Spring officially arrives in less than a week! Whether you have children in school that need entertainment during spring break, or you just want to get out and explore, you can make the most of the season with a quick road trip. These attractions are all within 110 miles of Toledo— perfect for keeping costs down without sacrificing fun!
1. glacial grooves | kelleys island
Check out this impressive geological phenomenon created by the massive glaciers that formed the Great Lakes and Lake Erie Islands. The glacial grooves are 400 feet long, 35 feet wide, and up to 15 feet deep. More info.
2. maritime museum | sandusky
Discover the maritime history of the Sandusky Bay Area. This museum will teach you about boat-building, Ohio’s wetlands, shipwrecks, and Sandusky’s role in the Underground Railroad. More info here.
3. ghostly manor thrill center | sandusky
You don’t have to wait for Halloween to come back around for spooky thrills! Ghostly Manor is open year-round featuring an escape room and haunted house. Looking for thrills minus the hauntings? They have that, too! Check out their bouncy houses, mini golf, VR games, and more! Full details here.
4. perry's cave family fun center | put-in-bay
This attraction offers a range of activities that are fun for all ages. Explore Perry’s Cave, the Butterfly House, Skip Duggan’s Antique Car Museum, a giant maze, and more. Browse all Perry’s Cave offerings here.
5. african safari | port clinton
Get up close and personal with some of the most majestic creatures on Earth. African Safari Wildlife Park reopens for the season on March 22. Buy tickets here.
6. ohio state reformatory | mansfield
Tour the former maximum-security prison that served as the backdrop for The Shawshank Redemption. OSR offers a range of tours, including self-guided. See the full lineup here.
7. maumee bay state park | oregon
This Northwest Ohio gem has something for everyone. Explore our area’s serene marshes and the vastness of Lake Erie, or opt for indoor fun at the Maumee Bay State Lodge. More info here.
8. ohio caverns | west liberty
Daily tours are available at this magnificent natural wonder. The Ohio Caverns is the largest cave system in the state and showcases many crystal formations. More info here.
9. the explore-it-torium | marion
Explore, create, and play with 10,000 square feet of fun inside Marion’s Carnegie Library building. Kids will have a blast at this adventurous children’s museum. Browse their offerings here.
10. isaac ludwig mill | grand rapids
This turn-of-the-century grist and flour mill offers visitors an immersive experience into the grinding experience that once sustained local communities. The Canal Experience also has one of the last functioning 19th Century limestone locks. More info here.
11. sauder village | archbold
Step into the past at this fascinating living museum! Stroll through the village and see what life was like between the 1800s and 1920. The regular season returns May 1, but Sauder Village will have special events before then. Full details here.
12. historic jail & dungeon | fremont
Find out what 1800s jail life was like— if you dare. This historic site claims to be a hotbed for paranormal activity, which may check out since one of the exhibits features the gallows used for the last hanging in Sandusky County. Visit their website for info on public tours and private group tours.
13. schedel gardens | elmore
This 17 acre garden estate springs back into action in April. Enjoy themed garden displays, exotic species, and roughly 10,000 annual plants and flowers. More info here.
14. spangler candy world | bryan
If you’ve ever wanted a real-life Wonka experience, here it is! Learn about the candy-making process with Spangler Candy Company, manufacturer of Dum-Dums, Sweethearts, and several other nationally recognized brands. This sweet facility has engaging activities for all ages. More info here.