7 Things to Do with Young Kids near Lima, Ohio for FREE
All our kiddos really need is our presence, but sometimes being at home can get a little boring. Going out often equates to spending money, but it doesn’t have to! There are plenty of things to do nearby that are fun and free! Here are some of my family's favorite places and some ideas to help inspire you.
Lion’s Froggy park in Kalida, Ohio
Address: 605 Napoleon Roady Kalida OH 45833
This park features a playground with loose rubber cushion and Plum Creek flowing through it. There are paved concrete waking paths that are perfect for strollers and plenty of shelter space that requires no reservation, just first come first served. There are no swings at this playground, but it is a family favorite of ours. The park bathrooms are located close to the playground equipment, and they are fairly nice.
Four Season’s Park- North Side in Kalida Ohio
Address: 490 West Northland Dr. Kalida, Ohio 45853
This park has some of the tallest slides I have ever seen, but it does have baby friendly swings. In my opinion, the playground equipment is suitable for kids 4-5 and up, with supervision of course. There is another playground across the street that is better suited for the younger kiddos. This park has paved concrete walking paths, fishing ponds, and even a sledding hill for the winter time.
Kendrick Woods in Spencerville, Ohio
Address: 971 N. Defiance Trail Spencerville, OH 45887
Check out Kendrick Woods’ website here!
This quaint little park is very private. It has playground equipment with baby friendly swings. Also, there are 3.5 miles of beautiful hiking trails. In the summer, you will definitely want to bring bug spray because the hiking is through the woods. The playground isn’t buggy though. The other thing I like is the .33 mile “All people trail” boardwalk which is handicap and stroller accessible. There are plenty of places to have a picnic here and a large pond for fishing. The bathrooms are not the greatest but we will use them in a pinch.
Fort Jennings Park in Fort Jennings, Ohio
Address: 2922 OH- 189 Fort Jennings, OH 45844
This park’s best feature is that the Auglaize River wraps around it with multiple entry points to get close to the peaceful waters for a picnic or fishing. The playground has a mix of older and newer equipment, but my 5 year old doesn’t seem to mind. There are baby swings as well! The shelters are nice for shade and the bathrooms are pretty nice for a park.
Fort Jennings Library in Fort Jennings, Ohio
Address: 655 N Water St. Fort Jennings OH 45844
Hours
Tuesday 10 am-6pm
Thursday 1pm-7pm
Saturday 10 am- 2 pm
To access the library, you will walk straight past the gym and into the double doors, turn left, and go through the set of doors. It is a relatively large library with air conditioning and plenty of book options. It also has lots of toys to play with, puzzles, and a painting station. There is always a scavenger hunt going on with little numbered paper cut-outs themed according to the season. They host storytime and crafts most of the year among other activities that kids will enjoy. We love it here and would love to see more kiddos utilize this space.
*Check out the calendar with all the activities on the Putnam County District Library website. You can filter the search based upon library.
Putnam County District Library in Ottawa, Ohio
Address: 136 Putnam Parkway, Ottawa OH 45875
Hours
Monday- Thursday 10 am- 7pm
Saturday 10 am- 2pm
Recently renovated, the library is beautiful and very kid friendly with plenty of FREE activities happening year round for the kids as well. We have gone to see a professional juggler, live animals, and an orchestral story time presented by the Lima Symphony Orchestra. This library is even larger than the Jennings one and has toys for the kids to stay busy with as well.
*Check out the calendar with all the activities on the Putnam County District Library website. You can filter the search based upon library.
McDonald’s in Ottawa, Ohio
Address: 777 N Perry St. Ottawa, Ohio 45875
I know what you are thinking, McDonald’s food isn’t worth it. I agree, but hear me out… they have an indoor playground! Their breakfast food, chocolate chip cookies, and ice cream aren’t bad though. You don’t even have to order food. You could order a coffee. Water is free! Just get something small to justify using the playground. There is a little slide for the little ones and plenty of playground for ages 3 and up to climb around in. Perfect for year round fun while mom gets to sit back and relax.
That is it! Those are the top 7 things to do with young kids near Lima, Ohio that are basically free, all except the McDonald’s in Ottawa, Ohio. You really can’t go wrong with nature, playgrounds, and books. I hope to see you at one of these places with your kiddos!