Scioto Audubon

Saturday we spent the day at The Scioto Audubon Park which is right downtown. I'll warn you now that the signage in the park can be a bit confusing. I had to ask the park ranger where the dog park was. I was a bit disappointed that it's basically just empty fields at the back of the park, closest to the free-way. But was told they are working on fencing in the dog park and making it a really fantastic place for our four legged friends. (so I plan on going back to check it out)
The coolest part of the park is the rock climbing wall! There were alot of climbers on the wall and were using the "lingo" that I didn't understand. Since we didn't have any of our own climbing gear we weren't able to climb the wall, but mentioned to a few of the climbers that we need a beginners class with the gear for people to come and enjoy the wall. I think that's a great idea.... now who wants to organize that? Still the kids had alot of fun on the playground equipment that focused alot on climbing activities as well and the coolest "tongue" slide. I've never seen anything like it! We also had alot of fun on the sand volley ball courts! We didn't play volleyball but had a blast trying to bury our dog! After a LONG time playing on the playground and volleyball courts we wandered around the path through the little bird watching area.... and then stumbled upon the bike path. The bike path appears to connect with several of the other bike trails in the downtown area. (They had signs up for "Ride the C-bus" which is a 37 mile bike ride)
This is definitely a park still in the developing stages. No bathrooms (Porta pottys) and it's right next to the Columbus police impound lot (IE. A bunch of old crappy cars) but I've been told that's going to be moved and then that will be developed as part of the park as well! We did NOT go into the Grange Audubon Center but it too sounds like it could develop into a great nature center with educational classes as well!
I'd give this park a B.... its got some cool stuff and has the potential to be even more fun! We'll be going back to check on it's progress!
Getting there
It's visible from 70, but you have to know it's there...Think Brewery district... Here's the Physical address 395 W. Whittier Street Columbus, OH 43215

Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills State park is about an hour South East of Columbus... home to over 12 parks this place in the outdoorsy people paradise! Full of waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and ravines this is an amazing place to hike and spend the day, or even the night. There is even a Zip line tour! The region is full of camp grounds, cabins, hotels, and spa's. We didn't get to spend the night, THIS time... but I see a weekend retreat in my future! :)

We made it to only 2 of the 12 attractions, my husband had a bum ankle and a 3 year old without a nap don't make the best combination for an all day hiking excursion.

Ash Cave

I'll warn you right now the pictures do NOT do the place justice. It's impossible to capture the grand scale and beauty with a little old camera. This is one of those places that you walk into and are immediately humbled. The power of mother nature is amazing.

You couldn't dream this stuff up! It's a straight shot from the parking lot to the cave, no up hill climbing or torturous terrain. It'd be wheelchair and stroller accessible (But I'd recommend a carrier for the littlest ones so you can hike up the side and explore around the cave as well. But if you do travel up the stair case at the far end of the cave remember that if you go to the left you'll be ABOVE the cave and therefore there is a 90 foot drop so keep your kids close! There is a posted warning sign that I recommend you read allowed to the kids and threaten them with catastrophic results if they don't listen and stay close. Yes I have a 9 year old boy can you tell?!?!

(Luckily we had no problems and went up the stairs and to the right and it wound back down to the parking lot)

Ash Cave is 700 feet from end to end and 90 feet high.

Just Amazing! This cave has A LOT of history. If you go to the website for hocking hills they have alot of stories about each park and the history of each place.

http://www.hockinghills.com/parks.html

I had not read anything before we went and just happened to come across thisPeople have carved their names and the dates into the rear of the cave and I thought it was pretty cool to capture this little piece of history... 1903 seems SO long ago to me.... if the walls of the cave could talk... I can only imagine what it's seen! While we were hiking we talked alot about the Indians that lived in the area and what it must have been like to live here. We talked about how they got their food, where they slept and how they took baths... we also talked about how they hollered for one another.... you know the one I'm talking about....Yes I had to capture them doing an Indian War cry! :)

Cedar falls.

I have NO idea why it wont let me flip this picture, but it's GORGEOUS!!! It's a down hill hike to the falls from the parking lots. (Lots of Stairs) so NO wheel chairs or strollers down here! It's a short hike down to the falls. When we got there, several people we wading in the water, some even had swim suits. So I let the kids take off their shoes and of course it didn't take them long to be completely soaked.

A "local" was at the falls and she had warned him that the rocks leading up to the falls were and I quote "Slicker than snot" (lovely). As you can see my 9 year old was only knee deep so it's not very deep! The kids had a blast

The littlest one wanted to give an "Indian bath" a try.Luckily the water isn't muddy so they were able to make do with just a change of clothes but that was unfortunately the end of our time there ... we didn't even make it to Old mans cave... but I found out that there is a 3 mile hiking trail that connects Old Mans Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave... that would be doable with the kids. There are also several picnic areas (pack a lunch). and restrooms (porta-potties) along the way.

This last picture is just because I thought it was beautiful. I can only imagine how beautiful this place is in the fall when all the leaves are changing!

Getting there

I'm not going to even try to give directions to Hocking Hills...

http://www.hockinghills.com/driving_directions.html.

I STRONGLY suggest you go to their website and research where you'd like to visit, read a little of the history and then if you want to turn it into an over night trip you can find cabins or campsites on their website as well! This truly is a MUST see ...MUST do trip!!!

***Fill the Gas tank before you leave, bring a change of clothes and drinking water with you!***

Prarie Oaks - Metro Park

If you have a dog, you'll especially want to know about this next park! Prairie Oaks is the newest Metro park in Franklin County and it's just beautiful! There are several different "Parts" to this park, so let me clarify that if you have a dog you'll want to go to Darby Bend lakes on 2755 Amity Road.

We took our 100 pound puppy, Gus, with us because we had heard that there were trails that the dog could go on as well as a swimming area. The scenery is just breath taking. There are several different lakes, where you can fish, canoe, and one especially for your favorite pooch to swim in!

We had never taking Gus anywhere to swim, but we knew that he like to play in the water, I guess I just didn't realize what a water lover he was! We could hardly get him out of the water once he got in!

What I liked

There are 9 different trails on the Prairie Oaks site with several easy and short hikes. Mound trail is only .3 miles Even if you don't have a dog I would still recommend this park! It's beautiful! They do NOT have a playground for the kids but there are several "natural" play areas. My kids had a ball climbing on a big pile of rocks. and of course being able to get dirty is always fun, so pack some extra clothes and bring along a plastic bag for muddy shoes! They have sheltered picnic area and a carry in carry out policy. And I honestly didn't find out about the bathroom situation (I know I saw port-a-pots but there was also a building next to the other shelter house that looked a tad more promising) We'll be going there again soon so the Pup can play and I'll investigate a little further!

Getting there

To Darby Bend Lakes (2755 Amity Road, Hilliard):From I-270, take I-70 west to the West Jefferson / Plain City exit, turn right onto Plain City-Georgesville Road / State Route 142. Go about 2.25 miles to Lucas Road (passing the main park entrance) and turn right. Go across Big Darby Creek and turn right at the stop sign onto Amity Road. Entrance is about 0.5 miles on right.

Indian Run Falls - Dublin

Today our adventures lead us to Indian Run Falls. This beatiful environment is tucked in an unlikely spot and once again it's amazing that we can be in the city, but feel like were are out in the Wild!

This is a georgeous spot with very well maintained trails. There are several board walks and stair cases to make this a safe and fairly short hike with the family. There were several business professionals in their work attire that must come there during lunch to eat & walk around!

I wasnt sure at first if we were allowed to go down into the water and the falls in one spot are VERY steep and not at all safe to play. but if you go to your right when you first come down from the parking lot there is a stair case that leads you right down to the water! Now the rules posted say that you are not suppose to get in the water. When we first got there, no one was in the water and we just followed the trail around to the end. where there in an old cemetary that we walked around and looked at the name and dates... 1834.... On our way back there were several people in the water and one Mom advised me that I would want to go UP stream with the kids... ok! so if you were to go down the stair case when you first arrive you could go into the water and go upstream and be safe. Which I'll admit, that is what we did! The kids loved playing in the water and exploring the stream and rocks. We had a friends 10 week old puppy with us, so I was paying very close attention to how deep it was and if there was anything that could hurt him or the kids. (dogs are allowed as long as they are on leash and you clean up after them!)

I'm happy to report it didnt get more than 1/2 way up my calf (about 6 inches) deep and there was no garbage or broken glass. It was a great afternoon! It was a Hot Summer day, but it was nice in the shade and the water was refreshing!

My only complaint, no bathrooms, so the kids made use of the trees, well the boys did anyway. Hopefully because it's so close to the real world bathrooms will be coming soon! They also had 2 covered picnic areas really close to the falls

Getting there

just off 161 near Post road.... your turn onto Shawan Falls Drive and the park is right across the street from the post office. Physical address: 700 Shawan Falls Drive, Dublin

Franklin County fair

I'm sure most of you have heard about the Ohio State Fair here in Columbus every summer. That is a huge Fair with tons of thing to do and see. The Fair will he here in town this summer July 28 - August 8th. (Monday August 2nd is Family Value day. )

But for me the State Fair can be a bit overwhelming! Too many people, too much stuff so luckily my hubby knew about the Franklin County Fair. The fair ran from July 17th - 24th. and is located in Hilliard, Ohio
Now I know this post wont do you any good this summer since the fair is over, but hopefully you'll remember it NEXT summer so you can get your fix of fried food and rides that spin you into oblivion! What I like about the Franklin county fair is that it still gives you the "fair" experience without the huge crowds and overwhelming expense. It had all your usual fair going enjoyment, livestock (and the smell that goes with it), the rides, the food, the grandstand events demolition, tractor pull etc.

Admission to the fair is/was $5

Parking Free
Rides- purchase tickets or a wrist band for $12 for unlimited rides
Food- Oh the fair food.... all deep friend or loaded with sugar but surprisingly not insanely over priced.
So since I'm feeling bad that this one was After the fact, I'll throw on their website address so you can jump over there and get all the details for the fair Summer 2011!!!
http://www.fcfair.org/

Graters- Bethel Rd.

Does anyone think I'm using this blog as an excuse to eat ice cream? Two Ice Cream companies in under a week! Geese! But hey, It's summer, It's hot and Ice cream is cold and yummy!

Today we hit the Graters on Bethel Rd. They have a delightful indoor play area for the kids (ages 9 & under) as well as a viewing area to watch them make ice cream.... oh and of course a place to buy/eat ice cream too!

The Entrance to the play area... looks good enough to eat! I found this just too cute, a banana teeter totter! slides and play area Such a fun time!

What I liked.

OK whats not to like, it was indoors (A/C), had bathrooms, well maintained, sweet smelling, and lots of fun! Make sure to wear or bring socks cause they require all kids to wear socks! If you forget they are kind enough to sell them at the counter for $1.

Getting there.

To the corporate office where they have tours and the play are you'll want to head to 2555 Bethel Road.... off 315. If you just want the ice cream, I'm sure you know where there is a Graters close to you, but visit their website http://www.grater/ for more info!

Velvet Ice Cream - Ye Olde Mill

The whole family went on this latest adventure, but there was the promise of ice cream so it's no surprise we had a full car! Today we went to the home of Velvet Ice Cream in Utica Ohio.

Velvet is a 4th generation family owned company, They proudly boast that the current President and VP's are women and direct descendants of the original owner. They are also very proud of "Ye Olde Mill" this baby is from 1817 and definitely the center of attention....Actually that's not true.... The ICE CREAM is the center of attention, and rightfully so! My hubby ordered this bad boy and I've never been so jealous of someone else's ice cream!

It was called The Buckeye Sundae.. chocolate, peanut butter, bananas, whip cream topped with mini-buckeyes! YUM!!We also treated our self to lunch in the restaurant and all of the items from the kids meal come served in a 1/2 gallon ice cream carton, without the ice cream of course, but the kids thought it was SO fun to get lunch in a box of ice cream!
After lunch we went through the gift shop and ice cream museum. There were lots of things to look at and read, one of my favorite is this GIANT ice cream scoop!


The Ice cream parlor had a cute little table and chairs for the kids to sit at!

What I liked.

Loved all the historic things, the kids learned about the mill and they had some old time machines. The Ice Cream parlor and museum were so quaint and really add charm to this place! Huge shelter houses with picnic tables and a fun little playground for the kids to play on.

What I was a little disappointed about.

The tour- It was 2 large windows with a young girl handing out free samples of the ice cream. Don't get me wrong the ice cream was good, but we couldn't really see them making ice cream, nor did we know what they were even doing. There was a TV screen and a microphone so perhaps if there had been someone talking about what we were seeing it would have been better. or even a video playing it might have been more educational! When we got there they were just finishing a tour so we thought we'd go to the next one, but by then the kids were ready to eat and play and so the tour was kind of a bust. I'm glad we went, it was worth the trip up there, but maybe not someplace you go again and again. They did advertise weekend entertainment and a farmers market so perhaps that would make it worthy of return trips!

Getting there

Velvet Ice Cream is 35 minutes East of Columbus and ten miles north of Newark on Ohio State Route 13.... Physical Address...11324 SR-13, Utica, OH, 43080

Franklin Park Conservatory

Today we visited the Franklin Park Conservatory. Most people in Columbus have heard of the conservatory, but I amazed at how many Columbus natives have never been!

The Conservatory bills itself as a Horticultural and educational institution. It is over 88 acres and has over 400 species of plants. The grounds really are quite impressive. We went tonight because the first Wednesday of every month is free from 5-8pm. Tonight it was also a member only exclusive preview of their new exhibit "Savage Gardens" so it was a pretty busy evening.
Now let me just say this, before I go ANY further...I don't consider myself sophisticated in the least.... and I'm OK with that, however, on this particular night most of the people at the conservatory were members, meaning that they buy a annual pass and come to admire the plants often. Most were dressed very nicely and walked around the conservatory with glasses of wine and cheese plates. My three year old tore threw a crowd of elderly people in his spider man T-shirt and was playing "secret Agent" so I must admit I felt a little out of place. However for those of you who know me, know I never let a little thing like "fitting in" keep me from having an experience and this was a chance to show my kids something new!

We let the 3 year old lead the way and he went straight to the Giant interactive Venus Fly trap. Then we just wandered in and around the different exhibits, the desert, the rain forest, the Japanese gardens just to name a few. The kids loved the Blooms and Butterflies exhibit the most. It was really neat to see the different butterflies, but they were hard to get a picture of! This part of the conservatory also has a look out tower for you to climb, huge koi fish and a waterfall.

This is where they played secret agent....

I have to say that this was a beautiful place and why we enjoyed going, it really does seem better for and older crowd. My 9 year old read some of the signs and liked the real Venus fly traps in the savage garden but the younger two got bored quickly and wanted to move onto the next room before we really had a chance to see anything very closely. That and the fact that we choose a day when it was 95 degrees made it darn near intolerable. I had planned to go walk the grounds, eat a picnic, play on the playground I'd heard was there. But it was just to dang hot!

They have several weddings at the conservatory and maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to go to one, in the mean time. They do have cocktails at the conservatory every Thursday night with live music and appetizers for $10 a person. It'd be a fun, swanky, not your run of the mill date night.

Dawes Aboretum

The kids and I headed out east to explore Dawes Arboretum, and all I can say is, how have I lived in Columbus for 9 years and have not gone here before? Every Wednesday during the summer they have Little Buckeye's imagination session at 2pm. so we went to check this program out. The class meets outside the visitors center on a wood deck that surrounds a giant American beech tree (See I did learn something about trees)

It started with the kids making names tags and then they were each given a picture with a bug on it. They talked about water bugs/insects. I have to say that my oldest (9) and youngest (3) were not to hip on this part. The 3 year old wandered around and was more interested in the water fountain and the 9 year old thought the singing was a little dorky... but the 5 year old listened with great interest. After the brief lesson about the bugs we all walked down to a clearing and played bug tag. You were suppose to act like whatever bug you had a picture of on your wrist. They all loved that. Then they divided the kids and the younger one's went over to buckets with water bugs in them and got to fish them out with little nets and put them on a white tray with water to look at them a little closer. The bigger kids got to use BIG nets and went to a small pond to try and find water bugs. They found snails and beetles, and some other little creatures and they LOVED finding them all by themselves.

After that the kids and I had a little snack on the picnic benches by the parking lot and they were thrilled to play/eat on the tree table and chairs. I'm not sure how much they ate but they sure did have fun and then we went on a hike. The trails are all gravel or mowed grass and very well marked. Pick up a map at the visitors center. We went and saw the Japanese garden and the log cabin. Both very cool! They have markers all along telling you what kind of tree or plant your looking at. At the Japanese garden there is a sign that explains what each of the garden features stand for. When the kids started to whine about being hot & tired I decided it was time to go. I made the impulse decision to drive through the park on the auto tour and I am SO glad that I did. We got to see so much and didn't have to lug the kids the whole way. There were places to pull over along the drive so if there was something you really wanted to stop and see a little better you could. The kids insisted that we stop at the observation tower. I will warn you that if your at all afraid of heights... you should stay on the first level. We went to the top and I about had a panic attack. It's completely safe and well maintained but then some of our fears are just not logical! The kids thought I was CRAZY!!! That aside... I am so excited to have finally discovered Dawes Arboretum! It is breath taking beautiful! It's a great way to get out into nature without coming home completely covered in it! You'll want to bring the whole family, have a picnic and then walk the trails. All the trails that we were on would be stroller friendly.
The bottom of the visitor center is an nature center. It has a bird watching garden and a working beehive. They also had snakes and turtles for the kids to look at up close. The arboretum has several events that go on through out the year. check out their calendar of events on their website. http://www.dawesarb.org/events/

Over all rating A+... great environment, great facilities, family friendly, and FREE!!! We will definitely be going back it is worth the drive!

Getting there

It really doesn't take that long to get there. I live on the West side of Columbus and it took me 44 minutes door to door so don't let the drive scare you off. Take I70 east toward Newark. Take the Ohio -13 exit 132. and go north 3 miles.

Physical address 7770 Jackstown Rd. Newark, Oh 43056

Gantz park

Gantz park is home to Gantz farm which has a huge barn that has been converted into a rec center of sorts. There are all kinds of activities for the kids and even summer camps. The farm is mostly know for the huge herb garden and the Arboretum. I'll be honest we didn't see the garden or learn anything about trees. In fact we didn't even see the east side of the park. There was a incident involving a water bottle, a nose, and an abrupt ended to our trip, Darn kids, but we did have alot of fun while we were there.

The playground is fun, swings and slides... the usual... they was even a mini climbing wall. My 9 year old was not overly impressed and started to wander. It didn't take him long to discover a little creek or crick (depending on what side of the Mason Dixon line you grew up on.)
It started innocently enough throwing rocks trying to walk across by stepping on the rocks that were sticking out of the water. I knew it was only a matter of time and the kids were wading in the shallow waters. There was work done on a damn that someone else had started and a few tadpoles that the kids feverishly chased after. As we were wading in behind the kids and watching them have so much fun, My friend made the comment "this is what childhood should look like". I have to say I agree. They had so much fun. They were a little nervous at first, but that did not last long. Thankfully I had a change of clothes and a towel for them in the car.What I liked.

This is an over all great little park. Huge picnic shelter with bathrooms (You'll be mad if you don't pack a lunch because you don't get access to a spread like that very often.) Well maintained. Oh I almost forgot if you cross the bridge there is a huge pile of bushes that seem like just a wild untamed mess.... but if you go in... its the coolest little fort. There were kids running in and out and all around.

Didn't care for

There was alot of wrappers and pop cans floating in the water. (But that can change if we all pick up something while we are there) and at one spot there seemed to be broken glass so next time the kids will definitely have on shoes.

Getting there

From I 270 take the Grove City Exit US62/OH3 and head south take your first left (Home Rd) and the park is down a ways on your right. For my Map Quest friends, 2255 Home Rd, Grove City, OH 43123

Home Depot - kids workshops

OK it's officially summer... so here's the first review.... The Home Depot Workshops

Cost=Free

When= 1st Saturday of the month

Time= 9 to noon

Where= All home Depot locations

Ages = 5-12 years old

I took the kids to our first Home Depot workshop. I had heard about them from a friend after I saw the adorable project they had in May and put it on the calendar to give it a try. We loved it! The kids made wooden soccer table games, think fooz-ball.

We walked to the area they had set aside for the workshops and each of the kids got an orange apron and their own packaged kit and we were able to get right to building. They had little hammers and goggles for the kids to wear and step by step picture instructions. But there were several associates there helping out so that the kids got to do it themselves but with a little help.

The kids just loved doing it all by themselves. I have to be honest it was hard at times to not just take over to just get it done, but I was so glad that I held myself back and let them do it! They were so proud of themselves when they saw a pile of wood and nails turn into something fun that they had built themselves. Plus they get a pin to put on their apron after they finish the project and a certificate.

And as far as the age recommendation, My youngest is 3 and he did just fine and I had my oldest niece who is 12, do one of the projects and she like it too! " so it'll cover a wide age range and it doesn't matter if they are boys or girls, both with enjoy building. Plus the wood can be painted and decorated to personalize the project.


I will pass on one little piece of advice get there as early as you can. We got there are were the only ones, but by the time we left the place was pretty full and people were having to do the projects on the floor. but that really wasn't that big of a deal they had plenty of supplies for everyone! It took us about 40 minutes to complete, but a neighbor/friend came in with his son and was in and out in less than 20. (my kids like to take their own sweet time, they get it from their father) :)

All in all I give this one an A. It was free.... it was fun.... it was painless and it didn't require any pre-planning other than remembering its the first Saturday of the month. Just go and put it on you calendars now for the rest of the year so you don't forget!
They already had the next month's project figured out, a periscope and a pencil holder is what they'll be making in August.

The Dancing Bunnies

I was a little excited about starting this blog and decided to get a jump on this new adventure.

Our first "Un-official" excursion of the summer was to the bunny splash park. The real name for the park is Ballantrae Park, but most people just refer to it as the Bunny Park. (There are 3 dancing bunnies on top of the hill) But the bunnies are just for show, the real fun is the splash park at the bottom of the Hill. This really is one of the coolest ideas I’ve ever seen. There is a 15 foot waterfall that falls down onto tiles that have water squirting up out of them. The water sprays out at different speeds and at different heights and is constantly changing, it’s SO fun.

What I loved.
It’s FREE, clean, and well maintained I love that you don’t have to worry about one of the kids drowning and they can each do their own thing. If they want to stand in the waterfall and get drenched, they can… if they want to stand along the edge and just get their feet wet they can do that too. People tend to bring cups, buckets, and other water toys to scoop and throw water, but the parents are usually good at correcting their own kids so that it doesn’t get out of hand. Plus this is usually a younger crowd (under 10) so there is not a lot of the horse play that usually accompanies the tween/teenage crowds. This is a great park and worth the trip for anyone in Central Ohio looking for a fun and free day of water fun!

The Facilities:
I’m happy to report that there are bathrooms at the edge of the parking lot.(Especially Important to know for those of us Potty training). The park also has a few picnic tables that if you’re lucky you can score and claim for the time you are there. Even without the picnic tables if you bring a blanket to spread out in the grass you’ll have a perfect spot for eating lunch or snacks. There are also GIANT rocks that the kids can climb on, out in the grassy area. They put up a fence above the waterfall so that kids can’t climb up and on top of the waterfall area. (I was so relieved, last summer my then 8 year old got half way to the top before I saw him) And the dancing bunnies that my kids refer to are actually three 14 foot tall bronze Dancing Hares, that were created by English artist Sophie Ryder. (I found that out while trying to find the address online.) So you can give your kids an art lesson while following the path that winds up to the top. Plus the bunnies offer a good way to get the kids warmed up/dried off a little and a good distraction. You can go up and see the bunnies on your way to the car.

What I didn’t care for.
There is NO shade. Like I said above, there are a handful of picnic tables with umbrellas, but those are hard to score and really don’t offer that much shade. So if you want to get your kids out of the sun, bring your own sun shade. The other potentially problematic issue is that the area is not contained, meaning that there is no fence to keep your kids in the splash park. That being said it’s pretty far from the road and other “traveled areas” so as long as you keep you little one’s in sight you really don’t have to worry.

Getting there
The dancing bunny park…. aka Ballantrae Park, is located in Dublin.
From I -270 take the Tuttle crossing Blvd. Exit. Head west on Tuttle crossing Blvd. Turn right (North) onto Emerald Pkwy and then turn left (west) onto Woerner Temple Rd. The park is located just past Avery Rd. For those of you who want to Mapquest your way, the physical address is 6350 Woerner Temple Rd, Dublin Ohio

It's almost summer time

We are in the home stretch ladies and gentleman… only 3 days left until school is out for the summer. Part of me is Ecstatic! I am so tired of the school routine. The daily morning rush of getting everyone up dressed, fed, and out the door. I’m looking forward to a leisurely breakfast, letting the kids roll out of bed and let them stay in their PJ’s until noon.

But for as much as I want the leisurely morning, I have no idea what to do with them for the other 14 hours of the day. I’m a SAHM so it’s up to me to provide stimulating and educating activities that are free or very inexpensive to do. I went to Wally World yesterday and stocked up on water paints, play dough, and sidewalk chalk, that will get us through 1 day. Only 87 more to go. (Yes I counted there are 88 days from the last day of school until the first day back) I’ve checked into summer camps and they are out of our price range, and the little ones aren’t quite old enough anyway. So what’s a girl to do? Luckily I live in a Columbus and this town is FULL of metro parks, Rec centers, and libraries with tons of free activities. Plus there seems to be a festival celebrating something just about every weekend during the summer.

So join me as I explore all that Central Ohio has to offer an economically challenged family of five. The kids and I plan to check out as many places as we can and create some home spun fun and then write about our experiences as we survive summer break.