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, inepensive, or free things to do in Central Ohio #4--Lollipops Concerts

For my fourth installment of fun things to do in Central Ohio I am going to talk about the Lollipops Concerts.  These are held in Powell, OH each summer.  They are free concerts featuring children's bands.

Our moms' group went to one last summer.  It was the first time any of us had been and I wasn't sure what to expect.  The band scheduled to play was Thaddeus Rex.  I had never heard of this band, but then my children's music is limited to Kindermusik and Veggie Tales. 

We were told it would be crowded and they were right!  It was very crowded and I am glad we got there early.  Upon entering the amphitheatre each child was given a Dum Dum lollipop.  I am assuming this is how the concert series got its name.

All of the moms met up (aren't cell phones wonderful?) and spread blankets out before the show began. The kids ran around while we waited for the show to begin.  Once it began the kids were interested in the stage. There was this giant green dinosaur that came onto the stage along with a man with a guitar.  The man sang and the dinosaur danced.  The kids thought it was great and they all began dancing.  The children were invited to dance near the stage and many did. 

The music was rather entertaining.  Yes, it was kids' music, but it also had some funny comments and undertones for adults.  It wasn't all sing songy like Row, Row, Your Boat, and Mary Had a Little Lamb, etc.  They were original songs. 

The concert lasted about an hour. Afterward the band stayed behind to sell CDs and chat with the kids. 

This year the day of the week has changed.  The concerts are now on Mondays and there are only three this summer.  Concerts begin promptly at 10:30. Here is a link to the site: Lollipops Concerts

I highly suggest getting there at least an hour early. Parking is free.  Once you get there mark out your territory as the space fills up quickly.  Bring along sunscreen as there is no shade what-so-ever.  If you plan to stay after the concert and hang out at the Splash Pad (I will blog about this later) bring a swimsuit or at least a towel for your little ones.

The performer I'd most love to see at a Lollipops Concert is Barenaked Ladies.  My son would love to hear them sing the Snacktime CD.  Although, I am 99% sure they would never even entertain coming because they are too popular and successful, but one can dream, right?