Looking for things to do this summer? There's plenty of activities in Northwest Ohio

Ready to venture beyond your own backyard this summer? 

We know that everyone has been longing for the change of season and a return to more normal circumstances. Enter this guide to summer in the state.

We offer a slate of suggestions for what to do this summer, no matter what part of Ohio you find yourself in.

Things to do in Ohio: Delightful things to do and see this summer in Northeast Ohio

Ohio summer fun: Here are some attractions worth visiting in the Columbus area

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Northwest Ohio is a delight in the summers, whether you're looking for a getaway on a Lake Erie beach, an adventure in the great outdoors or an exploration of the Toledo area. Here are a few things to check out:

Theme parks

Cedar Point

 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky (Erie County)

Amusement park lovers are loving that Cedar Point is open for the summer. One of the newer attractions this season is the Snake River Expedition. Guests begin the adventure by going on a river-boat mission to haul cargo without getting robbed by smugglers. This attraction is available until Sept. 6. Or, guests can watch the night parade with floats and performances to celebrate the park’s 150th anniversary through Aug. 15. Reservations are required to enter the park.

Admission: starting at $49.99 for weekdays and $59.99 for weekends for Cedar Point, $79.99 for a two-day ticket to the park and Cedar Point Shores, with discounted rates for children and some ticket packages purchased online; plan on $20 for parking. The park is offering a special Gold Card pass for $150, which offers unlimited access to the park and the shores plus free parking for all season.

Information: www.cedarpoint.com

Things to do in Ohio:Cedar Point begins 150th celebration with nightly parade, new ride

Kalahari Resorts

7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky (Erie County)

The resort boasts that it’s the region’s largest indoor water park. The resort covers 200,000 square feet with slides, a pool and splash areas. One of the newer additions is the Bugs Burrow outdoor splash area designed to make guests feel like they are ant-size. The African-themed Kids Safari Pool and multiple escape rooms are also worth exploring. Room rates vary.

Admission: All-day water park admission for non-guests is $94.99, or $85.99 for non-guests under 42 inches tall.

Information: www.kalahariresorts.com

Conservatories, botanical gardens and zoos

Toledo Zoo and Aquarium

2 Hippo Way, Toledo (Lucas County)

The zoo recently renovated its space to include a history museum that adds to the already extensive collection of exhibits. The ProMedica Museum of Natural History hosts several exhibits on biodiversity, a two-story tropical greenhouse and interactive exhibits. The Oak Forest is one exhibit that lets guests see the world from the viewpoint of an ant where things are 24 times larger. Outside of exhibits, there are daily animal demonstrations through Labor Day, as well as a summer concert series.

Admission: $27, or $17 for children ages 2 to 11; $2 more for non-Lucas County residents. Parking is $8, but free on Mondays to Lucas County residents at the Anthony Wayne Trail Lot.

Information: www.toledozoo.org

African Safari Wildlife Park

267 S. Lightner Road, Port Clinton (Ottawa County)

This is a drive-thru or walk-thru safari where visitors can get an up-close view of an emu or maybe a giraffe. There are over 800 exotic animals at the safari. Additionally, visitors can add on a ride on a camel or visit the aviary to feed the birds.

Admission: $29.95, or $20.95 for children 3 to 6, and free for children younger than 2. 

Information: www.africansafariwildlifepark.com

Toledo Botanical Garden

5403 Elmer Drive, Toledo (Lucas County)

This delightful area boasts 60 acres of garden and the region’s largest public collection of sculptures. Some noted attractions are the Doneghy Inclusive Garden, which is wheelchair accessible with touch sensory components, and the Secret Forest has a treehouse for the kids to play. The botanical garden also serves as an art center and hosts the Crosby Art Festival. The Artisan Village sells art and visitors can meet some local artists. 

Admission: free, programs and attractions may have a fee.

Information: www.metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/toledo-botanical-garden-metropark/

Kingwood Center

50 N. Trimble Road, Mansfield (Richland County)

The center has 47 acres of garden that once belonged to Charles Kelley King, open to the public since 1953. There are more than six gardens. The Woodland Garden edges the woods featuring shady plants while the Perennial Garden is a burst of different colors and varieties. Each season a new plant is highlighted. The center also holds events. 

Admission: $5, or free for children 12 and younger 

Information: www.kingwoodcenter.org 

Things to do around Mansfield:Attractions, destinations reopening as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions lift

Outdoor music and drama

Centennial Terrace

5773 Centennial Road, Sylvania (Lucas County)

The outdoor concert venue hosts several well-known acts. On this season’s lineup: The Menus on July 10; Hotel California on July 16; The Beach Boys on July 22, and Styx on Aug. 13, among others. There are events such as the Star-Spangled Celebration on July 3.

Admission: varies by event; plan on $5 cash for parking.

Information: www.centennialterrace.org

Final Fridays

128 N. Main St. at The Brickyard, Mansfield (Richland County)

The outdoor concert venue in historic downtown Mansfield will have concerts with local musicians on stage. The concerts are slated for every last Friday of the month until September. Shows begin at 5:30 p.m., with the headliner at 8:30 p.m.

Admission: free

Information: www.brickyardmansfield.com

Mansfield concerts:Final Friday concerts returning to The Brickyard

Museums

The Toledo Museum of Art

2445 Monroe St., Toledo (Lucas County)

The museum will feature several themed summer exhibits ranging from the supernatural to birds in art. “Supernatural America: The Paranormal in American Art” explores the relationship between artists and the supernatural. The exhibit will be on display through Sept. 5. “The Art of Conservation” centers around objects affected by time, on display until Aug. 29, and “Rare and Wonderous: Birds in Art and Culture 1620-1820” will run until July 25.

The museum will also host a walking tour and art workshop for the kids, among other summer programs. “Family Art Club” invites children to explore creative expression through a series of workshops held on Fridays and Saturdays. Walking tours of the Georgia and David K. Welles Sculpture Garden are on Saturdays until end of August. To participate, guests must pre-register.

Admission: free; $8 for on-site parking for nonmembers

Information:www.toledomuseum.org

Imagination Station

1 Discovery Way, Toledo (Lucas County)

The interactive science center boasts hundreds of exhibits and activities for kids. The Keybank Discovery Theater is an immersive film experience with a 58-foot screen. Imagination Station visitors can get hands-on with activities that change monthly.

Admission: $14, or $13 for those 65 and over and $12 for children ages 3 to 12; there is a $2 discount for Lucas County residents.

Information: www.imaginationstationtoledo.org 

Sandusky County Historical Jail & Dungeon Tours

622 Croghan St., Freemont (Sandusky County)

Consider taking the 1 hour and 15-minute guided tour of this historic site, which, according to rumor, may be haunted. Hosted by the Sandusky County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the tour will take guests through three attractions: the dungeon, gallows and prison. The dungeon, which lays beneath the Sandusky Courthouse, was built around 1840 and used to hold prisoners after there were several break-out attempts. The jail, built in 1892, was constructed as part of a prison reform movement supported by former U.S. President, Rutherford B. Hayes. Tours are held on advertised dates and by appointment.

Admission: $5

Information: www.sanduskycounty.org/jail or call a booking agent at 419-332-4470

Fort Meigs

29100 W. River Road, Perrysburg (Wood County)

This was a scene of battle in Ohio’s War of 1812. Visitors can view the old exterior of the fort and visit the museum. On Aug. 14 and 15, there will be a reenactment of the Revolutionary War weapon drilling for the weekend. On July 4, there will be an Independence Day celebration with historical music and a National Salute ceremony to commemorate the day. On various days, the fort will host an event titled “Fort Meigs After Dark Lantern Tour,” which allows guests to wander the fort by lantern light and witness a musket demonstration.

Admission: $10, or $8 for senior citizens, free for children younger than 5, and $5 for students. Events may have an additional cost.

Information: www.fortmeigs.org/admission/

Sporting events

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

7721 Steam Corners Road, Lexington (Morrow County)

The car course will host the Honda Indy 200 from July 2 to July 4 for those looking for things to do on the holiday. Vintage Motorcycle Days (July 23-25) are also back. Mid-Ohio is one of several tracks in the region that welcome spectators: Toledo Speedway in Lucas County, Fremont Speedway in Sandusky County or Attica Raceway Park in Seneca County are among the others.

Admission: varies by event

Information: www.midohio.com 

Mid-Ohio Course:A promise kept: Robert Wickens fulfills goal of driving race car again at Mid-Ohio

Toledo Mud Hens

Fifth Third Field, 406 Washington St., Toledo (Lucas County)

Fifth Third Field Stadium is a good place to catch a game. Located in Toledo’s Warehouse District, it’s home to the minor league team, the Toledo Mud Hens. On June 29, you can take your dog to catch the game or see some fireworks on July 2.

Admission: prices vary

Information: www.milb.com/toledo

Festivals and fairs

Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival

330 S. Sandusky Ave., Bucyrus (Crawford County)

The annual 3-day event will take place Aug. 19-21. The festival will have parades, a stein auction and, of course, plenty of brats. The festival began in 1968 and has been a tradition since.

Admission: entertainment is free, but activities vary in cost.

Information: www.bucyrusbratwurstfestival.com

Things to do in Bucyrus:Proposed DORA would allow downtown outdoor drinking in Bucyrus

Middle Bass Island Music Festival

Lonz Winery Patio on Middle Bass Island (Ottawa County)

Featuring music, artist demonstrations, food trucks, beer and wine, the event will take place from noon to 7 p.m. July 17. The Chardon Polka Band will perform, along with Cats on Holiday (Zydeco and funk folk band), Sonic Boom (fusion jazz), and guitarist Sam Hooper and his Blues Band. There will be an artist tent where guests will have an opportunity to explore different art mediums. There will be barbecue and fish along with beverages from the Catawba Island Brewing Company and Heineman’s Winery.

Admission: free

Information: www.mbimusicfest.com

Breweries and wineries

Fleetwood’s Tap Room

28 N. Saint Claire St., Toledo (Lucas County)

Featuring craft beer and a rooftop deck, this establishment offers 48 beers on tap and views of the ballpark. It will reopen July 2.

Information: www.hensvilletoledo.com/fleetwoods-tap-room

419 Ale Trail

29 locations in Toledo and the surrounding area

This is a summertime activity where beer drinkers can get discounts and earn prizes for checking in at participating breweries, including the Catawba Island Brewing Company, 2330 E. Harbor Road, Port Clinton, which has a tasting room and events including live music and a pinball league. UrbanWoody Brewery, 105 E. Tiffin St., Fostoria, has a microbrewery that uses hops and grains produced locally. To join the trail, participants use a mobile passport to track progress. The sign-up form is online, and the passport can be sent via text to a mobile device, www.419aletrail.com.

Heineman Winery and Crystal Cave

978 Catawba Ave., Put-In-Bay (Ottawa County)

This is a historical site with a wine garden. Family-owned and operated since 1888, the vineyards span 50 acres. Guests can sample the wine in the wine garden and take a tour of the crystal cave. The cave was discovered in 1897 after digging a well for the winery. The crystals range from eight to 18 inches long.

Admission: tours cost $10, or $5 for children 6 to 11, free for children younger than 6.

Information: www.heinemanswinery.com/crystalcave.asp.

Quarry Hill Winery

8403 Mason Road #2, Berlin Heights (Erie County)

Boasting impressive views of rolling hills and Lake Erie, visitors to the winery can taste the wine and listen to live music on the weekends. The winery is a part of a fruit farm with an orchard, market barn and winery. The main feature is the Quarry Hill Market Barn where guests can pick up some local produce. At Quarry Hill Orchard, guests can go apple picking or take a wagon ride through the orchard.

Information: www.quarryhillorchards.com

Outdoor adventures

Metroparks Toledo

18 locations in Lucas County

The parks system has more than 12,000 acres of natural land for hiking, biking, kayaking and more. You can stay the night in a treehouse or camp on a platform at the Cannaley Treehouse Village. Visitors at Toledo’s Middlegrounds Metropark can walk along the river on the 1.5-mile path with views of the Maumee River. The Glass City Metropark is the newest addition to the park system. Phase one, open now, has a boardwalk and pavilion and more plans with phase two are in the works.

Admission: free for parks; rates for the treehouse rentals vary.

Information: www.metroparkstoledo.com/discover/cannaley-treehouse-village/

Kelleys Island

Located about 4 miles north of Marblehead (Erie County)

A quieter version of Put-in-Bay, this island offers hiking and other outdoor activities. The Glacial Grooves are one landmark worth visiting. The grooves are 400 feet long, 35 feet wide, and up to 15 feet deep, created when the glacier that formed the lakes shifted. The island has a footbridge where visitors can look down for a scenic view. Beyond enjoying the scenery, there are restaurants and plenty of places to get a glass of beer or wine. The Kelleys Island Ferry leaves from Marblehead, with one-way adult fares at $11 and $18 for automobiles.

Information: www.kelleysislandchamber.com

Lake Erie Lighthouses

Multiple locations

The lighthouses are a piece of lake’s history that offer great views. Some of the more impressive lighthouses are Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest in the state, Cedar Point Lighthouse, Port Clinton Lighthouse, and South Bass Island Lighthouse. At Marblehead, guests can see views of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island and Cedar Point. The Lighthouse Room at The Keeper's House Museum showcases the last lens used to operate the lighthouse, and there’s the original keeper’s home, the Wolcott House, located 2.7 miles from the lighthouse, open for tours. Cedar Point Lighthouse was built in 1862 and was in use until 1909. It’s about 38-feet high and sits on top of the lightkeeper’s six-room limestone home. The South Bass Island Lighthouse at Put-in-Bay is open for viewing. There’s also an oil house and barn on the property.

Admission: varies 

Information:shoresandislands.com

White Star Quarry

901 S. Main St., Gibsonburg (Sandusky County)

The quarry is open for scuba diving. The 15-acre man-made lake has an average depth of 40 feet with underwater attractions. The quarry sits within the boundaries of the White Star Park, which encompasses 800-acres of trails and park. The nearby, White Star Beach, is another attraction. The beach has swimming and offers swim lessons. White Star Park Campgrounds are open until Nov. 1.

Admission: the park is free; diving costs $20 per day, and extra for equipment rentals. Swimming at the beach costs $5, or $3 for children 3 to 12 per day, season passes are also available with discounts for residents.

Information: www.whitestarquarry.com