Fun, inexpensive or free things to do in Central Ohio #10--Free Concerts

If you are looking for something fun and free to do on a Friday evening with the family head on down to Grove City.  There you will find the Summer Sizzle Concert Series. 

What:  Summer Sizzle Concert Series
When: Fridays in the summer from 7-8:30p
Where:  Park St. and Broadway (Hwy 62) in Grove City
Schedule:
Family Fun Friday, Summer Sizzle Concerts

June 4: Paul Clark Band, Oldies
June 11: Eight Day A Week, Beatles Tribute Band
June 18: The Cyndi Black Big Band, Big Band
June 25: Dwight Lenox, Jazz/Swing
July 9: Blend, Acappella 50's
July 16: Robin Lacy & DeZydeco, Zydeco/New Orleans
July 30: Party of Nine, Classic Rock/R&B
Aug. 6: These Guys Live, Classic Rock
Aug. 13: Soul Kitch'n, Classic Soul/R&B/Funk
Aug. 20: Coyote Canyon Band, Variety/Family Favorites

During the concert Park St. is blocked off so they kids can play.  Kids can play with sidewalk chalk, hula hoops, and jump ropes during the concert.  Don't forget to stop in Graeter's for yummy ice cream or shakes to help you cool off during the concert.

If you come you may want to get there early or bring a chair as the provided chairs tend to fill up quickly.  If you don't care about a chair there is generally room to sit on the curb so you can watch your kids play while you listen to the music.  Oh, and be prepared for dirty children!  They are playing on the asphalt and tend to get filthy in the process.

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, 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.