Fun things to do in Findlay with kids

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This post is sponsored by Ohio, The Heart of it All and Visit Findlay. All words and opinions are completely my own.

Our family recently spent a quick weekend in Findlay, Ohio, and we had so much fun exploring the city. We checked out some of their local businesses and restaurants, found some beautiful public art, and discovered a few hidden gems that are perfect for the whole family. If you’re planning a weekend getaway as a family, here are some of the fun things to do in Findlay with kids. 

Paint pottery at Painters’ Pottery

My kids love any kind of art time so a pottery studio is right up their alley. Painters’ Pottery is right in downtown Findlay.

Simply pick out your piece, choose your paint colors and get started. I’ve been to a few of these pottery studios over the years and the selection at Painters’ Pottery is excellent.

Each of our kids chose their own piece to paint.

I also painted a piece (Jamie was our unofficial paint pourer/kid helper)

This was the perfect afternoon activity for our kids. It’s important to note that you can’t leave with your pottery piece immediately – it has to be fired in the kiln first. Local visitors can return when they’re ready. However, if you’re like us and from out of town, Painters’ Pottery is able to ship your pieces to you when they’re done. 

Explore boutiques in Downtown Findlay

One thing I love about downtown areas like in Findlay is that you’re bound to find unique gift shops and boutiques. Not only does downtown Findaly have several, but it was very evident how much the businesses support locally-made products and artists. A few of my favorite shops included The Urban Market,

Hand + Home Co,

and River + Road.

Pick out a new game or book at Smarty Pants

While we were downtown, we had to stop by Smarty Pants. They have a large collection of games, books and toys with an educational twist. We’re a board game family and there were many that we had never heard of before (but looked like so much fun).

I also appreciated how many open-ended and imaginative play toys they had, including tons of costumes.

See the world’s largest collection of picture book art at Mazza Museum

I had a feeling that the Mazza Museum was going to be my absolute favorite stop of the weekend and it was! The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum holds the world’s largest collection of original artwork by children’s book illustrators. They’ve set the museum up so that you can see the original artwork on the wall and then you can find the artwork in the book.

The museum also displays molds of some of the illustrators’ hands who have visited in person. It’s a great way for kids to see the hands of the people who created the artwork. One mold even includes a dog’s paw because the dog inspired a character in the book.

The boys really enjoyed checking out the Laiho Gallery, which features artwork from paper engineered books. It was really neat to see the progression of the artwork from concept to the final version.

The Mazza Museum holds a Funday Sunday on the first Sunday of every month. These events always include art activities, games, hands-on educational stations, interactive STEAM activities, planetarium shows and more. They also do an interactive story time the first Wednesday of each month and hold camps for kids over the summer. Museum entry is always free.

Grab a family photo

Historic downtown Findlay has lots of unique storefronts, walls and alleys, which is basically a photographer’s dream. There are so many cute spots to grab a family selfie or a photo of your kids.

Ride a train at the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation

My kids love trains and they can’t stop talking about how much fun they had on our visit to the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation. They have model train displays, museum tours and a play area.

They also have ¼ scale trains to ride. Admission is $3/adult and $2/child, which includes one train rider each. The Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Museum was actually closed while we were there as they prepared for their popular North Pole Express. However, they were so kind to give us a private tour and train ride.

Their North Pole Express is part of the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail. I can only imagine how amazing this must be at night with the lights all lit up. The kids are already asking to come back to check them out.

After your train ride, you can enter the barn full of lit Christmas trees. Enjoy some concessions, visit with Santa, and the kids can complete a scavenger hunt looking for the elves hiding among the trees.

Take a workshop at 3 Oaks

3 Oaks is a locally-owned gift shop featuring local artisans and makes, wood signs and other gift items. They also have workshops where you can make your own gifts and decor.

We were able to make our own DIY terrariums and signs – they have options for both kids and adults.

Both activities were so much fun and I’m pretty sure we could have spent the entire day here crafting.

Sign up online for a 3 Oaks workshop. I was also told that they’re hoping to offer walk-in options soon too.

Play at the Children’s Museum of Findlay

The Children’s Museum of Findlay is such a great year-round activity option for kids. It was definitely a highlight of our trip and a must if you’re looking for fun things to do in Findlay with kids. My kids loved getting to play and imagine all afternoon long.

This hockey rink was really unique and the boys loved it.

There’s so much thought and detail that have gone into each of the exhibits. For instance, the bank is complete with teller desks, computers, a vault, gold bars and money, and even a little waiting area similar to what you’d find at a real bank.

The recycling truck has a little conveyor belt inside, so after the kids recycle items, they come out the back so kids can do it all over again.

Also, how cute is this camping area?

Check out the Findlay-Hancock Mural Trail

Discover one of many beautiful murals throughout Hancock County and in downtown Findlay. We found a handful walking around downtown. If you want to find them all, you can download a Mural Trail brochure here.

Places to eat

There’s no shortage of great local restaurants in Findlay. 

While you’re exploring downtown Findlay, stop in at The Baker’s Cafe for a sandwich or a bite of one of their delicious quiches. We had lunch there our first day and it was all really good. 

We had lunch our second day at Logan’s Irish Pub. Order the giant pretzel. You’ll be glad you did.

Jamie ordered their seasonal stew and he can’t stop raving about it. I tried it too – he’s not wrong. SO good.

If you’re looking for a fun dinner spot, check out Findlay Brewing Company. It was packed when we were there, so clearly a popular place.

While you wait for your food, you can watch your favorite sports team play, check out their arcade games, or grab a board game from their shelves.

As for the food, SO good. I ordered off their seasonal menu. This is basically everything that you dream your Thanksgiving leftover sandwich to be. I’m already craving another one.

Everything we had was really good and worth the wait.

For brunch, head over to The Toasted Yolk Cafe. While this is technically a franchise, we had never been to one before and it was clearly a busy place. Along with the delicious food (I had one of their popular “Arnolds”), they have a full bar. So if a mimosa or an Irish coffee sounds good, this is the place to get it.

For dessert, you have to stop by Dietsch Brothers. This ice cream shop is a Findlay staple. They have ice cream as well as chocolates and candy. Jamie and I shared a hot fudge sundae with their peppermint stick ice cream. Delish!

Caleb decided on chocolate sucker instead. He said it was really good.

Even if you’re not in an ice cream mood, Dietsch Brothers is a great place to stop to purchase gifts or some chocolate to bring home.

Where to stay

Findlay has several hotel options depending on where in the city you’d like to stay and what amenities are important to you. For a convenient downtown stay, check out the Hancock Hotel. I’m definitely saving this one for a future couple’s trip with Jamie. It looks really high-end and I absolutely love that they offer free bike rentals to guests so you can explore the town and local bike trails. 

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites – we always have a great experience with this chain and this visit was no exception. The extra spacious room was perfect for our family of five. 

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway with the family, you have to check out all the fun things to do in Findlay with kids. Findlay is about an hour and a half from Columbus and Dayton, and about two and a half hours from Cincinnati and Cleveland. This makes it a great weekend trip for Ohio families. 

Not from Ohio? When my family is on a road trip, I like to plan some kind of activity along our route so we can stretch our legs and let the kids run off some energy. Findlay, Ohio is the perfect place to do so if you’re passing nearby or spending the night. 

My family had so much fun spending a weekend in Findlay.