TOLEDO, Ohio — Nearly four million people will be visiting the greater Toledo region this summer, according to Lance Woodworth, the president and CEO of Destination Toledo.
"We are a playground, especially in the summertime, so no need to be inside," Woodworth said.
He said there are a lot of free activities that families can do in the outdoors such as biking, hiking, swimming or fishing along the Maumee River.
"I think it's important that they stay active and as father of four, I mean, I'm constantly pushing mine out the door," Woodworth said. "Whether it's playing catch or hitting the ball or just going for a hike, just get out and be active. It's so important."
Woodworth is one the many parents in Toledo who believe it is important to expose their kids to the outdoors.
Kelleigh Bossa, another parent, said letting her kids explore the outdoors and be a part of the community helps expose them to different people.
"I really want my kids to meet as many kinds of humans as they can in the world, and we meet new friends every time we come to the parks," Bossa said. "So we just like to meet new folks and play."
She said it also helps her tire out her son's energy as she rides around the park on skates and her son rides on his scooter. Bossa also works out dates and times to come pick up her son's friends sometimes, when the parents are busy. She said there are many affordable ways that parents can keep their kids busy even indoors.
"There's all kinds of resources for low-cost art supplies to scrap for art and Maumee, the 577 Foundation has a Curiosity Shop where we have secondhand art supplies, so we do that a ton," said Bossa. "We [also] look for games and card games."
LaToya Morgan, who also is a parent, said less screen time can help kids learn more about their surroundings.
"We definitely need that more physical activity," Morgan said. "Getting away from the TV screens, we need a different way to stimulate our children, they can learn about the environment, also just more history about the city that we live in."