Five Great Things to do with Little Ones in Ashland

By Colleen Cook

As a mama of two little girls, we’re always trying to find ways to get out of the house to learn, explore, and burn off some energy. The Ashland area offers limitless options for young families to engage and create new memories without breaking the bank. Here’s a list of our favorite ways to explore Ashland with our kiddos:

1. Visit the Kroc Center

In the summertime, you can find us here almost every day, letting the kids run around on RJ’s Spray Park, taking a walk on the path, or climbing on the playground. In the winter, though, they have really tremendous options for families including bounce and play days inside, and affordable spaces you can rent to let the kids run free (even if it’s too cold to be outside). My kids beg to go to the Kroc Center, and since most of its resources are free or almost free, we almost always say “Yes!”

2. Play at an Ashland Park

Ashland has astoundingly great parks with numerous playgrounds. We especially enjoy taking our little ones to the Tot Lot at Brookside Park, visiting the duck pond, and stopping by the Red Barn afterward for an ice cream cone! Keep an eye out for great events at the parks too - there’s a really great Easter Egg Hunt that happens each year in the spring.

3. Take a walk around Freer Field

The recently paved walking path at Freer Field has become a family favorite activity. Our 3 year old likes to ride the path on her tricycle, with a visit to the newly built inclusive playground. The path is dog-friendly and is nearly a mile around. A really great, smooth and scenic surface to get a little exercise!

4. Read and play at the Ashland Public Library

With a newly renovated building, an amazing play area for kids, really fun events, a remarkable selection (and access to much more than they have on site) and great open hours, the Ashland Public Library is a “must” for young families! Even if you don’t plan to check out a single thing, it’s a fun way to spend a morning!

5. Special events perfect for families

Depending on the time of year you’re visiting Ashland, check the calendar of events to see what’s going on. The Ashland Balloonfest is a ton of fun for kids, as is the Ashland County Fair, and many local businesses put on great annual events and Kids Days throughout the year. A few of our favorites (in addition to Balloonfest and the Fair) are the Christmas Parade, Downtown Trick or Treat, Mitchell’s Orchard’s Kids Day, and Fourth of July Fireworks.