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

Fun, inexpensive or free things do to around Central Ohio #9---Free Movies

Does your child like movies?  Are you looking for a fun, free way to spend a morning?  Then come down to Grove City on Wednesday or Thursday mornings in the summer. 

Each Wednesday and Thursday in the summer Star Cinemas has a free movie showing.  The movies begin at 10a and doors open at 9a.  So, get there early if you want a seat!  Here is a link to the showings: Star Cinema.  The Family Summer Morning Matinee Series list is toward the bottom of the page.

Fun, inexpensive or free things do to around Central Ohio #8--Young's Jersey Dairy

For the eighth installment of things to do I am going to talk about Young's Jersey Dairy. 

Young's Jersey Dairy
6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd

Yellow Springs, OH
In the summer (June 1- August 15) Young's Dairy Store and Cheese Market is open Sunday- Thursday from 7a-11p.  On Friday and Saturday they are open from 7a-midnight.  Please check the website for hours of operation for Udders and Putters, the petting zoo, and other attractions.
 
We have been to Young's twice now since moving to Ohio.  Both times we have gone was for A Wool Gathering as I like to knit and crochet (I will post about A Wool Gathering later in the summer). It is about an hour drive from Columbus to Yellow Springs. It is an easy drive as it is just out west on I-70.
 
Young's has much more than you would expect from a Dairy.  Mainly because it isn't just a dairy.  They have putt putt golf (Udders and Putters), a petting zoo, barrel train (Moovers and Shakers), big tractors to sit on, Cowvin's Kiddie Corral (play area), and much more.  In the fall there is a corn maze as well.
 
Monkey's pick is Moovers and Shakers.  I think he could ride on that train all day!  Second pick for him would be the large tractors.  He just loved sitting on them and pretending to drive them. 
 
There is plenty of parking so you needn't worry.  Once you've parked I suggest you explore the dairy and all it has to offer before going into the ice cream shop.  I've found that it makes a great bribe for good behavior during the trip.  Especially, when momma wants to look at roving, yarn, and patterns (from A Wool Gathering).
 
Is Young's free?  Yes and no.  Some of the things are free at Young's.  The petting zoo is free as are the large, retired tractors.  You will have to pay to ride Moovers and Shakers,  to play at Udders and Putters, or to go into Cowvin's Kiddle Corral and for some other attractions.
 
For what age groups is Young's appropriate?  Pretty much all age groups will enjoy Young's.  Little ones can go in Cowvin's Kiddie Corral, Moovers and Shakers, and the petting zoo.  Older kids can enjoy Udders and Putters, driving range, and batting cages.  Everyone should enjoy the ice cream.  I mean after all who doesn't like ice cream?
 
So, pile the kids in the car and head to Young's!  The weather has been great so get out and enjoy it!
 
 
 

 

Fun, free or inexpensive things to do around Central Ohio #7---Splash Pad

I took a few days off due to the holiday, but now it is back to the grind.  Today's installment is for the Central Ohio crowd, sorry.  The fun, free thing today is the Splash Pad in Powell.

The Splash Pad is located at Village Green Park, 47 Hall Street in Powell, OH.  The park is open from dawn until dusk.  The Splash Pad is appropriate for children of all ages (well, maybe teens would be bored).

What to bring:  Kids need to bring or wear a swimsuit unless you want wet regular clothing.  A towel is good to bring as well.  There are bathrooms nearby, but children need to wear shoes in the bathrooms. 

I have only been to the Splash Pad once, but it was lots of fun.  Monkey and I went with our moms' group after a Lollipops concert last year (the concerts are held at the same park).  It was a very hot day and the kids loved being able to cool off at the Splash Pad.

What will you find when you get to the Splash Pad?  You will find a 2000 sq ft water play area.  The area has fountains that shoot up, buckets that drop, and many other fun, water related activities. 

The Splash Pad floor  is made of that squishy, foamy type surface that you see at most water play areas.  I am not sure what it is called.  It is cool for bare feet and also offers a bit of a cushion for falls.  The pad has recently been resurfaced so it should be in great condition for this summer.

What if you don't want to get wet?  Well, you're in luck!  There is a nice dry park right next to the Splash Pad.  Many kids go back and forth between the two areas. 

So, bring a picnic and spend the day at Village Green Park and the Splash Pad in Powell, OH. 

Fun, inexpensive, or free things to do in Central Ohio #3---Home Depot

This post actually applies to everyone who has a Home Depot nearby.  On the first Saturday of the month Home Depot has free Kids' Workshops for children ages 5-12.  Workshops are held  from 9-noon or while supplies last.  There is no pre-registration required.  http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=Kids_Workshops&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&navFlow=3&searchRedirect=kids workshops&cm_sp=searchredirect-_-kids_workshop_lp-_-x-_-x

The next workshop is scheduled for Saturday, June 5.  The craft is a mini foosball table. 

These workshops expose children to the basics of woodworking and building.  All crafts include hammering and gluing.  Children receive an orange Home Depot apron at their first workshop and a pin upon completion of each craft.

Monkey has been to two of this Kids' Workshops.  He has enjoyed both, but both have required considerable help from an adult.  He has made a firetruck and a perpetual calendar.

Fun, inexpensive, or free things to do in Central Ohio #2

Sorry about yesterday.  We spent the day at the zoo and then I had a raging headache and went to bed early.  This is what I had planned for yesterday's post:

Swisher Creek Alpaca Farm located in Blacklick, OH  www.alpacanation.com/swishercreekfarm.asp
614-939-1872  or swishercreekfarm@aol.com  Tours are free, but you need to call/email to schedule one.

This is a small alpaca farm owned by Judy and Pete Klein.  I met them at our local farmer's market a few years ago and contacted them about a tour.  Our moms' group went last fall for an up close and personal tour.  Blacklick is about an hour away from Columbus.

We arrived at the farm about mid-morning for a private tour.  We had about 10 kids with us.  Judy meet us at the shop behind their house to begin the tour.  She began by telling us about their farm and the alpacas.  We then walked down the road to the alpacas.  Judy let us all go into the alpaca pen.  This was the first time all of us had been inside one. The kids loved it!  There were alpacas of all sizes and colors, although I think the caramel colored ones are the prettiest.  The alpacas were skittish at first, but then their curiosity got the better of them and they walked up to the children.  The children were able to pet some of them and to hear the sounds that they make.

After we left the pen Judy answered any of the questions that we had.  We walked back up the road to the barn and went into the shop. 

In the shop Judy has fiber from her alpacas for sale.  We found some very unique Christmas ornaments in the shop.  Monkey fell in love with a miniature alpaca toy and it had to come home.  Judy also has knit items for sale in the shop as well as yarn and roving. I am a knitter and loved looking at and feeling the fiber.  If you have never felt alpaca fiber it is very soft, softer than mohair.   Alpaca fiber is also very warm.

The total tour takes less than one hour.  Their only request is that tour goers stop in the gift shop to have a look.

Fun, inexpensive or free things to do in Central Ohio #1

Since I am part of a moms' group here in my town I thought I would post some of the things that we do to help keep us and the kids entertained.  Because most of us stay at home money can be an issue.  So, we try to do a mix of free and paid activities.  I will be posting one or two activities per day.  So, stay tuned!

Velvet Ice Cream Factory in Utica, OH.   http://www.velveticecream.com/
Tours are free.  The factory is open May-October.  Group tours are given Monday-Thursday from 11-3. Please sign in for the tour at the barn.

Velvet Ice Cream is a family run ice cream factory.  The factory is set on several acres of land.  In addition to a water wheel and the ice cream factory on the property you will also find a creek with ducks and geese, a picnic shelter, and two Rainbow play structures.

The actual factory tour is somewhat limited.  Your tour begins in the barn for an iintroduction to the area and to the history of the factory.  After the talk and video you will be escorted up the hill to the factory.  Once inside you are in a room with a large viewing window of the factory.  Your tour guide will tell you about each area of the factory while you watch the ice cream being made and packaged.  In the viewing room you will also find displays of vintage and current Velvet packaging.  My son found it really neat to look at the old style packages (not sure why, but he did).  The tour lasts about 30-45min.

No tour is complete, however, without a stop to the ice cream shop.  In the shop you will find many (if not all) of the yummy ice cream flavors Velvet makes.  So, get your ice cream and go out by the creek or play area to enjoy!

I would plan for an entire afternoon if you go to Velvet.  Bring a lunch and hang out for a bit.  Let the children play while the adults relax and chat.

Monkey and I have been to the factory twice.  Both times he has had a blast!  The first time was with my parents a couple of years ago and the second was last summer with our moms' group.  Each time I think he has enjoyed playing and eating the ice cream more than he has enjoyed the tour, but you must realize he is a very active boy.  The older kids seem to take much more interest in the actual tour.  The tour can also make for a good homeschooling lesson.