Children's Spring Break Activities in Toledo

A spring break staycation can present many problems. The weather might not cooperate for a trip to the play ground and the DVDs received at Christmas have lost all appeal. Kids need new activities to keep boredom and sibling spats to a minimum. Families can easily find fun at these five things to do on spring break in Toledo.

The University of Toledo's Ritter Planetarium and Brooks Observatory host a presentation and open telescope time on Friday nights at 7:30 PM and Saturdays at 1 PM. Presentation topics change every month and current prices are $6 for adults and $5 for children 3 years and older. The planetarium and observatory are on the main campus, near the corner of Bancroft St. and Douglas Rd., and can be reached by using the Bancroft Street main entrance. Parking is in a pay lot or meter on campus.

The Toledo Mud Hens open their 2011 season on April 14. They are home during Toledo Public School's spring break, and they have a day game against the Indianapolis Indians on April 20 at 10:30 AM. Fifth Third Field is at 406 Washington St. downtown. Tickets are $9, and parking is available at pay lots or parking garages.

The Toledo Museum of Art has free arts and crafts projects in the Family Fun Center every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 AM to 3 PM and from noon to 4 PM on Sundays. Children up to age 10 can make a project related to an exhibit or season. The craft changes weekly. The Family Fun Center is near the back entrance of the main museum, and parking in the museum lot is $5 as of this spring.

The Toledo Metroparks offer a range of free programs. On April 17 at 8:30 PM, Secor Metropark is holding a full moon walk. A naturalist will lead hikers through the park to look at stars and track nocturnal animals. No dogs are allowed. Secor Metropark is at 10001 W. Central Ave., and parking is free.

Barnes and Noble stores in Toledo have free story hour for preschool and kindergarten children. The Franklin Park store at 4940 Monroe St. has story hour on Tuesdays at 10 AM, while the Shops at Fallen Timbers location at 3100 Main St. in Maumee has stories on Mondays and Thursdays at 10 AM. The Franklin Park location also has a craft activity for 3-6-year-olds on Fridays at 11 AM.