Do you enjoy spending time with your family? If so, why not try out some new sports together? There are a number of different activities you can do as a family, many of which are great for improving teamwork and communication. This blog post will discuss six different sports you can try out with your loved ones!
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Where else can you learn how to fish, clean a fish, cook a fish, & sample said cooked fish, learn how to kayak, enjoy the serenity in a butterfly house, watch a magic show, street performers, bands, parade, tour a gallery filled with fine art, visit a petting zoo, and more ALL in one day and for FREE? talk about a great VALUE! We value our time, family, and finances, and the Ohio State Fair respects and accommodates all three! For a family of four to do all of that in one day and only cost $34 (free parking) is amazing!
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Being a teenager is “hard”, “the worst”, ” brutal”, etc. to say the least!! And truth be told, raising a teenager isn’t much different than raising a toddler. And as a parent, raising a toddler, I mean, a teenager, you will need to suddenly start arranging “playdates” again & encouraging them to play/meet up with friends IN PERSON. The struggle will be REAL!! Read more
When your kids are young, their world feels like it will last forever. But as they get older, you can see the end coming sooner than they would probably like. Before you know it, they’ll be grown up and moving on with their lives. There are different ways to preserve your kids’ memories so that when they grow up, you can look back together and remember what it was like when they were a child. If preserving memories of your kids is important to you — and it should be! — there are many ways to do so. So if you’re ready to save those memories for you and your children, read on for some helpful advice on how to do just that.
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Dinosaur Adventure and the Lucas County Fairgrounds have teamed up to transform the grounds into a prehistoric drive-thru experience. From August 7th–15th, life-sized, roaring and moving dinosaurs will roam free at the Lucas County Fairgrounds in this Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru. Learn more at https://www.dinosauradventure.com/
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“Why are we celebrating Earth when it keeps giving us snow?” That was a totally valid point made by my 1st grader, lol! Though, some may want to boycott Earth Day this year thanks to Mother Nature’s wonky weather, we are indebted to our planet. And Earth Day is a wonderful way to remind ourselves and our families that we need to be one with our environment, respect it, and do our best to minimize our carbon footprint so our grandchildren and our children’s grandchildren can enjoy the riches this planet offers. Here is a list of some fun activities going on this weekend to help you celebrate:
When: Sunday, April 22 @ 2- 4pm
Where: Montessori School BG 515 Sand Ridge Rd
Website: www.communityearthday.com
Admission: FREE FUN FOR ALL AGES
Archery! Take Nature walks! Listen to great Stories! Participate in great Activities! Make an art project! Take home a Live sapling!
In addition to this celebration, a wide variety of events and activities will be taking place all month, check out website for upcoming events!
When: Saturday, April 21, 2018 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Bowling Green State University – Perry Field House 801 N. Mercer Rd. Bowling Green, OH
Admission: Free
Enjoy a snack and literacy-based activities for the entire family. The day will include prizes, crafts and entertaining activities from the community’s top organizations. Each family receives a goodie bag with a free book by award-winning author and illustrator, Don Tate, who will offer two talks.
When: Saturday, April 21, 2018 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Address: 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609
Phone: 419-385-5721
Website: https://www.toledozoo.org/tickets
Admission: FREE to Members. Adult (12-59) $17.00, Child (2-11) $14.00, Senior (60+) $14.00, & Child under 2 FREE for Lucas County Residents. Non-Lucas County visitors ….Adult (12-59) $19.00, Child (2-11) $16.00, Senior (60+) $16.00, & Child under 2 FREE
Celebrate Mother Earth and learn all about recycling, reusing and conserving our world through educational displays and fun activities. Bring in recyclable goods to make the Earth a little “greener.”
Drop off your recyclable goods between 10am and 4pm in the Zoo’s Anthony Wayne Trail parking lot. Admission/parking charges do not apply to this special recycling project. Below is a list of items that will be accepted along with the organizations that made this possible.
Items can be dropped off in the Zoo’s Anthony Wayne Trail Parking Lot.
As well as dropping off your recyclables, the Zoo is the perfect place to spend a great day with your family! Get tips on how to be more ecofriendly as you talk with people from local “green” organizations. Enjoy special Earth Day activities in Nature’s Neighborhood and watch animal demonstrations (Dive Talks at the Aquarium at 11am and 2pm) all across the zoo. It’s all included free with regular Zoo admission!
Where: 577 East Front Street, Perrysburg, OH 43551
BLOG POST WITH MORE INFO: https://momonthegoinholytoledo.com/2016/07/23/the-577-foundation-is-a-must-see/
Phone: Phone: (419) 874-4174
Website: http://www.577foundation.org/index.html
Hours: 9am-5pm Monday-Sunday
Admission: FREE
Interested in Planting a Garden? In 1989, The 577 Foundation Community Gardens was an idea from Virginia Secor Stranahan. She was a gardener & invited anyone to garden with her, discover organic practices, share their knowledge & “learn to love the land”.
The Community Gardeners are an important part of The 577 Foundation; their gardens have created a pleasant environment for visitors, an education in organic growing & an inspiration to future gardeners. The garden spaces are free!! Click here for more information http://www.577foundation.org/plantagarden.asp
When: Saturday April 21, 2018 11:00 AM
Where: At Barnes & Noble Locations
Filled with gentle humor and insight, Oliver Jeffers’ New York Times bestselling Here We Are is a poignant celebration of life on Earth. Join us for Storytime, with activities to follow.
Where: Blue Creek Metropark 7790 Schadel Road Whitehouse, OH, 43571
When: Sunday April 22nd 1pm-4pm
Join us for our first open house of the year. Meet dozens of our Education Animal Ambassadors, participate in several education programs, tour our facility and enjoy Blue Creek Metropark. This is a free, family and large group friendly event but donations are gladly accepted. Please leave your pets at home.
Where: Swan Creek Metropark Saturday
When: April 21st 1pm-2:30pm
Enjoy an afternoon stroll with the whole family while on a guided nature tour with a park interpreter and experience your favorite Metroparks from a new perspective.
Where: Farnsworth Boat Launch Area
When: Sunday April 22nd 1pm-2pm
Celebrate Earth Day and get on the trails with a park naturalist. We will look at the flora and fauna of Northwest Ohio as we explore a new trail each month. This is a great way to experience our beautiful Metroparks and all they have to offer us. Please wear sturdy shoes and dress accordingly to the weather.
When: Sunday, April 22, 2018 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Toledo Museum of Art 2445 Monroe St. Toledo, OH
Admission: Free
Celebrate Earth Day with the family! Kiddos will enjoy creating art they can take home using recycled materials and found objects! Open to families and children 0-10(ish) While you are there be sure to stop in and see the AWESOME Mummy Exhibit! (Free for members, there is a fee fro non-members)
Know of additional Earth Day celebrations that didn’t make the list? Please share & tag a friend so you can make those weekend plans now!
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…..
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:
Cost: FREE
Website: https://www.shoppingfranklinparkmall.com/
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/
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
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/
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
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
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/
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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!!
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:
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).
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/
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.
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
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.
Lookout Kentucky here we come!!
Woot Woot!! Newport Aquarium!! We have arrived and are precisely 205 miles from Toledo…kids got a kick out of the sign, had to take a pic!
Our little biologist nearly lost her mind! She was beyond excited to see the number one thing on her list, the Shark Rays, which to be honest, I thought she was just making up; I didn’t even know they existed. But she was right, they do exist and they are such a magnificent creature.
A cross between a Ray and Shark, duh! Wonder where they go the name? LOL! So we zoomed past most of the World Rivers and Shore Gallery aquariums in order to make certain we had the chance to see the Shark Rays being fed and boy am I glad we did, it was so awesome! They fed them lobster. Here is a clip (don’t worry it is short, promise).
How cool was that, right!?
Then our next big MUST SEE was Shark Central where we could pet a shark….we did manage to stop briefly to see this guy…..he was HUGE!
Then we rushed by other tanks in order to PET SHARKS! The children were so excited, even the little one who was so terrified of a thunderstorm that she literally made herself sick & threw-up was overjoyed at the idea of petting a shark. What have I done to these children? Haha! They each ran up and claimed there spot and listened to the handlers instructions. As the handler jokingly said, “Use only two fingers to pet the shark so that you still have three fingers left for future use” , I started to wonder what kind of mom was I, I am letting my children pet sharks!? I glanced around at the other adults and children in the crowd; they all seemed to still have their digits in tact so I figured what the heck and joined them! The shark felt unlike anything I had imagined. I always thought they were smooth and silky to the touch. Boy was I wrong, they were actually quite rough.
Then it was on to the Penguin show where we learned about all the different types of Penguins, their diet, climate, mating, etc. we learned so much!
And at the end the handler who was located inside the exhibit had a microphone outside the exhibit so she could hear questions from the crowd. And wouldn’t you know all 3 of my kiddos had questions. Haha! I was not surprised that our little biologist had a question and it was a great one, one not covered or discussed during the show. Her question was what are predators of the Penguins? Our son, the 1st grader asked why the King Penguins were not as active as the other Penguins? And then the preschooler, I was a little nervous about her question. God only knew what she would ask. She already asked me if we could have one for a pet and I had to break the news to her gently, so I knew she wasn’t going to ask if we could take one home. Then I started wondering what other crazy thought, idea, or family secret she might share in public over the microphone. Preschoolers and microphones are a horrible combination it is like drunks singing karaoke; you never know what is going to come out of their mouths!! So she proudly walked up to the microphone, cleared her throat, and clearly expressed that she liked the handler’s bows in her hair. PHEW! That was a close one! Lol!
We had such a wonderful time at the Aquarium we were sad to leave but not before hitting up the gift shop! The children save up money from birthdays and holidays for these rare and special occasions. So we spent 4 hours at the aquarium and I am fairly certain one of those was in the gift shop. I firmly believe God gifts you with such remarkable souls, little souls that help make you a better person and on that day he was making me a more patient soul. Haha! Our little biologist eventually made her final decision and we headed off to dinner. Dinner at Red Lobster, anyone see the irony in that? Haha! But man was my salmon and shrimp delicious! Then we went back to the hotel and swam like fish!
It was quite the aquatic day. I shall treasure the memories for always because we will go back again but I will never go back again with a 9, 7, and 4 year old.
Thank you for the memories Kentucky!
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 