Franklin Park Conservatory isn’t just for looking at flowers, plants, and trees. They offer workshops and programs on plant and food education, and they also offer activities for the young and young at heart. The Conservatory is offering a line up of family fun crafts through the months of October, November, and December, and many of them will have a holiday focus. I took my kids for a hands-on free craft one weekend day and made a beautiful craft that resembled a glass Chihuly bowl.
When we first got there we went to the admissions desk. The kids immediately remembered the train that was set up from months ago, and ran to the display at the entrance. Currently, Franklin Park Conservatory is featuring carnivorous plants and have a large
glass piece sitting where the train used to be that resembled some sort of man-eating plant (well, in my imagination). Absolutely beautiful, and a great way to threaten your kids into being good. I told them that I would feed them to the plant if they didn’t behave…honestly, NO I didn’t, but I did think about doing it. Anyhow, I decided to get a membership because we visit the Conservatory at least four times a year, and we will go more often now that so many family activities are offered.
Tables were set up on the main floor back by the cafe with bowls of markers and plenty of seating for us. Our instructor was friendly and lead the kids and 
adults through the craft. First we colored a coffee filter with markers, then the instructor laid it over a large cup and brushed on starch. The starch bled the colors together and helped the coffee filter maintain an interesting bowl-like shape that truly resembled a Chihuly piece. As our craft was drying, we wondered around and had an enjoyable time looking at the plants, talking to the birds, and hanging out with the fish. What I love most about the Conservatory is how peaceful I feel when I am there, and how calm my kids act as if they feel that same sense of peace. I feel fortunate to have a place like this where my children can learn to appreciate nature and learn something – and now we can even do crafts!
Once we finished our plant journey, we stopped back to see our instructor and pick up our craft. We can’t wait to do it again! I really think I need a suncatcher and definitely cookies.
Here is the current craft line-up from the Franklin Park Conservatory website:
Visit between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the dates below to enjoy hands-on
crafts free with Conservatory admission.
Saturday, Oct. 2 fly-trapping game
Saturday, Oct. 9 pumpkin forensics
Saturday, Oct. 16 tree cookie necklaces
Saturday, Oct. 23 masks & hats
Sunday, Oct. 24 carnivorous characters
Sunday, Oct. 31 trick or treat
Saturday, Nov. 6 fallen leaf art
Sunday, Nov. 7 suncatchers
Saturday, Nov. 13 holiday placemats
Saturday, Nov. 20 thankful tree craft
Sunday, Nov. 28 found object prints
Saturday, Dec. 4 holiday tree decoration
Wednesday, Dec. 8 cookie decorating
1777 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43203
614.645.8733
If you plan to venture into the land of plants and crafts, here are some tips:
- Save some cash and buy a membership if you plan to go two or more times in a year. (What a great holiday or birthday present to ask for!)
- Parking is free.
- Crafts are from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., and you can go anytime during those hours to do the craft. The craft itself only takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Bring lunch or plan to eat at the cafe. My kids were starving because I went at 11 a.m. and we didn’t leave until after noon.
- Make it a family outing.
- If you go on Saturday, October 9 and don’t want to do a membership, take advantage of Experience Columbus Days and save. Buy one admission and get one free October 8 – 11.
