Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in columbus, OH

Slate Run Historical Farm Offers A Taste of 19th Century Life

July 13, 2009

It was a lovely Sunday, so my husband and I packed up the kids for a day out at one of the parks. This time we chose the Slate Run Historical Farm, a living farm that demonstrates work and family life on a farm in the 1880's. If you've never been to the farm, you are missing out on a great history lesson for your kids, including a reminder of how we got our food in the days before supermarkets and food processing plants.
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Getting the Best Seats for Red, White & Boom

June 30, 2009

Sure, the Fourth of July is the official celebration of Independence Day, but here in Columbus we all know the big fireworks show is usually held the day before. This is the 29th year for Red, White & Boom, which will be held on July 3 this year.

Since many people arrive very early to get their chairs and blankets down for the best spots, the events start at 10 am when BOOM! Central opens. At 11 am the midway opens, providing you with funnel cakes and a strawberry smoothies while the kids play games and jump in the inflatable bounce houses. Downtown is also filled with live entertainment all day long. While some of the music may not be interesting for a preschooler, the event organizers put together entertainment for the younger set at the Children's Park, located in Battelle Park near the Santa Maria. The best presentation will probably be COSI's "Science of Fireworks" at 2:15pm - pay attention so you can explain it again when your child asks later in the night just how the fireworks make such pretty patterns.

The pre-show is a lot of fun, but the real question is: where to watch the fireworks? Here are a few ideas for you:
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It's Comfest Time in Columbus!

June 25, 2009

Columbus natives know that this weekend is traditionally the weekend when Goodale Park is taken over by an army of volunteers, organizers, musicians, artists, activists, and people of all ages and types to gather in solidarity as a single community. Some call it nothing more than a "hippie festival" but others know there is so much more to ComFest than that.

First put together 37 years ago, ComFest is short for Community Festival, and it is a celebration of diversity and the wonders of our planet. It's basic principles are the same ones many of us try to teach our children each day: respect others and treat them as you want to be treated, care for those who are sick or have less, and protect our planet. Surrounding these principles are three days of music, art, food, and a global marketplace featuring some of the most unique goods you'll ever find in Columbus.

For children, there is an entire section of ComFest devoted to them. The KiDSART area is like a mini-ComFest just for kids. There are crafts, workshops, recycled art, face painting, drum circles, and a t-shirt design contest for next year's t-shirt logo. However, your preschooler isn't limited to just the KiDSART area. Other stages will have performances by family-friendly artists, including sing-alongs and storytimes, and it's a good idea to bring some cash, because your child is sure to find a new toy or trinket in the marketplace.

If you want to make an entire day of this event, bring a blanket and join others in enjoying the serene setting of Goodale park. If you get hungry, nearly any type of food is available - typical fair food for picky eaters, and more sophisticated foods for adults. My lunch at ComFest is always from Flavors of India - yum! For the kids, look for a Jeni's Ice Cream cart and get a delicious scoop of Strawberry Buttermilk ice cream.

ComFest begins on Friday evening and continues until late Sunday night. KiDSART is open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 pm. Admission to ComFest is free. Traffic is always heavy around the festival, so if you live close to a COTA bus stop, taking the bus will save you a parking headache.

One caveat: As this is a festival celebrating our freedoms, it is common to see many freedoms being exercised. In particular, it is legal in Columbus for a woman to be shirtless, so you can expect to see occasional bare breasts. While I don't consider it a big deal, and my daughters have never really noticed, it's something not everyone is prepared for and worth a mention.  Read more...

Origins Game Fair Returns to Columbus

June 22, 2009

Many of us are nearly a month into summer break. Bored yet? I'll admit I'm getting a little tired of the same cartoon requests, another game of Candyland and the same four puzzles we always work on.

If you need to add to your game closet, the Origins Game Fair, held from June 24-28 at the Columbus Convention Center downtown is the place to find some new games for the kids (and hopefully you!) to enjoy. Origins has a large exhibitor's room where game makers sell their products directly to you, and usually provide demos of the games to try before you buy.

While the Game Fair has games for people of all ages, the event organizers have been working to make it as family-inclusive as possible, and you'll find games specifically oriented for the youngest players. Some of the games and activities that will be featured include:

Family Fluxx - This is a smaller, easier, family-oriented version of the popular card game Fluxx, from Looney Labs. Family Fluxx is designed to be a game that will be enjoyed by kids and adults alike, and features ever-changing rules with constantly changing goals. The game is sure to engage your child's interest, as well as help your preschooler practice reading skills, logic, and following rules.

Miniature Painting for Children - Kids aged 5-12, will be taught painting basics, simple color theory, as well as proper brush & paint care. Students will receive one primed figure to paint. Parental accompaniment strongly requested for kids aged 5-8.  (Parents will receive a miniature to paint along with their child)

Lifesize Candyland - Take Candyland to a new, more active level with lifesize Candyland. Allow your little one to work off some of that energy hopping from color to color in this game classic.  Additional full-body activities if time permits.  Adult accompaniment required, but only the child needs a ticket.

While many of the games at Origins are for older kids and adults, there are several games you can pick up for older preschoolers that help them learn as well as have fun. The next time you're stuck with a rainy day and realize you have an option other than playing Chutes and Ladders for the thousandth time, you'll be glad you visited this event.

Origins Game Fair provides day passes for all days of the convention. Passes are $3 per person or an entire family for $10. 

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Talking with Your Kids about Swine Flu

May 11, 2009

There have been a few cases of the swine flu reported in Columbus, and it's normal to worry that your child who requires prompting to wash his hands might come in contact with someone who has this virus. After all, kids spread viruses faster than anyone else in the population, right?

So how do you explain the swine flu and the importance of staying healthy to your preschooler? Here are some tips from Children's National Medical Center in Washington D.C.

As the threat of H1N1 (swine flu) gains more public attention and media coverage, it's likely that children will hear something about it on television or at school. Here are some tips to help you minimize your child's fears while providing tips that can help him or her stay healthy.

Flu Worries and Your Child's Mental Health

Children are happiest when they can continue in the routines that make them feel comfortable and safe. Therefore, keeping your child inside and restricting social interactions with peers when flu rumors begin to circulate may be stressful for your child. By staying informed and teaching sensible precautions, you can keep life as normal as possible and help your child feel more secure.

What to Say

Find out what they know.
Ask your child to tell you what he or she already knows about the topic. Having your child tell you what she or he has heard, instead of you telling them about it, lets you know what misconceptions or misunderstandings you may need to address.

Explain the facts.

Your child may have a lot of questions about H1N1 (swine flu). Clearing up your child's confusion and providing the facts may make him or her less worried.

• Tailor the information to your child's developmental level, using words you know he or she will understand. (see simple definitions below)
• For example, you may wish to explain that H1N1 (swine flu) is a sickness that pigs can get and these germs that cause pigs to become ill can change over time to become a sickness that people can get and pass to each other. 
• Be sure to explain that doctors and the government are working to protect everyone, and will be ready to treat children and families if the flu continues to spread quickly. 

Talk about hygiene.

Having a discussion about flu provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce good hygiene practices, as they will not only help protect a child during a flu pandemic, but will also keep him or her healthier in general.

• Teach your child to wash hands frequently. The correct way to wash hands is to rub them vigorously together for 20 seconds using soap and water. Explain that hands pick up invisible little germs that can make people sick. The germs get inside when they touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. Washing with soap and water gets rid of the germs before they can make them sick. Another option is to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Sanitizers with at least 70% isopropyl alcohol or 60% ethyl alcohol are effective. 
• Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues. Explain that the germs are caught in the tissue and can't get out where they can make other people sick.  Make sure they know that they should throw away the tissue in a garbage and then wash their hands. Since many children do not carry tissues, you may want to remind them that if they have no tissue, it is ok to sneeze or cough into their elbow, so their hands don't get dirty and so the germs do not spread into the air.
• Teach your children to be careful not to get too close to others if he or she feels sick, or if the other person feels sick.
• Teach your child to practice good general health habits that help them stay healthy, like eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting enough rest.

 Flu Vaccine

If you take your child to get a yearly flu vaccine, he or she may wonder why everyone can't simply be vaccinated to keep from getting swine flu.

• If your child asks, explain that scientists have just started to work on developing a vaccine, but it can take several months to create it and make sure it works against this flu.

Containing the Flu

It is important that you help your child understand the directions being given by the schools, health authorities, and government to help prevent further spread of the flu and why they are important. Understanding that everyone, including children, can play a role in helping to prevent further spread of the flu can assist your child in feeling like he or she is contributing and helping the community.

If your child is not feeling well and seems to have symptoms of the flu, call your pediatrician. Follow your pediatrician's recommendations, including guidance about when to stay home from school.

Make a Plan

If a pandemic flu does emerge, anticipate that your child's routines may be interrupted. You may even find that authorities advise you to stay in your home to prevent the spread of the illness. Think about what you will need in the event that this occurs and make a plan for your family so that you are prepared. Stock up on food, water, and medications. Also have games, activities, and ways to communicate with friends (like over email) ready for your children to make the time spent confined at home less stressful. Providing developmentally appropriate art, play, and other expressive activities can assist your child to express how they feel and improve your communication with them while also providing entertainment or distraction while home.

Stay informed of recent developments. 

• Check http://www.pandemicflu.gov/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/ frequently for updates. 
•  Use national and local pandemic hotlines that will be established if there is a global influenza outbreak.
• Listen to radio and television, and read media stories about the pandemic and follow the instructions of your local health authorities.

 Common flu terms defined

 Pandemic

• A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. The disease spreads easily from person to person  and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short time.

Pandemic flu

• Human flu that causes a global outbreak of serious illness. This is different from the common flu because there is little natural immunity to this strain of the flu. This disease can spread easily from person to person.

Seasonal (or common) flu

• A respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.

H1N1 Influenza (swine flu)

• A respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. There is no human immunity and currently no vaccine is available, although scientists are working to develop one.

Additional resources on children, stress, and traumatic events are available from the ICHOC at www.childrensnational.org/ichoc under the Resource Section.

To find additional information about the swine flu and precautions, please see Facts about the Swine Flu.

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Five Things to Look for in a Preschool Game

March 16, 2009

Heads up, everyone, Family Game Nights are back! In this economy, Game Nights make sense; they're a fun, inexpensive way for families to bond and reconnect. But 4-year olds can hardly be expected to sit still for 5 minutes, let alone participate in classic Game Night standbys like Monopoly or Pictionary. What sort of games should parents play with their preschoolers on Family Game Night or any night?

In today's guest post, toy expert Jim Silver discusses features that parents should look for when choosing games for their preschoolers. Jim is a widely recognized and often-resourced authority on the toy and licensing industries, having worked within the publishing and toy industries for more than 20 years. He's also editor-in-chief for www.TimeToPlayMag.com, a great website parents can go to for toy, gaming and entertainment information. Read below to learn 5 things parents should look for in a preschool game, then check out Jim's list of top preschool games for 2009.
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Parenting Resolutions for 2009

by Christina Mack

December 31, 2008

Do you make New Year's Resolutions? This yearly ritual has many people vowing to change themselves in dramatic ways over the next year, but probably less than half of them stick to all of the promises they make. I can't count the number of times I've vowed to get in shape or eat better each year, and while I've had some success with those goals, I still seem to be making those resolutions  Read more...

Celebrating the New Year Downtown

by Christina Mack

December 29, 2008

My plans for New Year's Eve are fairly boring this year. I have a child who refuses to stay awake later than 8pm, so we're staying in and inviting other parents over to celebrate with games and fun for everyone. I love going out to parties, though, so I'm hoping in a year or two we'll be able to spend our New Year's Eve downtown at First Night Columbus . When I was eighteen, I spent  Read more...

Tis The Season To Decorate

by Christina Mack

December 01, 2008

It's now December? How did that happen so fast? I'll admit that the holiday season has snuck up on me and surprised me with how quick it is. Our long weekend was spent pulling out boxes from the garage and sorting through all of the decorations for the house. If you decorate for the holidays, when do you do it? We have a strict tradition in our house that the Christmas tree will never  Read more...

Time For Holiday Portraits

by Christina Mack

November 14, 2008

As I was browsing through all of my digital photos a few days ago, it occurred to me that there are no photos of the entire family. Usually I'm the photographer, or one of us isn't present, so while we have every combination of three, there are none of the four of us. Which means it's time to consider sitting for a new family portrait. The holidays are always the best time for this, since  Read more...

Not-Your-Typical Birthday Party

by Christina Mack

September 05, 2008

Birthday parties for us are usually at-home affairs. Family asked me if I was going to have an elaborate birthday party when my oldest turned one, and I just stared at them in confusion. Why waste all that money for a party that a baby won't remember. If you're going all-out for a birthday celebration, at least wait until your little one is old enough to appreciate how cool it is. Now  Read more...

Get Cultured at the Theatre

by Christina Mack

August 27, 2008

With a husband who is involved in local theatre groups, it's only natural that I'd want to expose our children to the performing arts. Preschool is a great time to nurture a love of the arts, and you may not realize there are a couple of local theatre groups that cater to children. Columbus Children's Theatre has been entertaining the city's children since the 1960's. Shows  Read more...

Great Places To Eat With Kids in Columbus

by Christina Mack

August 25, 2008

I've always liked that there is so much interesting food in Columbus. We have so many types of ethnic food, plus no shortage of steakhouses and burger joints. While there are a few restaurants that would not be thrilled to see you show up with a preschooler in tow, I'd argue most restaurants here are pretty child friendly. Max and Erma's , a chain restaurant that started here in Columbus, is  Read more...

What To Do This Week: 8/18-8/24

by Christina Mack

August 18, 2008

Have you noticed that the number of activities in Columbus is down for August? I can only guess it's because everyone is focusing on back to school prep and therefore they think no one wants to do anything else. But there's still another week until most schools are back in session, so we need to find something fun to do! I found a few interesting activities for you and your kids to explore this  Read more...

Visit the #1 Science Center in the Country

by Christina Mack

August 14, 2008

Let's say that you wanted to take your kids to a children's science museum. But it can't just be any museum - you want to find the very best out there. How far do you have to travel? Do you need to visit one of the coasts, or find a larger city? If you believe the parents surveyed in Parents Magazine, you only need to travel downtown to find the best science center in the United States.  Read more...

What To Do This Week: 8/4-8/10

by Christina Mack

August 04, 2008

If you haven't been to the Ohio State Fair yet, this may be the week to do it. Early weather forecasts say that it's going to be unusually cooler and dry later in the week, so take advantage of that with as much outdoor time as possible! This Wednesday at the fair, all general admission tickets are only $5. And if you're a AAA member, show your card on Thursday to receive $4 general admission  Read more...

Take A Walk Around Columbus

by Christina Mack

August 01, 2008

A recent study ranked Columbus #27 of America's Most Walkable Cities . At first I had to laugh - are you kidding me? We need our car to even get out of our neighborhood! How could we be that high on the list? But as I thought about it, I realized there are some pretty awesome places to go for a walk in Columbus. This can be either for a nature walk, a walk through a vibrant neighborhood with  Read more...

This Weekend, Everyone Is Irish

by Christina Mack

July 31, 2008

Photo credit: capn madd matt You may have read this post title and thought I was a little confused. St. Patrick's Day was back in March, right? Yes, of course, but this weekend is the next biggest Irish celebration in central Ohio: the Dublin Irish Festival . I'm a regular visitor to the annual festival held in Coffman Park in Dublin. For three days, the park is converted into a celebration  Read more...

Last Chance To Catch The Clippers at Cooper Stadium

by Christina Mack

July 29, 2008

Have you seen all the construction in the Arena District lately? The new Huntington Park is slowly being built with plans to open in the spring. That means our Columbus Clippers baseball team is currently finishing out their final season in the historic Cooper Stadium, meaning you only have 17 more games left to see until a new era begins. If you haven't seen the Clippers, you really  Read more...

What to Do this week: The Ohio State Fair

by Christina Mack

July 28, 2008

This week I have only one suggestion for what to do, because the Ohio State Fair is such an amazing event. More than 150 years old, the state fair is one of the largest in the country. Once a 17 day event, it has since been scaled back to 11 days, giving you less time to get out to the fairgrounds and enjoy all there is to see. There are the exhibits that have been there since before we  Read more...

After Hours Fun At COSI Family Nights

by Christina Mack

July 23, 2008

While COSI is an amazing science education center, and has perhaps the best indoor educational playarea for preschoolers, you may not know that once a month they like to do something a little different. COSI usually closes at 5pm, but on the last Friday of the month, the doors are left open for COSI Family Friday Nights . All of the exhibits are open until 9pm, a movie is shown in the Extreme  Read more...

Cheap Summer Movies For Kids

by Christina Mack

June 11, 2008

My oldest will be four in September, and as of today she has never been to a movie theater. This is mostly because I wasn't sure she could be quiet in a theater for the length of an entire movie. But in the past few months she's started to like watching full length movies, and I'm thinking it might be time to let her have her first big screen experience. The question now is what movie to take  Read more...

Summertime Outdoor Concerts in Columbus

by Christina Mack

May 30, 2008

Summertime in Columbus is always a time filled with music. No matter what part of the city you live in, there is a summer concert series near you. All are family friendly, and all are absolutely free. So pack up your blanket and your dancing shoes and show your kids how you used to dance before you were a mom! Here are a few of the outdoors music offerings around town: Summer Fridays at  Read more...

99 Things You Must Do With Your Child in (or near) Columbus Before They Grow Up

by Christina Mack

May 29, 2008

 

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