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:
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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...

Finding Nemo (or other fish) in Columbus

by Christina Mack

August 19, 2008

As a child I used to love when my mom had her weekly softball games only because it meant I got to go sit on the edge of the ball park and gaze into the stream flowing by. There were always lots of fish in the stream, and occasionally I'd throw bits of bread to them in an effort to get them to come closer. Watching the fish swim in the stream was probably one of the most peaceful moments of my  Read more...

When In Doubt, Go To The Zoo

by Christina Mack

August 11, 2008

The Columbus Zoo is always my go-to resource whenever I need something to do with the kids. We have a membership, so we're there at least every couple of weeks. Which, by the way, if you visit the zoo more than twice a year, you should really save yourself some money and get the membership. Plus there are all kinds of extra benefits, like free parking, gift shop discounts, special event  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...

Three Days in and Around Columbus: Day 2

by Christina Mack

July 09, 2008

Yesterday we spent a day exploring the heart of downtown Columbus, basking in urban delights. So today we're going to go to the other extreme and grab a bit of the wild outdoors in our three-day tour of this city. And there is no better place to do that then by spending a day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and its attached water park, Zoombezi Bay! Admission to Zoombezi Bay  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...

99 Things You Must Do With Your Child in (or near) Columbus Before They Grow Up

by Christina Mack

May 29, 2008

Have A Roaring Good Time With The Zoo's New Amur Tigers

by Christina Mack

May 23, 2008

You'll probably see me mention the Columbus Zoo at least once or twice a month, because it is one of our favorite places to go. The animals are presented in unique habitats that mimic their native areas, while also providing a lot of viewing access for the public. We have never been disappointed with a visit there are always plenty of animals to see up close. If you haven't been in a year  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...

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...