I can’t believe Summer is almost here, which means I am on the hunt for all the fun things to do and at the most affordable price I can find!  Starting from June 10 to August 14, every Monday and Wednesday at the Polaris Cinemark, you can catch some fantastic movies for just $1.75 per ticket! Plus, they’re giving discounts on snacks during each showtime. Sweet deal, right? Tickets go on sale May 15, and you can buy them online or at the box office.  Here’s the full movie lineup: June 10-12: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem June 17-19: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 June 24-26 ..read more

Stepping into the Hocking Hills Children’s Museum feels like walking into a place where anything is possible. From the moment my daughters and I arrived, we were completely taken in by the excitement and wonder around us. It was an adventure we won’t forget anytime soon and I am sure I will be hearing the question, “When can we go back to Hocking Hills!?” over and over again! Tucked away in Logan, Ohio, this museum is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.It’s packed with hands-on activities that spark creativity and discovery. And trust me, the layout is so well-designed that every c ..read more

Up next on our playground tour is Gahanna. I’ve divided it into two sections: Community Parks and Neighborhood Parks. Everyone is welcome at either, but I’ve focused more on the community parks, but didn’t want to overlook the hidden gems tucked away in the neighborhoods around Gahanna. Community Parks Academy Park  Note: It looks like they are in the beginning phases of updating this park! I don’t think construction will start until 2025. You can learn more here. We haven’t had the chance to visit Academy Park yet, but it’s definitely on our radar! This picture is just a sneak peek from ..read more

Note: Images courtesy of David Rogers Big Bugs, Inc Looking for an outdoor adventure just a stone’s throw away from Columbus? Look no further than The Dawes Arboretum in Newark. Within a short drive, The Dawes Arboretum awaits, sprawling across 2000 acres of breathtaking landscape, complete with winding paths, tranquil trails, and charming boardwalks. But this is more than just a picturesque retreat; it’s a living museum, showcasing historical and art exhibitions alongside engaging educational programs. It’s easily one of our favorite year-round destinations. You can read about one ..read more

Mark your calendars because the Annual Taste of Westerville is back, and it’s going to be epic! As someone who got to be a guest judge last year, I’m stoked to announce that I’ll be back again this year, ready to chow down and crown some culinary champs. Picture this: it’s Thursday, May 9, 2024, and you’re at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel, 409 Altair Parkway, Westerville, OH 43082. From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM EDT, this place is gonna be foodie heaven! Now, let’s talk about what makes this event so darn awesome. First off, your ticket ($70) gets you access to all the goodn ..read more

Welcome to the heart of Downtown Columbus, where the the grass at Columbus Commons becomes the canvas for a season-long extravaganza! It’s that time of the year again, folks! Get ready to mark your calendars and dive into a whirlwind of entertainment because Columbus Commons is back with a bang, presenting over 200 events that promise something for everyone! Fuel Up at Columbus Commons Breakfast Haven: Fuel up for the day ahead every Wednesday from May 1 to October 30, as Columbus Commons transforms into a breakfast haven from 7:30 am to 10:30 am. Biscuit Boss, Columbus Coffee Co., Donna’s D ..read more

If you’re in Westerville, Ohio, you’re in for a treat—some seriously awesome playgrounds await your discovery! Seriously, they’ve got it all: from nature-inspired spots to climbing wonders and even classic, solid playground fun. Each one offers hours of exploration and endless fun! So, grab your crew and get ready for a roundup of these amazing playgrounds. Note: Bathrooms might not be open for the season just yet. I will update as I see them opening! Alum Creek Park North I mean, what’s not to love about this OG park, right? I’ve been coming here since my nanny days way back when, and now wit ..read more

Mark your calendars for April 14, 2024, as CAPA brings back its second annual El Día de los Niños celebration! This vibrant event promises a day filled with music, dance, crafts, delicious food, and captivating theater shows. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or simply someone who loves to embrace diverse cultures, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Sunday, April 14, 2024 Lincoln Theatre – 769 E. Long St., Columbus, Ohio What’s in Store for You? From 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, immerse yourself in a plethora of cultural and arts activities that promise to engage and entertain. Following this ..read more

We’re big fans of Alum Creek – there’s just so much to do! During our latest visit, we stumbled upon something new (at least, new to us): the Nature Center. It’s been around for quite some time, but somehow it had eluded our radar until now. I can’t believe we hadn’t discovered it sooner, but I’m thrilled we finally did! Activities We Love at Alum Creek State Park: Beach Strolls: Take a leisurely walk along the 3,000-foot beach, the largest inland beach in Ohio’s state park system. Playground Fun: Enjoy some playtime at the playground located near the beach. Storybook Trail: Take a stroll alo ..read more

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of our Metro Parks, but I’ll admit, sometimes I tend to stick to the ones closest to home. And in Central Ohio, none of them are really that far – so there’s no excuse this year! The girls and I decided to shake things up and explore Blacklick Woods in Reynoldsburg, and boy, did we have a blast. Blacklick Woods features 652 acres of woods, fields, seasonal swamp ponds, a small prairie and a golf course. It has one of the best remaining beech-maple forests in central Ohio along with a buttonbush swamp. The forest areas are laced with trails that wind through ..read more