St. Paddy’s Day Events for Kids in Toledo

May the lilt of Irish laughter Lighten every load – May the mist of Irish magic Shorten every road and may you taste the sweetest pleasures That ere Mom on the go in Holy Toledo bestowed…..

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Mallstars St. Patrick’s Day Party!!

In conjunction with Live Happy Franklin Park Mall invites Toledo to ‘Get Happy!’ during a full day of fun and joyful events. The Food Court will be bursting with kids’ craft activities, Irish dancers, and happy happenings throughout the day.

When: Saturday, March 17, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where: Franklin Park Mall 5001 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43623

3/17/18 Schedule of events:

  • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – #HappyActs Wall and family friendly crafts and games in Food Court
  • 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Meet and Greet with Poppy & Branch from Laurel’s Princess Parties
  • 2:00 p.m. – Performance by the Ardan Academy of Irish Dance

Cost: FREE

Website: https://www.shoppingfranklinparkmall.com/

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Shrek the Musical!!

St. John’s Jesuit High School is putting on Shrek the Musical-Saturday, March 17th Matinee @ 2pm

Shrek the Musical based on the Oscar® winning DreamWorks film that started it all, brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre to dazzling new life on the stage.

In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre — not a handsome prince — shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won’t shut up, a bad guy with a SHORT temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand…and his name is Shrek.

Where: Valentine Theatre 410 Adams St, Toledo, OH 43604

Show times: Saturday @ 2pm, 7pm, & Sunday @ 2pm

Ticket price: $12 per seat

Website: http://www.valentinetheatre.com/

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The Gingerbread Man and the Leprechaun Loose at School

A mischievous leprechaun is causing all kinds of trouble at school, but Gingerbread Man is back to save the day! Come enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day Storytime, with activities to follow.

When: Storytime & activities @ 11am March 17th

Where: Barnes & Noble at Fallen Timbers and Franklin Park

Cost: Free

 

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Holiday Hairbow or Bowtie

Accessorize your holiday outfit with a fashionable St. Patrick’s Day or Easter Hair or Bowtie! Create a hair or bowtie using colorful seasonal fabric, chenille stems and a clip. The ties are easy to make and you’ll be ready for your holiday party or family gathering in no time!

Where: Pat Catan’s Crafts 3010 Navarre Ave, Oregon, OH 43616Oregon, Ohio

When: Saturday, March 17th from: 10am-12pm and Sunday, March 18th from: 1-3pm

Cost: Free

Website: http://www.monsterjam.com/

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Monster Jam

Metro PCS Presents Monster Jam®, which features larger-than-life Monster Jam trucks driven by world class athletes, returns to Toledo’s Huntington Center March 16-18 with four shows. In addition, this year’s lineup includes two Pit Parties. The new season will bring motorsport fans to the edge of their seats with adrenaline-charged, high-flying, four-wheel excitement that is fun for the entire family.

Where: Huntington Center 500 Jefferson Ave, Toledo, OH 43604

Show times are: Friday, March 16, 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 17, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 18, 2 p.m.

Cost: Tickets start at $15 and are available at the Huntington Center Box Office or at http://www.monsterjam.com

 

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Circus (Leprechaun are sure to enjoy these Shenanigans)

Since their first Circus in 1952, Zenobia Shriners have presented an annual Circus in Toledo. In 2018 they are presenting their 67th annual Shrine Circus for the enjoyment of all of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. The Shrine members are excited and proud to present another opportunity for friends and neighbors to experience the wholesome family entertainment the circus provides. This year, the famous Jordan World Circus returns to Toledo to once again provide an array of breathtaking acts for your enjoyment. As the lights dim, close your program, sit back in your seat and witness the excitement of these fantastic acts.

Where:  SeaGate Convention Centre 401 Jefferson Ave, Toledo, OH 43604

Showtime: Thursday March 15, 2018  6:30pm, Friday March 16, 2018 4:00pm and 7:30pm, Saturday March 17, 2018  11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm,  & Sunday March 18, 2018  1:00pm and 5:00pm

Cost: $10 and up! https://www.ticketmaster.com/Zenobia-Shrine-Circus-tickets/artist/854184

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Grab your boarding pass!!

It’s time to earn your wings during a visit to Imagination Station’s newest permanent exhibit. The interactive flight simulator, Flight: The Sky’s the Limit will open to the public on Saturday, March 17. The flight simulator experience takes visitors to new heights as they test their aviation skills at the controls of a Saab 340 jet. Before flying the friendly skies, visitors will learn about the science of flight and the variety of STEM careers available in aviation.

The aircraft was donated and customized by presenting sponsor Toledo Jet, with support from students from Toledo Public Schools’ Aviation Center. Students prepared the cabin by disassembling the jet, removing electronics and hardware, and constructing the simulator base in preparation for science center visitors.

The new exhibit is truly a labor of love for David Corwin, owner, Toledo Jet. He became interested in airplanes in eighth grade when he visited the TPS Aviation Program, then Macomber Vocational Technical High School. His wish is to inspire the same interest in Imagination Station visitors.

“I hope this exhibit helps kids realize that an aviation career is not an impossible dream. It’s within reach right here in Toledo,” Corwin said. “The education needed to work in the aviation industry, whether it is pilot or mechanic, is readily available at TPS, and a student can graduate from high school and be immediately employable by the aviation industry.”

Hours: Imagination Station is open 10am – 5pm, Tuesday – Saturday and Noon – 5pm on Sundays. The science center will be open Monday, April 2, for spring break.

Cost: Lucas County residents receive $1.50 discount and FREE Saturday admission for kids 12 & under with paid adult admission.

Website: https://www.imaginationstationtoledo.org/

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May the roads rise to meet you.

May the wind be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

The rain fall soft upon your fields

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

5 Fun Day Trip Destinations

Grande coffee, full tank, lengthy playlist, and empty bladders, its road trip time, baby!! There is something so welcoming, comforting, dare I say, relaxing, about taking a day trip with the kids. Planning is minimal, packing is slim, and the fact that you still get to come home to your own bed at the end of the day is very appealing. Here are 5 fun day trip destinations (in order to make the most of your trip note the, “while you are here you might want to check out”, at the bottom of each) that will have you enjoying the novelty and excitement of the day and sleeping like a baby in your own bed at night.

 

5 Fun Day Trip Destinations for Spring Break

 

1. Children of all ages will enjoy the Willy Wonka Experience at the South Bend Chocolate Company Factory Tour

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There are two factory tour options offered. Visitors who take the basic factory tour (free, 20 minutes) are treated to a history lesson of chocolate and its origins, as a guide leads guests through all of the factory processes, including panning, enrobing and more, including a test sample at the end. For those wishing to take the extended “Inside Scoop” tour/Go behind the scenes—where few have gone before, except those with golden tickets (run at the top of each hour, last 45 minutes or more depending on whom you meet and where you go! Expect chocolate surprises). For Wonka-wannabes only! You will dip a chocolate spoon and walk through the Chocolate Museum.

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And be sure to hit up the “almost perfect” area after your tour, this is where the chocolates that are slightly less than perfect are sold for a discount, like, pecan clusters (AKA turtles), mint-meltaways, chocolate covered tart cherries, etc.

Address: 3300 West Sample Street in South Bend, Indiana

Phone: 574-233-2577 to schedule a tour

Website: https://sbchocolate.com/tour/

Hours: Tours are at the top of every hour. Mon – Fri 9am-4pm & Sat 9am-2pm (Closed Sundays & major holidays).

Cost: the ‘Basic Factory Tour’ is FREE and the ‘Go Behind the Scenes’ tour is $5.00 adult/$2.00 children (11 & under)

While you’re in South Bend you might also want to check out:

  • The Studebaker Museum https://studebakermuseum.org/
  • St. Patrick’s County Park at, 50651 Laurel Rd, South Bend, IN 46637- with wooded trails, play equipment & picnic sitesspringbreak1803

 

 

2. This isn’t Just for the Kids! Fort Clarkston is a relaxing adult environment that just so happens to provide unique & fun activities for kids too!

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Finally a place that understands what moms’ really!! This is the #1 hot spot for children entertainment & adult relaxation combined!! Parents can enjoy free wi-fi, sipping on coffee or tea from the café, or just cozying up with a magazine or book with a tasty treat. You may not even notice your kids as they will be completely mesmerized by the astounding 2,400 square foot playstructure standing 3 levels tall and the 2 level bitty playstructure for the tots. Twisty, bullet and wavy slides will take the children from peaks to valleys, meanwhile the maze, bumper balls and rope climbs engage children of all ages. They also offer redemption games and arcades! Be sure to redeem your tickets at their ticket redemption desk for valuable prizes.

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Fort Clarkston offers a bar where moms can grab a glass of wine or beer and visit with other moms (or enjoy a little solitude), as well as feed the kiddo’s dinner/lunch at the café; it really is a mini vacation for moms!!

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Hours: Monday – Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-9pm, & Sunday 9am-6pm

Address: 7127 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, MI

Phone: (248) 297-5453

Website: http://fortclarkston.com/

Hours: Monday – Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-9pm, & Sunday 9am-6pm

Cost: Mon-Thurs. $10 for the entire day!!   Fri-Sun. $12 for the entire day!!   Parents are $5

While you’re in the area you might want to check out:

 

3. Airstream Factory Tour

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Ever wonder how an Airstream is made? See how they craft every piece of the Airstream Travel Trailers, and how they really do put every one of those rivets in by hand.

TOUR INFORMATION: The Airstream Factory Tour is held every Monday through Friday beginning at 2PM EST in the lobby of the Service Center (located on the north side of 274, next to the gas station). Cost is free. Please arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of time to check in. Late arrivals may not be permitted to join the tour. (Please note Friday tours are held after normal hours meaning you may not see the plant in full production. If you plan to attend around a holiday, please call in advance to verify our tour schedule).

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The tour lasts approximately 1.5-2 hours, requires a one-mile walk, and is divided into two parts. The first part highlights the building process of the travel trailers while the second part focuses on the touring coach process.

Hearing and eye protection is required and will be provided for you. They ask that you wear closed-toed shoes (no sandals or open toes). Reservations are not required except for groups of 10 or more or if you have any special needs requests.

Address: 419 W Pike St, Jackson Center, OH 45334

Phone: (937) 596-6111

Website: https://www.airstream.com/company/tours/

Hours: Monday through Friday beginning at 2PM EST

Cost: FREE

While you’re in the area you might want to check out:

The Bicycle Museum of America https://momonthegoinholytoledo.com/2017/07/17/the-bicycle-museum-of-america/

 

4. Merry-Go-Round Museum

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Enjoy a fun and relaxed atmosphere while you tour the Merry-Go-Round Museum and learn about the history and art of the carousel. The “oom pa pa” of the band organ, and the “painted ponies” on display will thrill and enchant you.

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Have your smiles ready as you relive your childhood excitement when you climb aboard the working “fully restored” Allan Herschell Carousel with the band organ playing. Watch carvers bring neglected carousel pieces back to their full beauty.

Address: 301 Jackson St Sandusky, OH 44870

Phone: (419) 626-6111

Website: http://www.merrygoroundmuseum.org/

Hours: Wed-Sat: 11am-4pm & Sundays 12pm-4pm

Cost: Adults: $6.00, Senior Citizens: $5.00, Children (4-14): $4.00, (under 4): FREE (The cost Includes 1 Ride Token)

While you’re in the area you might want to check out:

African Wildlife Safari http://www.africansafariwildlifepark.com/

The Maritime Museum https://www.sanduskymaritime.org/information

 

5. Great Lakes Science Center

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The Great Lakes Science Center invites visitors of all ages to “learn by doing” with their 400 hands-on exhibits. You’ll find permanent installations on technology, the environment, the body, and the Great Lakes themselves as well as interesting temporary shows and an adjacent OMNI-MAX theater—you can easily make a day of it!!

Address: 601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114

Phone: (216) 694-2000

Website: http://greatscience.com/about/who-we-are

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm & Sunday noon-5pm

Cost: Adult $16.95 and Youth (2-12)* $13.95 Theater tickets cost extra

While you are in the area you might want to check out:

https://momonthegoinholytoledo.com/2016/04/07/campbells-sweets-factory-tour/

Have a favorite road trip destination? Please share! We are always on the lookout for fun day trip destinations.