There are many kid friendly things to do in Toledo, Illinois. One option is the Toledo Zoo, which features over 10,000 animals and 500 species. The Zoo is open year-round and offers many educational opportunities for kids, such as behind-the-scenes tours, keeper talks, and animal enrichment programs. Another great option for kids is the Imagination Station, a hands-on science center with over 250 interactive exhibits. The Imagination Station is perfect for rainy days or hot summers, as it is air-conditioned and offers a cafe. For kids who love the outdoors, there are plenty of parks and playgrounds in Toledo, as well as the nearby Splash Pad at Maumee Bay State Park.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Toledo, Illinois
1. Visit the A. Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum – The A. Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a must-see for any history lover. Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the museum chronicles Lincoln’s life from his humble beginnings in Kentucky to his years as our nation’s 16th president. Through interactive exhibits, visitors can learn about Lincoln’s childhood, his years as a lawyer and politician, and of course, the Civil War. The museum also houses the world’s largest collection of Lincoln memorabilia, including the iconic stovepipe hat he wore during his famous speeches.
2. Tour the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is also located in downtown Springfield. This library is dedicated to preserving all of the papers and documents related to our 16th president. Visitors can view some of these documents, including Lincoln’s handwritten Gettysburg Address, on self-guided tours. The library also has an extensive genealogical research center, making it the perfect place to start your own Lincoln family tree.
3. Visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site – The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is the only house that Lincoln ever owned. Located in Springfield’s historic district, the home is furnished with many of the original Lincoln family belongings. Visitors can take a ranger-led tour of the home, or explore it on their own with a self-guided tour.
4. Take a scenic drive down the Lincoln Heritage Highway – The Lincoln Heritage Highway is a 123-mile stretch of road that goes from Springfield to Lincoln’s Boyhood National Memorial in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Along the way, visitors can see many of the sites that were important in Lincoln’s life, including his childhood home, his law office, and the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site.
5. Visit the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial – The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial is where Lincoln lived from ages 7 to 21. Visitors can take a tour of the Lincoln Cabin, explore the living history farm, and see the Lincoln Monument. The memorial also has a museum with many Lincoln-related artifacts on display.
6. Climb to the top of the Lincoln Monument – The Lincoln Monument is a 162-foot tall obelisk that is located in downtown Springfield. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the monument for a birds-eye view of the city.
7. View the Lincoln Tomb – The Lincoln Tomb is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and their three sons. Located in Springfield’s Oak Ridge Cemetery, the tomb is open for tours.
8.Visit the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site – The Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site is where Lincoln practiced law from 1843 until 1852. Visitors can take a tour of the law office, which has been restored to look as it did when Lincoln worked there. The site also has a museum with many Lincoln-related artifacts on display.
9. explore the Lincoln-Douglas Square State Historic Site – The Lincoln-Douglas Square State Historic Site commemorates the famous debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. The site includes a replica of the debate platform and a museum with many Lincoln-related artifacts on display.
10. See a show at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Theater – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Theater is a state-of-the-art theater that hosts a variety of shows and events. The theater’s 2018 season will include performances by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the Springfield Municipal Opera, and the Springfield Jazz Orchestra.
