Free Bowling

Thanks to Amy from www.doubleh-vay.blogspot.com for this one: Free bowling every Monday at Ten Pin Alley in Hilliard. Kids in grades K-12 are eligible. Shoe rental is extra, but it's still a cool way to spend a couple of hours on a hot weekday.

Ten Pin Alley
5499 Constitution Boulevard
Hilliard, OH 43026
www.tenpinalleyandspikes.com
614.876.2475

Free Music Tuesday

Depending on which part of town you live in, there are a couple of options for FREE live music on Tuesday evening.
The Zen Blues Band plays at 6:30p at Creekside Plaza in Gahanna, and The Bobby Floyd Trio performs at 7:30p at the Grandview Heights Public Library. Both choices are fun, family-oriented options, and the price is right.

http://www.gahanna.org/events/parksandrec/music.asp
http://www.ghpl.org/calendar/index.php?&i=493

Metroparks

I don't think I've mentioned the Columbus Metroparks on here yet, and I really should. My kids really enjoy all of their programs, and we usually find ourselves at one of the area parks at least once a week. (Go to 5 this Summer & yr kid can get a snazzy patch suitable for sewing onto a denim jacket). Check out their website for a calendar of activities (which are almost always free). Tomorrow, there will be a program called "Animal Architects" at 10a & 1p at Blacklick Woods in Reynoldsburg. I don't know the gist of the whole thing, but I'll bet beavers & dams will be discussed. recommended ages: 6-10.

www.metroparks.net

A Mall, But a Bit Better

Earlier today, the kids & I headed over to Easton. Apparently, the Columbus Zoo will be bringing animals to Easton for a petting zoo each Monday from 12-1. Today's animals were a giant tortoise (which my daughter didn't care for) and a wolf or fox or something (we didn't get too close). The petting zoo is located on the south side of Easton (by Barnes & Noble). There are also, weather permitting, fountains/sprinklers for the kids to run through each day in the same area. Seemed like a good idea on a hot, humid day like today. There are usually other things going on at Easton, as well, so check out the website.

www.eastontowncenter.com

Columbus Arts Fest: One More Day!

Tomorrow (Sunday) is the last day for the Columbus Arts Festival downtown. I was down there with the kids on Friday, and we had a lot of fun. Plenty of activities for the little ones, live music, food (we had free ice cream, you might not be so lucky!), and all-around interesting stuff. There are paintings, sculpture, woodwork, photography, and other artistic methods I can't remember right now on display. Plus, don't forget that the Columbus Museum of Art is free on Sundays, and CCAD has some student exhibits as well. Parking is $5, but you can get a meter (free on Sunday) if you work at it. I can furnish parallel parking tutorials at a small fee.

www.gcac.org/fest

Day At The Museum

It's hard to think about being indoors on a day like today, but if you need a break from the sun, the Columbus Museum of Art is a great place to take the kids, especially on Sunday. Free admission for all today, and lots to do. In addition to the regular exhibits, there's always something happening in the kids' area, such as art projects, music, or other activities, often led by current CCAD students. Staff is very family-friendly as well, so it's a great way to introduce kids to fine art! (My son is very interested in the Mummies exhibit as well).

2009 Columbus Museum of Art · 480 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215 · 614.221.6801

Ring Your Bells!

Today the kids & I are headed downtown to the new Huntington Bank Ballpark to watch the Clippers game. While tickets are pretty inexpensive, I prefer to watch the game for free...there's plenty of room to watch the game from the sidewalk beyond the right field fence. It's never been crowded whenver I've been there, and it's a great alternative when you've got a couple of kids in tow who won't sit still for nine innings.
Today's game starts at a kid-friendly 11:35am, and most night games start at 6:35pm, which means they're usally done by 9. And, if you can find a meter space (or free street parking), you can save $3 more!

Huntington Bank Ballpark
Huntington Park Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43215
614.462.5250