Embrace the best of Toledo summertime with these outdoor activities
Toledo, Ohio is a great place to live if you love the outdoors. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks it among the top five spots in the country for outdoor enthusiasts to call home. Glass City’s Metroparks span more than 12,000 acres. For easy access to family activities and outdoor activities, Toledo is the place to be. These five adventurous attractions are proof positive.
Maumee Bay State Park
Maumee Bay State Park is a favorite destination for many Midwesterners. It offers a special place for family activities. This 1,336-acre park consists of wooded areas, meadows and marshes. It also has two sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming and relaxing. One is on the shores of Great Lake Erie. The other is on a smaller inland lake. Other popular activities here include:
- Hiking on the four trails
- Playing a round on the 18-hole golf course
- Learning about the history of the park and walking the boardwalk trail at the Nature Center
Black Swamp Bird Observatory
Kids particularly love visiting this special spot located right at the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area entrance. During cool weather, the Anna Macke Mikolajczyk Window on Wildlife is particularly popular. This large window overlooks a bird-feeding station and waterfall. The real star of the show here is the Gallagher Memorial Trail. It’s an easy walk through woodlands and meadows. It’s also a fantastic chance to see the American woodcock.
Canal Experience
This seasonal Toledo attraction is like stepping back to 1876. Canal Experience in Providence Metropark offers one-hour boat rides and a glimpse into what life was like in the historic canal town of Providence. Some highlights include:
- A working gristmill
- Costumed volunteers
- A scenic dam at the Maumee River
- A reproduction of a canal boat drawn by mules
- One of the country’s last working limestone locks from the 19th century
Fossil Park
Kids love going to Fossil Park. It has a five-acre rock quarry where the whole family can search for fossils in a safe environment. Whatever you find, you can keep and take home with you. The park is one of two Devonian Era sites on Earth. It sits where prehistoric life once thrived. The fossil pit doesn’t have any shade. Park staff recommend bringing sunscreen and a hat. After you explore the fossil pit, walk the trail to stretch your legs while talking about all your awesome discoveries.
Toledo Botanical Gardens
This is like a living museum dedicated to plants. Experience nature like never before at this 60-acre facility. You can learn about all the annuals and perennials. Discover how you can add them to your own garden. During the nice weather, strolling among the sculptures of Artisan Village sculptures throughout the garden is a must. The Toledo Botanical Garden also hosts the Crosby Festival of the Arts. It’s a summer concert series that has great activities for kids.
Now you know — for outdoor activities, Toledo’s the place to be. Get out and enjoy some time with family and friends. You’ll have fun. It also adds to your healthy lifestyle. If you have other questions about your health, our team can help. Visit mercy.com today to find a doctor near you or to make an appointment.
Interested in more stories like this? Our Summer Survival Guide is full of healthy living tips to start your summer right. Learn more here.
