Toledo Area Family Events: August 2016

Fun Things To Do With Kids in Toledo, OH

Mama Meow's Top Pick for August...

August 12-13: Maumee Summer Fair @ Uptown Maumee 

Bounce houses, pony rides, car show, family entertainment, food etc. Friday 5-11:30pm, Saturday 9am-11:30pm.

More Fun Family Events in the Greater Toledo, Ohio Area...

Now through September 4: Play Space @ Toledo Museum of Art 

Outdoor play space for kids. Visit the TMA website for more information. Closed on Mondays. Free.

August 1-6: Fair @ Monroe County Fairgrounds 

Truck pull, music, rides, food, etc. General admission is $6 for adults, $3 for kids 6-12, free for kids 5 and under.

August 1-8: Fair @ Wood County Fairgrounds 

Rides, food, cheerleading competition, monster trucks, demolition derby, Martina McBride concert and more. General admission is $6 per person. Kids 9 and under are free.

August 2: Pokemon GO Catch 'Em All @ Fifth Third Field 

Mud Hens doubleheader and on-field access to hunt for Pokemon after the games. Tickets are $12 for each game. 12:05pm and 6:05pm.

August 5: First Friday @ Downtown Perrysburg 

Bounce houses, balloon sculptors, train rides, live music and more. 6-9pm.

August 5 & 12: Friday Night Family Cruise @ Sandpiper 

Two hour cruise on the river. Bring your own picnic. $17 for adults and $9 for kids under 12. Reservations required. 6-8pm.

Fridays in August: From Earth to the Universe @ Ritter Planetarium 

Guided tour of the Universe and discussion. $7 for adults, $5 for children, kids 3 and under are free. 8:30pm.

August 5-7: Sales Tax Holiday @ Ohio Retailers 

Shop for school supplies and skip the tax. Items exempt from tax: clothing $75 per item or less, school supplies and instructional materials priced at $20 per item or less.

August 6: Dog Days of Summer @ Downtown Fremont 

Pet contest and photography, doggie vendors and giveaways, food, music and more. 9am-1pm.

August 7: Splash Bash @ Splash Bay Indoor Water Park

Swimming, food, music, bounce house, photo booth and more. Pre-sale tickets are $20 and $24 at the door. 10am-5pm.

August 7: Festival of India @ Centennial Terrace 

Indian food, music, shopping, henna tattoos, etc. Free parking and admission. 11am-8:30pm.

August 10-12: Kelly Miller Circus @ NW Ohio 

Performers and exotic animals under the big top. Tickets start at $12 for adults and $6 for kids. Toledo Speedway: Wednesday and Thursday. Brint and Centennial Road Sylvania: Friday. Two shows each day at 4:30 and 7:30pm.

August 12: Toledo Back 2 School Jam @ Walbridge Park 

Community information, Tai Chi lessons, raffles, fun activities. School supplies and backpacks will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Free. 12-3pm.

August 13: Toledo Jeep Fest @ Downtown Toledo

Car show, Jeep parade, festival. Free. 11am-6pm.

August 13: Back to School Fair @ Franklin Park Mall 

Hands-on activities, freebies, information about area businesses, schools and organizations. Meet characters from Laurel's Princess Parties. 10am-5pm

August 18-21: NW Ohio Rib Off @ Lucas County Fairgrounds 

BBQ, live music and family fun. Thursday 4-11pm, Friday 12-11pm (free until 4pm), Saturday 12-11pm (free until 3pm), Sunday 12-8pm.

August 20: Dreamworks Animation Movie Day @ Cinemark Theatres 

Free family-friendly movies and $2 concession items. 9am-1pm. 

August 20: Rossford Riverfest @ Veteran's Memorial Park 

Fireworks, carnival games, inflatables, softball tournament and more. 4-11pm.

August 20: Toledo Neighborhood Block Watch Picnic @ Ottawa Park 

Food, games, bounce house, music. Proceeds benefit Fraternal Order of Police. 11am-3pm.

August 27-28: International Festival @ Islamic Center of Greater Toledo 

Games, rock climbing, petting zoo, pony rides, ethnic foods, music, etc. Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 12-6pm.

Do you know of an event not listed here or one that's coming up? Let me know at mamameowtoledo (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Top image adapted from Tara on Flickr.

Toledo Area Family Events: July 2016

Fun Things To Do With Kids in Toledo, OH

Mama Meow's Top Pick for July...

July 3: Mud Hens Game @ Fifth Third Field 

Inflatable theme park from 5-8pm. Kids run the bases, Freedom Feast on the Rooftop and an Independence Day fireworks display. Tickets are $15 and include Hensville Park. Game starts at 6:05pm.

More Fun Family Events in the Greater Toledo, Ohio Area...

Now through July 24: Family Summer Camp @ Bass Pro 

Workshops, crafts, activities and more. Check website for specific days, times and projects. Free.

Now through mid-August: Summer Movie Clubhouse @ Cinemark Theatres

Kid-friendly movies. Monday at Levis Commons, Tuesday at Fallen Timbers, Wednesday and Thursday at Franklin Park. All shows are $1 and begin at 10am.

Now through September 4: Play Space @ Toledo Museum of Art 

Outdoor play space for kids. Visit the TMA website for more information. Closed on Mondays. Free.

Fridays in July: Summer Skies Over Toledo @ Ritter Planetarium 

Guided tour of the night sky and discussion. $7 for adults, $5 for children, kids 3 and under are free. 8:30pm.

Fridays through August 12: Friday Night Family Cruise @ Sandpiper 

Two hour cruise on the river. Bring your own picnic or have Marco's deliver pizza to the boat. $17 for adults and $9 for kids under 12. Reservations required. 6-8pm.

July 1: First Friday @ Downtown Perrysburg 

Bounce houses, balloon sculptors, train rides, live music and more. 6-9pm.

July 3: Fireworks Picnic @ Uptown Maumee 

Food and live entertainment begin at 5pm. A fireworks display is at 8pm. Free.

July 3: Star Spangled Celebration @ Centennial Terrace 

Live music, clowns, kid activities and food. Fireworks begin around 10pm. $5 admission. Kids 12 and under are $3. $5 parking. 7pm.

July 3: 4th of July Fireworks Display @ BGSU Intramural Fields 

Fireworks begin at dusk.

July 4: Independence Day 1813 @ Fort Meigs 

Hands-on activities for kids, musket demonstrations and more. The Independence Day Celebration is at 2pm. $8 for adults, $4 for students, kids 5 and under are free. 12-5pm.

July 4: Red, White, KABOOM @ Downtown Toledo 

Children's activities, live entertainment and food starting at 4pm. Fireworks begin at 10pm. Free.

July 6-9: River Raisin Festival @ Blissfield 

Tractor pulls, parade, carnival, entertainment, pageant, fireworks and more. Free.

July 8-10: Polish Festival @ Lagrange Street 

Family friendly entertainment, Polish food, children's area, and more. $5 admission, kids 8 and under are free. Friday 5-11pm, Saturday 12-11pm, Sunday 12-7pm.

July 9: Summer on the Farm @ Sauder Village 

Music, ice-cream making, old-fashioned games and competitions, fiddle contest. Price included with admission. 10am-5pm.

July 9-10: Blueberry Celebration @ Erie Orchards 

Hay rides, blueberry picking, straw play area and more. $8 per person.

July 12-16: Fair @ Lucas County Fairgrounds 

Games, rides, food, music and more. Free admission 9am-3pm Tuesday-Thursday. Visit website for more information.

July 15-16: Glass City Burger Battle @ Centennial Terrace 

Specialty burgers from 8 local restaurants, kid's zone and live music. $6 for adults, $4 for ages 5-12, kids 4 and under are free. Saturday admission after 7pm: $10 for adults, $6 for kids, 4 and under are free. Friday 5-11pm, Saturday 3-11pm.

July 16: Kids Klub Fishing Derby @ National Museum of the Great Lakes 

Catch fish and release them. Members are free. Non-members price is included in admission. 10am-2pm.

July 16-17: Toledo Air Show @ Toledo Express Airport 

Aircraft demonstrations and displays. Ticket prices vary. Visit the website for early-bird specials and advance tickets. 9am-5pm.

July 22-23: Pizza Palooza @ Centennial Terrace  

Pizza, interactive activities for kids, caricature artist, live music. $6 for adults, $4 for ages 5-12, kids 4 and under are free. Friday 5-11:30pm, Saturday 4-11:30pm. 

Do you know of an event not listed here or one that's coming up? Let me know at mamameowtoledo (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Top image adapted from Tara on Flickr.

Toledo Area Family Events: June 2016

Fun Things To Do With Kids in Toledo, OH

Mama Meow's Top Pick for June...

June 18: Dragon Boat Summer Learning Festival @ International Park 

Mama Meow Toledo with the WherestheCat.com volunteer crew at last year's Dragon Boat Festival.

Dragon boat racing, fun family activities, entertainment and vendors. Free. The all day event begins at 7am.

More Fun Family Events in the Greater Toledo, Ohio Area...

Wednesdays starting June 1: Family Film Festival @ Skye Cinema

Every Wednesday June 1-August 3. Doors open at 9am. Movies start at 10am with features such as The Spongebob Movie, Goosebumps and Minions. Free.

June 3: First Friday @ Downtown Perrysburg

Bounce houses, balloon sculptors, train rides, live music and more. 6-9pm.

June 3-5: Festival @ Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH)

Music, rides, games, food. Free admission. Friday 6pm-12am, Saturday 12pm-12am, Sunday 12pm-7pm.

June 4-5: Festival @ Old West End

Art, music, parade, children's activities, car show and so much more. House tours start at $5. Kids 12 and under are free.

Starting June 6: Summer Movie Clubhouse @ Cinemark Theatres

$5 for ten kid films or $1 per show. Mondays beginning June 6 at Levis Commons. Tuesdays beginning June 7 at Fallen Timbers. Wednesdays and Thursdays starting June 15 at Franklin Park. All showtimes are at 10am and include movies like Paddington, Box Trolls and Pan.

June 9-11: Cherry Festival @ Whitehouse Village Park

Cherry pie eating contest, entertainment, food, rides and more. Free admission.

June 11: Food Truck Festival @ Collingwood Arts Center

Food, music, art, tours. 3-8:30pm.

June 11-12: Maple & Main Art Fair @ Downtown Sylvania

Art, food, music and BMX show. Free. Saturday 11am-10pm, Sunday 10am-4pm.

June 12: Ariel's Splashin' Under the Sea Ball @ Toledo Yacht Club 

Crafts and entertainment by Point Place Princess Parties. $10 for each child. Adults are free. Two events: 3pm and 5:30pm.

June 15-19: Holland Strawberry Festival @ Heritage Community Park

Rides, entertainment, pageants, parade, food and plenty more.  $3 admission. Kids 7 and under are free. Free parking. Wednesday 5pm, Thursday and Friday 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm.

June 18: Community Block Party @ Toledo Museum of Art

Food trucks, music, sculpture exhibition. Free. 6-10pm.

June 19: Father's Day Mud Hens Game @ Fifth Third Field 

Dads and kids run the bases, inflatable theme park, post-game fireworks. $15 combo ticket includes game and Hensville park. 4:30pm. 

June 24-25: Sand-Tastic! @ Levis Commons

Sand sculptures, giant sandbox, bounce house and more. Free.

June 25: Summer Fest @ Shoreland Park

Food, rides, raffle and fireworks. 2pm-12am.

Do you know of an event not listed here or one that's coming up? Let me know at mamameowtoledo (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Top image adapted from Tara on Flickr.

Toledo Area Family Events: May 2016

Fun Things To Do With Kids in Toledo, OH

Mama Meow's Top Pick for May...

May 12-15: Ohio Spring Fest @ Stranahan Theater 

It's the 1st annual Ohio Spring Fest! There will be rides, a dog show, petting zoo, BMX show, fireworks, monster trucks, music and more. Hours: Thursday 4-10pm, Friday 4-11pm, Saturday 12-11pm, Sunday 12-10pm.

More Fun Family Events in the Greater Toledo, Ohio Area...

May 1: Opening Day @ Butterfly House 

It's the beginning of a new season! Come visit beautiful butterflies in the garden. $9 for ages 12 and up. $8 for seniors. $7 for ages 4-11. Kids 3 and under are free. 12-5pm.

May 1: Wonderful Wizard of Oz @ Valentine Theatre 

You've read the book and watched the movie. Now see the Toledo Ballet perform L. Frank Baum's classic tale, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Tickets start at $15. 2pm.

May 6-7, 13-14: The Little Mermaid @ Lourdes University Franciscan Theatre 

Go under the sea during this year's St. Francis de Sales spring musical, The Little Mermaid! $10-15 for adults. $12 for seniors. $10 for students. All shows start at 7:30pm.

May 7: National Train Day @ Toledo Amtrak Station 

Check out the Chuggington Play Area and Kids Zone featuring a train ride for kids. There will be food, music and more. Free admission and parking. 9am-4pm.

May 7: Run for the Bulls! @ Secor Metropark 

Help raise money for the Lucas County Pit Crew at their annual 5K. Run, walk and hang out with your furry friends! Adoptable dogs will be available to meet. $25 registration fee. 9am.

May 7: Maker's Mart @ Handmade Toledo 

Maker's Mart is the perfect time to shop for mom. See all the handmade gifts created by locals, enjoy food and ice cream. $1 admission. 10am-8pm.

May 7: Free Comic Book Day @ Monarch Cards & Comics 

Who doesn't love pizza, cookies and free comics? Meet comic book superheros like Spiderman and Deadpool! 11am-7pm.

May 7-8: Sesame Street Live! @ SeaGate Convention Centre 

Sing and dance with your favorite friends Elmo, Cookie and Ernie as they perform on stage! Tickets start at $15. Saturday showtimes are 10:30am and 2pm. Sunday shows are at 1pm and 4:30pm.

May 8: Mother's Day Mud Hens Game & Inflatable Theme Park @ Fifth Third Field 

Celebrate Mother's Day with the Mud Hens! Treat mom to a mini-massage or manicure and head over to the bounce houses, play games and have fun. $15 for adults. $13 for kids 12 and under. Game starts at 2:05pm.

May 8: Garden Bros. Circus @ Lucas County Rec Center 

The circus is coming to town! Elephants, aerial acts, cotton candy and more! Tickets start at $22 for adults and $8 for kids.Limited time only adult tickets are $9.95. Performances are at 1pm, 3:30pm and 6pm.

May 13-14: Kaleidoscope @ Valentine Theatre 

Come see why Toledo School for the Arts is one of the best schools in Ohio. Their annual Kaleidoscope features the best TSA has to offer during the end-of-year showcase of art, dance, music, writing and theatre. Tickets start at $15. 7pm.

May 14: Spring on the Farm @ Sauder Village 

Spend the day with your family and baby animals as you listen to folk music and play games. $16 for adults. $10 for ages 6-16. Kids 5 and under are free. 10am-5pm.

May 14-15: CAT Bash 2016 @ Delightful Art With Dee 

Listen and dance to live local music. There will be a Pretty Princess Art Class for kids at 12pm on both days. The event is in memory of Cat Lambert, creator of WherestheCat.com and starts at 12pm on Saturday with last performance at 10pm. Sunday's first performance is at 11am and the last one at 7pm.

May 21: Dart Frog Dash 5K & Kid's 1K Fun Run @ Toledo Zoo 

Your mom won't tell you to stop running at the zoo this time! Early registration (by May 15) is $26 for adults and $11 for kids. Registration and packet pick-up begins at 7am.

May 21: Claire's Day @ Maumee Public Library 

Meet children's book authors and illustrators, create crafts and see area kids receive awards for being the most improved readers. Free. 9am-5pm

May 21: Outdoor Adventure Expo @ Side Cut Metropark 

Now's your chance to try fishing, archery or canoeing. Trained instructors will be at Side Cut to show you how it's done. There will also be music and food. Free. 10am-4pm.

May 22: Bark in the Park @ Toledo Area Humane Society 

Visit the new location for the Toledo Area Humane Society and participate in a 1.25 mile walk with your furry friend. $25 registration fee includes Bark in the Park t-shirt. Free for kids 8 and under. 10am-1pm.

May 28: Memorial Day Parade @ Downtown Toledo

The annual parade begins at 10am in downtown Toledo.

Do you know of an event not listed here or one that's coming up? Let me know at mamameowtoledo (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Top image adapted from Tara on Flickr.

Toledo Area Family Events: April 2016

Fun Things To Do With Kids in Toledo, OH

Mama Meow's Top Pick for April...

April 10: Kids Opening Day @ Fifth Third Field

Source: Pixabay

Kids Opening Day will feature the brand new Hensville Family Theme Park! There will be obstacle courses, bounce houses, activity mazes, slides and interactive sports games. Kids 12 and under will receive a prize when they sign up for the free Muddy's Buddies Kids Club. Combo tickets are available in advance for $15 (adults) and $13 (kids 12 and under) and includes a ticket to the Mud Hens game with unlimited access to Hensville Park from 1-4pm!

More Fun Family Events in the Greater Toledo, Ohio Area...

Saturdays in April: One World, One Sky, Big Bird's Adventure @ Ritter Planetarium

Source: Flickr

One World, One Sky, Big Bird’s Adventure is a full dome show that follows Sesame Street's Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from China. $7 for adults and $5 for children, seniors, and University of Toledo community members. Children 3 and under are free. Show starts at 1pm.

April 7: Action Hero Night @ Perrysburg Chick-fil-A 

Children 12 and under are invited to wear their favorite action hero costumes and receive free ice cream. Activities will be provided. 6-8pm.

April 8: Last Walleye Home Game of the Season @ Huntington Center

It's Opposites Night at the Huntington Center. Come cheer on the Toledo Walleye during the last home game of the season as they wear Mud Hens inspired jerseys. Game vs. Kalamazoo Wings starts at 8:15pm.

April 9: Opening Day @ Wolcott Heritage Complex

Source: Flickr

The Wolcott Heritage Complex opens for the season! Click here for a map.

April 9: Disney in Concert with The Toledo Symphony Orchestra @ Stranahan Theater

“Tale as Old as Tie” brings music from Frozen, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Aladdin to life with four Broadway vocalists! Tickets start at $25. 8pm.

April 15: Greenfield Village Opening Day 2016 @ The Henry Ford 

Greenfield Village is an outdoor museum spread across more than 80 acres. There are 83 authentic historic structures including Thomas Edison's lab and the farmhouse where Henry Ford grew up. $26 for adults, $17.50 for children, and $21.25 for seniors. Kids 4 and under are free. 9:30am-5pm.

April 16: Junior League of Toledo Kids in the Kitchen @ St. John's Jesuit High School 

Source: Flickr

Kids in the Kitchen is a free family friendly, hands-on event that focuses on educating children and their parents about healthy eating and exercise habits. The first 500 kids in attendance will receive a free lunch. Children aged 5-12 are welcome to attend. 10am-2pm.

April 16-17: Fantasticon @ SeaGate Convention Centre

Fantasticon is a mid-size comic book and collectibles show created for true comic book and pop culture collectors. Saturday 10am-6pm. Sunday 10am-5pm. Advance tickets are available. Kids 5 and under are free.

April 17: WGTE Family Fun Day @ Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter 

Source: YouTube

This free event will feature puppet shows, live animals, science experiments, and activities. Kids will be able to meet Daniel Tiger and Princess Presto. 1-4pm.

April 17: Charlotte's Web @ Valentine Theatre 

Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. The performance is one hour in length. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for children. 2pm.

April 23: Party for the Planet @ Toledo Zoo

Celebrate Earth Day by bringing in your recyclables and taking part in cool activities that help you learn how to be a little “greener” in the future. 

April 23: 26th Annual Kid’s Trout Derby @ Olander Park

Source: Flickr

The Kids Trout Derby introduces children to the fun and sportsmanship of fishing! Each child receives a door prize and will be entered into a free raffle with over 100 prizes donated by area businesses.  Kids must bring their own fishing poles. Registration is free to Sylvania School District residents or $5 per car admission for non-residents. 9am-1pm.

April 26: Opening Day @ Sauder Village

Experience the lives of pioneer settlers while hearing engaging stories, trying hands-on activities, and enjoying special events. 10am-3:30pm.

April 30: Toledo Ballet's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz @ Valentine Theatre 

Based on L. Frank Baum's classic tale, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz comes to the Valentine Theatre with the Toledo Ballet. Tickets start at $15. Shows are at 2pm and 7:30pm.

Do you know of an event not listed here or one that's coming up? Let me know at mamameowtoledo (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Top image adapted from Tara on Flickr.

How Kids Can Make Money

With the City of Toledo's Teen Job Fair scheduled for April 30, there will be several opportunities available for area youth to find summer employment. But what about kids who want to work their own hours, start a business or are under the age of 16?

Well, I have plenty of ideas for you to start making money right now! My inspiration came from this YouTube video:

After viewing the video, I started making a list of things kids can do to make money without filling out a job application. Check it out below.

Mama Meow's Money-Making Opportunities for Kids and Teens:

1. Babysit younger children or become a parent helper by playing with kids when moms and dads are busy.

2. Become a house or pet sitter and take care of homes and pets while friends or relatives are away on vacation.

3. Clean houses by vacuuming, sweeping, dusting and washing dishes or offer to clean a friend's bedroom.

4. Cook meals for busy families, college students or older adults.

5. Design a cool and useful app.

6. Do yard work like gardening and pulling weeds, rake leaves, shovel snow, water or mow lawns, pick up trash and dog waste.

7. Drive younger kids to and from school or to games and practices.

8. Chauffeur older adults around town to appointments, stores and help run other errands.

9. Enter essay contests with cash prizes like the annual one sponsored by Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Ruth Blank Venner and Mary Jane Blank McCormick:

Deadline to apply is April 4. Click image to download entry form.

10. Join a band or start one with friends and perform at parties, weddings and other events.

11. Make and sell jewelry or hair bows, decorations, cards and other craft projects.

12. Paint houses, fences, walls or other projects that need freshening up.

13. Raise crickets or goldfish and sell them to friends or relatives with pets like snakes and fish.

14. Sell unwanted items like clothes, toys, video games, DVDs, etc. 

15. Set up a lemonade or snow-cone stand during the summer.

16. Shred documents, file papers and perform basic office duties for relatives or home-based businesses.

17. Start a blog or YouTube channel and earn money with affiliate links and sponsors.

18. Take online surveys.

19. Tutor peers after school, offer music and art lessons or train aspiring athletes.

20. Type reports for classmates.

21. Walk, train or bathe dogs.

22. Wash cars, windows, lawn furniture, outdoor toys and bicycles.

23. Write an ebook or online articles.

24. Transfer VHS movies to DVDs or digitize photos, DVDs and Blu Rays for relatives to be able to view the media on all electronic devices.

Source: Simon Davison (Flickr)

25. Teach community members about computers, programs and ways to navigate the internet.

The list could go on and on, but the goal is to get you thinking about ways to make money by doing what you do best.

Make sure to get your parents' permission before starting any new job. Please remember to have fun, be safe and save some money.

The Free Teen Job Fair is on Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 10am-2pm at the SeaGate Convention Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, OH 43604. Area youth ages 16-24 are encouraged to wear professional attire. Click here for more info.

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Top image adapted from Steven Dopolo (Flickr).