20 Best Things to Do in Toledo, Ohio (2024)

In northwest Ohio, on the tip of Lake Erie, Toledo is known for its bustling downtown area, minor league baseball team, and many parks and nature reserves. Often called the Glass Capital of the World because of its history of glass manufacturing, tourists from all over the country visit Toledo to learn about its unique history and experience its live music, craft beer, and art scene.

As you plan your trip, this guide will help you determine what to do in Toledo during your stay. You’ll find many hot spots along the Maumee River and Metroparks with stunning scenery just a short drive away and several museums with fascinatinghistory lessons.

TL;DR

• Most significant landmark – Hensville Park
• Best park – Wildwood Preserve Metropark
• Free activity – Toledo Botanical Garden
• Activity for kids – Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
• Activity for adults – Hollywood Casino Toledo
• Place to eat – The Blarney Irish Pub
• Nightlife – Barr’s Public House
• Place to stay – Maumee Bay Lodge

Things to Do in Toledo, Ohio

Looking to visit Toledo and not sure where to start? Here are some of the best things to do for families, solo travelers, and groups in Toledo.

1. Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

Address: 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609

The Toledo Zoo is an indoor-outdoor experience that is an absolute must-see! The zoo should be your first stop if you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Toledo. With over 10,000 animals representing over 700 species, the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium have enough attractions to entertain your family for hours.

The Toledo Zoo is home to many birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and underwater sea creatures. Notable animals include grizzly bears, a two-toed sloth, a snow leopard, lemurs, gorillas, and elephants. The reptiles at the Toledo Zoo include a Galapagos tortoise, a Cuban boa constrictor, a saltwater crocodile, and a gecko.

Once in the park, the zoo offers several activities, including feeding a giraffe, an aerial adventure course, the Museum of Natural History, a kids’ area called Nature’s Neighborhood, and more.

As for the aquarium, prepare to be amazed. You’ll enjoy interactive exhibits, a touch tank to pet sting rays, sharks, and crabs, and an ocean lab to interact with sea urchins, sea stars, and more.

Every day at 2 p.m., aquarium staff dive in to feed the fish and clean the large tanks. The zoo also offers behind-the-scenes tours and an overnight experience for guests. There’s so much to see and do at the Toledo Zoo that you’ll talk about your visit for a long time.

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2. Toledo Botanical Garden

Address: 5403 Elmer DriveToledo, OH 43615

For visitors seeking peace and beauty in town, the Toledo Botanical Garden is stunning and relaxing. The botanical garden has acres of meadows, wildflowers, and gardens to enjoy as you stroll around in the sunshine.

The Toledo Botanical Garden is one of the best free things to do in Toledo. Garden guests will enjoy walking, birdwatching, picnicking, and photography as they enjoy the scenery and relax in the shade.

The Toledo Botanical Garden is free and open year-round. Home to a dynamic urban agricultural center supporting over 125 community gardens, it is the only one of its kind in the region, making it extra special to visit and witness its natural beauty.

You’ll find a two-acre urban farm and an art sculpture garden in the botanical garden while learning about varieties of annuals and perennials.

Toledo Botanical Garden offers many educational programs for children and local schools, from interactive experiences to hands-on activities in the classroom. For adults, the Garden offers art and craft workshops in various materials, such as glass, clay, wood, and metal.

The Botanical Garden hosts several local events, like the annual Crosby Festival of the Arts and a summer concert series. There’s also a lovely gift shop where you can find souvenirs. While the garden is most beautiful and scenic in the spring, it is open all year, soguests can visit anytime. Explore Toledo Botanical Garden’s website and plan your visit.

3. Toledo Firefighters Museum

Address: 918 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43612

One of the most popular Toledo tourist attractions is the Toledo Firefighters Museum. It’s a working firehouse from the 1920s that has been converted into a museum to honor and pay tribute to the city’s fallen heroes and to teach the public about fire safety.

The Toledo Firefighters Museum is open Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, and children are more than welcome to come and learn the history of the brave men who defended and protected the citizens of Toledo.

Visitors will tour exhibits that feature historical items like firefighters’ uniforms from decades ago, medallions and lights that were used in old fire stations, and even a 1929 Pirsch pumper, the vehicle used at the time to get firefighters on the scene of a fire or to help rescue residents from peril.

The museum’s locker room contains dozens of relics and artifacts from the last century, including authentic trinkets held in the firehouse, restored photographs and uniforms, and more. If you’re traveling with children, they’ll love the chance to slide down the firepole and see all the old equipment from the early days of firefighting.

Touring the Toledo Firefighters Museum is like taking a step (or two) back in time. Everything has been restored so pristinely that you will feel like you are experiencing the real thing.

You’ll learn about the historic Toledo fires, how firefighting techniques and strategy have changed, and the names of many brave Toledo firefighters who have given their lives so others may live.

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4. Maumee Bay Lodge

Address: 1400 State Park Rd, Oregon, OH 43616

About 5 miles east of Toledo, Maumee Bay Lodge is located in Maumee Bay State Park and is a must-see for travelers who want to experience lake life and cabin living. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Maumee Bay Lodge is a 1330-acre public recreation area with enough entertainment to last an entire vacation.

Visitors and guests can partake in all the popular lake activities on Lake Erie, including boating, fishing, paddle boats, canoeing, birding, and more. On clear days, see the century-old Toledo Harbor Lighthouse, standing tall on Lake Erie.

Explore miles of biking and hiking trails and experience the beauty of the Great Lakes in Ohio. See deer and other animals in the nature center and wildlife refuge.

Maumee Bay Lodge offers tennis, basketball, pickleball, and outdoor sports for on-land adventures. The Maumee Bay Golf Course covers 1,850 acres of protected wetlands and follows the beautiful north coast of Ohio. On-site, an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, a splash pad, and game rooms keep kids entertained.

For your stay, lodging includes cabin and lodge rooms, each offering comfort. If you’re traveling with a pet, they also have rooms accommodating your four-legged friends. The resort has several dining options on-site that will satisfy all your cravings.

5. Wildwood Preserve Metropark

Address: 5100 Central Ave, Toledo, OH 43615

While visiting the area, you will likely look for fun things to do in Toledo with kids. Wildwood Preserve Metropark is the most popular of the Toledo Metroparks, with approximately 490 acres of natural beauty in Ohio.

On the grounds of Wildwood Preserve, Metropark is a visitor center and the unmissable Manor House, a 30,000-square-foot estate with a history that began in Toledo. The Manor House was built in 1938 and is a Toledo icon that can be toured for free. It’s a depression-era home and has a rich history and culture from its time.

After you’ve explored the grand Manor House, we recommend a stroll through Ellen Biddle Shipman Gardens or exploring the various trails and spectacular grounds of Wildwood Preserve. The Ottawa River bisects Wildwood Reserve Metropark, which has sandy soil indicative of the rare Oak Openings Preserve.

You’ll see many plants and animals, including nesting birds, field sparrows, and more. Wildwood Preserve is also home to many prairie wildflowers and grasses. It has a playground to encourage physical health and activity for the kids.

The playground features slides, a honeycomb to climb, a rope bridge, toddler swings, a merry-go-round, monkey bars, and more. As one of the top things to do in Toledo, it doesn’t get much better. You can plan your visit to Wildwood Preserve Metropark here.

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6. Maumee Bay Brewing Co.

Address: 27 Broadway Street, Toledo, OH 43604

You can’t stop in Toledo and miss one of the city’s most popular breweries. Since opening in 1995, Maumee Bay Brewing Co. has been Toledo’s original craft brewery, located under the High-Level Bridge in the historic Oliver House. The restaurant offers tasty beers and ciders brewed in a 15 BBL copper brewhouse on display in the main brewpub.

Across the street is the brewing company’s 30 BBL brewery and packaging facility for all the canned, bottled, and kegged beers. This History along the Maumee Tour can also make your visit more thrilling.

Taking its title as the original craft brewery seriously, Maumee Bay brewpub creates sparkling ciders, an IPA, a red ale, breakfast stout, a hazy IPA, a German-style Hef, and much more. As for menus, Maumee Bay Brewing Co. offers a feast for every taste bud.

Starters include a giant pretzel, hand-battered onion rings, and deviled eggs. They offer wood-fired pizzas, soup and salad, wings, sandwiches, and burgers. Maumee Bay also hosts events throughout the year, including Oktoberfest in the fall, live music in the summer, comedy nights, and foodie events to give local restaurants and chefs more exposure. Get more information on Maumee Bay Brew Co. right here.

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7. Most Holy Rosary Cathedral

Address: 2535 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, OH 43610

Finished in 1931 during the Great Depression, the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral is an iconic Catholic church in Toledo. Most known for its architectural beauty and size, visitors and guests of the Toledo area catch a glimpse of the church and are drawn to experience its beauty.

Pittsburgh architect William Perry designed the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in the Spanish Plateresque style. The stunning cathedral offers Mass on Sundays at 10 a.m., Monday through Friday at 7 a.m., and Saturday at 8 a.m.

The church hosts a Cathedral Concert series open to the public and includes talented groups like the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. Whether or not you are religious, exploring a stunning architectural gem like the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral can be an interesting and unique experience.

If you wish to learn more about the church, you can visit the parish’s office across the parking lot for information on a self-guided tour. As for the best things to see in Toledo, this cathedral should be at the top of your list if you’re interested in architecture or religion. Interested? Learn more about Most Holy Rosary Cathedral right here.

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8. Imagination Station

Address: 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, OH 43604

Craving some science on your vacation? Look no further than Imagination Station, Toledo’s non-profit science museum on the Maumee Riverfront, in downtown Toledo, Ohio.

Imagination Station boasts over 300 attractions for children of all ages. Open your mind and the endless possibilities as you explore hundreds of interactive exhibits, activities, and demonstrations.

The science center offers early childhood programs encouraging young children to explore their curiosity. The IDEA Lab and Think Tank encourage children to use their unique understanding of science, engineering, and art to create new things.

There are Science After Dark events for adult scientists, ranging from exploring popular attractions like the Anti-Gravity Room and the BOYO without waiting in line. Also on site is KeyBank Discovery Theater, an 8,200-square foot theater with a massive, 58-foot wide, 4K screen for 3D shows, including Journey to Space and Dinosaurs of Antarctica.

Children ages two and under get in for free. Imagination Station should be the first stop on your itinerary for Toledo tourist attractions, including families and groups. Homewood Suites By Hilton Toledo Downtown is a nice accommodation in this location.

9. Toledo Farmers Market

Address: 525 Market St Toledo, OH 43604

Toledo Farmer’s Markets is a great way to shop small and support local businesses while getting a feel for the community. Toledo Farmer’s Market dates back to 1832 when many farmers needed to sell their produce, and residents needed a convenient place to shop. It has become a popular location for vendors and businesses to sell food, produce, meat, spices, bread, coffee, honey, and more.

The farmers market in Toledo houses many artisans selling candles, jewelry, and homemade soaps. Toledo is home to many vegetable growers from local farms. You’ll find tasty ice cream, cheese, eggs, and many types of pork and beef. You can also find a food truck at the market with delicious food like barbecues, sloppy joes, and chili dogs.

Toledo Farmer’s Market is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the winter and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the spring, summer, and fall months. During the winter, it is heated and enclosed in the same location as the summer market.

The Westgate Farmer’s Market runs every Wednesday from May through October on Central Avenue across from Costco. If you happen to be in Toledo on a Saturday morning, the Toledo Farmer’s Market is a great place to shop, support local vendors, andexperience Toledo. Learn more about the Farmer’s Market here.

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10. Toledo Speedway

Address: 5639 Benore Rd, Toledo, OH 43612

Toledo Speedway is a half-mile paved oval racetrack that opened in 1960 and has since welcomed many visitors and fans of the sport to witness the thrill of racing, cool cars, and action-packed adventure in Toledo. The track hosts the “Fastest short track show in the world,” featuring winged sprint cars and winged Super modified cars on the half-mile track.

Racing fans can always count on special events throughout the year at the speedway; past events include a JeepFest kickoff event, driving exotic cars, recycled school bus races, BMX races, monster truck tours, and more. A bar and grille at the speedway have tasty, affordable food and beverages to enjoy between races.

If you plan to attend an event at the speedway, try to arrive early as seating is general admission, and tickets are first come, first serve. The oval track offers fantastic views no matter where you’re sitting. Adult tickets cost $30 depending on the event, while children six and under are free. Free parking is provided at the racetrack.

For thrill-seekers, Toledo Speedway provides exciting races at fast speeds, a hearty dose of competition, and fun for the whole family. With action-packed, high-speed action races, don’t miss a night at Toledo Speedway when in the area. Get more information on Toledo Speedway here.

11. Hensville Park

Address: 401 Jefferson Avenue Toledo, OH 43604

Hensville Park is an impressive outdoor recreation space in downtown Toledo’s Warehouse District. The space provides shopping, entertainment, live music, unique dining, and exciting activities for locals and tourists alike. Dining spots include local breweries, coffee shops, and fresh fish spots.

Nightlife is bustling at Hensville Park, with nightclubs, live jazz music, outdoor patios, and bars. In the mood for some classic American baseball? Cheer on the Toledo Mud Hens, Toledo’s minor league baseball team, at Fifth Third Field in Hensville.

Fifth Third Field is an award-winning facility that seats 10,300 guests. It hosts 71 regular-season baseball games throughout the year, so be sure to catch a game if you’re in the area. Hensville Park is home to many exciting events, including music festivals in the summer featuring many of Toledo’s musicians and bands.

These beer-tasting events highlight Toledo’s local craft breweries and holiday events. Hensville Park is great for families during the daytime,with tons of kid-friendly activities and sights and an exciting hotspot for adults looking for nightlife in Toledo. Explore Hensville Park and plan your visit here.

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12. Toledo Police Museum

Address: 2201 Kenwood BoulevardToledo, OH 43606

The Toledo Police Museum is a fun, educational museum highlighting the hard work, dedication, and service of the Toledo police force over the last century. It was restored and reopened to the public in 2011 near Ottawa Park, thanks to the support of many volunteers in the Toledo area.

Visitors to this Toledo museum can get locked up in a jail cell, have their mug shot by the original TPD camera, or look inside a replica of the 1948 police wagon to experience what the police traveled in to investigate crimes and catch criminals.

The museum features many interesting interactive displays and a complete timeline that highlights the department’s humble beginnings up to the task force that serves Toledo today. The Toledo Police Museum is free and open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The museum hosts local events, including car shows, speaker events, golf tournaments, and a unique ghost hunt. These events help to raise money so the museum can keep its doors open and educate the public.

13. Hollywood Casino Toledo

Address: 1968 Miami Street Toledo, OH 43605

Look no further than Hollywood Casino Toledo for gaming, dining, and entertainment.Featuring 1,700 hot slots, 46 table games, and a 12-table poker room on 125,000 square feet of thrilling casino action, it’s a gambler’s paradise right in the heart of Ohio.

Slots, video poker, and classic table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette, keep you busy and entertained all night. Go all in and see how Lady Luck treats you!

Aside from the casino, four restaurants on-site will satisfy every craving and palette. Hollywood Casino Toledo restaurants will fill your belly with tasty food and craft co*cktails, from the 4-star award-winning steakhouse to the fast-casual grill with delicious burgers and sandwiches.

If you’re seeking live entertainment, the casino hosts various music events, including live local bands, DJs, and tribute bands. It’s a great way to get outand enjoy some music and the bustling nightlife in the area.

Hollywood Casino Toledo partners with several hotels in the area, likeRenaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel. Hollywood Casino Toledo is a fantastic evening spot for those passing through Toledo or parents needing a night off from the kids.

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14. Toledo Museum of Art

Address: 2445 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43620

Calling all art lovers! The Toledo Museum of Art is famous in Toledo’s Old West End neighborhood. It brings visitors worldwide to experience its unique art exhibits, featuring more than 30,000 objects and 45 galleries devoted to the decorative arts.

When exploring the art museum, you’ll experience outstanding works of art, sculptures, and paintings by world-renowned artists, including Cézanne, van Gogh, El Greco, Holbein, Kiefer, Matisse, Miró, Monet, Picasso, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Turne.

Don’t miss a tour of the Glass Pavilion, which highlights the history of glass in Toledo and its importance and contribution to glass in America. TMA’s American glass art exhibits showcase incredible objects of exceptional quality and historical significance. Founded in 1901, the Toledo Museum of Art’s primary purpose is art education for the public.

Through innovative programming and events, TMA’s Visual Literacy initiative strives to integrate art into people’s lives.​ Admission is free, and the museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Parking is provided for $10. On your way out, stop at the museum café for lunch and browse souvenirs at the museum store.

15. National Museum of the Great Lakes

Address: 1701 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605

Located on the banks of the Maumee River on the east side of Toledo, the National Museum of the Great Lakes is a historic and iconic spot in Toledo. The museum features stunning photography, over 300 incredible artifacts, and a wealth of information about the history and importance of the Great Lakes, which make up 84% of all of the fresh water in North America.

With 40 hands-on interactive exhibits, the stories told at the National Museum of the Great Lakes include the fur traders in the 1600s, the Underground Railroad operators in the 1800s, and the rum runners in the 1900s.

The museum has two historical ships for tours — the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the Museum Tug Ohio. Visitors can get a first-hand look at life on these ships and what the workers did daily.

The museum store has unique souvenirs for sale to commemorate your visit to the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio. Adult tickets cost $11, and children five and under get in for free.

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16. The Blarney Irish Pub

Address: 601 Monroe Street, Toledo, OH 43604

Get a taste of Ireland in Toledo at The Blarney Irish Pub. For an authentic fish and chips experience, dining at the Blarney Irish Pub is a no-brainer. Located in the heart of downtown Toledo in the Warehouse District, The Blarney features 27 craft beers, live music, delicious food, and an incredible atmosphere.

With a menu offering roasted onion dip, a black and blue burger, and a Guinness BBQ chicken wrap, it’s no wonder locals and tourists flock to The Blarney for a hearty meal and a beer or two. You’ll leave the Blarney feeling full and satisfied with soups, salads, and tons of add-ons. The Toledo Bar Hunt Experience is also a nice adventure to try out while you visit the pub.

The pub offers all-day lucky hour liquor, co*cktails, and beer specials. Liquor includes Irish whiskey flights, specialty bourbon, and beer specials like $5 Guinness pints after work. Their featured co*cktails include a Cranberry mule, Aperol Spritz, and Black Currant Mojito.

Every taste bud and palette will be buzzing at The Blarney! The Blarney is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to midnight. Check out their menu and learn more about the Irish pub here.

17. Oak Openings Preserve

Address: 4139 Girdham Rd, Swanton, OH 43558

Located about 25 miles from Toledo, the Oak Openings Preserve is a must-see if you are in town for several days and want to explore more of the area’s natural beauty and preserved landscapes.

Oak Openings Preserve is an oak savannah ecosystem, meaning it is characterized by wetlands and vegetated dunes. At 5,000 acres, it is the largest of the Metroparks Toledo has to offer, and it offers many scenic views in its region.

Oak Openings Preserve offers many biking and hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and a cross-country ski trail. The preserve also has a public treehouse village, two campgrounds, and two cabins for an immersive nature experience.

While exploring the area, you’ll see prickly-pear cactus, wild lupine, sand cherry blooms, and orchids. Birding in this park is impressive — bluebirds, indigo buntings, whippoorwills, Lark sparrows, and more. During your visit, stop at the Buehner Center, an interactive nature center with plenty of information on the location and all its wildlife and plant life. You can explore what the park has to offer here.

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18. Franklin Park Mall

Address: 5001 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43623

Ready for a shopping spree while on vacation? Franklin Park Mall is the perfect place to shop til you drop in Toledo. Offering premier shopping in Toledo, Franklin Park Mall is home to specialty shops, department stores, a movie theater, many dining options, and more.

It features Toledo’s only Apple store and other popular stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Talbot’s, Forever 21, H&M, Dillard’s, Bath & Body Works, and many more. There are 130 restaurants and shops at Franklin Park Mall, so we’re confident you won’t run out of things to see.

The mall features shops selling kid’s clothes, toys, pet shops, trinkets, and much more that satisfy every need and budget. In addition to its great shops and restaurants, Franklin Park Mall hosts various community events throughout the year, including pop-up markets, family craft activities, book signings, live music, and much more.

19. Barr’s Public House

Address: 3355 Briarfield Blvd Maumee, OH 43537

To taste Toledo/ Maumee nightlife, plan to check out Barr’s Public House. With three separate rooms, a patio with a pond view, and friendly staff, Barr’s Public House is a great place to spend the evening with adults.

If you’re traveling with the whole family, plan to leave the kids home to visit this pub. The different rooms include The Barrel Room, with wooden pieces of whiskey barrels, The Lounge, dim lighting, marble tabletops, and a bar.

The Locker Room has lockers where guests can rent space to store liquor. Barr’s Public House hosts fun events for locals, like live music nights on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Barr’s specializes in craft co*cktails, like a spicy garlic pickle-tini, La Paloma, and an Aperol Spritz. Their dinner menu includes elevated bar food like sliders, ahi tuna tacos, macaroni and cheese, and more.

Barr’s also has an impressive beer and wine list, including every palette and taste bud that walks through their doors. If you’re in the area around mid-day, they have a delicious lunch menu and a great lunch, dinner, and late-night atmosphere.

Barr’s Public House is a great place to spend a few hours. With its cozy bar atmosphere, delicious food, and memorable co*cktails, you’ll have a blast during a meal or after-hours. The pub is open Tuesday and Wednesday until 10 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday until 11 p.m. Visit Barr’s website for more hours and information.

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20. Fort Meigs Historic Site

Address: 29100 W River Rd, Perrysburg, OH 43551

Fort Meigs is about 15 minutes from Toledo, a historic site along the Maumee River. The site was built in the early 1800s to sustain British attacks on American forts in the Northwest.

After being seized twice by British and British-aligned Natives, Fort Meigs was torn down and rebuilt as a supply depot until the end of the war. The fort was reconstructed in the 1970s and now stands to educate the public about the War of 1812.

Today, visitors can take guided or self-guided tours of the fort and museum. The fort features historical interpreters dressed in period clothing who provide interesting facts and demonstrations. Fort Meigs hosts several special events throughout the season, including blacksmith workshops, federal-era clothing conferences, After-dark lantern tours, cooking classes, and even a reenactment of the First Siege of 1813.

Adult tickets are $10, and children ages five and under get in free. The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from April through October. It is closed from November through March, so plan your visit accordingly if Fort Meigs is high on your list of Toledo tourist attractions. You can learn more right here.

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