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

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...

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...

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...

Hit The Road With Some Cool Tunes

by Christina Mack

July 01, 2008

I remember just two short years ago, when my oldest daughter was completely and utterly obsessed with the Wiggles. Now, I have no qualms with the Wiggles - some of their songs are cute, and they're far better than other choices. ( *cough*Barney*cough* ) However, that obsession led to a requirement where anytime we were in the car, the music from that Australian kids' band was the only  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...

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...