Did you know I stared this blog while I was a nanny during undergrad (and then grad school)? It was a way for me to connect and create a circle of “co-workers” aka people who wanted to have playdates! One of my favorite things about nannying was getting to explore Columbus (and beyond) through the eyes of G & L (the kiddos I nannied for) + being able to share the fun spots/events with all of you!
Fast forward a few years, now I am doing the same thing with my girls – exploring the city I love through their eyes and sharing with all of you along the way.
One thing that was really popular while I was nannying was sharing my favorite things to do during the week. While there are a TON of events happening on the weekends here in Columbus, it gets a bit harder to find new things to do during the week, especially when school is back in session! This is where this blog post will (hopefully) come in handy.
Each Sunday, around 8pm (minus tonight, ya know the first night I am sharing) – I will share ten things to do with your kiddos. Each event will be under $5 (hopefully free #sahmBUDGET) and will take place throughout Central Ohio during weekday hours. It might be a one time event, a new re-occuring event, a favorite story time, or maybe special pricing at a place we’ve been before (and love).
The goal of this weekly post is to help make it easier for you to find affordable ways to explore Central Ohio with your kiddos during the week! This will be perfect for SAHM, SAHD, nannies, retired grandparents, parents with a day off during the week, kids who are out of school for the day (aka everyone!!)
You’ll find it on the blog under the Kids Spots category. When you click on it (or hover over), you’ll see “10 Things to Do!”
Preschool Open Gym at Dublin Rec
The Dublin Rec Center gym is set up with age-appropriate toys and equipment for you and your child to play and have a safe, fun time.
Date: Monday, 9/16 and Friday, 9/20
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Address: Dublin’s Recreation Center, 5600 Post Rd. Dublin OH
Cost: $3 per visit per child or a pass can be purchased for $30 for 11 visits
Website
Delaware County Fair
A traditional county fair including daily entertainment, Junior/Senior fair animals, vendors, exhibits, tractor pulls and of course, delicious fair food!
Date(s): Saturday, 9/14 – Saturday, 9/21
Time: Gates open 8:00am – 9:00pm, Buildings open 10:00am – 9:00pm, Rides operate 11:00am – 10:00pm
Address: 236 Pennsylvania Avenue. Delaware, OH 43015
Cost: Ages 8 & Under are FREE, Ages 9 & Over $6.00 all day. General Admission to the fair includes free parking.
Website | Facebook
Mommy and Me – Circus Party at Sunny Street Café (Polaris)
Head to Sunny Street Cafe for a fun Circus Party Breakfast! They will have $1 Dino Pancakes & Toppings Bar – along with some crafts, dartboard game, sweet treats & fun!
Date: Tuesday, 9/17
Time: 8:00AM – 11:30AM
Address: Sunny Street Café (Polaris), 8461 Sancus Blvd. Columbus, OH 43240
Cost: $1
Facebook Event
Recreation Outlet Charitable Play
Recreation Outlet is a spacious {indoor} space filled with bouncy trampolines, awesome swing sets, basketball hoops and so much more! During charitable play, admission is reduced and 50% is donated to charity!
Date: Tuesday – Thursday, 9/17, 9/18, 9/19
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Address: 484 W Olentangy Rd, Powell OH 43065
Cost: $2 donation per child
Website | Facebook
Storytime on the Farm at Stratford Ecological Center
Join other families on the farm for a fun and educational hour of storytelling and a unique hands-on experience based on the seasonal happenings around the farm. Families are invited to pack a picnic to enjoy after the story hour.
Date: Tuesday, 9/17
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Address: Stratford Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty Rd Delaware OH
Cost: $5 per family
Website | Facebook Event
Bilingual Storytime at Cub Shrub
You’ll read a children’s book in Spanish and then practice what you learned with hands-on activities. These special storytimes are be lead by, Jennifer Morris, a licensed teacher.
Date: Thursday, 9/19
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Address: Cub Shrub, 1257 Grandview Ave Grandview, OH
Cost: Free
Facebook Event
Storytime: Monarchs
Learn about the journey of monarch butterflies through stories and song.
Date: Friday, 09/20
Time: 10:00AM – 10:30AM
Address: Highbanks Nature Center, 9466 Columbus Pike. Lewis Center, OH, 43035
Cost: Free
Website | Facebook Event
Tots on Trail at Blacklick Woods
Share a slow-paced half-mile walk with your toddler and discover nature together.
Date: Friday, 9/20
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Address: Blacklick Woods Nature Center, 6975 E. Livingston Ave.Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068
Cost: Free
Website | Facebook Event
Westerville Community Center Open Gym + Arts & Crafts
Head to Westerville Community Center for a morning of fun and play. They have a wide variety of large and fine motor skills equipment. They even have a room next door set up with arts & crafts, included in price.
This same event is offered on Mondays for children 3 and under. Does not include arts & crafts.
Date: Friday, 9/20
Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Address: Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave
Cost: $3 or six visits for $15
Website
Piccadily Playspace Happy Hour
Avoiding the massive tunnels, shouting, ball pits and injuries – their playspace has been designed to entertain different age groups and interests focusing on educational toys and dramatic play. Structures are intentionally generic to provide a foundation for your child’s imagination to build on. They want to provide a fun space where they can play, hide, explore, pretend and enjoy. The space is also designed so that you as a parent can join in on the fun or comfortably watch and be there to interact as your child plays.
While they have open play every day, most of the day (check website before going), I wanted to make sure you knew they offer a reduced rate during happy hour!
Date(s): Everyday
Time: Happy Hours Special time is 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Address: 2501 E. Main Street, Bexley Ohio 43209
Cost: $5 per child 2-5pm
Website
