Aaahh, summer in Toledo. Is there anything better? This is the best time of the year to get outside and explore the Toledo area from a fresh perspective. So let’s do just that! To keep things simple, we’ll present our favorite destination for each activity. That way, you will know the best of the best that this area has to offer. Perhaps this will inspire you to try out a new activity that takes you out of your comfort zone (stand up paddle boarding, anyone?), or maybe this will just remind you to take a leisurely hike on a nearby trail. Whatever you do, take time to… Get outside, Toledo!  

Take a Hike

Head to Wildwood Metropark located just west of the city for spacious land and scenic views. This massive 493-acre park is where man-made architecture meets natural beauty, as it was once the estate of Toledo’s Stranahan family. Wildwood Metropark is the most-visited of the Toledo Metroparks, mainly for its diverse system of trails that weave throughout the terrain. During a hike through the park, you’ll encounter river views, diverse plants and animal species, wildflowers and lots of trees.

Photo courtesy of: The Manor House

Take it all in with a 2.9-mile hike along the Wildwood Floodplain Trail, a boardwalk trail along the Ottawa River. Hikers are surrounded by beautiful floodplain trees and the terrain changes with each visit, as the floodwaters constantly reshape the landscape. Check out our complete list of wonderful trails in the area to get some more ideas!  

Ride Your Bike

Ditch your four wheels for two with a bike ride along a scenic trail connecting Side Cut, Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Oak Openings Preserve. The Wabash-Cannonball Trail is a massive 64-mile trail, making it the region’s largest off-road bike trail! The trail runs along two former rail lines that converge at Jerome Road in Maumee, consisting of a North Fork and South Fork of the trail.

Photo courtesy of: Wabash Cannonball Trail

Get your bearings of this complicated trail with this helpful map! There are several places to park along the trail to start your bike ride: Monclova Elementary School Village of Whitehouse Oak Openings Preserve Maumee State Forest Fallen Timbers Monument  

Go Kayaking

Summer is the perfect time to paddle down the Maumee River. If you don’t have a fleet of boats on hand, no worries! Take a short trip to Grand Rapids to rent a kayak from River Lures Kayaking, conveniently located along the river.

Photo courtesy of: River Lures Kayak

No reservation is required to purchase a rental from River Lures. You simply show up, sign up, and grab your kayaks! You can either get your kayak “to go,” which means you take care of your own transportation at the end of your trip, or you can arrange to be picked up after your river adventure. Pricing varies depending on your preferences, but kids 12 and under are always half off, and kids under 5 are free! You may even decide to get the best of both the biking and kayaking worlds by using their bike transportation service during the week. For only $5 more, River Lures will transport your bike to meet you after your kayak trip, and you will peddle back up the tow path towards their store to pick up your car! River Lures also rents stand up paddle boards, but more on that later...  

Ride a Horse

No matter your level of experience, you can travel by horse like a pro with a guided trail ride at Swan Creek Stables. You can even take lessons at this stable just 30 minutes away from Toledo in Swanton, surrounded by the beautiful Oak Openings region.

Photo courtesy of: Swan Creek Stables

Their horses are extremely well-trained and offer a calm and relaxing experience for riders. Experience nature from a unique perspective with a riding lesson or trail ride through the countryside this summer!  

Have a Picnic

We can’t think of a better landing spot for you, your significant other, a red-and-white-checkered blanket and a basket filled with a homemade meal than a lush garden. The Toledo Botanical Garden welcomes picnickers with the arbor of wisteria at the entrance to enjoy this summer tradition anywhere within their lovely garden setting. Entrance to the garden is free, so this is a wonderful and cost-effective way to take in nature while you eat!

Photo courtesy of: Toledo Botanical Garden

Pitch a Tent

Take the family to Twin Acres Campground in Whitehouse this summer for a night of hot dogs cooked over the fire, s’mores and stargazing. Or turn your one-night camping trip into a weekend experience at this family owned and operated campground dating back to 1969. Check out their rates, activity calendar, activities in the area and even their menu of food available during your stay.

Photo courtesy of: Twin Acres Campground

Dust off your tent and sleeping bag and restock your bug spray supply —  because it’s time to go camping!  

Stand Up on a Paddle Board

Take a trip across the state line to Tecumseh for a stand up paddle board adventure with Tecumseh Paddling Company. If you have yet to experience the joys of this unique sport, you’re in for a treat. Stand up paddling (SUP) is a popular activity in which you stand on an oversized surfboard and propel yourself along the water with a long paddle. For just $10 an hour or $15 for two hours, you can become a SUPer on either Globe Mill Pond or Standish Pond next to Tecumseh Paddling Company!

Photo courtesy of: Tecumseh Paddling Company

Take Your Dog to the Park

One of the more practical (and completely free!) ways to get outside this summer is by heading to one of Toledo’s amazing Metroparks. There is so much to do at these parks, whether or not you have a dog. If you do in fact have a four-legged family member, take your dog to Glass City Dog Park! Once you obtain a membership to the park, you may allow your dog to run free and socialize with other dogs in one of three separate off-leash areas covering over 4 acres of land.

Photo courtesy of: Glass City Dog Park

The small dog area allows smaller dogs under 25 pounds to mingle with other dogs while their humans relax on benches under the sun or under the shade of the open-air shelter. There are also two large dog areas within Glass City Dog Park for dogs over 25 pounds to enjoy!   Happy Summer, Toledo! It’s time to get out there and enjoy the sunshine!