Activitiesforkids - Toledo

Since the 1870s, Cedar Point amusement park has been a summertime tradition for families across the Midwest. The rich history and modern world wonders have created one of the most successful entertainment attractions in the world. Every year Cedar Point hosts more than three million people from around the world. Its popularity continues to grow due to world-recording-breaking roller coasters and amazing attractions. With 68 rides, including 16 roller coasters, Cedar Point has more rides and more roller coasters than any park in the world. Two of its newest coasters are legends. Built in 2003, Top Thrill Dragster is 420 feet tall and reaches speeds of 120 mph! On the other side of the peninsula, the Millennium Force stands 310 feet in the air and reaches speeds of 93 mph along more than 6,500 feet of track. The Magnum XL-200 steel roller coaster features a huge hill of more than 200 feet while the maXair ride, Cedar Point's newest ride, swings guests 140 feet in the air. Riders sit in outward-facing suspended seats that form a giant circle of 50 passengers as their legs dangle freely in the air. Both attractions reach speeds of 70 mph. https://www.toledo.com/attractions/cedarpointamusementpark/

With over 5,300 animals representing over 750 species, The Toledo Zoo is one of the world’s most complete zoos—it’s also the region’s top family destination! Let The Toledo Zoo whisk you away, from the Arctic tundra to the wilds of Africa to the tropical rainforest and all points between—all in one great day. During the 1980s The Toledo Zoo introduced many exciting and significant improvements. Foremost among them, the African Savanna provided a stunning recreation of the plains and jungles of Africa. The now world-famous Hippoquarium - the first of its kind in the zoo world - was developed as part of the Savanna. More recently, the Kingdom of the Apes, exhibits for Siberian tigers, Asian sloth bears and African wild dogs have been added, as well as a renovated Aviary and the Primate Forest. Zoo Visitors are also welcomed by a new parking lot, entry complex, gift shop and a ramped pedestrian bridge over the Anthony Wayne Trail. The popularity of the Zoo has increased dramatically over the last decade. Restored facilities, new exhibits and a concerted effort to address the needs of the visitor have resulted in an average attendance of 875,000 people each year, with over 1,000,000 visitors in 1988, 1994, and 1999. Special promotions such as the Lights Before Christmas capture the charm and character of the Zoo and have become traditions for Toledo families. https://www.toledo.com/area-directory/microsite/microsite-toledo-zoo/

But it’s not the buildings that make history come alive at this attraction; rather, it’s the knowledgeable staff, who explain and demonstrate the significance of each building and show what little slices of life were like around the turn of the last century. Sauder Village is, frankly, the most honest historical collection in our area. History there is not boringly preserved in a jar, locked away never to be seen; but neither is it pandering to the silliness or gags that some historical institutions have introduced to boost ticket sales. It’s not quite a journey back in time, but neither is Sauder Village quite of our time. It is, in some respects, a place where time just doesn’t apply. The institution was founded by Erie Sauder, who was also the entrepreneur behind Sauder Furniture, the nation’s largest manufacturer of ready-to-assemble furniture ? in fact, chances are probably decent that many will read this on a computer sitting on a Sauder desk. It was a way for Sauder to preserve some of the historic structures of the area, such as his first workshop, an old Lutheran church, a train station, and a working farm. Over the years, the village has grown exponentially. Now, beautiful, larger buildings house some of the most popular crafts, such as blacksmithing, pottery, and glassblowing. A lodge and conference center abuts the village and the popular Barn Restaurant. A hands-on children’s area is new this year. https://www.toledo.com/attractions/sauder-village-attraction-toledo-ohio/