Whether you’re visiting local family or meeting up in the city, Toledo promises fun and memorable experiences for families at any stage.
Written by: Kristina Smith
From minor-league sports and world-class entertainment to delectable eateries and beautiful parks, Toledo makes an ideal destination for empty nesters to reconnect with their grown children and for families with kids still at home to make unforgettable memories together.
Play + Experience
The fun starts in Hensville, the thriving downtown entertainment district nestled around Fifth Third Field — home of the Toledo Mud Hens, AAA-affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Meet the family for a burger and pre-game pint at Ye Old Durty Bird or indulge in some traditional Irish fare on the patio at The Blarney Irish Pub, then take a walk to experience the vibrant energy of Hensville through its shops, bars and local businesses.
Adults can get drinks to go in a designated cup to take advantage of the neighborhood’s DORA district. Sip, stroll and chat your way to a pre- or post-game concert at Hensville Live! (free with a Mud Hens ticket) just outside the ballpark — one of several Toledo spots to catch an open-air show in warmer months. The good times keep rolling at Fifth Third Field, where every seat has a great view of Mud Hens baseball and theme nights range from pups welcome to postgame fireworks. It’s the perfect opportunity for kids old and young to stay up late and enjoy a lively evening in the open air.
After the game, take in breathtaking birds-eye views and snap a photo together above the Maumee River and downtown skyline at The Heights. Or, enjoy a specialty cocktail in the low-key atmosphere of Toledo’s oldest bar downtown,The Bronze Boar.
Looking for more outdoor music to enjoy together? Toledo Zoo’s historic amphitheater draws big names every year and hosts free Music under the Stars on Sundays July 6–Aug. 10. Honor Toledo’s deep roots in jazz within the serene setting of the Toledo Botanical Garden at Jazz in the Garden, Thursdays July 10–Sept. 11. Head to Promenade Park on the riverfront Fridays May 30–Aug. 29 for the free Party in the Parkconcerts ranging from country to R&B to funk and beyond.
Just downriver from Promenade Park is the city’s oldest neighborhood, the Vistula Historic District — an up-and-coming extension of the downtown revitalization. Experience the game sweeping the nation at the newly opened Toledo Pickle Co., part of the Glass City Riverwalk that is fittingly focused on promoting healthy lifestyles, community interaction and memorable experiences by re-imagining and transforming the riverfront. Since opening in January 2025, the pickleball facility has hosted groups of all ages and skill levels for leisure, league play and special events. “You don’t have to be a mega athlete or any age range to play,” says Kimberly Sheldon, director of marketing, membership and events. “We have kids from the age of 3 to the age of 83 out on the courts. We love to see how much fun they’re all having.”
Beyond the courts, face off in tabletop shuffleboard and ping pong, then cheer each other on at arcade games and a rock-climbing wall. When it’s time for a break, take in riverfront views from the sweeping 320-foot riverfront patio while dining on elevated pub classics from the on-site Stay Out of the Kitchen Grill.
Explore + Shop
The city’s blossoming Glass City Riverwalk is part of an ongoing $250 million development project spurring the revitalization of downtown Toledo, creating a total of 5.5 miles of multi-purpose trails along the east and west sides of the Maumee River. The riverwalk and many more miles of trails across 19 Metroparks throughout the region offer great biking, hiking, fishing, birding and adventuring.
Along the downtown riverfront in Glass City Metropark, paddlers of any skill level can rent or launch their own watercraft at Kayak Cove for active bonding time. Make it even easier by booking a trip with Pop Up Paddle Adventure. On water or land, the sunset city view from Glass City Metropark is the best place to capture eye-catching family photos. When the temperatures cool, the park continues to be a draw thanks to The Ribbon, a year-round destination for ice and roller skating complete with rentable group cabanas.
Feeling creative? Pay homage to the Glass City’s rich history in glass and the arts by taking a hands-on class in pottery or glass blowing at Huron Street Studios, then go on a treasure hunt together at Toledo’s local shops.
Stop at Jupmode to pick up Toledo T-shirts and a variety of whimsical clothing or accessories with fun, regional themes. Head uptown to Handmade Toledo for something artisan-crafted by local and regional independent designers — browse custom-made art, stickers, bags, gifts and more. The surrounding region offers shopping hubs for anything you might need, such as The Town Center at Levis Commons in Perrysburg and The Shops at Fallen Timbers in Maumee.
Eat + Drink
Enjoy each other’s company dining indoors or out at the city’s eateries serving fare from around the world.
Watch the boats along the Maumee River while savoring enticing dishes from your choice of restaurants — seafood, Italian or Mexican — at The Docks at International Park. Pull up a seat on the patio at nearby Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar and try dishes inspired by the ones chef Moussa Salloukh grew up eating from his family’s kitchens, or venture over to nearby Perrysburg and try the fresh, coastal Italian offerings of Rosaria’s on 3rd Street.
An array of excellent breweries, wineries and distilleries are ideal locations to meet for an afternoon of sips, conversations and board games.
Earnest Brew Works has multiple locations, including a downtown spot open on game days and more, and flights and pints of its wide variety of crafted brews. Maumee Bay Brewing Co. combines great beer with its historic setting and delicious food. Toledo Spirits Co. and its onsite cocktail bar, Bellwether, serve hand-crafted cocktails made with liquor distilled at its historic warehouse in the Vistula Historic District.
Just outside Toledo in Maumee, Flatrock Distillery & Bistro also serves cocktails crafted with its own spirits, as well as delectable bistro dishes. Levi & Lilac’s Whiskey Room and Coffee Pub serves a plethora of bourbons and whiskeys, as well as cocktails, beer, wine and Irish coffee. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate how Urban Pine Winery uses grapes from around the world to create its wines and pairs them with mouth-watering entrees, sandwiches and flatbreads.
Stay the Night
After a long day of spending quality time together, you’ll want a relaxing place to rest your heads and recharge.
Rest in the heart of downtown Toledo within walking distance of its many attractions and nightlife at the newly renovated Hiltons at Toledo Downtown or the Renaissance Toledo Downtown, which overlooks the Maumee River and has rooms with lovely views and flexible options for groups including connecting rooms and suites. Stay in a piece of the city’s history at Hotel Royal Toledo, where five modernly outfitted rooms maintain much of the building’s 1880s architecture and original charm.
Families seeking a more grounded overnight experience can head to the Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center along Lake Erie in the neighboring city of Oregon. The full-service lodge has plenty of opportunities to extend your time together — waterfront rooms, a beach, golf course, nature center, hiking trails and an on-site restaurant. Book the modern and spacious four-bedroom Reunion Cabin for a communal beach-front stay with access to all the lodge has to offer.
