Location: Toledo
Top Things to do in Toledo
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Toledo, Ohio (OH)
Whether you're looking for world-renowned museums, golf or fun with the kids, Toledo is a sure bet. Its role as a major producer of auto parts and glass, combined with its proximity to Lake Erie, has brought prosperity, evident in the wide array of cultural and recreational attractions, fine restaurants and lodging options. A weekend's worth of family fun can be had with visits to the Toledo Zoo, the Botanical Garden and COSI, the city's state-of-the art science center. Explore the ancient and modern treasures of the Toledo Museum of Art, known for its unique glass collection. Spend another day tasting your way through the ethnic cuisine, fresh cheeses and delicious baked goods at the Erie Street Market or grabbing a dog at Tony Packo's, a Toledo institution.
Restaurants in Toledo
1. Toledo Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,184 reviews
Art from all over the world and every time period is housed at this outstanding museum, considered one of the world's best. From paintings by Renoir to sculptures by Alexander Calder to a vast glass collection, you'll find wonderful treasures here. Founder and first president Edward Drummond Libbey wanted to build a place where art was accessible to everyone, hence the museum's free admission policy, which continues to this day. The Toledo Museum of Art is open: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.Closed Mondays & Tuesdays, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Reviewed By bookgirl211
Museum is free but you pay for parking which is one amazing deal. Lots of great art in the permanent collection, always great exhibits - saw one on sneakers a year or two back and just went for the Rebecca Olmstead Law one this past weekend. The restaurant is always very good but only open in the afternoon. Definitely worth a road trip.
2. Toledo-Lucas County Public Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By RooG_13 - Waterville, United States
Moved away from downtown, but still the branch libraries can usually quickly reserve anything you need. Great selections of books, music, videos and more. And now audio books, etc available online. Always there for me since I was barely old enough to read. Thank you Toledo/Lucas County Library.
3. Wildwood Manor House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 107 reviews
Historic estate built in the 1930s reflects the 18th-century Georgian architectural style and includes more than 50 rooms and 16 fireplaces.
Reviewed By Mehrads - Toledo, United States
This is the mansion of Stranahan (founder of Champion Spark Plug Co) where he lived with his family from 1930s through 1960s. The mansion and surrounding park were purchased later in 1970s by Toledo Metroparks turning it into Wildwood Metroparks. The house has been renovated and preserved to show its original condition when Stranahan family lived there. There is no fee to visit the park or the mansion and there is ample parking available. They have all sort of programs at the Manor House throughout the year (most of those programs are free). The park is open everyday from sunrise to sunset, but the Manor House has varying hours (more info available at Toledo Metroparks website). I visit the park frequently with my daughter and take her to programs at the Manor House. There is a window on wildlife room nearby (across from the parking lot) where you can watch all sort of birds eat at birdfeeders and we always enjoy going there. They have a special event during 2nd and 3rd weeks of December (Holiday at Manor House) and rooms of the mansion are decorated with different holiday themes.
4. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 89 reviews
Reviewed By CARLANB_12 - Wauseon, United States
This Cathedral is awesome, just a beautiful house of worship. This happened to be a family Confirmation Sunday and the church was filled to capacity.
5. Oak Openings Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By allisonnorden - Port Clinton, United States
One of my favorite parks in the Toledo Metropark system, this park gives you all the beauty and thrill of nature! I highly recommend visiting in the fall... early to mid November. The leaves are amazing with their colors! When visiting, I suggest parking at the Lodge and walking trails down to Mallard Lake. You can do the Blue trail to see quite a bit of the area around there, including many bird species!
6. Blair Museum of Lithophanes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 772MaryM772 - Zephyrhills, United States
Just happened upon this gem. It’s small but so beautiful! The docent was very knowledgeable. I truly could have spent more time here, but we were under a time constraint.
7. Maumee Bay Brew Pub
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By 400barbier - Curtice, United States
Had a lovely Friday night out with friends from out of town. We decided to bring them to the brewery- so glad we made this our choice! We were seated in the front of the Pub near the bar. Our waitress offered great choices from our beverages to our dinners. I had a glass of the Glass Hopper and a glass of the Dry Hop Pilsner. For Dinner, I had the Walleye special with Fries and Coleslaw and my husband had the Ghost Burger with the homemade potato chips. We couldn’t be more pleased with the choice of our meals and exceptional service from your waitress Melissa .... she definitely made it so enjoyable. We look forward to returning and will definitely request Melissa she was so professional.
8. National Museum of the Great Lakes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 335 reviews
This is a maritime museum dedicated to the Great Lakes. There are six exhibit galleries, an outdoor maritime park, the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, and the Museum Tug OHIO. While the Ship is open seasonally May- October, the museum and maritime park open year-round. Capacity is limited and pre-purchased reservations is available online.
Reviewed By VegGardenPro - Cohocton, United States
The museum was fun and had some really interesting hands-on exhibits, including a diving simulation to explore the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. But touring the freighter, Col. James M Schoonmaker was an incredible experience. The boat has been equipped so that visitors can go into the engine room, the crew quarters, the hold, the incredibly beautiful captain's and guest accommodations in the bow. The museum volunteer, Dave, was full of information and stories and made our visit extra special. The tug Ohio, only available by tour, is an amazing restoration in progress. This is a unique museum honoring and working toward preservation of our beautiful Great Lakes.
9. Trapped Toledo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 591 reviews
Locked in a room with a group of friends or strangers, you must use your wits and the group's collective knowledge to find hidden clues, solve daunting puzzles and overcome challenges to escape before time runs out. Are you ready?
Reviewed By Airumel - Luna Pier, United States
I have gone to Trapped Toledo twice and both times were excellent. The price of admission is reasonable, the staff is always super nice (both the desk workers and actors), and we always have a great time, win or loose. We've gone in as groups of 5-6 people both times which seems to be a good number, though more is likely to help you solve things quicker.
10. Toledo Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,809 reviews
Get an underwater view of hippos at the Hippoquarium, the only such zoo exhibit in the world, and then move on to see the 500 or so other species of mammals, reptiles and birds.
Reviewed By jolynb978 - Temperance, United States
There's a good reason this zoo has been rated top in the country...because it's amazing!! I have lived near this zoo my entire life and watched its growth and transformation. There are so many animal exhibits, hands on attractions and special events to participate in. The animals cages are always clean and they are well cared for. The lights at the zoo in the winter are equally as amazing and a family favorite. I highly recommend this zoo as a great family outing.
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