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

Gallery Hop

Columbus' monthly Gallery Hop happens tonight in the Short North. The weather is beautiful, ensuring the streets will be filled with walkers, musicians, and fun stuff. The galleries & businesses in the neighborhood offer interesting diversions for all. Our kids always enjoy themselves, and parking usually isn't as bad as you'd think. It's a great, free way to enjoy much of what Columbus has to offer. The Hop happens on High Street from Goodale north to 3rd Avenue or so.

Wexner Center

In case you were unaware, the Wexner Center for the Arts, located on 15th & High (on the Ohio State campus) has free admission on Thursdays from 4-8pm. depending on the age of your kids, the Wexner always has lots of interesting exhibits going on: video, architecture, mixed media, etc...It's a cool space w/an interesting vibe, and a great way to get kids interested in art without being in a stuffy, buttoned-down "museum" setting.

www.wexarts.org

Cheap Movies!

As we roll into the summer season, everyone enjoys cooling off at the movies. Prices, however, can be prohibitive-especially with a couple of kids in-tow. Luckily, we've got a couple of dollar theaters in town. Personally, I like Carriage Place Cinemas on Bethel & Sawmill. It's clean, family-friendly, and cheap. I don't think there are any G-rated features playing the moment, but check back often, as new movies are added each Friday. And, for a post-flick treat, Dairy Queen is right across the parking lot!

http://www.cinemark.com/theater_showtimes.asp?theater_id=172

Ohio Statehouse, Pearl Market

Normally, one doesn't think of downtown Columbus as a hotbed for children's activities, but the Statehouse can be lots of fun. Built in 1839 and recently restored, the statehouse offers free tours, great architecture, and a bit of history. You may have to dodge school groups on field trips (or you could join them & eavesdrop on what they're learning), but you and the kids will learn tons of Ohio history, see some art (scale model of Columbus made from Legos was recently a big hit), and maybe see a real live astronaut pass through (John Glenn?). Plus the cool, pastoral building provides a break from the oncoming summer heat.
When you're done (on Tuesdays, anyway) head across the street to the Pearl Alley Market. There's food, home-made crafts & clothing, and live music, as well. Most vendors are local to Central Ohio, so it's a great way to support the local economy, and get some delicious soft-serve ice cream.

Ohio Statehouse: http://www.ohiochannel.org/your_state/ohio_statehouse/index.cfm
Pearl Alley Market: http://www.downtowncolumbus.com/pearlmarket/

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