This is all mangle-y, i'm having a horrid day but maybe if I ask this and can start planning it, then it will be one worry off my mind and I can move on.
ok Hubs put together this extended family vacation in Columbus, We have 3days, the grandparents will be off visiting their childhood haunts etc, I'm assuming we will all meet up for dinner every night. There will be3 families with kid, and trying to reach a compromise can be very difficult.
So the Zoo, it's ok but not great? how big a 9 am-6pm or can you do it in half a day? anything super interesting there???
CoSci That's the science center??? I head it 's great, but might mean the older kids spend the day running around and the younger kids have to break off and run around on other floors? also heard it's expensive?? any must do's with that?
Any great playgrounds near these places, or fun splash pad type places?
I'm kind of leaning towards the zoo, because I think with our age range of kids we could all stay together and if some of the older generation wanted too they could come with us. plus money is a factor for my family at least and if its' cheaper that would be a bonus.
If it is rainy though, then we are stuck, I thought I would bring UNO and a few other games, or puzzles plus we'll have the hotel pool, and we could buy a movie.
any other great ideas to get the kids to bond since some of them have never met????
thanks, I know i'm asking a lot, i'm just not feeling up to this and maybe you imput could help me get syked up.
There's a mom from Columbus who blogs about all kinds of things to do with kids in/around Columbus. Take a look at her page at: cbusmom.com
The zoo is nice- lots of baby animals right now. Tiger cubs (T, F, S,S), snow leopards and clouded leopard cubs - get there early to see the little ones active. Gorilla is out every day I think 12-3, also red river hogs, and a few others. There are a couple of aplygrounds within the zoo- older kids might be too tall. Dino boat ride is nice. Waterpark is extra, but supposed to be great. Could easily spend the whole day there, take a lunch if you want.
Cosi is interesting and fun. The children's play space is great, space for older kids right there. The older ones might like the myth busters exhibit that is there. Something for everyone, but they may want to split up a little. You can check out all of their exhibits online.
Powell also has a splash pad (Liberty and Powell Rds) There is also a small playground there too. Orange Park has a nice pool ($12 a person maybe) with water slides, kid play area. There is a huge playground right next too it (free).
Depending on the day of the week there are free activites, but they are not full day. The arbortum is pretty- but might not really entertain.
I haven't been to the Columbus Zoo, but it is ranked as one of the best in the US. It has a separate water park (with a separate fee) next to it. There are caves or caverns nearby as well. Have fun!
Whenever we stay in a hotel, I bring snacks and games that are totally different than the ones we have at home. If you have a 5 Below where you live, this is a good place to store up on several unusual games and crafts for $20.
Apples to Apples is a fun game to play for the whole family. Lots of players and the very young can team up with older players. It's the most requested game when we are with family/friends because everyone can play. Spoons (card game played with spoons) is another favorite. It's all about making memories for the kids! Have fun.
The Columbus Zoo is the best zoo I've been too and there is a waterpark attached. Well worth an entire day or break it up into two days. I don't remember if CoSci would be ok for a 13 year old but they'd still have fun showing the little ones all the cool things. Other than that stay in a hotel with a pool and bring some games to play and I'm sure every one will have fun. Last August we stayed at the Staybridge Suites near the mall in Dublin and it was so much fun. Breakfast every morning, pool and large enough suites to give every one space. I did find it hard to find parks to just go run around at so I would do a search of ones close to the hotel before you go.
There are splash pads at Polaris mall and also at Easton Town Center. The zoo is great you may need a full day if you want to see everything.
If it rains there are tons of bounce house places. I just don't what their names are.
