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...

Park Street is the Place To Be this Weekend

June 11, 2009

June is one of my favorite months. Not only is my birthday during June, but it's also the start of the summer festival season. There are festivals scheduled across central Ohio nearly every weekend for the next three months, and many of these festivals have lots of activities for young children.

This weekend Park Street in the Short North will be closed to traffic for the Park Street Festival. This annual festival offers live entertainment on the outdoor stages on Friday and Saturday nights, but on Saturday from 11am-3pm there is a family festival for all ages to enjoy.

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:
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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...

Celebrating The Inauguration With Activities & A Big Screen

by Christina Mack

January 19, 2009

Tomorrow is the big day, where our government changes hands as it does every four or eight years. This particular inauguration, however, holds special meaning for so many people. Not only is Barack Obama the first African-American president of the United States, but he has inspired so many people with his words of unity and hope. It's no wonder that this is expected to be the largest  Read more...

Finding A Place To Reflect

by Christina Mack

January 13, 2009

The one thing small children love to look at the most is their own reflections. Put a toddler in front of a mirror and he will quickly grin, make faces, and generally turn into a big goof. Preschoolers aren't all that different. They still love looking at their own reflections any chance they can get. Why do they find it so much fun? Is it because the world is so new to them that even their  Read more...

The First Sleepover

by Christina Mack

January 05, 2009

Just in time for the new year, we had a new experience last week. On New Year's Eve, our friends came to visit, bringing their two children with them. Cordy is especially fond of their daughter, who is 6 months younger than Cordy, and only gets to see her once a month or so. We were hosting a party that night, and since they live two hours away, they planned to stay the night. It was  Read more...

Things To Do When Bad Weather Arrives

by Christina Mack

December 15, 2008

As you may know, the forecast for tomorrow is looking a little messy. Snow, freezing rain, changing temperatures - it's enough to make anyone want to stay inside. And if the weather turns out to be as bad as they predict, there's a good chance that school will be canceled. I can't tell you how nervous I get at the thought of staying indoors all day with both girls - cabin fever always sets  Read more...

Finding New Reading Spots

by Christina Mack

November 11, 2008

With the cold settling in for a long stay, all of the old indoor haunts are becoming popular for us again. One activity I'm particularly fond of during these cold days is taking the girls to one of the local storytimes to hear a story, play some games and maybe do a craft. We also like to browse the shelves and find new books at the library or bookstore, and sometimes my preschooler talks  Read more...

It's Time for the Circleville Pumpkin Show!

by Christina Mack

October 13, 2008

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons This Wednesday marks the start of the 102nd Circleville Pumpkin Show . I went to this festival several times when I was younger, and I'm still stunned and amazed that you can hold a four day event dedicated to the orange gourd. Yet those four days are packed full of parades, competitions, demonstrations, entertainment, games, food, and of course, lots and  Read more...

Give In To Imagination

by Christina Mack

October 02, 2008

Some days it feels like your preschooler is living in another world, doesn't it? One minute, he's racing through the house with his arms spread wide, an airplane pilot on some important mission in the skies. Then the next he's wiggling around on the floor as a snake, looking for his next meal or a sunny spot to warm up. At times you may wonder if your child spent any of the day as himself!  Read more...

Visit A Real Local Celebrity

by Christina Mack

September 25, 2008

Are you a big Ohio State fan? Is your child rooting the Buckeyes on every weekend with you? In Columbus, it seems that nearly everyone supports our local Big Ten team, and those who don't often remain quiet about it. I'll be honest - I don't watch each game religiously, and I can name the coach and maybe one or two OSU football players only. But my daughters each have their own OSU  Read more...

Be In A Parade This Weekend

by Christina Mack

September 04, 2008

I remember when I was a kid I loved parades. While it was fun to watch, I secretly envied those who got to be IN the parade. After all, they had all of these people lined up on the streets, waiting to see them and wave at them. What child wouldn't want to participate in an event where they'll be the center of attention. (OK, well, along with many, many others.) This weekend is the  Read more...

Entertaining Your Kids Without Emptying Your Wallet

by Christina Mack

August 06, 2008

I used to think babies were expensive, with all of their baby toys, exersaucers, developmental playthings, and of course the Baby Einstein DVDs. And then my oldest grew into a preschooler, and I realized the entertainment only gets more expensive as they grow older. The newest electronic toys, that Dora DVD, and let's not forget her begging to go to the local children's science museum or  Read more...

Going For A Swim: Where To Find A Good Pool or Beach

by Christina Mack

August 05, 2008

Despite a June that was cooler and wetter than normal, August rarely disappoints for oppressively hot days. On those days I usually want to hide out inside in the air conditioning, avoiding any need to step foot into the oven outdoors. My children, however, can somehow sense the heat outdoors and are immediately drawn to it like a moth to a flame. We have to find some kind of compromise to let  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...

Take A Tour of a Sweet Factory

by Christina Mack

July 30, 2008

Did you know that we have a candy maker right here in Columbus? Anthony-Thomas chocolates are usually the sweet snacks of choice for my family's holiday gatherings. It's hard to resist their Buckeyes, and their chocolate covered cherries are divine. (For those not aware, a Buckeye is a chocolate with a peanut butter center - if it's not the official state candy, it should be.) The really  Read more...

What To Do This Week 7/16 - 7/20

by Christina Mack

July 16, 2008

I won't be in Columbus to experience the hot weather this weekend, because I'm leaving tomorrow for five days in San Francisco for a women's blogging conference. It will be nice to visit a city where the temperatures in mid-July will only be reaching the upper 60's! For those of you not leaving the city this weekend (and that includes my husband and children), I still found some fun  Read more...

Break Out The Hammer and Nails: Local Kids' How-to Clinics

by Christina Mack

July 03, 2008

Some kids can't get enough of construction equipment and building things. Cordy's love of blocks started when she was very young, and one of her favorite activities is building towers and cars and houses from her blocks. When we went to the Home & Garden Show this spring, Home Depot sponsored a construction area for kids, where they could put on workers' aprons and build a racecar or  Read more...

Where To Watch Red, White & Boom

by Christina Mack

June 30, 2008

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 28th year for Red, White & Boom , and this year there are a few changes. The biggest change is that just when you thought you had the best spot to view the fireworks, they move it. Don't worry, it's only moving a  Read more...

What to do this week: June 23-29

by Christina Mack

June 23, 2008

The end of June is getting close, and the summer fun is starting to heat up in Columbus. Festivals are popping up everywhere this week, and some great music is coming to town that will entertain you as much as your child. Two big festivals/fairs will be taking over the end of the week: the Origins Game Fair (that I previously wrote about here ) and ComFest, a massive community festival in  Read more...

What to do this week: June 16-22

by Christina Mack

June 16, 2008

If your preschooler is anything like mine, the lure of summertime boredom is calling. But it's only mid-June! No worries, though: I've got a week full of games, fun, and festivals for you to choose from, and one of them will certainly cure your child of the blahs. Got a child who loves Maisy the mouse? Join the Gahanna library for a celebration of Maisy through stories, songs, crafts and games  Read more...

Buying Fresh at Local Farmer's Markets

by Christina Mack

June 12, 2008

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons OK, so gas is nearly $4.00 a gallon, and as a result, food prices are going up as well. After all, it costs more to deliver all of that food to supermarkets around the country, right? Well, food doesn't have as far to go if you buy locally grown food. Not only is it fresher, but you're also supporting your local farmers and creating a relationship with  Read more...

What To Do This Week in Columbus

by Christina Mack

June 09, 2008

Now that summer is here, there are so many activities and events available for kids each week that it can be overwhelming to decide what to do. Or maybe you aren't sure where to look for any activities. So I'd like to highlight a few interesting events each week - some that are regular weekly activities, others that are one-time only, don't wait or you'll miss it events. On Monday, stop  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...

Special Adventures for Special Kids At the Columbus Library

by Christina Mack

June 05, 2008

Today is the last day of school for Columbus Public Schools, as well as several preschools around the city. While we all worry about what to do with our kids during the summer, those parents with special needs children have additional challenges. For those in special needs preschool programs, the end of school also signals the end of therapy for many. The change in routine is harder for  Read more...

Celebrate Art at the Columbus Arts Festival

by Christina Mack

June 04, 2008

You dutifully put each new masterpiece from your child's art class in its place of honor on the refrigerator. But wouldn't it be nice if we could expose our kids to a world of art beyond just gluing macaroni to construction paper? The Greater Columbus Arts Festival , held downtown in the Discovery district this weekend (June 6-8) gives us exactly that opportunity. Aside from being a  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...

Book Nooks for Tots: Best Story Times and Reading Rooms

by Christina Mack

May 22, 2008

We all know how important it is to cultivate a love of reading at an early age. But sometimes it's about more than just the book.  The right atmosphere of fun can also go a long way in encouraging your preschooler to reach for a book when bored. Luckily, Columbus is full of great places to read, and even pick up a few books, too. Here are just a few of the places to take your child for a book  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...