Hey ladies and gents – below is the list of summer fun ideas I spoke about on Fox28’s Good Day Columbus. Here’s my segment: Good Day Columbus. Below, I’ve listed the things I put in my backpack to take to activities that may keep us out most of the day/evening. Thanks for reading! I appreciate you and hope you have a great summer!
Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival in Gahanna: June 17 – 19, they have a family fun zone and a little kid zone on Saturday and Sunday – lots of activities such as rides, face painting, games, crafts – it is a great day for the family and wonderful musicians!
Storybook Village at Ohio Village: June 18, 10a -5p, characters from some childhood favorites will visit the village. I suggest buying tickets in advance.
PBJ&Jazz at Topiary Park: June 25 they have a Caribbean Jazz Quintet, pack a picnic lunch, bring your blanket or a chair and lots of water. Hit the storytime at the Main Library at 11a and then head over for the concert at noon. There is an art activity after, too.
Commons for Kids at Columbus Commons: Fridays throughout the summer until August 26 from 10a -1p. June 24 they will have a yoga for kids, decorate cookies and listen to folk music by the Columbus Folk Society.
FountainSide at Scioto Mile: select Wednesdays throughout the summer from 1030a – 1:30p, June 22 they will have animals to learn about from Captive Born Reptiles, wild animal artifacts from McKnight Outdoor Education Center, and tropical crafts with Columbus Childrens’ Theater.
Pearl Market: every Tuesday and Friday until October 14 from 10:30a – 1p, and then take your kids to lunch on the steps of the State House or down to Scioto Mile.
Main Branch of Columbus Public Library has their grand opening on June 25 with lots of activities for the kids!
What to bring (easiest to carry a backpack, unless you can pack stuff in your stroller):
- All are stroller-friendly. Find a shady spot if baby needs a nap.
- Bring cash for parking, waters, etc. I suggest have change on hand for meters.
- In your backpack: sunscreen, bug spray, band aids, water, snacks, small toys or games or books, After Bite or the like (or the proper essential oil), ibuprofen (you never know), hand sanitizer or wipes, change of clothes if there will be water.
- Consider getting a fan with a spritzer. Fill with water and put in the fridge the night before and have nice cool water to spritz. Peppermint or a mint essential oil can add a very nice cooling effect, too. This is the one I have: Handheld Cooling Fan
- I’d scope out bathrooms when you get to wherever you are going. I find when the kids ask to go to the potty, they gotta go now! haha!
