Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors
With unique museums, a charming zoo, professional sports, and great parks, Toledo offers fun for all ages. These are some of the top things to do on your first visit to the Glass City:
Toledo Museum of Art
Founded in 1901, the Toledo Museum of Art holds an internationally renowned collection from 4000 BC to the present day. The museum’s impressive glass pavilion features glass art by acclaimed artists like Dale Chihuly. With free admission and special exhibits, it’s easy to spend a whole afternoon admiring the museum’s collection.
Toledo Zoo
Home to over 10,000 animals across 700 species, the Toledo Zoo provides fun for the whole family. Visit the Africa! exhibit to see elephants, lions and zebras or check out the aquarium’s sharks and stingrays. With reasonable prices, interactive animal experiences, and stroller/wheelchair accessibility, the Toledo Zoo is a top pick for groups with kids.
Fifth Third Field
Cheer for the hometown Toledo Mud Hens, the Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, at their beautiful downtown stadium. On game days, you’ll find fun giveaways, fireworks shows, and a lively crowd. If you can, catch the iconic 4th of July fireworks celebration after an action-packed game.
National Museum of the Great Lakes
Learn about the history, science and shipwrecks of the Great Lakes at this interactive Smithsonian-affiliated museum. Visitors of all ages enjoy the on-site collegiate tall ship, the museum’s OMNIMAX theater, and Great Lakes-focused exhibits. Buy discounted combo tickets to tour multiple attractions.
Imagination Station
With over 300 interactive exhibits focusing on science, technology, engineering and math, Imagination Station delivers hands-on fun. Fly through the air in the Motion Simulator, view live constellations in the planetarium, and learn physics concepts through engaging games and experiments. It’s the perfect indoor field trip stop or rainy day destination.
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Only 30 minutes outside Toledo, this wildlife hotspot along Lake Erie provides incredible opportunities for nature walks, hiking, fishing, and bird watching. Take the wildlife drive to spot waterfowl, turtles, deer and eagles. With over 9000 acres of wetlands, grasslands and woods to explore, you can easily spend a whole day outdoors.
Toledo Botanical Garden
Stay in the city but surround yourself with the tranquility of nature at the Toledo Botanical Garden. Stroll through numerous themed gardens like the perennial garden, herb garden, and old-fashioned roses collection. The on-site Crosby Festival of the Arts celebrates Toledo’s art and music several weekends each summer.
The Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion
Designed by acclaimed architect Peter B. Lewis, the Glass Pavilion showcases both temporary exhibits and installations and the museum’s extensive collection of glass art. Visitors are surrounded by amazing works by artists like Dale Chihuly and Harvey Littleton. Don’t miss the iconic 100-foot-long Glass Bridge!
Toledo Walleye Hockey
Catch fast-paced hockey action with the Toledo Walleye, a popular minor league ice hockey team. Home games at the Huntington Center feature fun giveaways for fans and exciting competitions against rivals like the Fort Wayne Komets. Hockey lovers will feel the energy of this rabid fanbase.
Toledo Metroparks
Just minutes outside downtown Toledo, the expansive Metroparks system protects vital natural habitats along Lake Erie’s shoreline. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at scenic parks like Side Cut, Pearson, and Secor. With trails, fishing spots, gardens, and more, you’ll find green space for all interests.
Toledo Farmer’s Market
Open year-round on Saturdays, the Toledo Farmer’s Market at Renaissance Park will tempt you with farm-fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delicious breakfast and lunch fare. Stop by for seasonal flowers and plants. Take some tasty treats back to your hotel or charter bus.
COSI Toledo
For hands-on science fun, visit the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). This family-friendly science center features interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and seasonal programs. Test your athletic abilities, learn about weather, and see live animals at this indoor gem.
How to Get Around Toledo
Toledo offers several transportation options for traveling between popular attractions, hotels, and event venues. Consider the pros and cons of these methods as you plan group transportation:
Public Transportation
The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority operates local bus routes mainly centralized in downtown Toledo. Purchase affordable day passes or single ride tickets. While the bus system is extensive, routes and schedules may be inconvenient for visitor transportation needs. Visitors also can’t rely on public transportation for reaching attractions outside Toledo’s downtown corridor.
Taxis and Rideshares
Several taxi companies offer transportation services in Toledo, but fares for multiple stops or long distances can add up quickly. Local rideshare companies like Lyft also operate in Toledo. While more affordable than taxis, rideshares still pose challenges for keeping groups together, fitting lots of passengers and luggage, and coordinating centralized pick-up.
Charter Buses
For worry-free group transportation, renting a charter bus is the most efficient way to get around Toledo. Charter buses allow you to keep your entire group together while traveling to multiple attractions on your own schedule. Our professional team will take care of navigation while you just sit back and enjoy the ride. Charter buses offer amenities like reclining seats, climate control, luggage bays, and even WiFi and entertainment so passengers stay relaxed and comfortable. Plus, charter bus services can pick up passenger groups as small as 18 all the way up to 56 people on full-sized motorcoaches. No need to split up in different vehicles!
Ready to Get Started?
Now that you know the top things to do and how to get around during your Toledo visit, you’re ready to start planning your perfect itinerary! Party Bus Toledo makes group transportation easy by matching you with the best charter bus rental for your next Toledo outing. Just give us a call at 419-324-0783 to get a free quote and make a reservation. We look forward to helping your group explore the very best of Toledo!