Fun Free or Inexpensive Things to do Around Central Ohio: Central Ohio Fire Museum and Learning Center

Do you have a son who is wild about fire trucks?  Does he want to dress like a fireman every Halloween?  Does he point out a firehouse every time you pass one?  If so then you should visit the Central Ohio Fire Museum and Learning Center .

The Central Ohio Fire Museum and Learning Center is housed in an old fire station in downtown Columbus.  As the name implies there is a museum.  It is pretty neat, although not hands on.  The museum portion has exhibits of old fire engines, hook and ladder trucks, fire alarm boxes, and all sorts of equipment used by fire fighters for the past 150 yrs or so.

There is also a learning area where children learn about fire safety.  If you schedule a tour your group can have one of these presentations.  They are divided into two categories: Preschool and School Age. 

Preschoolers learn the differences between "tools" and "toys."  The fire fighter explains that "tools" are used by adults and includs things such as knives, hammers, and matches.  He also explains that "toys" are for children.  Examples of both are used and the children have to determine if they are tools or toys.  Preschoolers also see a fire fighter completely decked out in his gear.  This is to help them learn that fire fighters aren't really scary, but are there to help you and that you shouldn't hide from them.  The total presetation takes about 20-30 min.

School age children learn about fire safety in the kitchen such as moving the toaster away from drapes, making sure electrical outlets aren't overloaded, etc.  These children also practice escaping from a bedroom filled with smoke.  They are also able to see the aftermath of a fire in a bedroom.  The children also develop a fire drill/plan of their own as a part of this program.

Lastly, there is a hands on play area for the children.  It is small, but the kids enjoy it.  There is a fire engine to play and and a fire pole to slide down. 

The Central Ohio Fire Museum and Learning Center is not free.  Parking is free, but admission is not.  Cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children. They do offer group rates. Their hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10a-4p.  The museum is also available for parties. 

Address: 260 N. Fourth St.
Columbus, OH 43215

Fun, Free or Inexpensive Things to Do Around Central, OH: Metro Parks

Did you know that there are 15 metro parks in the Columbus area?  Yes, 15!  Plus, there are plans for a new one in Grove City (not sure when it will come into fruition though).  All 15 of these metro parks offer free programs for children, teens, adults, and seniors.  Our tax dollars go to support these metro parks so why not check them out?  You might even learn a thing or two!  :-)

The one we frequent the most is Battelle Darby Creek since it is the closest.  Plus, they offer a regularly scheduled Preschooler Program each month.  In fact they have four of these each month!  That is more than any other metro park.  The Battelle Darby Creek Preschoolers Programs are generally offered on the second Tuesday of the month at 9:30a and 11:00a and then again on the last Friday of the month (sometimes this will change due to holidays and such) at 11:00a and 1:00p.  The same program is presented at all four and the topic changes each month.  Last month was owls. This month they will be talking about snakes.

The Preschooler Programs (ages 3-5.5 or 6) seem to be fairly standard from park to park.  The kids gather on the floor while the naturalist talks about the topic.  After that they will read and story and sing a song.  Once that is done a craft is made based on the topic for the month.  The programs last 45 min to an hour and are lots of fun!

Some of the metro parks (generally Sharon Woods and Blendon Woods) offer Homeschooler Programs as well.  The age range is for 6 and up, but after going to one I think they are geared more toward ages 10 and up.  It was a little too much for my six year old Monkey.  The owl program at Sharon Woods lasted almost two hours with lots of sitting still time.  He doesn't do well with sitting still and he found it boring.  At the end they dissected an owl pellet and he did enjoy that. We've not been to any other Homeschooler Programs so I cannot comment much about them.  We've been to many, many more Preschooler Programs.

Check out Metro Parks Programs for the current schedule of events.  Some of the metro parks require registration for their programs and others do not. 

The photos below are all from various programs at Battelle Darby Creek.

Young Chef's Academy: A Fun Activity For Winter.

Does your little one always want to help you in the Kitchen?  Does he eat more (or more variety) if he helps you to cook?  Then you might want to check out Young Chef's Academy in Gahanna.

Last week my moms' group had a cooking class at Young Chef's Academy.  Our group had a private, 1.5 hour time slot.  We dropped the kids off and went to lunch.  While we were gone the children made pizza.  Sounds simple, right?  No. Well, sort of. 

At Young Chef's Academy the children learn to cook mostly from scratch (I say mostly because they have been known to use a mix or two).  We chose a pizza class because we had younger children attending.  For this class they made pizza dough from scratch.  All the kids were fascinated by the bubbling, blooming yeast.  Then, they were each able to mix the dough.  After that it rose while they talked about cooking and colored paper chef's hats.  Then, it was time to roll out the pizza, top it, and bake it.  Afterward the children were able to enjoy their creation.  It was a hit!  None of the pizza was left!  Monkey even asked for more!

We have been to Young Chef's Academy twice.  Each time my son has absolutely enjoyed himself.  I only wish there was one closer to us because he would love to take a weekly class.

Young Chef's Academy has classes and camps for children ages 3+.  They also offer birthday parties and field trips for groups (school, Scouts, moms' groups, etc.).  This is not one of the cheaper things I post about, but it is fun.  The cost for the private class was $14 per child.  Weekly classes are $79 with a three month minimum and a $49 registration fee.

BRRRR!! It Is Cold Outside!

Has anyone noticed the temperature lately?  It seems to be dropping rapidly and it seems winter is here to stay.  Did you know that in the past week there was snow in all states except Florida?  I wonder about Hawaii.  I can't imagine they had snow so maybe it was just in the Lower 48 and Alaska. Regardless, it is cold!!! 

Why am I mentioning this?  You may think I am being silly.  It is winter after all and it is supposed to be cold in winter, right?  Well, I am using this as an opportunity to talk about car seats. Specifically, winter coats and after market products like the JJ Cole Bundle Me.  These items are very hazardous when it comes to car seats.  Why?  Well, read on!

Many parents buy the JJ Cole Bundle Me because they want to keep their precious infants warm during the cold months.  Many parents assume that since it is sold in stores that it is safe.  It isn't.  The Bundle Me goes between your baby and the harness of the infant carrier.  This alters the way the harness fits your baby.  You may think the straps are tight enough, but in reality they are not.  In a crash that Bundle Me will compress.  That compression can be enough to loosen the straps so your little darling becomes a missile.  No parent wants that. 

Plus, as an after market product it will void your car seat's warranty.  You may be thinking who cares about a warranty.  Well, you will if your baby is injured.  If your baby is injured in a crash and you use an aftermarket product then you cannot sue the car seat manufacturer.  The product could not do its job properly due to the aftermarket product.

You may now be scratching your head wondering what you should do to keep Junior warm.  A puffy, thick coat perhaps? No. An infant or child in any type of car seat should never wear a coat in the car.  It, too, interferes with the function of the harness and can compress in a crash launching your child out of the seat.

So, what should you do?  Well, there are a few safe options.  For an infant carrier try a shower cap style cover  This style cover goes over the whole seat and does not interfere with the harness.  Some examples are the Jeep Infant Carrier Cover on Amazon for $19.99, Baby's World Cover on Amazon fr $19.99, and the Kidopotamus CozyUp Carrier Cover on Amazon for $19.46.  All three are pictured below. 


Now, if your child is no longer in a carrier you may want to check out the Car Seat Poncho . Your child can wear it both in and out of the car.  Prices, sizes, and colors vary. 


Another option is to have your child wear a coat to the car and have him remove it in the car.  Then, strap him in without the coat.  Once he is strapped in put his coat on him backwards. 

Lastly, you can do what I do.  We use a plain old blanket in the car.  We call it our Car Blanket. When Monkey gets in the car he immediately removes his coat.  I strap him in and cover him with the blanket. He has never complained.  None of us wear coats in the car and it warms up pretty quickly with the heater.

I hope these tips help you out this winter.  Part of the reason I have this blog is to keep babies and children safe. I feel the best way to do this is through education.  It is not to berate someone who doesn't know any better.  Once you have the knowledge you have the power!  Good luck and stay warm!!

World of Bounce #1 for Fun Things to do With Kids in Central Ohio

I am sure almost all of you have been to World of Bounce at some point.  It has caused quite the commotion since opening a little over two years ago.  The big attraction is it gives kids of all ages something to do in Grove City during the long, cold winters.  My son loves going and could probably go every week.

If you don't know World of Bounce is locally owned indoor play area with large inflatable play structures.  There are two rooms and each have similar structures.  Each area has a large slide which always seems to have a long line when we go.

World of Bounce has Open Bounce times where you can just pay a fee and come in for up to three hours and play.  Parents bounce for free.  There are Open Bounce times on weekdays and on weekends.  Check the site for the most current times.

They also have Family Bounce Nights where the whole family (two adults and two kids) bounces for $30 and that includes one large pizza and drinks. 

Another big draw are the private parties.  There are different rates for these so check out their website.

If you go be sure to bring socks!  If you don't have any you will have to purchase socks there.  My advice is to dress your kids in clothing that you aren't attached to as my son has worn the knees out of several pairs of pants while bouncing. Parents, I'd bring a jacket or sweatshirt since it always seems to be chilly inside. 

World of Bounce
1649 Gateway Circle
Grove City, OH

http://www.worldofbounceparty.com/indexMain.html

It has finally "clicked"!!!

The Monkey can tell time!!  I am so happy!  It finally "clicked" for him on December 30, 2010.  He wore his watch that day and started telling everyone the time about every ten minutes! We have been working on this for almost a year now.  He has been able to tell the hour and half for quite some time.  I even got him a watch last summer in the hopes that it would help.

For the past few months in school we've been working on quarter hours.  He just didn't get it.  He didn't get the whole counting by fives on the clock face either.

I'm not sure what happened, but for some reason he now understands!  It is great, but slightly annoying having a timekeeper/announcer.  One of the cutest things was when I said I needed to put a watch on and he told me that I didn't have to because he had his watch and could tell me the time. 

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year everyone, 2011 is now upon us.  Any resolutions or big plans for the new year?  No resolutions here.  I only wish to strive to be happy and productive this year.  I'd also like to be gainfully employed (preferably working from home) this year.

For Monkey I would love it if he wouldn't fight so much on school, but mainly I want him to be happy as well.  He is a good little boy with a good heart.

Did you know that 2011 will have four dates with all ones in it?  Yes, these are the things I think about before going to sleep at night.  Anyway, it will.  Today is the first date.  The next will be 1-11-11.  The third is 11-1-11, and the last is 11-11-11.  I once heard that ones and elevens are the signs of angels and that babies born on days with ones will have good luck and do well in life.  Has anyone else heard this?