Outdoor things to do with kids in Toledo
Get the kids outside. Here are the outdoor family events happening around Toledo right now.
Food Truck Wednesdays
Rotating food trucks bring Central Ohio favorites to Coffman Park every Wednesday.
Veterans Day Service
Family-friendly Veterans Day commemoration honoring service members at Town Center Park.
Veterans Day Ceremony
Annual Veterans Day ceremony honoring military service at Dublin Veterans Park.
Grand Illumination
Easton Town Center transforms into a glittering holiday wonderland with lights, music, and family fun.
Spooky S’mores
Roast marshmallows and enjoy spooky fun outdoors at Glacier Ridge this fall.
Newark Earthworks Remnants Tour
Guided archaeological walking tour of Newark's ancient earthwork remnants with expert archaeologist Jeff Gill.
Pokemon Go Wild Area Meetup
Catch exclusive Pokémon at Coffman Park during a community Pokémon GO event.
Swingin' N Shakin' with Whirlybirds
Free live swing music every Saturday at Natalie's Grandview with the local Whirlybirds band.
Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs. Northwestern Wildcats Football
Watch Ohio State football take on Northwestern at Ohio Stadium.
Boo at the Zoo
A spooky members-only family celebration at Columbus Zoo with Halloween activities and fun.
Audi MLS Cup Playoffs - Wild Card Match - Columbus Crew v TBA
MLS Cup Playoffs: Columbus Crew compete in a high-stakes soccer match.
Holiday Tree Lighting at The Joseph
Holiday tree lighting with Columbus Symphony musicians & Santa visit in the Short North.
Wildlights 2026
Millions of twinkling holiday lights transform the Columbus Zoo into a magical winter wonderland.
Sunset Archery
Learn archery skills during a scenic sunset session at Scioto Grove.
Unknown Event
Family-friendly event at Columbus Zoo.
Family Event
Family-friendly event at the Columbus Zoo on November 19.
Family Holiday Event
Seasonal holiday celebration at Columbus Zoo—festive decorations, activities, and animal encounters.
Event on NOV 19
Family-friendly event at Columbus Zoo on November 19.
Leaf Tie-Dye
Tie-dye autumn leaves at a fun Metro Parks craft session.
THREE10
Country, classics, and rock from THREE10 band at Sweet Harmony Canal.
Winter at the Zoo
Seasonal winter activities and holiday celebrations at Columbus Zoo through early January.
FREE Wanderlights
Free holiday light display with over half a million twinkling lights at Columbus Commons.
WinterFest Columbus
Winter celebration along the Scioto Mile with holiday cheer and seasonal fun.
Bourbon Legend
Columbus Americana band blends folk, country, and rock at Sweet Harmony Canal.
Holiday Lights Celebration
Outdoor holiday lights celebration—a festive community gathering.
Craft Workshop
Get creative with a hands-on craft session at beautiful Inniswood Metro Gardens.
Holiday Tree Lighting
Visit Santa, meet The Nutcracker, enjoy samples & treats at Littleton's Market's holiday tree lighting in Columbus.
Thanksgiving Traditions
Experience living history and Thanksgiving traditions at Slate Run Farm.
Columbus Turkey Trot
Join the community for a Thanksgiving morning 5K run/walk at The Shops on Lane Avenue.
Wheel Before the Big Meal
A fun wheel-themed activity or outing at Battelle Darby Creek park.
Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Round 1 Game 2 - Columbus Crew v Inter Miami CF
Watch the Columbus Crew battle Inter Miami CF in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Serpent Mound Archaeology Tour
Guided archaeological tours of the ancient Serpent Mound with a professional archaeologist.
Grove City Nutcracker Hunt
All-day Nutcracker-themed scavenger hunt around Town Center—perfect for holiday fun.
Event on NOV 28
Sensory-friendlySensory-friendly event at Columbus Zoo on November 28.
Sensory-Friendly Event
Sensory-friendlySensory-friendly zoo experience at Columbus Zoo on November 28.
Turkey Trek
A festive autumn walk or nature trek with a Thanksgiving theme at Blendon Woods.
Ohio State Buckeyes Football vs. University of Michigan Wolverines Football
College football spectacle: Buckeyes vs. Wolverines at Ohio Stadium.
OSU vs Michigan Game Watch Party
Free outdoor game watch party for the OSU–Michigan matchup on the big screen.
Sunday Funday: Holiday Open House
Downtown holiday celebration with carriage rides, live music, Santa photos & local shops.
Tree Illumination
Community holiday tree lighting ceremony at the Village Green.
Sensory-Friendly Snowflake Castle
Sensory-friendlySensory-friendly holiday castle perfect for kids and families with sensory sensitivities.
Snowflake Castle
Festive holiday castle in Westerville—a whimsical seasonal attraction for all ages.
Holiday Cheer Tour
Guided holiday tour through Short North's festive lights, window displays & seasonal charm.
NCAA Divison III Soccer
Watch NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Semifinals at Historic Crew Stadium.
Brews & Blankets by Canal Winchester Chamber
Blanket-making community event supporting local human services.
Yuletide on Gay Street
Winter street festival with ice sculptures, seasonal music, and festive cheer downtown.
Tree Lighting
Community holiday celebration with tree lighting, music, and carousel rides.
Wander Nights at Wanderlights
Free festive weekends in December with carousel rides, hot chocolate, Santa photos, and holiday market.
First Friday Archaeology Tour
Guided archaeological walk through Fort Ancient with a museum historian.
Short North Holiday Hop
Pedestrian-only holiday celebration in Short North with interactive art, performances, and hands-on activities for families.
Merry Market at Bridge Park
Holiday market with local shopping, live music, and photos with Santa at Bridge Park.
An 1815 Johnston Christmas
Step back to 1815 and celebrate Christmas as the Johnston family did—dinner, tour, and historic program included.
Good to know
- What outdoor activities are there for families in Toledo?
- Parks and trails, outdoor festivals, farmers markets, splash pads, and concerts in the park — this list shows what's on outdoors now.