14 Outings to Beat the Winter Blues
Hunt for Bison at Battelle Darby Creek and then explore the Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center. Both are located in the Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park near Galloway and completely free to the public. The Nature Center offers a “living stream” with toads and fish that can be explored from above, below, and beside. In addition, the nature center has interactive exhibits and a variety of animal pelts for children to explore. Outside, there is a heard of bison that roam freely within two enclosed pastures. If you are lucky, they will be in the pasture near the parking lot when you arrive! Finding your way there can be a bit tricky, so be sure plug 1415 Darby Creek Dr into the GPS.
Jump the day away at Get Air Columbus. Toddler Time is offered on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for only Little Air jumpers and their parents. Open Jump begins at 11 a.m.
Enjoy a Free Sunday at the Columbus Museum of Art with the whole family. Explore the Walter Wing, play in the Wonder Room, or build a puzzle together in a gallery. There’s a great experience around every corner.
Check out Hoot: A Family Film Series on the last Saturday of the month at the Gateway movie theatre. Kid-friendly short films from around the world are alternated with songs played by the Shazzbots.
Attend a PBJ & Jazz Concert at the Lincoln Theatre. PBJ & Jazz concerts are “1-hour long interactive concerts designed to introduce jazz and American music to young children and their families.” Admission is $5 per person, with a family max of $20 at the door, and each child receives a peanut butter & jelly sandwich, juice, and a cookie upon arrival. This winter, concerts are January 12, February 23, and March 23, with two performances at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Volunteer with Seeds of Caring.
Spend a morning exploring the Scioto Audubon Nature Center. The Audubon Nature Center is a beautiful facility located in the Scioto Audubon Metro Park. A few of the features include bird viewing windows, a small library, and two interactive children’s areas. The playroom offers both climbing opportunities, dress up clothes, and interactive activities on local birds and bugs. The center also offers Pre-K story time on Thursdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m.
Take in a cooking class with Young Chefs Academy
Make a trip to the AHA! Children’s Museum. While technically not in Columbus, this Children’s Museum is an easy 45-minute drive southeast in Lancaster, Ohio. It’s my favorite children’s museum to take my daughter, because it is located in a building with a smaller footprint. This makes it easier for her to navigate (and for me to keep an eye on her), but it’s still packed full of a ton of hands-on, interactive activities. My daughter’s favorites include the water table and the hands-on firetruck. It’s a bargain with admission only $8 per person and children 12 months-old and younger are free.
Create a masterpiece at Art with Anna. Baby & Art is offered on the second Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for children age 9+ months to 3 years. Grown-Up & Me Art is offered on the second Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Click the link for more details.
Family Swim – Goldfish Swim School: Family swim events are scheduled for select Fridays at the Dublin, Westerville, and soon to be Lewis Center Goldfish Locations. $5/person with a max of $15/family. Click the link for more information on dates and times.
Burn off some energy at We Rock the Spectrum – Columbus. “We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym was founded to provide a place for children of all ability levels to play and grow together. As the only kid’s gym that offers an all-inclusive philosophy we have found all children can benefit from our uniquely designed sensory equipment that is specifically designed to aid children with sensory processing disorders.” Recommended for children age infant to 13 years old. Open play time is offered daily at $12 per child and siblings discounted to $10.
Escape to a balmy oasis at the Franklin Park Conservatory. Take your coat off and explore three biomes (Himalayan Mountain/Rainforest/Desert), the Pacific Island Water Garden, the Showhouse, and the Palmhouse, to see the more than 400 species of plants on display. We enjoy taking the time to wander and often find something new each time we visit. If you are looking for something a little more structured, the conservatory also offers great family programming. Personally, I think the membership is worth the investment.
Participate in a story time at one of the many public libraries in the area. Story time is a wonderful way to promote early literacy skills through short books, rhymes, and movement. Each library system in Central Ohio offers a variety of story times for different age groups. Be sure to click the link below to find the best story time that fits your needs and schedule.