1. Columbus Zoo: Little Explorers’ Base Camp
Little Explorers is a free opportunity for preschoolers and toddlers to play, learn or make a new friend! These exploration stations change location every other week and are designed to encourage discovery through puzzles, books, tools, activities and more!
Date: Tuesday (10/1) and Thursday (10/3)
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: The Columbus Zoo
Conservation Lake Pergola
Cost: Free with Zoo Admission
Registration is not required
Suggested Age: 18 months – 3 years
2. Musical Storytime at Cub Shrub
Musical Storytime with Kay is always a treat. She’ll lead the children (and adults) through some familiar favorites, as well as some new easy to follow tunes woven perfectly into children’s books. With instruments and shakers for the kids to use there is something for every age at this event.
Date: Tuesday, 10/1
Time: 9:30 AM – 10 AM
Location: Cub Shrub, 1257 Grandview Avenue, Grandview Heights, OH 43212
Cost: Free
Register Here
Suggested Age: Every Age
3. Puppet Show
Join the Blendon Woods Adventure puppets on their next escapade.
Date: Tuesday, 10/01
Time(s): 9:30 – 10:30 | 11:00 – 12:00 | 1:00 – 2:00
Location: Blendon Woods
Cost: Free
Suggested Age: 2- 9
More info here. Just search events at Blendon Woods.
4. Preschool in the Gardens: Not-So-Creepy Critters
Learn why some animals are given a bad reputation and reasons we should celebrate them instead of being scared.
Date: Wednesday, 10/2
Time(s): 930 – 1030 |11-12 | 1-2
Location: Inniswood Metro Gardens
Cost: Free
Suggested Age: 3- 5
More info here. Just search events at Inniswood Metro Gardens.
5. Toddlers in Nature: Spiders, Spiders Everywhere!
Introduce your little one to the natural world through literacy, sensory development and motor skills in this gentle, consistent format, including a story, activity and walk.
Date: Thursday, 10/3
Time(s): 930 – 1030 | 1100 – 1200
Location: Blendon Woods
Suggested Age: 1 – 3
More info here. Just search events at Blendon Woods.
6. Watch Planes take off at The Ohio State Airport
The OSU airport is such a hidden gem for kids, especially ones who love planes! They have a great observation deck where you can watch the planes come in and out. There are pictures of planes, facts about the history of airport, small gift shop and best of all — FREE {delicious} popcorn!! This was always a fun idea I kept in my back pocket while nannying.
Location: 2160 W Case Rd., Columbus, Ohio
Cost: Free
I haven’t visited since before they renovated, but we had such a great time (years ago). Check out Julie from What Should We Do Today Columbus? visit with her kids! She has lots of updated pictures + more details!
7. Visit Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center
Date(s)/Time(s): Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Saturday:
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Location: 260 N. Fourth St. Columbus, OH 43215-2511
Suggested Age: I’ve taken ages 2-7 and they’ve all enjoyed it! However, there is no specific age requirement.
Cost: Adults $8 | Seniors $7 |Children $6
Check out this blog from our visit a few years ago!
8. Explore the 50,000 square foot petting zoo
at Olentangy Caverns
Date(s): Monday – Sunday
Time: 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Location: 1779 HOME ROAD, DELAWARE, OH, 43015,
Cost: $4 per person
9. Explore Veterans Park Spray and Play in Delaware
This is an amazing dinosaur themed playground and splash pad in Delaware. I haven’t been since I took my nanny kiddos a few years ago when it opened, but it was AMAZING when we went. It was pretty big and of course, the dinsosaur theme was a big hit! Check out my blog post from our first visit! Tons of pics.
Location: 1121 S Houk Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
Time: 10:00am – 8:00pm, Monday – Sunday
Cost: Free
Ages: All Ages
10. Forest Fridays at Sunbury Urban Farm
Families, come join a SUF naturalist for forest playtime! During each 2-hour session, we’ll lead a 30-minute nature activity followed by freeplay time in the woods. Children of all ages are welcome! Families are welcome to pack a picnic lunch to eat after they are done playing!
Parent supervision is required. No need to pre-register.
Date: Friday, 10/4
Time(s): 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Sunbury Urban Farm, 2140 Sunbury Rd, Columbus, OH 43219
Cost: $5 suggested donation
Suggested Age: 2 and up
Facebook Event
I hope you have such a great week!
Keep exploring!
