Lakes Around Toledo
The weather is warm and that means it’s time to plan your next grand getaway. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Toledo. A stay at a lake can be amazing for people that enjoy the outdoors too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.
It doesn’t matter if you’re seeking to go kayaking, get active with water skiing, swim, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Toledo offer you lots of opportunities for outdoor fun. Scan the local listings directly beneath this paragraph to see your options including swimming lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you to enjoy.
Lakes Near Toledo
Things to Do at the Lake
A day trip to the lake, or a longer trip gives you an almost endless list of things to do for people of all stripes.
A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water offers you everything from fun to relaxation.
Start paddling. If you like to paddle around, pack up your board of choice and find yourself a lake with a public launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty on the waterfront.
Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Toledo will offer all kinds of laughs and games for the youngsters, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between working on their tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a glorious public beach on a lake near Toledo!
Have a picnic. The lakes near Toledo offer many top-notch picnic areas where you can enjoy foods, or a quick snack by the water. If you’re with that special someone, this plan should be suitably romantic.
Lake Checklist
A day at the lake can be very different based on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, what your goals are for the getaway. However, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your next summer trip so everything goes smoothly!
The basics
When you’re out on a lake near Toledo you’ll probably want to take along several of these items to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and having fun.
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- Cords and a charger for portable devices
- Bathing suits
- Towels and dry clothes
- Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
- A fully stocked cooler
- Eye protection, a hat, or both
- A picnic basket
- Sweatshirt and sweatpants
- A receptacle for trash
Additional lake gear
Consider the itinerary when at the water and who will be joining you, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing before you get on the road.
- Kindle
- Masks and snorkels
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
- Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
- Fishing poles, nets, etc.
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
- Rafts and floaties
- Corkscrew
- Diapers (if a baby’s on board)
- Safety gear like life jackets
Lake Safety Checklist
Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, failing to follow some simple safety rules can make things turn tragic in a hurry. These safety tips will make sure that you and your family are always safe while around the lake.
- Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
- Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
- Don’t swim alone
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
- Keep your distance from wildlife
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
More Toledo Lake Tips
Few people get a chance to visit the lakes near Toledo and might have a few questions regarding planning. Certainly, no matter where you go each lake will possess unique qualities and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to look into when planning which could help start your trip on the right foot.
- Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, sometimes the beaches near Toledo might be packed with tourists. If you want more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. If you want to be where the party’s at, search out the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
- Maximize unique local resources. When there’s time for a longer stay, find local state campgrounds and parks which give you the ability to camp near or even on the water for a reasonable price.
- No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find nearby marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search will usually help you locate a marina that has what you need.