink, that’s ok too!

Side note: There is a designated area in downtown Toledo where you are legally able to carry open alcoholic beverages.

Reset is a bar and restaurant that has two different locations. During the summer, be sure to stop by the Rossford location where they have volleyball and cornhole leagues available to play with your friends.

Why You Should Visit:

Summer opens up more opportunities for entertainment in Toledo. You can find a good mix of high and low-energy activities all around town. Some of these activities and opportunities like fossil hunting or staying in a real treehouse are hard to find in other places. With Toledo being off several major highways, it is a great and affordable place to stop during your road trip to have some fun. It also provides enough options to make it your actual destination! Be sure to plan a stop to enjoy some of these awesome summer activities in Toledo Ohio.

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