Now that the holidays are over, and we try to get back to whatever our normal lives look like, it’s easy to fall into a winter slump. When the first frost arrives in Toledo, both local residents and visitors know that they are about to endure several months of cold weather, snowfalls, and chilly breezes. However, the winter weather doesn’t have to stop you from living your best life.
While the winter months may seem like a season in which most people would hunker down, this city actually seems to come to life. Here are some of the best winter things to do in Toledo, Ohio…
7 Things To Do In Toledo In The Winter
Immerse Yourself in Culture at the Toledo Museum of Art
Since the Toledo Museum of Art was founded in 1901, it has been so much more than just a place where people can go to be inspired by art. Rather, it’s a place where visitors are educated — a place where they learn about how art has shaped the world, and how it has the potential to change their lives. With an emphasis on art education, the Toledo Museum of Art has become a favorite destination among local people and visitors of all ages.
The museum is constantly planning special events, such as wine nights for adults, and it also hosts groups of school children throughout the year. Located on Monroe Street in the heart of the city, this art museum has earned a reputation for having one of the largest collections of art in the country.
The best part is, admission is always free, which means that everyone in the city has access to these breathtaking works of art. It’s the perfect place to go on a snowy winter day when you need to get out of the house, but you don’t want to brave the elements.
Make the Most of the Snow by Sledding, Skiing, or Snowshoeing at the Toledo Metroparks
While the dwindling temperatures may tempt you to stay inside, you might be missing out on one of the most beautiful and exhilarating seasons in the city. There are many ways that you can enjoy your favorite Metroparks in Toledo outdoor winter activities, such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding.
Toledo is not known for its hilly terrain, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t strap on a pair of cross-country skis during the winter. In fact, cross country skiing is becoming increasingly popular throughout the city. Two of the Metroparks have designated trails that are exclusively for skiers, including Oak Openings and Secor.
When snow covers the city, transforming it into a winter wonderland, everyone knows that the best place to go is to the local Toledo sledding hills.
The Metroparks maintain these hills and even offer after-dark sledding when the conditions are right. You can find sled hills for people of all ages and skill levels at Slide Cut, Glass City, and Pearson.
Also, don’t forget that you don’t have to abandon your favorite nature trails during winter. In fact, the walking trails at the Metroparks throughout the city are ideal for snowshoeing. This fun winter activity is becoming more common throughout the city, so don’t miss out on the chance to try it out this winter.
Discover Your Nautical Side at the National Museum of the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes often freeze over during the winter, and they certainly become too cold to enjoy — but that doesn’t mean that you need to forget about your connection to these magnificent bodies of water.
In fact, winter is one of the best times to visit the National Museum of the Great Lakes, which is located in the heart of Toledo. This interactive museum aims to provide visitors with information about the important role that the Great Lakes play in the Midwest and throughout the world.
The exhibits at this museum offer insight into the history of maritime on the Great Lakes, the natural resources that depend upon the Great Lakes, and the stories of the people who have lived near the lakes.
With many hands-on exhibits, it’s the kind of place where people of all ages can come and learn a little more about the massive bodies of water that have long sustained life in Toledo.
Let the Kids Touch Everything at the Toledo Imagination Station
Inevitably, you spend a lot more time stuck inside during the winter — even if the city is full of trails that are perfect for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. When you simply need to get out of the house and find a place where your kids can burn some energy, look no further than the Imagination Station.
The Imagination Station is located in downtown Toledo and is filled with interactive exhibits that help kids see and experience science for themselves. From the gravity-defying high wire cycle that travels over the museum itself, to the hurricane chamber, where youngsters can experience what it might be like to stand in the midst of hurricane-force winds.
There are endless experiences to be enjoyed that your children will never forget. With nearly 30 exhibits in the museum — all of which are designed for children at different ages and stages of development — there is no way your children will utter the words “I’m bored.” If you need an escape on a cold winter day, then make this place your next stop.
Catch a Show at The Valentine Theater
For a timeless Toledo experience, consider purchasing tickets for a show at The Valentine Theater. This theater was built more than a century ago, and it still hosts some of the most powerful performances in the city. With 901 seats, it is a theater that is both accommodating and intimate.
The theater hosts a Broadway season every year, bringing in shows such as Rent or Jersey Boys. In addition to its popular Broadway season, the theater also creates opportunities for community engagement.
Young families can bring their children to the theater for story time during the week, and there are also “School Days” shows scheduled throughout the year that allow students in the area to experience the wonder of live theater.
If you are in need of a romantic night on the town in Toledo, consider grabbing dinner at one of the fabulous local restaurants in downtown Toledo and then catching a show at this historic theater.
Attempt a Figure Eight on a Local Ice Skating Rink
There is one benefit to living in Toledo or visiting this city during the peak of winter, and that’s having the ability to ice skate. The frigid temperatures lend themselves to frozen ice, allowing skaters of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the rinks that can be found outdoors in Toledo.
One SeaSkate is a synthetic ice rink that is assembled in downtown Toledo each winter, just between One SeaGate and the Renaissance Hotel. If you are looking for that big-city skating experience, then this is the best ice skating rink in Toledo for you. Skate rental and skate sharpening services are available on location. Another outdoor skating rink in Toledo is the Ottawa Park Ice Rink.
This natural ice skating rink is only open when conditions are right, so it’s important to check in advance before you head to the rink. Generally speaking, this rink opened in early December and is open throughout the rest of the winter. Skate rental and skate sharpening services are available.
The most recent addition to ice skating in the Toledo area is The Ribbon, a 1,000-foot loop trail featuring rolling hills and soft curves for a uniquely Metroparks winter ice skating experience.
The Ribbon is connected to a 5,000 square foot skating pond that offers a traditional ice rink experience for beginners and a series of special events and programs. Admission is required for all guests to enter and may use their own equipment or use rental equipment, which is provided for no extra fee.
Participate In A Thriving Local Craft Beverage Scene
The region’s local craft beverage scene is flourishing with a number of new, innovative breweries, making northwest Ohio a true craft beer destination. New on the craft beverage scene is Oncore Brewing in Swanton, Ohio, creating unique beer and ciders. Quenched & Tempered has been brewing and distributing out of Grand Rapids, Ohio since 2019, and recently opened its first public taproom in downtown Toledo in 2022.
GBS Brewing Co., Toledo’s second-oldest brewery, also opened a new taproom in south Toledo in 2022 and several area breweries are growing and expanding, including HEAVY Beer Co. that opened a second location in Oak Opening Metropark in 2022 called HEAVY Wheelhouse, and Earnest Brew Works with several locations in South Toledo, West gate Shopping Center, and Downtown Toledo.
The growth of distilleries is adding to the variety of boozy beverage options. Toledo Spirits offers their unique selection of whiskies, gins, and vodkas handcrafted using regional ingredients. Six Fifths Distilling in Perrysburg features premium all-natural craft spirits with local ingredients.
Looking for a few eat-out ideas? I’ve assembled my most recent nine restaurant reviews for you. Maybe you’ll find some delicious inspiration; or, from at least one of my experiences below, you’ll know what to avoid!
Experience Magic at Sundance Drive-in — Join Us to Keep It Alive!
The Green Crow is A First of Its Kind Mobile Plant House with Awesome Plants and A Unique Owner
Chayhana Is An Unlikely But Welcome Truck Stop Treat To The Perrysburg Area
Calvino’s Is Cute and Trendy on The Surface, But The Service and Cuisine are Slow and Uninspiring
Domo Sushi Rolls Are A Work of Art On a Plate, And a Symphony of Flavors For The Tongue
Rosaria’s Brunch Offers A Feast For The Eyes, Mouth, And Soul
Toledo’s Black Pearl Restaurant Has All The Right Elements But Needs An Upgrade
Innovative Bakery Owner Pitches Faux Cakes for Photos, Real Deals for Tastes, and A New Co-op Dream for Home Bakers
The Original Sub Shop and Deli is the GOAT of Sandwiches in Toledo and Today I Learned Why
Winter can be such a magical time if you know how to make the most of it.
If nothing on this list appeals to you, there is also my favorite winter pastimes (ok, any time pastime) and that’s going to cozy restaurants, the movies, and my favorite, bookstores. I’m wishing you all a winter of fun adventures!
