Just this weekend, My husband and I took a quick trip to Archbold with our daughter Ivie. I did a story on Sauder Village recently, (To see the story click here) and the folks over there were nice enough to hook me up with some free tickets. I gave a couple to fellow Fox Toledo reporter, Heather Miller, and we met her, her husband Shane, and her son Kelan there.

Despite the clouds and drizzles, our toddlers still seemed to have fun. Sauder village has plenty of farm animals to see, and a cabin perfect for kids – complete with puzzles, blocks and other toys. Sauder Village also satisfies a sweet tooth. It has an old-fashioned candy shop, home-made ice cream store, and a sweet shop where you can sample all kinds of fresh fudge. Now, the educational aspect of the trip, (the village recreates how people lived more than a hundred years ago,) that was lost to the age of our children. But if you have older kids, they can learn a lot, while enjoying themselves. And as for the cost, tickets are about the same you would pay for a movie, and children under five get free admission. If you’re from the Toledo area, the drive won’t even use a full tank, and takes just about 40 minutes or so.

Keep an eye out for Heather’s blog because she has some great pictures and video of our visit!

Now for other trips I have planned this summer that are still only about 45 minutes away…

It’s been forever since I’ve made it out to Put-in-Bay, so I’m hoping to take a trip out this year. I just made the trip to Port Clinton on Wednesday for a story,(To see the story click here) which gave me the idea. The folks over at Jet Express advised getting a babysitter for this one though. They say it’s a great place for kids, but there’s not too much for toddlers to do.

I’ll also probably get a babysitter for a drive out to Cedar Point in Sandusky. If I’m gonna make the trip, I want to ride the “big-kid” rides!!

Sandusky also boasts Kalahari. Fellow Fox Toledo reporter, Michelle Zepeda, just did a story on this place. (Michelle’s story) They have an amazing water-park, and thanks to Michelle’s report, now I know they’ve added a safari adventure park, showcasing “a collection of ostriches, zebras, African antelope, camels, Barbary sheep, kangaroos, African Pygmy goats, Jacob four-horned sheep, zebu cattle, African tortoises, and other exotic animals.”

What about you? What do you have planned for this summer? Any other day or weekend trips to suggest?