Butterflies – Mom on the go in Holy Toledo

Farnsworth is located at 8505 S River Rd, Waterville, OH 43566.

Treasures you’ll find at Farnsworth Metropark:

The Interurban Bridge

The Interurban Bridge was once the largest earth filled, concrete reinforced bridge in the entire world, though the bridge is in ruins it is quite a sight to behold.

The Roche de Bout (also spelled Roche de Boeuf)

The Roche de Bout is one of the only significant rock outcroppings in the Northwest Region of Ohio and serves as a support for the bridge. The rock was an important landmark to Indians centuries ago, who met on the rock for meetings, including one before the famous 1794 Battle of Fallen Timbers. As long as the water level is somewhat low, you can easily wade out to the rock.

The 100-mile Bowling Green Fault line, the only fault line in the entire Great Lakes Region & it runs through the park. If the water is low enough you actually are able to see it.

Towpath Trail

Towpath Trail is 2.5 miles and Easy (Stroller and ADA accessible).

The trail parallels the Maumee River the whole way, passing by several islands on the river owned by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. (Unfortunately, there’s no way of getting to the islands).

However the Kayak Concession is open and you can rent a Kayak and Kayak around the islands.

Price: (Credit card payments only) Single Kayak, $10 per hour Tandem Kayak, $15 per hour Downriver kayak trip, Farnsworth to Side Cut Metropark, including transportation back to Farnsworth, $20 per person. E-bike rental, $10 per hour

Hours: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fishing & Camping & Picnic Areas

The Playground

The playground (closest parking lot is the Boat Launch entrance to the park on 8801 S. River Road (US24), ) is AWESOME!

It includes; a turtle, a Great Blue Heron, a buckeye leaf, and even the Bowling Green Fault Line are depicted in the sculptures. Not only can children enjoy playing outside in the park, but they can learn about it at the same time.

And there is a really nice, new, shelter adjacent (and restrooms too) that is available to rent along with a charcoal and gas grill (locked)…it would make the perfect spot for a family reunion, birthday gathering, etc. Kids could play on the playground, older kiddos/adults could take turns kayaking, have a cookout, walk the towpath, and enjoy the natural beauty that is Ohio!

DEETS:

Hours: 7am-dark everyday

Address: 8505 S River Road (US 24) Waterville, OH 43566

Ranger Phone: (419) 779-6052

Map: http://metroparkstoledo.com/media/2158/river-parks-map-nov14-map-only.pdf

Website: http://metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/farnsworth/

Sources:

http://www.naturalohioadventures.com/farnsworth-metropark.html

http://metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/farnsworth/

The first day of May brings about much anticipation and excitement for many impending events. Big events such as, the culmination of the school year, the joys that will precede summer break, graduation celebrations, the excitement of Mother’s Day, and last but not least, Opening day of The Butterfly House!

The Butterfly House is located in Whitehouse Ohio, just a short drive from Toledo and it is by far one of the most relaxing outings/field trips I have ever had the pleasure of sharing with my children. The first time we visited the butterfly house our eldest was 3 years old and infatuated with butterflies. In fact, her room is adorning with pink butterflies. She practically lost her mind when we entered the magnificent space where she was greeted by gorgeous Morpho Peleides, Papilio palinurus, the classic, all-time favorite Monarch, and many many more gorgeous butterflies fluttering all around.

The experience is amplified by the fact that while walking around viewing the gorgeous butterflies in such an idyllic environment classical musical plays in the background. The combination of fluttering butterflies, the water trickling in the small pond, the amazing foliage all around, and the classical music embodies you and bring about one of the most relaxing experiences. When I leave The Butterfly House I leave with the same relaxing mindset that is only equal to a Spa experience but for much less.

I had been counting down the days to our visit, so desperate for the relaxing feeling that encompasses you after the visit. May seems to be one of the craziest months with school activities, after school activities, rehearsals for recitals, recitals, weddings, showers, Mother’s Day, etc. I could feel the stress mounting and I knew that The Butterfly House was just the thing to help me relieve the mounting pressure piling up from the multitude of responsibilities and obligations. And it did!

We so enjoyed our visit, we went with our Playgroup and the young children seemed to enjoy themselves as well as the parents. Our preschooler really enjoyed watching the butterflies eat and noted the Proboscis and how it looked like the butterfly had a cool straw that sucked up the banana. He also enjoyed seeing the pupa (chrysalis). The butterfly house has a window where children can watch the butterflies emerge from the chrysalis. It was a wonderful learning experience for our preschooler and toddler. We can’t wait to go back with big sister once school is out. The Butterfly House also has a beautiful space for picnicking after your visit, the scenery, breeze, and environment are unsurpassable.

Are you fascinated with butterflies? Do you have favorite butterfly? Have you been to a Butterfly House near your home or perhaps the one in Whitehouse?