Toledo has an abundance of fun and imaginative things to do in the winter. Local activities guaranteed to delight parents and kids of all ages are listed here for this crisp, festive season dancing snowflakes.
The Lodge at Maumee Bay State Park
A local favorite, the beautiful lodge on the shores of Lake Erie just ten miles from Toledo offers a variety of fun activities such as ski rentals for the many cross-country trails winding in every direction for acres of adventure. Dine at the waterfront restaurant, take a dip in their warm, indoor pool, or if you’re into just relaxing, curl up in the cozy parlor and watch the water through the wide picture windows. A perfect weekend getaway for the whole family, or maybe just a little alone time. https://www.maumeebaylodge.com/
Landoll’s Mohican Castle
Anyone in the mood for a relaxing weekend away from home over the winter months can visit Landoll’s Mohican Castle in Loudonville, in central Ohio. Located in a serene forest surrounded by dense scenery, visitors can relax in tranquility in the comfortable and rustic rooms. Kick back and rest or take part in fun local events like nearby ghost hunts and live music. The perfect weekend getaway for anyone with a sense of adventure and intrigue. Rooms start at $99 per night, depending on the room and its location on the property. https://landollsmohicancastle.com/
Ohio Caverns
For spelunkers, there’s no better way to unwind than a quick trip down into the earth. Ohio Caverns, open year-round, in West Liberty in Salem Township, affords a unique, exhilarating experience of climbing in caves that are thousands of years old. The largest cave system in the entire state is a destination for cavers of all ages. Maintaining a steady temperature of 54 degrees year-round, this is the perfect winter hiking activity to gets the adventurous family out of the cold. https://ohiocaverns.com/
Cross Country Skiing
For skiing enthusiasts, visit Slippery Elm’s Trail in Bowling Green, a 13 long miles of asphalt trail that starts in BG and winds all the way to North Baltimore. Formerly a rail line, this marathon pathway provides perfect twists and turns for cross-country skiing. A great spot for beginners as well, since the trail is one long flat pathway. Visitors can join various programs on rented skis or snowshoes or else bring their own equipment and hit the trails. https://www.wcparks.org/parks/slippery-elm-trail/
Ice Fishing
Ohio offers a wide variety of different locations for the classic pastime of ice fishing. Intrepid anglers can take their pick of a whole slew of locations; Lake Erie, Portage Lakes, Indian Lake, Piedmont Lake and many more. In these waters, you’ll find an abundance of crappie, walleye, sunfish, bluegill and many other beautiful species that populate the lakes. Pick a spot, find a guide, settle in, and catch a whopper. https://www.planetware.com/ohio/best-ice-fishing-lakes-in-ohio-us-oh-132.htm
Sledding
Considering Ohio’s flat terrain, sledding and skiing locally could prove difficult. However, there are still locations to be found, even some in the immediate vicinity. Side Cut Metropark in Maumee hosts family sledding every year on their steep, snowy hills. The park even has floodlights to allow the snowy fun to continue after the sun has set. https://metroparkstoledo.com/
Horseback Riding
At the Marmon Valley Farm in Zanesfield, Ohio, anyone with an interest in horseback riding will find it here. With over 150 beautifully trained horses and friendly staff, the winter ride of dreams is fully attainable. The stable operates during the winter through reservations only, from November 1st through March 13th. Riders can navigate gorgeously snowy trails rendered silent and serene in the beautiful winter months. https://marmonvalley.com/
Hiking
In wintertime, there are few states more beautiful in this dark season than Ohio. There are plenty of different locations open to the public for hiking excursions, such as Blue Hen Falls, home to a beautiful, 15-foot waterfall that completely ices over in the winter, creating a fabulous frozen display. There’s also Tree Farm Trail, home to all sorts of amazing local wildlife such as foxes, rabbits, birds, and even coyotes. For a lovely, scenic winter hike you’ll find a veritable winter wonderland. https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/
Camping
Camping in the winter is its own special league of adventure. Many cozy little cabin campgrounds cater specifically to winter excursions with precisely what the adventurous camper is looking for. The Lazy Lane cabins in Logan OH boast comfortable rooms with extensive trails and a cozy hideaway from the biting wrath of winter. What more could a camper want? https://metroparkstoledo.com/
Ice Skating at Ottawa Park
The grand pinnacle of all winter activities; ice skating. Whether a seasoned veteran or a greenhorn beginner, there’s no winter activity more beloved and popular than ice skating. And where better to indulge in this fun pastime than at Ottawa Park, home of the only open air rink in the region. It also doubles as a hockey rink and a romantic open skate rink throughout the chilly winter months, making it an absolute must-visit for any interested skaters or avid learners. http://www.ottawapark.org/
