It's an usual start to the spring season, but eventually the warm weather will arrive! When it does, Toledo is a fantastic place to enjoy the great outdoors. Toledo has top-rated Metroparks and there are terrific playgrounds all throughout NW Ohio and SE Michigan. After (what feels like) 6 months of winter, you're going to need some fresh air now more than ever!
TOLEDO METROPARKS: Engage in nature while teaching your kids important social skills. Use our playgrounds as a gateway to your natural adventure. Metroparks has commissioned detailed, natural-looking pieces of art that also function as play equipment. Say goodbye to the same old swings and slides; enjoy a Metroparks playground experience that your kids (and you) will love to visit again and again. Interactive Map: https://metroparkstoledo.com/park-map/
Ages: All ages Directions: Enter in the main entrance and follow the road toward the back to find the playground, waterpark, baseball fields, skate park, and numerous other sports areas.
Bowling Green’s City Park has something for all ages and interests. Whether you are heading there to cool off from a hot day at the waterpark, or just want to let your kids run around for a bit at the playground. This playground is fairly large and has more of the standard playground equipment. Kids love to sit on the digger crane and move the sand around! The BG park has unlimited opportunities to expend some energy with a variety of offerings: Baseball, basketball, street hockey, skate park, waterpark… get ready to spend the whole day here!
Ages: All, Great for younger kids Directions: Follow South River Rd. and pass the two shelter house entrances.
Enter in the “boat launch” entrance and bear left. Map
This cute park is small but mighty. With different levels, tunnels, and climbing walls, kids will continue to find new ways to explore. Encourage your children to work their way through the tree and go down the slide, have a seat with the giant turtle, or challenge themselves with the climbing wall, all the while, knowing your kids are safe on the padded ground. Farnsworth playground is connected to the Kayak rentals, so older kids and adults can rent a kayak to paddle along the river. With a beautiful view and access to the Maumee river, utilize the large grill and shelter to finish the day.
Ages: All ages Directions: Enter in the S.R. 295 entrance and follow the road aways.
Pass some of the complexes and turn into the Mallard Lake (right hand side) parking lot. Park here and the playground will be on the left side of the bathrooms and complex. Map This expansive facility incorporates nature into its playground. With activities for all, Oak Openings encourages the exploration of kids with artificial trees to climb through, tarzan rope swings, climbing mountains, and swings of all types. After the playground, enjoy a hike around the lake, through the towering trees, or enjoying one of the many other scenic options at Oak Openings.
Ages: All ages Directions: Both entrances go straight into the playground and baseball field area Map
Pacesetter Park is perfect for the whole family. Parents can sit under the shaded table area while the kids run around. With a unique climbing wall, tons of slides, tunnels, and bridges, this place will certainly tire the kids out. Connected to soccer and baseball fields, Pacesetter park offers a great fenced-in playground that will have the kids begging you to go back.
Photo courtesy of Metroparks Toledo
Ages: All ages Directions: Enter in the main entrance and continue to follow the loop around, towards the end of the loop the playground will be on your left hand side. Map
Pearson park reflects a water and nature theme. With fun focal points, such as a giant woodpecker and lily pad flowers, this park easily guides kids into exploring the great outdoors. Take the kids on an adventure through some of the many trails and experience the various wetlands and creatures, alike.
Ages: All Directions: There are two playgrounds in this park. And older one in a big open field passed the main complex and photography exhibit. The newer playground is located on Wolfinger Rd near the Irwin/Wolfinger entrance. Map
Perfect area to pack a lunch, enjoy a picnic, and get in some serious playtime! With two playgrounds, the newer one allows kids investigate all the fun and various equipment. Simple but sweet, Secor Metropark will show the kids just how easy it is to have a good time in nature. Great park for exploration and hikes, and will certainly keep you and the kids busy all day.
Photo courtesy of Metroparks Toledo
Ages: All Directions: Enter the south entrance off of River Rd. Follow to the back to find the playground.
Map Let your fearless child play with Side Cut’s tall slides and large playground. If they're little one, enjoy the younger section with a tree tunnel, mushrooms to climb, and swings. Side Cut will keep you and your kids busy for hours with a large, adjacent field, trails along the river, and plenty of activities for the kids.
Ages: All, better for older children Directions: With 2 playgrounds, enter Airport Hwy entrance or Glendale to immediately see the playground and find which one is best for you. Map
This unique playground is every climber's dream. Towards the Airport Hwy entrance, it has numerous “spider web” climbing circles as the main access to the slides. This area is awesome for older kids and provides an entertaining experience, as well as a great workout! The playground at the Glendale end, is more of a standard playground (but better!). Swan Creek’s playground has sky high slides, tightrope bridges, a climbing rope mountain, and the classic equipment as well, such as a seesaw and workout items. The fun never stops and the challenges are endless at this playground.
Ages: All Directions: Enter in the main entrance off Douglas Rd.
White Park is an expansive spot, complete with baseball diamonds, basketball and tennis courts, trails, racing track, and a wonderful jungle gym. This playground has your standard equipment, but there's more than enough room for everybody. With slides, bridges, and all the climbing you can imagine, this park is a great one to stop by and let the kids be kids.
Photos courtesy of Metroparks Toledo
Ages: All ages Directions: Enter main entrance off Central Ave., then follow winding path. Playground will be on left. Map
Wildwood’s playground is situated in a large, open field and gives the kids plenty of space to play. The countless choices of age-appropriate areas offer non-stop exploration. Get dizzy on the sit and spin, go crazy on the frogs and climbers, walk across bridges and balance beams, or blast off in any of the unique swing options. Afterwards, take advantage of the beautiful hiking/bike trails, bird-viewing area, and other kid-friendly activities.
Ages: All ages Directions: Enter off E. Boundary St. and park in circular lot for easiest access to playground Woodland’s Park is an oasis right in the middle of Perrysburg.
Plenty of space for all kinds of activities! An 18-hole disc golf course, walking paths, enchanting gardens, and an adorable mini kid city. This playground is one giant adventure with the equipment connecting through numerous bridges, tunnels, and walkways. Let the kids “drive” in the pretend cars, swing from the monkey bars, or hang with the younger kids in their own fenced-off area.
Fun, sunny days are right around the corner! You can't go wrong with an afternoon spent at any of these playgrounds. Which Toledo area park is your go-to on a nice, warm day? Tell us below in the comments!