Last summer my husband, son, several friends and I ran in a 5K race at the Village Chapel United Methodist Church in Ashville, OH. It was called the Freedom Run. One of the things that the entry fees helped to support was a mission of the church called The Way.
The Way helps to keep teens and pre-teens busy and off the streets. They have Bible study and other activities. One of the big ones is an indoor skateboard park. As far as I know it is the only indoor skate park in this part of Ohio. At the time I just filed this away. Fast forward five months to an almost six year old Monkey who wants to learn to skateboard.
Last Wednesday night my son and I drove down to Ashville to check out The Way Skate Park. It is in a 4,000 sq ft warehouse on Main St in Ashville. It has a half pipe and several ramps (excuse my ignorance as I am just now learning about skateboarding). That night there were about nine kids there (mostly middle schoolers) on bikes and skateboards. Almost all of the children were very polite and willing to help out my little novice. I think it was a good experience overall. Monkey had a great time and has been begging to go back.
If you'd like to go:
The Way Skate Park
269 West Main
Ashville, OH
Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 6-9p.
Cost: Admission is by donation. The park is staffed by volunteers.
Skateboard rental is $1.
Helmet rental is $1 (helmets are required).
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Wow! It has been so long!
I have been busy with other life consuming activities lately. I am so sorry for not posting anything sooner. I will be more diligent in the future.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Tea Collection Giveaway
If you go to this link and post a comment about Tea Collection you will be entered to win a $100 gift card to Tea Collection. That could go a long way for outfitting your little one this fall. Good luck!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Fun, inexpensive or free things to do with kids around Central Ohio #12--Dawes Arboretum
Looking to get the kids outside this summer? Want to expose them to nature? Then visit the Dawes Arboretum in Newark. It is about a 50 min drive from the Columbus area. Admission is free and there is even a hands on area in the basement of the Visitor's Center.
Dawes was founded by Berman and Bertie Dawes in 1929. The area has over 1800 acres and over eight miles of hiking trails. You will find over 15,00 living plants at the Arboretum. Every season at Dawes brings something new.
One of the latest attractions at Dawes is the StoryTrail. This is an interactive trail for children. The featured book is John Himmelman's Mouse in a Meadow. On this trail children will read about a mouse and act out some of the pages. At the end there is a guide of insects and spiders so that the children can search for them. The trail is open during regular business hours for six months beginning May 4, 2010.
My friend and I took our boys there yesterday. They had lots of fun running around the grounds. It was very hot so we did seek out shady areas. So, the Deep Woods was a welcomed area with its thick, dense trees. Another spot the boys enjoyed was the Japanese Garden. They enjoyed the stepping stones across the pond. There they could peer at the fish in the pond.
The interactive area in the basement of the Vistor's Center was also a hit. There the boys were able to look at two different snakes and a couple of turtles. The one rat snake seemed unusually active and it really held their attention. For adults there is a nice seating area that looks out onto a garden complete with a waterfall. We saw many pretty American Goldfinches along with other native birds.
We did not do the entire arboretum so we will have to go back. I think we will go again in the fall when it is a tad cooler and when the leaves have begun to change.
Dawes Arboretum
7770 Jacksontown Rd, SE
Newark, OH 43056
http://www.sawesarb.org/
Dawes is open from 7a until dusk year round. The Visitor's Center is open Monday-Saturday from 8a-5p. On Sundays and holidays from 10a-5p. They are closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Admission is free.
Dawes was founded by Berman and Bertie Dawes in 1929. The area has over 1800 acres and over eight miles of hiking trails. You will find over 15,00 living plants at the Arboretum. Every season at Dawes brings something new.
One of the latest attractions at Dawes is the StoryTrail. This is an interactive trail for children. The featured book is John Himmelman's Mouse in a Meadow. On this trail children will read about a mouse and act out some of the pages. At the end there is a guide of insects and spiders so that the children can search for them. The trail is open during regular business hours for six months beginning May 4, 2010.
My friend and I took our boys there yesterday. They had lots of fun running around the grounds. It was very hot so we did seek out shady areas. So, the Deep Woods was a welcomed area with its thick, dense trees. Another spot the boys enjoyed was the Japanese Garden. They enjoyed the stepping stones across the pond. There they could peer at the fish in the pond.
The interactive area in the basement of the Vistor's Center was also a hit. There the boys were able to look at two different snakes and a couple of turtles. The one rat snake seemed unusually active and it really held their attention. For adults there is a nice seating area that looks out onto a garden complete with a waterfall. We saw many pretty American Goldfinches along with other native birds.
We did not do the entire arboretum so we will have to go back. I think we will go again in the fall when it is a tad cooler and when the leaves have begun to change.
Dawes Arboretum
7770 Jacksontown Rd, SE
Newark, OH 43056
http://www.sawesarb.org/
Dawes is open from 7a until dusk year round. The Visitor's Center is open Monday-Saturday from 8a-5p. On Sundays and holidays from 10a-5p. They are closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Admission is free.
On the StoryTrail
View of part of the StoryTrail.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Fun, inexpensive or free things to do with kids around Central Ohio #11--Fryer Flicks on the Hill
Here is another freebie for the movie buffs out there. For this one you don't even need kids as many of the movies are classics and not children's movies. Every Thursday night in Grove City a movie is shown at dusk at Fryer Park. The movie screen is near/in one of the parking lots. Patrons sit on the sledding hill to view the movie. Ice cream and snacks are sold. Come early to get a good seat and let the kids play in the spaced themed park.
What: Fryer Flicks on the Hill
When: Every Thursday at Dusk
Where: Fryer Park at 3899 Orders Road in Grove City
What to Bring: A blanket or lawn chair. Snacks are also allowed (no glass)
Schedule:
Thursday, July 8: “Casablanca”
Thursday, July 15: “Hotel for Dogs”
Thursday, July 22: “Beverly Hills Cop” (edited edition)
Thursday, July 29: “Charlotte’s Web”
Thursday, Aug. 5: “Rudy”
What: Fryer Flicks on the Hill
When: Every Thursday at Dusk
Where: Fryer Park at 3899 Orders Road in Grove City
What to Bring: A blanket or lawn chair. Snacks are also allowed (no glass)
Schedule:
Thursday, July 8: “Casablanca”
Thursday, July 15: “Hotel for Dogs”
Thursday, July 22: “Beverly Hills Cop” (edited edition)
Thursday, July 29: “Charlotte’s Web”
Thursday, Aug. 5: “Rudy”
Friday, June 25, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
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.
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.
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