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

Five Best Bets for Summer Classes

May 05, 2009

We're less than a month away from the end of the school year, which for many of us means trying to find something to do with our kids this summer. I think that's why so many parents look frazzled at this time of the year - we're spending our free time hunting for summer camps and enrichment activities to keep our children from getting bored during the long, hot days. (Which, by the way, have you seen our local camp guide? If not, you should check it out!)

I recently enrolled my preschooler in a summer camp that will last the entire summer, but the program is only a half-day program, so I'm still searching for more to do around Columbus. If you're not necessarily looking for an entire summer-long camp, here are some good bets for local preschool programs:
 Read more...

Weekend Update: The Week Ahead

February 20, 2009

It may still be gray and dreary outside, but there's plenty to do inside this week. Here's some highlights of what's going on in Columbus during the week ahead:

Grandview Heights Public Library has one of the best storytimes around, and if you haven't taken your child yet, you don't know what you're missing. Their preschool storytime is held on Tuesdays at 10am, and includes songs, dance, and of course, a story to spark the imagination.

If you're more interested in a story told in a unique way, then it's not too late to get tickets for Disney on Ice: A Disneyland Adventure at Nationwide Arena. (2/26-3/1) Join hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in this original adventure where everyone's favorite super family, the Incredibles, takes a fun-filled vacation to Disneyland where they meet beloved Disney characters and enjoy famed Disney attractions. Audiences will swing to the beat with Baloo through the Jungle Cruise, fly like a space ranger through Space Mountain with Buzz Lightyear and spin wildly through the Mad Tea Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter.

For those with an eye towards art, check out Rockwell's America: Celebrating the Art of Norman Rockwell at the Ohio Historical Society. Rockwell's America has been held over by popular demand through March 15 providing an additional opportunity to literally step inside the pages of history as seen through the eyes of Norman Rockwell, one of America's most beloved and recognized artists. With life-sized re-creations of Rockwell's most famous scenes, dozens of hands-on displays and all 322 of his original covers from The Saturday Evening Post, it is the largest Norman Rockwell touring exhibit ever created. This is a great exhibit for grandparents - point out how different your childhood was from the world your grandchild is currentlygrowing up in.

The New Albany branch of the Columbus Public Library will be welcoming Shirley Parish from the African Culture Company on Tues. 2/24 at 7pm for a lesson in African music and history. Celebrate Black History Month with a lively evening of African drumming, dances, songs, stories and games.

Finally, don't forget that Friday, 2/27 is Family Friday Night at COSI . COSI stays open late for family-friendly fun the last Friday of every month. You can explore science, discover fun, and stay late! Admission is only $7 per person after 5 p.m. and includes all of COSI plus an Extreme Screen movie!  Read more...

Time To Break Out The Ice Skates

by Christina Mack

January 07, 2009

When winter comes around, my thoughts always drift to winter sports. Skiing, sledding, and of course, ice skating. Hockey teams are in the middle of their season right now, and figure skating competitions can often be seen on TV on the weekend. Maybe your child watches the Blue Jackets and has asked about ice skating. Where do you go to skate in Columbus? There are a couple of options  Read more...

Activities Beyond The Preschool Classroom

by Christina Mack

June 17, 2008

When my daughter's preschool ended for the summer, I thought Cordelia would be lost without some kind of structured class. She was never in a classroom setting before this past year, but in a short time she learned to enjoy working in a group dynamic. While she's starting a summer preschool program today, it only lasts for a few weeks, and then I'll be looking for more classes to keep her  Read more...

5 Things to Do in Columbus on a Rainy Day

by Christina Mack

May 27, 2008

We all know it rains a lot in Columbus. Maybe not as much as Seattle, but still enough to dampen the hopes of small children who want to run and play. When you're the mom of a preschooler who is vibrating from pent up energy, finding somewhere to release that energy is a must, rain or shine. If the thought of spending another rainy day at home or stuck in a mall playground is unbearable, try one  Read more...