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.