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

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. 

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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Join the Columbus March for Babies This Month!

April 13, 2009

I count myself to be a very lucky mom. Both of my pregnancies were uncomplicated, and both of my daughters were born healthy close to their due dates. Sure, Cordy was breech, and Mira decided to wait until a week past her due date, but those were relatively minor situations when compared to the problems so many moms and babies endure.

Over half a million babies are born premature each year, unable to join their families at home right away. I've been to the NICU at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and I've seen the rows and rows of isolettes, each containing a baby fighting for his or her life. It's thanks to research sponsored by the March of Dimes that many of these babies have a better chance of survival than those 30 years ago, 15 years ago, and even 5 years ago.

Every year the March of Dimes holds its annual March for Babies at locations all over the United States. The Greater Columbus March for Babies will be held on Sunday, April 26, at 10:00am at The Sports Barn. This 5 mile walk hopes to raise thousands of dollars for research into prematurity and birth defects. There's still plenty of time to sign up to walk in this event - it takes only a few minutes to complete the free registration, and you can form a team to walk with, join another team, or choose to be an individual walker. And if you can't walk, please think about making a donation to support the walkers and the charity they are helping.

I'll be walking in the March for Babies in memory of Maddie Spohr, the 17-month-old daughter of a blogging friend in CA who died unexpectedly last week. Those who might have read her blog are encouraged to join up with my team, Ohio for Maddie. If you plan on walking, let me know - I'd love to meet you at the walk!  Read more...

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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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...

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...

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...

Christmas the Old-Fashioned Way

by Christina Mack

December 08, 2008

When I think about Christmas as a kid, I remember always watching A Christmas Carol (the 80's version, with George C. Scott) each year. I loved the interesting Victorian costumes, the British accents, and the slightly scary Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come. I begged my mom to light the house only with candles on Christmas Eve because I thought the soft light made it more likely for Christmas  Read more...

Get A Little Bonus For Voting

by Christina Mack

November 03, 2008

As you know, tomorrow is election day. Will you vote? Have you voted already through an early voting program? I voted by mail, and my husband took advantage of the early voting program here in Columbus to cast his ballot. It was about an hour wait, and we brought both of our daughters along. I tried to explain the process to Cordy, but she didn't quite get it yet. She doesn't understand what  Read more...

Community Trick or Treat Locations

by Christina Mack

October 28, 2008

I remember our very first Halloween in our new house four years ago. We lived in a new development, and our house was surrounded by empty lots and lots with partially complete houses. We had a big bowl of candy, but no kids were coming back to our section of the neighborhood. I can't blame them - there were only two inhabited houses at the time. So we bundled up our newborn daughter, put  Read more...

Local Halloween Events in Columbus

by Christina Mack

October 21, 2008

Some people hate the idea of getting a costume only to see it worn once for trick-or-treat and then discarded. So why not take advantage of many of the Halloween events going on between now and October 31, and maybe get a few more chances to use that costume. A quick sampling of Halloween events: Boo at the Zoo - We went to this last weekend and my daughters had so much fun.  Read more...

Step Back In Time For All Hallows Eve

by Christina Mack

October 17, 2008

In the 21st century, Halloween is a large commercial holiday, filled with plastic pumpkin buckets, lots of candy, and kids dressed as Disney characters. We decorate our yards with foam tombstones, fake cobwebs, and pumpkins carved into fanciful designs with the help of stencils. But what was an All Hallows Eve celebration like in mid-19th century Ohio? I think the closest thing we have in  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...

Visiting The Pumpkin Patch: Honey Haven Farm

by Christina Mack

October 10, 2008

With so many local farms hosting fall harvest celebrations and pumpkin patches, you could spend each weekend visiting a different one and still not visit all of the farms in the greater Columbus area. My family has been to several over the past few years, but there are a few we really enjoy and visit over and over again. One of our favorites is Honey Haven Farm . It's a slightly longer  Read more...

Celebrating Halloween With The Animals

by Christina Mack

October 08, 2008

By now your child may have his Halloween costume, and it's possible you are now enduring daily requests to wear that costume. Around my house, we're going through daily questioning about what is trick-or-treat and how does it work. Even though Cordy went out collecting candy last year, she seems to have completely forgotten how to do it and wants a refresher from me. And each time I  Read more...

Learn About The Body At COSI

by Christina Mack

October 01, 2008

By three or four years old, most kids can name several body parts. Usually kids can point to their nose, eyes, mouth, ears, hands, feet, etc. But what about their tonsils, or their lungs, or all of those other inside parts? It's not easy to explain how our bodies function to a child who needs to see it to understand it. Starting this Saturday, October 4, COSI will have a new traveling  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...

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...

A Special Fall Event For Special Kids

by Christina Mack

September 17, 2008

One of the things I love about fall is going to the local farms around Columbus for harvest celebrations. There's something about going out on a crisp, bright day, with the smell of fresh-cut hay filling the air and the trees beginning to change into their red, orange and yellow shades that fills me with joy for the changing of the seasons. For the past three years now, we've taken Cordy  Read more...

Taking Chalk Art to A Whole New Level

by Christina Mack

September 10, 2008

One of my favorite things to do on a warm, dry day is grab the chalk and go outside so the kids can draw all over the sidewalk and driveway. Unlike other forms of art, like crayons on a drywall medium or markers on wood, chalk is relatively harmless and washes off easily. You might look at your child's chalk drawings on the sidewalk and think nothing could ever come from those  Read more...

Finding and Teaching A Good Bargain

by Christina Mack

September 08, 2008

In previous posts, I've mentioned a few of the Columbus consignment stores that focus on clothing and toys for children. These stores can be a great place to score a deal on gently used, name brand clothing for a fraction of the price. But every now and then communities or organizations set up consignment sales, too, and these can often be a wealth of good finds, too. Local moms get together  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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

What to do this week: 7/7 - 7/13

by Christina Mack

July 07, 2008

Did you catch the fireworks last week? We watched Red, White & Boom on TV, but we did sit outside to watch our local fireworks on the 4th. Thank goodness the rain ended in time! Although another fourth of July has passed, the calendar is still full of summer events. With a little searching you can find all sorts of interesting activities to keep your preschooler busy. Here are  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...

Go Camping in Your Own Backyard

by Christina Mack

June 27, 2008

I recently discovered that tomorrow, June 28th, is the date for the Great American Backyard Campout . Organized by the National Wildlife Federation, this annual event brings awareness to outdoor family activities and learning about our natural world. Personally, I think this is a great excuse to pitch a tent in the backyard and make s'mores. For my preschooler, camping is a really fun  Read more...

Take Part In A Festival For The Entire Community

by Christina Mack

June 26, 2008

Columbus natives know that this weekend is the traditional 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 36 years  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...

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...

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...

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

The Royal Treatment

by Christina Mack

May 26, 2008

You already know that your child is royalty, and she certainly shows every sign that she realizes it, too. Wouldn't it be nice to give in now and then, and just acknowledge to your kid that, yes, she's that special? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to celebrate a little prince or princess in Columbus! As everyone knows, the first step to being royalty is looking the part. So start off with  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...

The Littlest Picasso: Where To Go To Make Art

by Christina Mack

May 16, 2008

Got a kid who loves express his artistic talents in every medium, including marker on eggshell white wall and other messes? Maybe it's time to find some art classes for your little Picasso. All of these options allow your preschooler to have some quality art instruction, with no clean up on your part. If you live anywhere on the north or east side, check out the Uptown Art Camp  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...