10 Helpful Tips For Visiting The Imagination Station In Toledo

Are you planning a visit to the Imagination Station in Toledo, Ohio? These valuable tips will help you make the most of your visit. 

Nestled next to the Maumee River is Toledo’s hands-on science center, The Imagination Station. Pedal the High Wire Cycle 20 ft above ground, learn how your mind perceives the world in the Mind Zone, and even try to beat a Guinness World Record! Before you pack the kids up and head to this fantastic place, here are a few tips that will come in handy.

Where Is The Imagination Station

Imagination Station is in downtown Toledo along the Maumee Bay riverfront. Toledo is a large industrial city in northwest Ohio known as the Glass City.

The Imagination Station was initially opened in 1997 as COSI Toledo, with the help of COSI Columbus and the city of Toledo. In 2006 COSI Columbus and COSI Toledo officially split to focus on their financial troubles. COSI Toledo closed its doors in 2007 due to a lack of funding. In November of 2008, voters approved an operating levy for the science center, enabling it to reopen as the Imagination Station in the fall of 2009.

Address: 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, OH 43604

Make a quick drive into downtown Toledo from Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center.

Helpful Tips For Visiting The Imagination Station in Toledo

Park at the Vistula Garage

The Imagination Station does not have a parking lot, so you will have to rely on finding street parking or parking in one of the many nearby garages. We recommend parking at the Vistula Garage at the corner of Superior St and Orange St.

The garage has an underground tunnel leading to the Imagination Station, so you don’t have to go out in the elements. The Depot is another excellent garage option on the weekends if you wish to explore Promenade Park during your visit. Both garages have a fee ranging between $5-$8 and accept credit cards.

They Are Closed On Mondays

Nothing is quite as frustrating then loading the kids up for an adventure only to discover the attraction is not open. Remember that the science center is closed on Mondays. Check the science center’s website for holiday dates and hours of operation.

Check For Discounts

Becoming a member of the science center is often an excellent option for locals who plan on visiting the museum multiple times throughout the year. If you are a visitor or getting a membership isn’t an option, here are a few discounts to look into.

•  Imagination Station is a member of the ASTC Travel Passport Program. Translating this means if you are already a current member of an ASTC institution, you qualify for reciprocity or free admission at other participating institutions. *See exclusions in the link above.
•  Kids 12 and under who live in Lucas County get FREE Saturday admission. Lucas County residents receive $2 off with proof of residency.
•  Teachers receive free admission to the science center and 10% off memberships.
•  Active Military personnel receives free admission to the science center.

The Little Kidspace

While the bigger kids can jump from the science studio to the energy factory and various other hands-on exhibits, the little ones can enjoy a space designed for them. The Little Kidspace is for kids in kindergarten and below.

The Wet Lab offers multiple water tables for small children with sailboats, fishing, and pipe building. The treehouse climbing structure sparks imaginative play overlooking the construction zone full of building materials.

Even the tiniest visitors to the Little Kidspace can get hands-on with a designated Baby Area.

There are Height Requirements

Popular attractions such as the High Wire Cycle and the Simulation Theater have height requirements for guests to participate.

High Wire Cycle– Pedal a bicycle 20 ft above the ground! The High Wire Cycle is included in the admission price, but one needs to be 54″ inches to ride. Riders must weigh under 250 pounds and have closed-toe shoes. (No sandals, heels, or Crocs.)

Simulation Theater– $2 per person and needs to be 42″ to ride.

Catch A Show At The KeyBank Discovery Theater

Sit back and enjoy a spectacular 3-D adventure in the KeyBank Discovery Theater. An immersive experience that will have you feeling as if you are there!

Note:  Theater admission is separate and can be purchased at the ticket counter. Check the imagination station website for films and showtimes.

There are Multiple Restaurants On-Site

Hungry? The museum has three great on-site options for families needing a snack or lunch. Guests can go to the Atomic Cafe, H2O Cafe or Barry Bagels.

 Adults will enjoy the seasonal H20 Cafe, the only waterfront bar and grill on this side of the Maumee River. Atomic Cafe offers classic lunch options such as hamburgers, fresh salads, and sandwiches. Barry Bagels provides excellent coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and other tasty treats.

Water Works

One of the most popular areas in science museums is where kids interact with water. The Water Works is full of interactive exhibits that teach about erosion, whirlpools, and more. Take advantage of the FREE hurricane chamber, where you can experience hurricane-force winds!

Dryers are on the wall to help dry wet hands and clothes.

The Science of Guinness World Records

Children of all ages will enjoy learning about the world’s great record holders. Discover some of the unique held records and even try to beat one! The exhibit is included with your admission to the museum.

Tinker in the IDEA Lab

Head to the IDEA Lab at the science center to embrace your creativity and innovative spirit. Guests to the IDEA lab are encouraged to make something uniquely yours by tapping into the scientist, engineer, and artist within. Each month is a different theme to discover!

The Imagination Station is one hands-on science museum you don’t want to miss. Be sure to check out this incredible science center the next time you are in Toledo. Good times are bound to be had along with a science lesson or two.

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