Is anyone else looking forward to reconnecting with your kiddos? Spending quality time together as a family making some epic memories? Whether you’re looking for some free local indoor activities, something to make and take, or an awesome day trip, this guide has you covered!
Thursdays just got a whole lot thriftier at the Toledo Museum of Art! Looking for something fun to do with the kiddos, the family, a night out with the gals, or a date night, that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? The Toledo Museum of Art has you covered!
Toledo Museum of Art is always FREE admission!! But did you know TMA’s latest exhibition, Life is a Highway is also FREE? On Thursday evenings 5-9pm only, stop at front desk to receive your FREE ticket(s). (This ticketed exhibition is usually $12 for nonmembers; $10 for military, college students, and seniors; $7 for youth ages 5-17, & free for children four years of age or younger).
The first large-scale domestic exhibition provides a historical overview of life on the highway with an emphasis upon the Midwest, Life Is a Highway brings together a diverse selection of artists to showcase the automobile’s reshaping of the 20th-century American landscape and cultural attitudes of self-expression. Featuring more than 100 works from the Toledo Museum of Art’s own collection and both private and public loans, this exhibition charts the rise of auto-mobility as a visual icon of American identity. With works spanning from early depictions through the Pop Artists’ portrayal of the automobile’s impact upon consumer culture to the present, the car’s image as a symbol of newness, freedom and independence, mobility, and renewal is explored. Organized through four themes that call attention to the social, aesthetic, environmental, and industrial dimensions of its legacy, this exhibition includes a range of visual media.
Hurry and make plans today…Life is a Highway Exhibition ends September 15th
While you’re there be sure to checkout……
The New Media gallery features a multisensory display focused on an exploration of the relationship between art and music. Jointly curated by Halona Norton-Westbrook, Director of Curatorial Affairs, and Scott Boberg, Manager of Programs and Audience Engagement, the exhibition features a selection of 20th-century abstract paintings each paired with carefully curated musical composition. Presented together in this manner, the art and music engage in a multi-sensory experience that simultaneously engenders close looking, contemplation, and a consideration of the connection between visual and auditory art forms. Free admission
And there is legit fun around every corner!
Make an official evening/night of it and stop off at the Museum Café beforehand for delicious, gourmet, garden to table, reasonably priced meals. Click on link to see Spring/Summer 2019 Menu, https://www.toledomuseum.org/sites/default/files/caf_springsummerwebmenu_043019.pdf
Tuesday & Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Thursday & Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 4 p.m.
Then head over to the Glass Pavilion for a public glassblowing demonstration (free) and a glass of wine.
Located inside the Glass Pavilion, this trendy lounge features signature coffees, teas, beer, wine, soft drinks, and homemade pastries.
Tuesday & Wednesday: Noon – 3:30 p.m.
Thursday & Friday: Noon – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Noon – 4:30 p.m.
Just because the weather isn’t cooperating doesn’t mean the fun has to end! Here’s a list of some awesome kid-friendly indoor destinations to visit in NW Ohio and SE Michigan that will allow the adventures to continue no matter the weather!
Phone: 419.484.5532
Address: 110 Cherry Blvd. Bellevue, Ohio 44811
Website: http://www.junglejunctionplay.com/
The largest indoor play structure in Ohio! Jungle Junction is an AMAZING fun time for children ages 12 and under. Six levels of adventure with over 60 play features including slides, air cannons, obstacle courses, and interactive game panels keep kids entertained and challenged for hours. A dedicated toddler tumble zone with molded jungle friends for climbing, crawling and sliding the day away. Their controlled environment will keep you cool in the summer and warm when the weather turns cold and wet.
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (Sensory Day- The first and third Wed. of each month. 10a-2p, no air cannons)
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday Noon – 7:00 pm
DAILY ADMISSION: $6 (ages 2-12)
Parents and Caregivers are FREE!
Children 1 and under are FREE!
Don’t forget your socks!
Phone: 313.577.8400
Address: 5020 John R Street Detroit, MI 48202
Website: http://www.mi-sci.org/
Explore hands-on exhibits, gaze at the stars, discover new worlds in our IMAX® theatre, and take part in live stage shows. As Michigan’s STEM Hub, we inspire curious minds of all ages.
General admission: $14/adult, $11/child 12 and under or senior citizen (60+).
Children under age two are free.
Check out the additional options/packages on their website. (General admission doesn’t include IMAX theatre)
Regular Hours:
Monday – Tuesday Closed
Wednesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 419-434-5521
Address: Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion University of Findlay 1000 North Main St.
Findlay, OH 45840
Website: https://www.mazzamuseum.org/visit/
The Mazza Museum is the most diverse collection of original artwork by children’s book illustrators in the world. The museum’s goal is to promote literacy and enrich the lives of all people through the art of picture books.
“BOOKS TO FILM EXHIBIT”
Many children’s books have been made into films. Come see your favorite characters from movies in their original picture book form…or better yet take note of the books and read them before your see them on film.
“Patricia Polacco Exhibit”-The Keeping Quilt is one of our favorites….Come see why!
Admission: FREE
Museum Hours of Operation:
Wednesday-Friday: Noon – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 – 4 p.m.
Phone: (734) 764-0478
Address: 1105 North University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1079 (Look for the “Golden Dome”…that’s the planetarium in the building)
Parking: Free Parking on Sundays! Most non-marked spots in any Campus Faculty/Staff Parking (including Palmer) is free on Sundays. (Do NOT park in Gold, Business Vehicle, or other marked spots.)
Website: https://lsa.umich.edu/ummnh
With the largest display of dinosaurs in Michigan, the University Of Michigan Museum Of Natural History offers an array of educational programs and exhibits for families, students and adults. Exhibits include the Hall of Evolution, Michigan wildlife, anthropology, geology, and several changing exhibits.
Museum Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm
Admission: FREE to individuals and groups of 10 or fewer. (Suggested donation is $6 per person)
Phone: (734) 973-8424
Address: 4100 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Website: http://www.imax.com/theatres/ann-arbor-20-imax
Don’t just see a movie, experience it!! An immense explosion….A whisper heard over your shoulder. The rumbling bass you feel instead of hear. The combination of their perfectly tuned integrated sound system and precise speaker orientation ensures you can hear a pin drop and be able to tell exactly where it landed. Every note of the soundtrack and every scuff of a shoe are clearer in IMAX, with a complete overhaul of each movie’s audio overseen by the film’s director. All of this pristine sound is then pumped into a theatre that has been customized for an optimal experience. Clarity, detail and size make IMAX more than a movie. Two projectors run simultaneously to provide the perfect image with a balance of warmth and sharpness. IMAX draws you into something as close to reality as you have ever experienced!
For list of shows and times click on the website above….I do know, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story starts showing this week!
Wednesdays are the discount days…$10 for IMAX all day! (FYI: Kids concessions combo-drink, popcorn, fruit is $5.65)
Phone: 419-353-8338
Address: 13920 County Home Rd, Bowling Green, OH 43402-8670
Website: http://www.snooksdreamcars.com/
Snook’s Dream Cars displays the extensive collection of “long time car guy” Bill Snook (deceased) and operated by his son Jeff Snook. It features a recreated 1940s era Texaco gas station, a showroom of extensive automobile memorabilia and a car collection presented within period scenes ranging from a 1930s general store to a racetrack from the 1960s.The car collection, which features models from the 1930s to the 1960s, includes coupes, convertibles, sedans, roadsters and racecars, made by Cadillac, Ford, Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, Packard, Kaiser, Willys, Jaguar, Triumph, MG and Lotus. The facility also houses a complete four-bay shop for maintaining collector cars.
HOURS:
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sat. & Sun: By appointment
ADMISSION:
Adults $8
Seniors $6
Children $5
Phone: 419.633.6439
Address: 400 N. Portland St., Bryan, OH 43506
Website: http://www.spanglercandy.com/about-us/tour-store-museum
Public tours of the factory are available on their Dum Dums Trolley Wednesday through Friday 10 am to 3:00 pm ET. There are no reservations. Tours are on a first come, first served basis. You may wish to call ahead for information. Store & Museum admission is free – tour prices are shown below.
Due to safety and FDA regulations, the trolley tour will not go through the main kitchen areas, but will go through the warehouse areas and their most recent addition, the Portland Street expansion. It is the 87th production expansion in company history and nearly 20,000 square feet in size. Visitors are able to see their palletization area and automatic case packers. Candy cooking and forming in the kitchen areas will be shown via a DVD player while on the trolley tour.
Hours: Fall/Winter/Spring: Wednesday thru Friday 10am – 3pm
Factory tour prices are: Adults $5, Children 6-18 years $3, Children 5 & Under Free with paid Adult, Seniors $4. Tours will not be offered on any day that is a holiday for the factory.
Phone: (419) 244-2674
Address: 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, OH 43604
Website: http://www.imaginationstationtoledo.org/
Imagination Station, Toledo’s Science Center, is dedicated to making science, technology, engineering and mathematics fun and accessible. There are hundreds of interactive, hands-on exhibits that are fun and educational for the entire family. Whether you only have an hour or you have all day, there is plenty to see and do at Imagination Station. Come join us and explore everything that Imagination Station has to offer!
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: Noon – 5pm
Monday: CLOSED
Admission Prices:
Big Kids (13 – 64): $11
Kids (3 – 12): $9
Seniors (65+): $10
Children 2 & under: Free
Phone: (419) 491-1194
Address: 1600 Albon Rd. Holland, OH 43528
Website: http://www.skyzone.com/Toledo
There is no age limit on jumpers; if you can walk you can jump. Destress and have a blast jumping and possibly even flipping in/on Sky Zone’s awesome trampoline courts. Simply sign the waiver, get your jump time, put on your Sky Zone Socks and reach for the sky! Enjoy full access to the park, including, the Main Court, Ultimate Dodgeball, SkySlam, the Foam Zone, etc. Sky Zone also offers food and beverages so you can recharge after all that jumping. If you wish to expedite your experience you can sign the waiver and get jump time in advance, so you can get kiddos on the courts ASAP!
Hours: (Summer) Mon-Thurs. noon-8p.m. Fridays Noon-11p.m. (Glow Zone 9p.m.-11p.m.), Saturdays 10a.m.-11p.m., & Sundays Noon-8p.m.
PRICING: 60 MINUTE JUMP PASS – $15, 90 MINUTE JUMP PASS – $19, 120 MINUTE JUMP PASS – $22
Phone: 844-OAC-MDNR (844-622-6367)
Address: 1801 Atwater Street Detroit, MI 48207-4020
Website: http://www.michigan.gov/oac/
Experience exciting outdoor adventures with hands-on activities, exhibits and simulators — walk behind and touch a waterfall, step into a fishing boat and reel in a big fish, hit the trail on a mountain bike or snowmobile, and much more. At the OAC, you’ll learn about how the DNR manages state parks, forests, wildlife and fish as you climb the roots and explore the canopy of a massive bur oak tree, hop aboard a real airplane, and see what’s swimming in our aquarium.
Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday Noon – 5 p.m
Admission:
Adults (age 13-61) $5
Seniors (age 62 and older) $3
Children (ages 2-12) $3
Children under age 2 Free
Address: 1701 Front Street Toledo, Ohio 43605
Hours: Tuesdays– Saturdays: 10a.m. – 5p.m., Sundays: Noon – 5p.m., Closed Mondays
Website: http://www.inlandseas.org/
The National Museum of the Great Lakes is a fun and unique experience for all. Learn about the rich history our Great Lakes have afforded us, making up 84% of all the fresh water in North America it is no surprise they are treasured waters. Explore the history and enjoy some hands-on displays as you learn about one of the world’s greatest natural resources. Kids will be intrigued by all the means of transit along the Lakes, including the huge ship, the Schoonmaker just outside the museum in the Maumee River, (tours of the ship are offered May-Oct). Be sure to stop in the museum store so the kiddos can pick out some souvenirs to commemorate their visit.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Admission:
Museum Only: Adult – $11
Museum Only: Senior, AAA, or Military – $10
Museum Only: Kids (6-17) – $8
Museum Only: Toddlers (0-5) – Free
Phone: (419) 517-9094
Address: 3620 Centennial Rd, Sylvania, OH 43560
Website: http://sylvaniaplayland.com/
Sylvania Playland is the one and only indoor bounce house and playground in Sylvania! Come in and play on their five inflatables, four swing sets and toddler area. Our glow-in-the-dark mini golf is now OPEN! 18 holes, 4 themes (underwater, pirates, dinosaurs, knights and dragons). Win prizes in their arcade and have a taste of Toft’s ice cream!
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Friday & Saturday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Cost: Ages 1-3 1 hour bounce is $6 (unlimited $9)
Ages 4-12 1 hour bounce is $9 (unlimited $13)
18 hole Mini Indoor Golf $7 (unlimited $10)
1 Hour of Bounce and 1 Round of Golf……………$14.00
Unlimited Bounce and Unlimited Golf………………$20.00
Phone: 419-337-7922
Address: 8848 State Highway 108 Wauseon, OH 43567
Website: https://www.museumoffultoncounty.org/
Calling all history buffs and those simply intrigued by the vast history located in NW Ohio tour this an amazing 1868 Romanesque Revival two-story brick building that originally housed Wauseon’s first high school, and later, the county’s first hospital. Experience thirteen rooms that showcase permanent historic exhibits of hidden historical gems. Listen to locally written abolition hymns of the Underground Railroad movement in the county; see the crackling campfire of local Civil War soldiers and the museum’s extensive collection of Civil War era artifacts which are the impressive centerpiece of this exhibit.
Call ahead and make an appointment to see the Depot! Two blocks south of the museum, visit the Wauseon Depot. A collection of items from Fulton County’s railroad past, which included 6 steam lines and two electric inner urban lines, is on display inside the depot. Watch and listen to an O-scale working model railroad display that highlights Fulton County’s railroad 1920s hay-day.
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10:00am – 04:00pm
Sunday: noon-4:00pm
Rates: Adults – 18 and over: $8.00
Seniors – 55 and over: $7.00
Children – 6-15: $3.00
Children 6 & under are FREE
When you’re finished with your awesome tour stop by Red Rambler for a hot cocoa for the kiddos and a Flight of their brewed beers for mom and dad!
Website: http://www.redramblercoffees.com/
Phone: (419) 255-8000
Address: 2445 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43620
Website: http://www.toledomuseum.org/
Since the founding in 1901, the Toledo Museum of Art has earned a global reputation for the quality of its collection, innovative and extensive education programs, and architecturally significant campus. The main Museum building interior contains four and a half acres of floor space on two levels. It has 45 galleries, 15 classroom studios, the 1,750-seat Peristyle concert hall, the 176-seat Little Theater lecture hall, the Resource Center for Educators, the Family Center, the Visual Resources Collection, the Museum Café, and the Museum Store featuring Collector’s Corner. The Glass Pavilion has five galleries, a glass study room, classrooms, two hotshops, a multipurpose GlasSalon, public and private courtyard space, and a coffee bar.
Family Center: Free, fun, and open to everyone! The TMA Family Center, located in the education wing near the Plough entrance, is the perfect place for our youngest Museum visitors to make and take memories with their parents and caregivers. Drop in for themed activities that enliven the world of art for kids ages 1-10 (and even grown-ups!). Check the calendar on this page for upcoming projects. Calendars can be customized and printed by clicking on the Google Calendar icon at the bottom of the calendar listing.
Family Center Hours:
Tuesdays & Thursday: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Friday: 3:30–8 p.m.
Sunday: noon–5:00 p.m
Admission: The Museum and the Family Center are FREE
Phone: 734-827-2680
Address: 82 Aprill Dr Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Website: http://www.planet-rock.com/
Since 1994, Planet Rock has been providing world class indoor rock climbing. With creative wall design and innovative route setting, Planet Rock enables climbers of all ages and experience levels to love a sport that is like no other. Over 25,000 square feet of climbing surface with walls up to heights of 50′ and routes up to 70′ long, their gyms cater to competitive and recreational climbers alike. The gym also features unique climbing features such as the full-training areas and giant bouldering mushroom. Both beginner and experienced lead climbers will find routes that are both technical and fun. Their dedicated lead climbing walls have extensive lines and challenging features, while their bouldering areas offer interesting topography and an innovative mat system for softer landings.
Hours: Monday- Friday | 3:00PM – 10:00PM
Saturday | 11:00AM – 8:00PM
Sunday | 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Admission: Starter Packages (first time) Price
Adult 14 or older $44.00
Adult and child (5-8) $50.00
additional children (each) $25.00
Adult and child (9-13) $60.00
Additional children (each) $32.00
Daily Passes
Price Adult Daily Pass $17.00
Student / Military Daily Pass $16.00
Kids (5-13) $13.00
Belay only $10.00
Belay check $3.00
The kiddos put together a list of their favorite Ohio destinations we have visited. The following destinations are fun family friendly destinations that were of particular interest to children ages 2-11 years of age & us kids at heart too! (Tip: When purchasing tickets for admission inquire about discounts, AAA, reciprocity, etc. We were able to get admission FREE at some of these thanks to our local memberships)
Have some great memories of visiting an Ohio destination with your family? Do own/work at a must visit Ohio destination? Please share! As stated, we are currently working on our summer bucket list; we would love to hear your recommendations.
Date Night!! The two words every couple looks forward to, especially those with kids. It means a night away from the kiddos, to reconnect with your spouse, to remember why you fell in love in the first place. It is easy to get caught up in the responsibilities of adulthood & parenthood. That is why it is so important that you step away from it all for a few hours and have some fun, remember fun, that thing you did before you had a job, mortgage, kids, you know, before you had major responsibilities!?
2015 has been such a fabulous year, filled with fun road trips, delicious food, and awesome experiences! It has been such a joy & delight sharing all our excursions….
Here are the top 10 of 2015: (click on post titles to be redirected)
1. Falling in Love with Loveland: Castle in OHIO!
2. Wauseon: An Affair to Remember
3. Grand Rapids: Gastropub, Paleo Farm, & More
5. Playtime
6. Wapakoneta
7. It’s just a Red Ball? Au contraire!
It is going to be hard to say goodbye to 2015 however my heart is a bit lighter knowing that 2016 will be filled with new adventures, recipes, and fashion!?! Yep, you heard correctly, for 2016 we will be adding fashion to the Mom on the go in Holy Toledo mix!!! How was your 2015, what was the highlight? What are you looking forward to in 2016? What would you like to see Mom on the go in Holy Toledo include and/or discuss in 2016? I can’t wait to read your thoughts!! Cheers!!
I knew we were in for a great time when I opened my car door and was greeted by the base….because let’s be honest, it is all about the base (sorry, couldn’t resist, haha!). The evening was officially declared as a girls’ night out. The men folk in our family decide not to accompany us. See, I made the mistake of saying Art Museum and they instantly replied, “No, thank you”, okay, so maybe they didn’t phrase it quite that eloquently. But, hey, this is my memory and I am choosing to remember a “more polite” version. So me and my girls ventured out onto Monroe Street to get our girls night out started!
They each thought it was so awesome that the road was closed to traffic and they were walking where cars are supposed to drive…I suppose, in a way, the Toledo Museum of Art had the girls’ hearts at the “road closed” sign. I don’t want to say that we have low expectations but, if the sign fits, which is why what followed totally BLEW our MINDS!
BUBBLES!!! This awesome bubble machine contraption became my 4 year olds obsession! All the kids were chasing after it. Props to the woman maneuvering the bubble machine, I have no idea how you didn’t run over a child or 20!! It was awesome! I wish we could rent that sucker for parties. Then we ventured across the street to see & partake in….
Then the BEST thing in the WORLD happened to me. Well, technically the 5th best thing in the world, (to clarify, when I say world I mean my world) happened, FINALLY!! I have been so busy getting married, getting degrees, and birthing babies that I have NEVER been in the Glass Pavilion at the Toledo Museum of Art, which, if I may add, is literally 5 miles from my house. Why!? Well because, Toddlers and glass are quite possibly the worst combination on earth, you just don’t mix them, EVER!
So FINALLY, the moment arrived! I walked through those Glass Pavilion doors with my 9 year old and 4 year old daughters, yet I was the one bursting with such excitement, as if I was the child, and it was Christmas morning! It was breathtaking!
We enjoyed not only admiring all the gorgeous glass everywhere but also the demonstrations. The girls nearly lost their minds when they entered the room filled with furnaces and sat on the edge of their seats while a beautiful glistening glass horse was created out of nothing but a blob of glass. It was magnificent! And when the artist tossed it into the scrap bucket you could literally hear everyone’s hearts sink in disappointment.
Sadly the next demonstration required much explanation from me to the girls. The artist was working on a Glass version of the Mouse Trapped game, sweet, right!? Well, if you were born before 2005 it might be but the girls had no idea what it was, and, unfortunately, I think I spent more time explaining the game than admiring the art.
Then we ventured outside for more fun!!! Let me tell you, the Toledo Museum of Art knows FUN!! And they know how to throw one heck of a party!!
There was food trucks, delicious dogs, fries, etc. oh, and spirits. But I didn’t need any spirits, my spirit was bursting when I took the girls over to the swing that my father placed me on when I was a child & where I have the BEST Wedding party pics (yes, the photographer thought I was nuts getting up there in my wedding dress, but those are my favorite pics!!). And the world renowned architect, Frank Gehry’s building is in the background, yep, Toledo is a pretty cool place to live!
How blessed am I to have grown up in the city that is also home to my favorite Art Museum, and yes, I have been to the Louvre, (it is too big, it puts too much pressure on the viewer to “move it along” and FYI, the Mona Lisa is one of the smallest paintings I have ever seen, it is too tiny to view in such a big room) and will NEVER be as close to my heart as The Toledo Museum of Art. Sniffle, sniffle, this is getting too emotional, back to the fun!
The piece de résistance, the live spectacle of Redmoon Theater of Chicago, featuring their Drum Crane Tower, a 30-foot tall musical structure with three performance tiers & mounted drums for 8 percussionists!
AHHHHH-MAZING!!! Here is a clip…..
We had an absolute BLAST on our FIRST EVER girls’ night out!! And the best part, when we showed my son all the pics and shared all our fun he did politely ask that he please be included in ALL future visits to the Toledo Museum of Art . I suppose they could tag along next time. We have a visit to the Playtime exhibition on our calendar for next week! Speaking of next time be sure to click here for some amazing & FREE opportunities coming up at the awesome, Toledo Museum of Art (including Glass blowing demonstrations, FREE activities for kids, and more!)
Also, for all you locals, I would highly recommend becoming a member…the discounts in kiddo’s classes & parking are worth it alone!! Speaking of kiddos & classes, mine can’t wait to star Art Summer Camp at TMA!!
HUGE thank you to all those who put their time, energy, blood, sweat, tears, etc. into the evening it was absolutely amazing and so enjoyable, Toledo says THANK YOU!!!
When you hear the words Art Museum what comes to mind? Quiet, old, cold, boring!? (Or at least that’s probably what my husband would say). And the thought of bringing the children along just sounds, well, expensive!! Let’s be honest, there is decorum to follow when touring the Art Museum’s galleries. Things they frown upon include, breathing near the art (again, something my husband would probably say, ha-ha!), touching the art, standing too close to the art, climbing on the art, sitting on the art, and playing with the art. But not this summer! This summer the Toledo Museum of Art is hosting Play Time!!!
“As we grow up we tend to trivialize play and relegate it to childhood, but it’s an important element of life that we wanted to explore in this exhibition,” said Halona Norton-Westbrook, the Museum’s Mellon fellow and associate curator of contemporary art. “This show is not only about play in the traditional sense, but also the idea of being in the moment, of inspiring wonder, of invoking your natural curiosity.”
Invoking your natural curiosity, that statement is spot on! Our adventure in Play Time began downstairs where we contributed to the community art project featuring interactive components designed by Varujan Boghosian and Werner Pfeiffer. How it worked?
There was paper provided and directions for making a paper cube. Full disclosure, it took me WAY too long to try and figure out how to make that cube. Haha!
That exercise did a marvelous job of setting the tone for the rest of our Play Time tour. What tone? One of lightheartedness, fun, we were definitely forced into the moment! I loved it! And the coolest part is we can now say that we contributed to an instillation at the Toledo Museum of Art….that’ll look great on my résumé. (wink, wink).
Then we made our way upstairs to what I can only describe as pure awesomeness, Harmonic Motion!! Harmonic Motion, by, Toshiko Horiuchi Macadam and Charles Richard MacAdam is a hand-crocheted textile installation. It is huge, colorful, just a sight to behold!
As we entered they requested that we take our shoes off before climbing in. What!? It was difficult to wrap my head around the fact that I was not only taking my shoes off at the Art Museum but was also climbing on, in, around, and breathing ALL over the art!! Finally an exhibit my husband will happily accompany me too!! Talk about a FUN date night!!
Next stop, Swing Space! Swing Space, by, Jillian Mayer was a really cool idea; you literally sit and swing into the clouds which are projected onto the wall. It was a neat experience. I can finally cross off swing at the Art Museum from my bucket list!!
Ground Control by, Edith Dekyndt was our next destination on our Play Time adventure! This one was a little eerie. You walk into an empty room that contains a huge floating black ball. The ball is filled with a combination of oxygen and helium and the reaction is surprising. I won’t give it away, this one you will have to check out for yourself!
Anything Can Break, by, Pinaree Sanpitak was one of our last stops. Truth be told, we have already visited this installation a few times but it is one of our favorites!! There are motion sensors in the ceiling of the installation that trigger various sounds as you walk underneath. It is so much fun to walk around and see what kind of music you can make.
There are so many more instillations in the exhibit. There are also fun hands-on activities placed throughout the museum…gone are the days of old, cold, and boring!
Fun events are going on throughout the summer at the Toledo Museum of Art. Click here to view the calendar. Also, be sure to check out the Toledo Museum of Art’s amazing Family Center while you are there!
Now, if you’ll excuse me I have an awesome date night to plan….It’s Friday at the Toledo Museum of Art!
What a day! Since today was the last Thursday of summer break we tried to cram it full of fun things to do around town together. I am going to miss my kiddos so much once school starts. I so enjoy their company, hearing their thoughts and questions, just generally being in their company brings me so much joy. We have had a remarkable summer break and I hate to see it end. But, as many of you know my motto in life is ….Live each day to the fullest for it is a gift, live like it is your first, last, and best day. For we are not promised tomorrow, so cherish today. And boy did we ever!
Our day started off at The Toledo Museum of Art’s Family Center where the Navy was visiting for Navy Week. Our eldest worked on the themed projected that was inspired by Ginny Ruffner’s Beauty and Drama piece (you can view a movie on her tomorrow …click here for more info). Meanwhile the two younger kiddos found much joy in painting. Then we went up to the Gallery for story time. The kiddos each had a clue, a picture of Beauty and Drama to look for and a story that coincided.
The Gallery had me a little nervous because the Glass Ignited exhibit held so much glass, duh! And there were gorgeous pieces displayed on a small platform that was practically level with the floor. Hello! Talk about a toddler’s dream come true and a mother’s worst nightmare! I can’t image that phone call to my hubby letting him know we now owed the museum thousands of dollars, nope, that would not go over to well. But surprisingly the only person who got yelled at was mommy. Yep, me! I was taking pictures in the gallery and apparently there are signs all over that indicate that photography is prohibited, whoops! But I did manage to sneak this pic prior to being informed of the no photos rule. Enjoy…but, let’s keep this between us….
Then we were off to our next stop, Black Kite Coffee and Pies. They have the most amazing coffee and pies! We had their quinoa, tofu, pine nut, and dried tomato pie with fresh pesto and it was like a symphony for the taste buds amazing! We also enjoyed their breakfast bar filled with so much goodness. And I purchased an iced hazelnut latte. I have to honest, I braced myself for the worst as I took that first sip and I was pleasantly surprised at how satisfied I was. It was better than Starbucks, yep, BETTER!! You heard it here first.
Then it was off to our next stop….Imagination Station!
As we walked up we were greeted by some rockin music, it was the Navy band. So we sat down for a few minutes and listen to the music before heading into Imagination Station.
Once inside we headed for the Navy Week exhibit where they had various uniforms and gear the kiddos could try on…and even some adults partook in the festivities (my sister).
We played in the Kid’s Space for a little while then went down to the docks to eagerly await the arrival of the Flagship Niagara, USS DE Wert, and the USS Hurricane on the Toledo Channel. We walked along the water and even noted a few wildlife friends.
The ships were a little later than we had anticipated but watching the Flagship Niagara arrive made it all worth it! All three kiddos got excited when they had their first glimpse of the flagship. “It’s Ariel’s ship” my daughter yelled. “Pirates” my son exclaimed. It was such an amazing experience to share.
I am so thankful for this Thursday and I hope all of you embraced your gift and lived today to the fullest. How did you spend your Thursday?
For the local followers,
Listed below is a roster of events for Friday, August 24 through Sunday, August 26 as we continue on with the Navy’s Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and Toledo Navy Week.
Some notable events include:
Tours of the USS De Wert and USS Hurricane are open to the public
Where: International Park and Maritime Plaza, Toledo, OH
When: Friday at 12-5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday: 12-7:00p.m.
Tours of the Flagship Niagara – Tours of the ship are open to the public
Where: Maritime Plaza, Toledo, OH
When: Friday at 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 