I received tickets for my family in exchange for a post. All opinions expressed are my own.
A place I have always heard fabulous reviews for but hadn’t had the chance to visit yet is the Imagination Station in Toledo, Ohio. So the other day when it was cold and dreary, we decided to road trip and visit! It took us an hour and fifteen minutes to get there from where we are in Howell, and wasn’t a bad drive at all, just straight down US-23.
My kids got the biggest smiles upon our arrival. There was SO much to do, and we didn’t even get to all of it. We are so lucky to have some amazing science centers here in Michigan, but I absolutely loved the unique things offered here and definitely think it was worth the drive. I mean, just look at this place…Definitely designed with kids {small and big} in mind!
First — let’s chat cost — which, to me, is very affordable for what you get to experience. Big kids {ages 13 – 64}: $13, kids {3 – 12}: $11, seniors {65+}: $12, children 2 & under are free. Additionally, both teachers and military are FREE with a valid ID.
With that said, I highly recommend getting a membership. With a few kids, this will pay for itself in a few visits. Best of all, it will get you into PLENTY of other science museums throughout the country for FREE or half off. See reciprocal museum list here {all of my local favorites}!
Fun Features of Imagination Station Toledo
Mini places. I adored all the imaginative spots there were for kids. My girls LOVED the mini hospital where they could check out real X-rays and take care of baby dolls like in the NICU. Since my 4-year-old currently wants to be a doctor, this was huge for her! There also was a construction zone, a mini grocery store, ambulance and treehouse all inside ‘Little Kidspace,’ which is designed for kids in kindergarten and under.
Plenty of Bathrooms. Every time one of us had to go, a bathroom was virtually in front of us. This is huge when you have kids that can’t wait long to go. Plenty of stalls were available, including changing stations and even family bathrooms, which I love for bringing in my crew.
Nursing Room. There are plenty of nooks and benches for nursing while checking out the space, but if you’d like a private room, there is one inside Little Kidspace. I loved taking advantage of this since it was busy when we visited and I needed some quiet to get my little guy to focus.
Lots of photo ops! From standing inside a hurricane simulator, to sticking your face in an astronaut cut-out, to riding on a tractor, there were so many cute spots for photos. Bring your camera!
Plenty to do for EVERY age. I was even impressed with the things they had for babies! Miles loved sitting at the water table and collecting balls. He did get wet, so be aware if your baby is sensitive to water splashing. My nephew who is 6 loved running around and trying everything too. We saw plenty of older kids checking out the Simulator Theatre, High Wire Cycle, the BOYO, the Gravity Room and having a ball as well. There is something for each age group, so definitely ideal for larger families that have a span of ages.
Additional Tips:
- Food is available on-site. I was thrilled to see there was a spot called Atomic Cafe that had plenty of kid-friendly eats. Such a great option in case kids get hungry and you don’t have time to pack a lunch. Learn more and view a menu at this link.
- There isn’t a dedicated parking lot. We parked two blocks away, so had to walk a bit. Plan accordingly if you have a child who tires easily. In the lot we chose, it was $3 flat for the day, so bring cash.
- Check out the special exhibits. For an additional fee, you can visit a traveling
exhibit, which for us was Dinosaurs Unearthed, which was amazing. In the basement, there was a neat temporary exhibit about guitars too, which is there through May 17, and included with museum admission.
What is your favorite place to visit on a rainy day?
Kelly says
The hospital section looks adorable!
keri m szawara says
THE WATER STATIONS LOOK AMAZING!