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

Spring into the Season With Metro Parks

March 26, 2009

Have you noticed the buds on the trees lately? Or those little peeks of green coming from flower beds? Spring is officially here, and while we're early in the season, the signs of everything coming back to life are all around us.

Ever since our tree began to bloom, my preschooler has been obsessed with seeing all of the trees "bloonin'!" Earlier this week we took a walk on one of the trails at the Battelle Darby Metro Park to satisfy her curiosity, and not only did we see buds on trees and grass starting to green again, but we also saw several birds back from their winter vacations.
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6 More Weeks of Winter = More Indoor Play

by Christina Mack

February 02, 2009

It looks like the groundhog saw his shadow today, which according to tradition means we can expect six more weeks of winter. The question is how to fill all of that time with indoor activities? While we do the occasional craft at home, my girls are getting tired of looking at the same four walls each day, and the pent-up energy is beginning to show again. They need someplace to run and be  Read more...

Bring A Friend

by Christina Mack

September 23, 2008

There are many times when I take my daughter out to play that I wish I had brought a friend of hers along with me. Some places, like the zoo, are easy to do on our own. After all, she spends most of the time looking at animals, and we can easily do that together. Even if she wants to ride the train, it's big enough for me to join her, and I only hit my head on the roof every now and then.  Read more...

Keep Your Preschooler's Skin Safe From The Sun

by Christina Mack

August 13, 2008

As I said in yesterday's post, I spent my childhood summers outdoors at the pool each day. My mom always nagged me to put sunscreen on, but I often didn't. I never thought a sunburn or two (or more than a hundred, in my case) could have any long-term effect on my health. Now that I'm all grown-up, I've had to endure painful visits to the dermatologist where they cut off suspicious looking  Read more...

Three Days in and Around Columbus: Day 3

by Christina Mack

July 10, 2008

We've marveled at the sights of downtown, talked with the animals at the zoo, and splashed around in Zoombezi Bay. What's left to do for a third day in Columbus? Let's start by getting back to nature and end with a little shopping indulgence. The Columbus Metro Parks are located all around the county, preserving natural areas and providing walking/biking paths to enjoy Ohio's  Read more...

Beat the Heat With A Splash

by Christina Mack

June 06, 2008

Have you seen the forecast for the next week? It's going to be hot! When the weather gets this hot, there are two options: stay in the air conditioning, or find a way to incorporate water with outdoor play. I generally prefer the air-conditioned option, but my daughter loves being outdoors, so we often have to find new ways to play outside in the heat yet stay cool. Columbus has ten public  Read more...

Room to Run: Tiring Out Your Preschooler

by Christina Mack

May 28, 2008

Let's face it some days you want to provide your preschooler with the most educational opportunities to learn and grow, but on other days you'd be happy to find somewhere to let them run until they fall asleep on the way home. I'll be the first to tell you there's nothing wrong with that. Naptimes are precious and few around here, and any chance to ensure a nap or earlier bedtime is acted  Read more...

5 Best Day Trips Within an Hour

by Christina Mack

May 19, 2008

There's a lot more to Ohio than just Columbus. And while our home city has plenty to offer, sometimes it's good to get away, right? We've got lots of family-friendly attractions surrounding us, many only an hour or so away. Some of our favorites: Old Man's Cave:  It is in Hocking Hills State Park is in south-eastern Ohio, and has some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the state. Old  Read more...

5 Best Ways to Enjoy the Park of Roses

by Christina Mack

May 15, 2008

One of the most impressive parks in Columbus is the Park of Roses . Located behind the Whetstone branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library in Clintonville, this 13-acre park provides something for everyone. Here are just a few ways to take advantage of this magnificent park: The gardens Naturally, the rose gardens are worth seeing. It is called the Park of Roses, after all! But beyond  Read more...

Top 5 Things To Do Outside in Columbus When the Rain Stops and the Sun Shines

by Christina Mack

May 14, 2008

OK, we all know it tends to rain in Columbus. A lot. But there are long stretches of the summer that are hot and dry. Staying inside may be tempting, but you can only color and make craft stick people for so long before you're itching to go do something. So try one of these suggestions to spruce up your sunny days. Be a good sport: Visit your local park and practice hand-eye coordination  Read more...

Cultivating A Green (And Very Tiny) Columbus-ite Thumb

by Christina Mack

May 13, 2008

Spring is here the time when plants bud and grow, and your little one continuously asks about every flower or tree you pass by. Well, what better way to answer their questions then to take them to one of the Columbus Metro Parks and let someone else explain how flowers grow out of the dirt from seeds? (And hopefully tiring themselves out enough to take a nap when you get home!)  Read more...