Let’s kick off this blog post with something I hear all the time when planning a trip downtown or to the Short North area:

“Megan, there is no parking!”
“Megan, this is too hard.”
“Megan, I don’t want to walk four miles to where I need to go.”
“Megan, I’m never leaving my bubble because I get too nervous!”

I totally get it! Parking can be such a hassle, especially when you’re trying to enjoy a day out with the kids. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you navigate those parking challenges effortlessly with Park Columbus. One of my top tips is to familiarize yourself with your destination before you go. Check online for hours, nearby attractions, parking options, and how far you might need to walk. It only takes a minute, and trust me, it makes taking the kids out so much more enjoyable!

Ease of Parking

One thing I always rely on is ParkColumbus. This app makes finding a parking spot quick and easy, eliminating all that frustration. Whether you’re heading to a Nutcracker performance, doing some holiday shopping, or attending a special event, ParkColumbus has you covered. Another great feature is that you can have multiple cars listed in your account. For me, I have my car and my sister’s because that’s who I am usually with when I’m downtown. It’s nice because then you don’t have to log in and out of your account—just pick the car that you have with you.

Reserve in Advance

With ParkColumbus, you can reserve your parking spot in advance. This is a game-changer for busy days when you want to ensure a stress-free experience. No more driving around aimlessly or worrying about finding a spot last minute. Just reserve ahead and focus on what really matters—enjoying your time with family and friends.

Family Friendly

ParkColumbus is perfect for families. Imagine taking the kids downtown to see the holiday lights or enjoy a fun outing without the stress of finding parking. The app is so user-friendly that even the kids can help navigate and pay for parking, making the whole experience seamless for everyone. It’s seriously one of the girls favorite things to help with. “Mom, I know the zone! I will type it in!” 

Convenience

Let me share a real-life scenario: Last year, when COSI raised their garage prices, many of us were frustrated by the additional cost. But with ParkColumbus, I discovered there are plenty of on-street parking spots around COSI. Using the app, I found a spot near The Junto for just $3 for three hours. Don’t get my wrong, if the weather turns bad or it’s EXTRA freezing outside, I sometimes still opt for garage parking when needed. One of my favorite parts about the app – ParkColumbus notifies you 15 minutes before your parking time is up, giving you the option to extend if you’re having too much fun to leave. Plus, no more worrying about losing your car or forgetting where you parked! That’s not just me, right? 

Time-Saving

Time is precious, especially during the holiday season. ParkColumbus saves you time by streamlining the parking process. Instead of wasting time searching for a spot, you can focus on what truly matters—spending quality time with your loved ones and soaking in the holiday cheer.

How to Get Started

Getting started with ParkColumbus is super easy:

1. Download the App from the App Store.
2. Scan the QR Codes on ParkColumbus signs around town with your phone.
3. Enter Your Zone Number from the sign, and you’re all set!

The map is incredibly easy to read, and the app is designed to be user-friendly with little to no frustration.

Oh, and of course, I couldn’t leave you without sharing some of my favorite festive spots in Downtown Columbus and the Short North right now!

1. The Nativity Scene at St. Joseph Cathedral : A holiday must-see! The beautifully illuminated nativity scene is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit with the whole family.
2. COSI(Center of Science and Industry): Tons of science fun and the 50 beautiful community trees, including the ParkColumbus tree!
3. RocketFizz in the Short North – All the fun candy you can imagine! It’s the perfect place to find unique stocking stuffers that your kids will love.
4. The Yard for Epic Holiday Milkshakes – Treat yourself to some of the most delicious holiday-themed milkshakes. 
5. Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus – Wanderlights is Columbus’ ultimate holiday destination. Stroll through over half a million glowing lights from Columbus Commons down West Town Street to Bicentennial Park. Bonus: FREE Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons
   • Dates: Fridays, December 6, 13, and 20 | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
   • What to Expect: Enjoy free hot chocolate, live music, a traveling photo booth, carousel rides, and a bar offering hot boozy beverages while you wander amongst the beautiful lights.

Ready to make your downtown outings stress-free? Download ParkColumbus today and visit ParkColumbus.com. Try out the app, reserve your spots in advance, and share your own experiences with us. Let’s make this holiday season joyful and hassle-free together!

Happy Holidays!