Go on a vacation like no other by visiting the gorgeous metropolis of Toledo.
This stunning city in Ohio is a recreational mecca, offering you and your travel buddies an endless area of fun possibilities and top-rated attractions to explore.
Here, you can visit tourist hotspots like spectacular zoos, beautiful gardens, fascinating museums, eye-catching state parks, lively breweries, world-class arenas, terrific shopping centers, waterfront destinations, and so much more.
Check out this list of some of the best things to do in Toledo, OH, that I made to help you prepare for your fun-filled, memorable getaway.
1. Toledo Zoo
2 Hippo Way
Toledo, OH 43609
(419) 385-5721
More than 10,000 animals of at least 720 different species make the Toledo Zoo their home.
It is officially the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium and encompasses roughly 51 acres.
Why You Should Go
When planning a terrific vacation catered to the happiness of your youngsters, a visit to this magnificent zoo is a fantastic option.
It is one of the top things to do in Toledo with kids, where they can get the chance to get up close and personal to diverse animal species.
This brilliant zoo has so much to offer your loved ones, like animal encounters, an aerial ropes course, interactive programs, a natural history museum, a carousel, and tons more.
What to Do
Bond with your children as you have an unforgettable time together doing countless activities at this zoo.
For example, make your way through an aerial ropes course, view the various galleries at the museums, ride a carousel or train, feed giraffes, watch live animal shows, climb a treehouse, and plenty of other options.
2. Metroparks Toledo
Metroparks Toledo
Toledo, OH 43609
(419) 407-9700
The Metroparks Toledo are twelve different parks found in various locations throughout the city.
Why You Should Go
Go on a nature retreat with your companions this weekend by visiting the various urban parks of Metroparks Toledo.
Each park has something fun and different to offer you, depending on how immersive you want your outdoor experience to be and what you want to do.
What to Do
Enjoy an outdoor adventure with your friends or family as you do multiple activities together.
Like camping, bird watching, horseback riding, hiking, paddle boating, fishing, practicing archery at designated ranges, and so much more.
During the winter months, go on a snowy excursion and enjoy things like cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and the like.
Related: Best Restaurants in Toledo
3. Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St
Toledo, OH 43620
(419) 255-8000
The Toledo Museum of Art, founded in 1901, is a world-famous, award-winning art museum.
It features eye-catching Greek revival-style architecture.
Why You Should Go
This museum is a paradise for art lovers and one of the top places to visit in Toledo on your sightseeing tour.
It boasts an impressive collection of over 45 galleries containing more than 30,000 items from all over the world.
To guarantee a more enjoyable time, it features art classes, a cafe, gift shop, theater, rental facilities, and pieces by famous artists, such as Pablo Picasso, Monet, and Henri Matisse.
What to Do
Spend a couple of hours of your time indoors exploring the many awe-inspiring artworks at this museum.
You can view masterpieces that date back to the 16th century and art from Japan, Rome, Greece, and so on.
Other activities you can do are watching glass blowing demonstrations, signing up for art classes to learn something new or hone your skills, and more.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Staybridge Suites Toledo/Maumee, an IHG Hotel
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4. Imagination Station
1 Discovery Way
Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 244-2674
Imagination Station, which opened in October 2009, is a science museum featuring at least 300 interactive exhibits.
Why You Should Go
Are you looking for the best destinations to visit on days when it’s raining or cold, and you can’t enjoy time outdoors?
If you are, head to downtown Toledo and visit Imagination Station.
Here, you and your companions can enjoy an educational fun time as you explore the many engaging science exhibits that are suitable for all ages.
It also features a theater showcasing fascinating films covering various topics, like nature, wildlife, science, technology, human achievement, and arts.
What to Do
Have a blast with your partner, family, or friends as you view the numerous hands-on galleries at this science museum.
Some of the exhibits you can enjoy are Animation Station, where you can learn the animation process, Flight, allowing you to go on simulators to test your aviation skills, and more.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites By Hilton Perrysburg Toledo
5. Toledo Botanical Garden
5403 Elmer Dr
Toledo, OH 43615
(419) 536-5566
The Toledo Botanical Garden, spanning over 60 acres, is one of the most popular attractions in Toledo.
It features many themed garden sections, art exhibits, playscapes for children, and more.
Why You Should Go
Explore the beauty of nature by visiting this jaw-droppingly gorgeous botanical garden.
View its many beautiful features, like an herb, perennial, and rose garden, and take advantage of its amenities such as an onsite museum, a forest playground, and countless more.
What to Do
Create new memories with your travel companions as you enjoy the picturesque surroundings and the fresh air at the Toledo Botanical Garden.
Get your camera out and take pictures of the diverse plant species, serene ponds, stunning sculptures, and flowers of every color.
Here, you can also enjoy activities like listening to live jazz performances during their summer concert series, learn about its various plant collections, view the lithophane displays at the museum, and so on.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Toledo/Westgate
6. National Museum of the Great Lakes
1701 Front St
Toledo, OH 43605
(419) 214-5000
The National Museum of the Great Lakes, founded in 2014, features exhibits dedicated to the man-made and natural heritage of the Great Lakes.
Why You Should Go
There are many fascinating and spectacular things to see in Toledo with your companions, like the several breathtaking exhibits at this maritime museum.
It houses items like numerous photographs, over 300 artifacts, state-of-the-art audiovisual displays, and many more.
It features a gift shop selling a wide range of items that you can take to your friends or family back home, like books, apparel, artwork, activity kits, toys, ornaments, and the like.
What to Do
Learn all about the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes at this spectacular museum.
Some of the many things you can view here are displays about the navigation history spanning 350 years, memorabilia from ships, scale models, technology, notable shipwrecks, and the like.
It is also home to two museum ships you can explore, like the Col. James M. Schoonmaker, launched in 1911, and the Museum Tug Ohio, a fire tug built in 1903.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites – Toledo/Oregon
7. Fifth Third Field
406 Washington St
Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 725-4367
Fifth Third Field, which opened in April 2002, is a baseball stadium with a capacity of 10,300.
The Toledo Mud Hens, a Minor League Baseball team, make this attraction their home.
Why You Should Go
Fifth Third Field is a must-visit if you and your companions are sports enthusiasts.
This award-winning stadium is a great place to watch an enthralling game that will leave you on the edge of your seats.
It is near many other popular attractions, live music venues, and top-rated restaurants and features ADA-accessible facilities, ideal when traveling with someone with special needs.
What to Do
There are many fun things to do in Toledo, Ohio, with your travel buddies, like watching a thrilling game at this superb stadium.
As you enjoy the game, you can eat tasty snacks like hotdogs and popcorn while drinking a pint of beer.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Toledo-Oregon, an IHG Hotel
8. Toledo Harbor Lighthouse
1750 Park Rd. #2
Toledo, OH 43616
(419) 691-3788
The Toledo Harbor Lighthouse, lit in 1904, sits on the sparkling waters of Lake Erie.
It is a historical landmark and a must-see attraction on your tour.
Why You Should Go
One of the top attractions you should visit today is this historic lighthouse.
This lighthouse stands at 69 feet tall and a terrific place to enjoy captivating lakefront views.
To reach the lighthouse, you can book a guided tour that includes a boat ride from the mainland.
What to Do
Sign up for a memorable guided tour of the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse with your travel companions.
Activities you can enjoy on your tour are a scenic boat ride to the lighthouse, learning about its history, listening to keeper stories, and more.
A great time to visit this lighthouse is during their annual Toledo Lighthouse Waterfront Festival, usually in July.
During this event, you can enjoy activities like shopping for nautical arts and crafts, sailing on the pristine water, eating delicious food, and tons more.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel
9. Tony Packo’s
1902 Front St
Toledo, OH 43605
(419) 482-1686
Tony Packo’s, founded in 1932, is one of the top restaurants in the city, serving authentic Hungarian dishes.
Why You Should Go
Get a break from touring various attractions and replenish your energy by dining at the well-loved Tony Packo’s.
This restaurant brings you the flavors of Hungary and offers gluten-free and vegetarian options if you are visiting with someone who has a special diet.
What to Do
Catch up with your friends or family as you enjoy a mouth-watering meal together at this magnificent restaurant.
Try dishes like freshly baked strudels, world-famous chili, flavorful hotdogs, and many other tasty choices.
Check their website before visiting because they often offer special promotions and discount rates.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Toledo-Oregon, an IHG Hotel
Related: Places to Go in Ohio
10. Toledo Speeday
5639 Benore Rd
Toledo, OH 43612
(419) 727-1100
The Toledo Speedway, opened in 1960, is a state-of-the-art racetrack with a capacity of at least 20,000.
Why You Should Go
One of the top things you should do on your Toledo vacation is heading to this racetrack to watch a terrific, adrenaline-rushing show.
It hosts various races throughout the month and features an onsite bar and grill.
What to Do
Take an hour or two of your time watching an awe-striking race show at the Toledo Speedway with your partner, family, or friends.
Before or after the show, you can stop by its onsite eatery to enjoy a yummy meal together.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Toledo North
11. Toledo Firefighters Museum
918 W Sylvania Ave
Toledo, OH 43612
(419) 478-3473
Toledo Firefighters Museum, established in 1976, preserves and exhibits the history of the Toledo Fire Division.
Why You Should Go
When searching for free things to do in Toledo to save on expenses, drive over to this firefighting museum.
It is an affordable choice that is both fun and fascinating as you learn about the history of the Toledo Fire Division that dates back to the early 19th century.
What to Do
Discover hundreds of years of firefighting history by viewing the countless galleries and displays at this charming museum.
Some of the things you can see here are exhibits about notable firemen, a Pirsch pumper from 1929, memorabilia, artifacts, vintage equipment, and much more.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Toledo West, an IHG Hotel
12. Maumee Bay Brew Pub
27 Broadway St
Toledo, OH 43604
(419)-243-1302
The Maumee Bay Brew Pub, founded in 1995, is a well-known brewery and restaurant.
You can find it on the second floor of a historic building constructed in 1859.
Why You Should Go
There are many fantastic things to do in Toledo for couples, like spending quality time together at this brewpub.
It features a rustic and inviting ambiance where you can enjoy a delicious meal, an impressive menu of alcoholic beverages, and catering services for special events.
What to Do
Go on a date with your beloved as you enjoy a chill time together at Maumee Bay Brew Pub.
It is the ideal place to eat delicious foods, like pizzas, burgers, and steak, complimented by a refreshing glass of award-winning beer.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites Perrysburg
13. Hollywood Casino Toledo
1968 Miami St
Toledo, OH 43605
(419) 661-5200
The Hollywood Casino Toledo is a world-class casino featuring at least 2,000 slot machines, live entertainment, and four restaurants.
Why You Should Go
Are you in search of fun and entertaining things to do in Toledo tonight with your friends?
If so, one of your best options is this casino.
It is a spectacular facility offering you over 60 table games, thousands of slot machines, a poker room, dining venues, live performances by talented acts, and so much more.
What to Do
Test your luck while having a fun time with your companions at this brilliant casino.
You can play on more than 2,000 slot machines and enjoy table games, like poker, blackjack, roulette, high card flush, and more.
It also often features live performances, usually on the weekends.
During these times, you can dance to the music by talented DJs, local bands, international artists, and so on.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel
14. Stranahan Theater
4645 Heatherdowns Blvd
Toledo, OH 43614
(419) 381-8851
The Stranahan Theater, which opened in 1969, is a performing arts theater with a capacity of over 2,400.
Why You Should Go
Do you love watching live performances with your travel buddies?
Do you want to take time out of your getaway to view an enthralling show?
Then stuff to do together is going to this captivating theater.
It features comfortable seats, superb acoustics, a grand stage, high-tech lighting systems, free parking, and so on.
What to Do
Catch a phenomenal show with your companions at the Stranahan Theater.
Some of the performances you can watch are Broadway shows, concerts, musicals, theatrical productions, Christmas specials, comedic acts, and plenty of other options.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Toledo – Maumee I-80/90, an IHG Hotel
15. Old West End
PO Box 4652
Toledo, OH 43610
(567) 698-7969
Old West End is also known as the Historic Old West End of Toledo.
It is a historic neighborhood, dating back to the early 1800s, featuring mansions with Edwardian and Victorian-style architecture.
Why You Should Go
Enjoy cheap fun with your travel companions by strolling through Old West End and exploring the many awe-inspiring architectures of the countless historical homes.
It also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year and offers many fun tours for your enjoyment.
What to Do
Spend a laid-back and relaxing time with your significant other, loved ones, or friends in this historic neighborhood.
Take plenty of pictures of the striking architecture of the stunning mansions from the 19th to 20th centuries.
If you want to try something fun, visit the neighborhood during the Old West End Festival.
It usually happens on the first weekend of June and features numerous garage sales, live entertainment, and delicious food.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Toledo Perrysburg
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16. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral
2535 Collingwood Blvd
Toledo, OH 43610
(419) 244-9575
The Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, constructed in 1931, is a Roman Catholic parish.
It is a well-maintained, architectural wonder of the city.
Why You Should Go
A must-see location on your tour of Toledo is this glorious Roman Catholic cathedral.
Prepare to be amazed as you look at its features, such as awe-inspiring architecture, artful mosaics, a colossal rose window, and impressive statues.
What to Do
As you enjoy your sightseeing adventure, drop by the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral and take countless photos of its magnificent architecture and art installations.
As you explore the building, you can look through its colorful mosaics, view an altar made from stone imported from Spain, and many other jaw-dropping features.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn & Suites Maumee – Toledo – I80-90
Related: Top Things to Do in Ohio
17. Wildwood Preserve Metropark
5100 Central Ave
Toledo, OH 43615
(419) 270-7500
Wildwood Preserve Metropark is a gorgeous 493-acre recreational area and animal habitat.
It offers you roughly 9.4 miles of hiking trails and plenty of other amenities.
Why You Should Go
Before ending your unforgettable vacation, one of the best things to do in Toledo, OH, is exploring this breathtaking park and garden.
It features facilities like a visitor center, a charming gazebo, a beautiful Manor House, numerous themed gardens, a lengthy wooden boardwalk, riverfront views, forested areas, rental facilities, and tons more.
What to Do
Spend quality time with your loved ones or friends at Wildwood Preserve Metropark.
Here, you can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, reading a book on a bench, observing wildlife like deer, and so much more.
Visit its onsite Manor House to do numerous other things, such as participating in a yoga session, signing up for its monthly tea, attending occasional concerts, and so on.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Garden Inn Toledo / Perrysburg
Related: Best Hotels in Toledo
Map of Things to Do in Toledo, OH
Toledo Things to Do: The 17 Best Activities for 2024
- Toledo Zoo
- Metroparks Toledo
- Toledo Museum of Art
- Imagination Station
- Toledo Botanical Garden
- National Museum of the Great Lakes
- Fifth Third Field
- Toledo Harbor Lighthouse
- Tony Packo’s
- Toledo Speedway
- Toledo Firefighters Museum
- Maumee Bay Brew Pub
- Hollywood Casino Toledo
- Stranahan Theater
- Old West End
- Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral
- Wildwood Preserve Metropark
