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ColumbusParent.com

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JUNE 2012

Best OF COLUMBUS

WE ASKED — YOU VOTED!

SEMI–ANNUAL SALE 40% Off Everything

Our Keepsake Go-To Guide on

NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

CLOSETS, GARAGES, HOME OFFICE, KIDS ROOMS, LAUNDRY, MURPHY BEDS, GARAGE FLOORS, AND A LOT MORE 614.430.9802 • 740.965.4567 www.closetsbydesign.com/ Offer Exp. 6/30/12

getting started: TABLE OF CONTENTS ColumbusParent.com

34 S. Third St. Columbus, Ohio 43215 614-461-8878 (voice) 614-461-8746 (fax) 614-888-8888 (classifieds) www.ColumbusParent.com PUBLISHER

Katie Wolfe Lloyd kwolfe@columbusparent.com DIRECTOR OF DISPATCH MAGAZINES

Brian Lindamood blindamood@columbusparent.com EDITOR

Jane Hawes jane.hawes@columbusparent.com DISPATCH MAGAZINES ADVERTISING MANAGER

Amy Bishop abishop@columbusparent.com ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Megan Merrell mmerrell@columbus.parent.com DIGITAL ADVERTISING SPECIALIST

Vanessa Micic vmicic@columbusparent.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Will Shilling wshilling@columbusparent.com ALYSIA BURTON PHOTO

Rebecca Zimmer

ON THE GO 07 09 12 14 15 17 18

NEWS ON THE GO BEST BETS COLUMBUS PARENT PROFILE: Upper Arlington’s Edward Shepherd GOOD NEWS, DAD NEWS: from Joel Oliphint TAKE IT FROM TRACY: 10TV’s Tracy Townsend NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: Downtown Columbus SHOP SPOTLIGHT: Kelly Berger, manager of COSI’s Science2GO! store

HOT TOPIC: BEST OF COLUMBUS 20

COLUMBUS PARENT’S 2012 BEST OF COLUMBUS AWARD WINNERS

NEED TO KNOW 32 46 47

THE GO-TO GUIDE: Nationwide Children’s PEDIATRIC HEALTHSOURCE: from Nationwide Children’s Hospital FAMILY FINANCE: with Denise Trowbridge

ON THE COVER: And the winner is…3-year-old Oliver, who’s enjoying his visit to Best of Columbus winner Pink Moon Cupcake Bakery PHOTO BY ALYSIA BURTON

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PRODUCTION EDITOR

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

FAMILY FUN 54 50 48 56 52 59

EATING OUT WITH KIDS: Opa Grill & Tavern in Delaware PARTIES: at the Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center HANDS ON: Pinwheels from Clintonville’s Wholly Craft DAY TRIPPIN’: Slate Run Living Historical Park COOKING WITH KIDS: Golf snacks REVIEWS: Books, apps and a familyfriendly website

rzimmer@columbusparent.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Michaela Schuett mschuett@columbusparent.com PHOTO EDITOR

Tim Johnson tjohnson@columbusparent.com PHOTOGRAPHER

Alysia Burton aburton@columbusparent.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Heather Weekley hweekley@columbusparent.com CONTRIBUTORS

CALEN DAR:

192

THINGS TO DO THIS M ONTH

Debbie Angelos, Tessa Berg, Melissa Boyd, Olivera Bratich, John Cook, Melissa Kossler Dutton, Colin Hawes, Kristen Maetzold, Joel Oliphint, Phil Pikelny, Tracy Townsend, Denise Trowbridge, Todd Yarrington DISTRIBUTION

If you would like to receive Columbus Parent at your business, or to report delivery concerns:

John Henry 614-410-1797 jhenry@dispatch.com

Columbus Parent is published and distributed by The Dispatch Printing Company every month, available at more than 1,200 locations throughout Central Ohio. One free copy per person. Circulation: 52,000 copies. Copyright ©2012 The Dispatch Printing Company

OPEN ENROLLMENT STARTS NOW!

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When It Comes To Kids Stuff, We’re Number Onesie.

getting started: LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Columbus Parents,

# 1 Kid’s Resale Store!

Thanks for voting!

6 Columbus Area Locations Dublin • Columbus • Gahanna Grove City • Reynoldsburg • Westerville Hours: M-S 10am to 8 pm Sunday NOON to 5pm

For Store Information and directions, please visit

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Thanks for Voting! #1 Adult Resale

A Totally New Kind of Resale Store For Women www.clothes-mentor.com 4

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

Dr. Steve Allen, Jane Hawes and Abigail Wexner What an issue this has been! If it wasn’t a Herculean task already to compile our Best of Columbus winners, we took on the challenge of creating a Go-To Guide about Nationwide Children’s and their new main hospital (while also taking a closer, hopefully helpful look at their entire system). Special thanks to our editorial assistant Heather Weekley, who really took over on making sure the Best of Columbus winners got the TLC they earned from our voters.

It was truly an honor to work with the incredible team of people at Nationwide Children’s while creating the Go-To Guide. It’s always inspiring to work with people who love what they do and truly care about the families they serve.

They’ll share this extraordinary new hospital with the public on Sunday, June 10 during their Community Celebration and Open House event. Go and be wowed. I can say no more than that.

And I have to admit: I was feeling a little drained when I got to this letter on my to-do list. Wiped out even. And then our two columnists this month — Tracy Townsend and Joel Oliphint — emailed their contributions in. What a great reminder both columns were about why we parents do what we do — and why captaining this magazine is chicken soup for my soul.

Tracy’s column about the dynamic manly duo under her roof reminded me to cherish the duo I’ve got under mine. And Joel’s column reminded me of just how much flat-out fun it is to parent, even as we navigate the perils of what to teach our kids. He’s also a professional music journalist, so of course he’s going to want to pass that affection for good music onto his kids…or is he?

It reminded me of how my husband decided our daughter, at the tender age of 3, needed to learn her

WILL SHILLING PHOTO

shapes. I didn’t quite realize what he — a college science professor by day — was teaching her until I got pulled over one afternoon by her preschool teacher.

“Why,” the teacher said very hesitantly, “does your daughter know the difference between an isosceles triangle and a right-angle triangle?”

When I got home, I posed the same question to my husband, who grinned.

“She also knows what a trapezoid is,” he said proudly. I told him he might as well just pin the shape of a bull’s eye to her back before sending her out to the playground next time.

But it is fun, isn’t it, to pass along the knowledge we possess to the little sponges in our lives. Together we make a wonderful team.

Enjoy those teams of yours!

CONNECT WITH US ColumbusParent.com | Facebook: Columbus Parent Magazine Twitter @ColumbusParent and @jane_hawes Email: contact@columbusparent.com or jane.hawes@columbusparent.com

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5

on the go: NEWS ON THE GO

200 REASONS why columbus is a great place to RAISE A FAMILY

Continuing our countdown:

101. Picnic at the Pops: Now at

116. 50 percent of U.S.

its new home on the Columbus Commons — what a great summer tradition we have with this annual offering from the Columbus Symphony Orchestra!

population lives within 500 miles of Columbus: So chances are good that somebody you want to visit with is less than a day’s drive away!

102. Zoombezi Bay: Summer got a whole lot more bearable when this water amusement park opened four years ago. How did we ever live without it?

117. Fireflies (aka Light-

ning Bugs): Did you know they don’t have fireflies on the West Coast. Well, actually, they do, but the species out there don’t really light up for a variety of reasons — which we guess begs the question of why they’re still called fireflies. Either way, we feel sorry for people who don’t get to enjoy these little critters like we do.

103. Splash pads: And where

were these when we parents were growing up? Well, we suppose there’s nothing stopping us from taking a splash, too!

104. Columbus Arts Festival:

Moving this year back to its old home on the Scioto riverfront. Ahhhh! (and ooooh! All that cool art, great food and hands-on activities for the kids!)

118. Golf is for everyone:

105. Jeni Britton Bauer: Hurray

for the James Beard Foundation award and for sharing all those great ice-cream recipes in your cookbook.

106. ComFest: It’s a teaching

moment wrapped in a counter-cultural blanket and sprinkled with free love and great music.

107. Shakespeare in the Park:

The Bard, so smoothly delivered in a Schiller Park setting that your kids will never know they’ve just gotten a dose of high art.

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108. Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival:

Excellent food, fab music, family fun and a creek to cool off in!

109. Free Outdoor Music Concert

Series #1: “Rhythm on the River” at the Scioto Mile. This year’s dates are June 8, 23, 29; July 13; Aug. 3, 31; and Sept. 7. Food and beverage sales begin at 6:30 p.m., music at 8 p.m.

110. Free Outdoor Music Concert

Series #2: “Sounds on the Town” at Easton. Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m., June to August

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

111. Free Outdoor Music Concert Series

#3: “Summer Sizzle Concert Series” at Grove City’s Town Center Plaza. Most Friday and Saturday evenings from June 8 to Aug. 18

112. Free Outdoor Music Concert Series

#4: “Concerts on the Creek” at Gahanna’s Creekside Park. This year’s dates are June 9, 22; July 14, 28; Aug. 11, 25; and Sept. 8. Start time:

113. Free Outdoor Music Concert Series

#5: “Music in the Park” at Gahanna’s Friendship Park. Friday nights May 25-Aug. 17 (except June 15)

114. Free Outdoor Music

Concert Series #6: Westerville’s “Sounds of Summer Outdoor Concert Series” Sundays at 6:30 p.m. starting June 10.

115. Nationwide Chil-

dren’s Hospital: World-class healthcare for ALL the children. And with this new hospital, the world-class just got more amazing.

It’s not just that Central Ohio is dense with golf courses, it’s that so many of them are open to the public.

119. Pick-your-own

strawberry season: The tastiest way to make your kids bust their humps, collecting berries for shortcakes and jams!

120. School gets out earlier here than in most parts of the country: Well, at least the kids are happy about it.

FILE UNDER

“A” FOR “AWESOME IDEA”

The Gateway Film Center, in partnership with the Columbus Metropolitan Library, is launching a film series called “From Book to Film” — and if you flash a library card (from any library system), you’ll get up to four FREE admissions for you and your family (otherwise, normal admission prices apply).

The series highlights books that have been made into popular films, so it’s a great opportunity to get your kids to read the book, too! Some of the films include “The Wizard of Oz” and “Babe.” The fun starts June 2!

Go to gatewayfilm center.com for the full schedule.

Lower fees, better rates, and people who care...

KEEP KIDS READING THIS SUMMER that’s why our family

The kids are out of school, but that doesn’t mean they should stop reading. Experts know that summer reading helps kids retain what they learned during the school year and prepares them for the challenges of the new school year.

Here are three easy tips for summer reading: *It’s not what they’re reading but if they’re reading. If your second grader insists on Junie B. Jones, go with it. You can supplement with more challenging material by sneaking in books that cater to your child’s interests. From pro wrestling to vampire bats, cupcakes to princesses, nonfiction books will catch their attention with eye-popping imagery that makes them want to read all about it. *Make reading a family activity. Sign up for Summer Reading Club and track each other’s progress as a family. Put your reading records where everyone can see them and give your kids lots of encouragement and positive feedback. Have read-aloud sessions and fill in the spots on the records together. *Supplement reading with fun activities. If you go to the zoo, park, COSI, beach or other fun places, find books on the subject. Be sure to check out the library’s amazing programs over the summer, too! Check columbuslibrary.org for our calendar of events.

banks at KEMBA!

—Melissa Boyd, Librarian, Center for Discovery, Columbus Metropolitan Library

THE ULTIMATE BIRTHDAY PARTY GIVEAWAY

Go to ColumbusParent.com and enter to win this year’s package of Ultimate Birthday Party prizes! Food from Bob Evans? Yup! Party space from Recreations Outlet? Wow! Ice cream from Velvet Ice Cream? Oh yeah!

You can enter to win until June 18. Then we’ll randomly draw the name of one lucky winner and announce it in our July issue!

Checking • Savings • Credit Cards Certificates • Money Market Accounts Auto & Personal Loans • Home Loans S PLU Youth Accounts for Ages 7-17

Find out more today! kemba.org 888.926.5905

A better way to bank columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

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getting started: BEST BETS

BEST BETS

June 2012

Take some time to get out of the house during the month of June and explore some of these family-friendly activities throughout Columbus.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S MICHAEL JACKSON THE IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR

The ever-popular entertainment group is visiting Columbus on a new tour, featuring the songs and styles of the late Michael Jackson. This exciting and unique show will be at the Schottenstein Center on June 9 and 10, and will highlight well-known tunes and choreography from the King of Pop. Show times are 8 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday, and tickets begin at $50.

Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr., Campus, 800-745-3000 (for tickets), cirquedusoleil.com

NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY CELEBRATION AND OPEN HOUSE Nationwide Children’s Hospital is opening its brand-new main hospital this month (read all about it in our Go-To Guide) and it’s pretty spectacular. To celebrate the grand opening, the hospital is hosting an open house on Sunday, June 10. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the public is welcome to tour the hospital and kids can enjoy fun activities.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Dr., Downtown, 614-772-2000, natiowidechildrens.org

SKATE FOR HOPE Support breast-cancer research and awareness, all while watching nationally competitive figure skaters. Local skaters (including kids!) will join the stars at Nationwide Arena to put on a show in honor of those affected by the disease. Since its inception, Skate for Hope has raised more than $370,000 to benefit the Stefanie Spielman Fund. This year’s performance is Saturday, June 16 at 5 p.m. Tickets begin at $15.

Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District, 800-745-3000 (for tickets), skateforhope.org

FATHER’S DAY AT THE ZOO

Spend the day honoring Dad at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium!

The zoo is offering a deal you can’t beat on Sunday, June 17: Purchase admission for a child and all dads and grandpas get in ERIC ALBRECHT/DISPATCH PHOTO free. Use the afternoon to get up close and personal with animal friends and explore our nationally renowned zoo. Admission prices This annual, three-day display of amazing artwork from local artists is making its way to the downtown Riverfront after the recent renovaare $14.99 for adults, $10.99 for seniors 60 and up, $9.99 for tion of the Scioto Mile. Along with exciting art and entertainment, kids can check out the Hands-On Activities series. They’ll be able to children 2-9 and free for children under 2. make a glass bead, design a journal and even meet animals from the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. The 2012 fest is June 1-3. The activities Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, run daily from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is free. Downtown Columbus Riverfront, 614-224-2606, columbusartsfestival.org 800-MONKEYS, columbuszoo.org

COLUMBUS ARTS FESTIVAL

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| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

Plan your summer adventure with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium!

Make this a wild summer with your family and friends.

WILD ENCOUNTERS TOURS – See the Zoo the way the keepers do! Choose your guided behind-the-scenes tour adventure at the Discovery Reef or Dr. C. Joseph Cross Animal Health Center.

TWILIGHT TOURS -

The crowds have diminished and you have the Zoo all to yourself! Up to 12 guests can embark on this journey that takes you through various areas of the Zoo on a VIP cart with your very own guide. These tours are great for celebrating any occasion and also perfect for families with young children and older adults.

For more information and to book your tour in advance visit www.columbuszoo.org and click on “Plan Your Visit” then on “Tours.”

FAMILY NIGHT HIKES – See the Zoo after everyone else has gone home! Join our Education staff as we lead you on a guided hike around one of the Zoo’s regions. Each month we feature a new region so you will experience new animals and activities every time you come!

FAMILY OVERNIGHTS – Our Zoo Explorers Family Overnight is back this year!

Let our experts lead your family on an activity-filled excursion through Asia Quest. Or try our new Jr. Zookeepers Dive-In Movie Family Overnight where you can relax in the waves at Zoombezi Bay’s Dive-In movie featuring Kevin James in Zookeeper. Participants in both programs will drift off to sleep with the fish at Discovery Reef and enjoy a continental breakfast and guided hike in the morning.

For more information or to register call (614)645-3488 or visit our website at www.columbuszoo.org and click on “Learn at the Zoo” then “Family Programs.” columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

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on the go: PRODUCT PIX TATS FOR TOTS

Libraries aren’t just for books! Did you know about The Library Store at Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Main Branch? That’s where we found these fabulous glitter tattoos (six for $2), made by Dover Publications. Our fave collection — Oscar the Grouch’s Favorite Things.

Available at The Library Store, 96 S. Grant Ave., Downtown, 614-849-1008, friendsofcml.com/the-library-store

A KICKY LITTLE DRINK

Here’s the latest bid from hometown fave Abbott Labs’ PediaSure line that will help you fill in the nutritional gaps while you get through the pickyeating years. This new version — Sidekicks Clear — is sold in 6.8-ounce eightpacks ($11) and comes in a clear formulation without any artificial colors, flavorings or preservatives. But our expert kid who tried the Wild Berry version gave it two thumbs way up for taste.

Available in supermarkets and drug stores. To find a location nearest you, go to pediasure.com/buy-pediasure

Available at SoBo Style, 3282 N. High St., Clintonville, 614-447-8880, sobostyle.com

HIGH HUGGABILITY

There is just something about these Jellycat Corduroy Stuffed Animals that just scream for a hug — and they’re constructed well enough that they will last longer than a childhood’s worth of hugging. Currently residing at Helen Winnemore Craft, Doppy Dino ($26.50) or one of his other dinosaur, aardvark or dog friends can be adopted into your home.

Available at Helen Winnemore Craft, 150 E. Kossuth St., German Village, 614-444-5850, helenwinnemores.com

FUN ONESIES

Your little one can take on any persona they want with these cute onesies from Benzie Baby. The adorable outfits ($25) found at SoBo Style come in different designs including cowboy, punk rock star and our personal favorite, the baby geek. How cute are those glasses hanging out of the pocket? (And that tie. We can’t forget to mention the tie!)

Snag one for yourself or pick one up as a baby shower gift.

SQUISHY BUT NOT MESSY!

Love these pastel-colored balls of squishy, stucktogether beads that won’t stick to anything else! They’re called Playfoam, they’re made by Educational Insights and you can score a set of eight for $11 at the Columbus Museum of Art Store. Recommended for ages 3 and older.

Available at the Columbus Museum of Art Store, 480 E. Broad St., Downtown, 614-221-6801, columbusmuseum.org/visiting/shop

National Youth Advocate Program www.nyap.org

Join Our Family Tree Become a

NYAP Foster Parent Contact us today at:

ljones@nyap.org

1 (877) NYAP-CAN 6 9 2 - 7 2 2 6

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| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

RECIPE CENTRAL

If the kids are itching for the recipe for her famous chocolate cake, the Moleskine Recipe notebook ($20) is a great tool for Grandma to keep track of her signature dishes. The book is divided into tabbed sections to organize appetizers, main dishes, desserts and drinks along with their recipes and ingredients. The notebook could easily turn into a keepsake years down the road.

Available at Barnes & Noble, go to bn.com to find the location nearest you

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FOLLOW US AT

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©2012 OhioHealth

Meet your new fitness partner.

OhioHealth is excited to kick off the HOOFit walking program.

Get healthy and fit with our new partner, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. For more information, go to the Zoo’s Guest Relations locations and get a free gift or visit OhioHealth.com/HOOFit

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columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

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on the go: COLUMBUS PARENT PROFILE AGE: 40 SPOUSE: Kimberly (also an M.D.), married 13 years KIDS: Matthew, 11, Joshua, 9, and Joey, 5 NEIGHBORHOOD: Upper Arlington JOB: Neonatologist, Section Chief of Neonatology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Edward G. Shepherd, M.D. What is the most played song on your iPod right now? I have entirely lost control of my iPod to my three sons, so the most played song is “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO. If I ever got my iPod back, it would be jazz by John Coltrane.

If you HAD to be on a reality-TV show, which one would it be? I would love to be on “The Next Iron Chef America,” although I would have to be a much better chef. So, perhaps I could start on “Worst Chefs” then work my way up?

Who is your favorite TV/movie parent? I have to admit, I am a huge fan of Phil Dunphy from “Modern Family.” He tries so hard to be a perfect dad and husband but doesn’t always quite succeed. My favorite movie parent of all time is Atticus Finch as played by Gregory Peck; his combination of compassion, strength and gentleness is inspiring.

Which super-hero power would you like to have? No question that flight would be my favorite power. If I had to choose a second favorite, it would be superspeed, like Flash. I imagine that having super-speed would make it much easier to get everything done!

Favorite thing to do for low- or no-cost family fun in Central Ohio: Playing sports with my sons.

Favorite restaurant to take the kids: Bravo — my older boys love the spaghetti and meatballs, and the youngest loves the pizza. My wife and I appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere and the really good adult food!

What’s the best thing about working with infants? And what’s the toughest thing about working with infants? The best thing about working with infants is having the privilege to take part in their and their family’s development as they progress from extremely tiny and extremely sick newborns to happy, healthy toddlers who can hug you and give you high-fives. The toughest part is the rare occasion when we cannot save a baby.

How would you spend a day all to yourself? I’m not sure — this hasn’t happened in so long! Seriously, I would probably sleep a lot, read a newspaper, work out, cook a nice dinner and read a novel. And gear up for the next day when all the madness starts again!

What have you learned as a parent that you wish someone had told you before had that first kid? I wish I had known how little I actually knew about child-raising. I never anticipated how differently each child would respond to our interactions, and how we would have to approach each child with unique goals and strategies. Clearly, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to raise a child, and our style had to change with the child.

What’s something your mom or dad did that you thought was nuts when you were a kid and now you understand? As the youngest of four, I thought it was completely ridiculous that I was not allowed to do all of the same things as my older siblings. Now with three boys of differing ages, I totally understand — unfortunately, our youngest seems to feel exactly the same way I did.

Your life’s motto: TODD YARRINGTON PHOTO

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| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

Even when it’s hard, always do the right thing.

columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

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on the go: GOOD NEWS, DAD NEWS

KidTUNES

Joel Oliphint is a freelance writer, often running his mouth about music in The Other Paper and other pubs. His two kids refer to Bob Evans as Bob Dylan’s and still don’t know the purple dinosaur’s name.

BY JOEL OLIPHINT

When my son, Liam, was born almost five years ago, I was determined to usher him into a world of good music. I bought a “Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Radiohead” CD, and I culled my iTunes catalog for soothing, baby-friendly songs that I wouldn’t be embarrassed to fall asleep to myself.

Whether my early efforts helped instill a love of music in Liam, I don’t know. But I do know the kid loves music, and it’s rubbed off on his younger sister, Maggie. These two

will dance to anything with a beat. In fact, it doesn’t even need a beat. At a recent “PBJ & Jazz” event put on by the Jazz Arts Group at the Lincoln Theater, my kids were front and center, shaking it. When the band launched into a slower, smooth-jazz tune, they were still dancing like it was Warren G instead of Kenny G. I have to hold them back from dancing in the aisles during church, too. Otherwise church would become the Liam & Maggie Show. One of the Sunday favorites is “By Thy Mercy” (a.k.a. “Bye Bye Mercy”). After the benediction, Liam makes a mad dash for the drumset.

While Maggie requests the same songs from the “Lion King” soundtrack every night before bed, Liam has a pile of CDs on his dresser from which he carefully makes his

listening selection. He mulls it over carefully, just like his daddy, making sure the music fits his current mood. Sometimes it’s the mix with “the haircut song” (a.k.a. Pavement’s “Cut Your Hair”). Other times it’s a Beatles album.

There’s a danger here, though. A few months ago The Onion ran a story with the headline, “Cool Dad Raising Daughter on Media That Will Put Her Entirely Out of Touch with Her Generation,” in which a dad was hilariously determined to expose his child to “highly influential albums that will in no way help his daughter interact with her peers.”

And it’s not just the social lives of my kids I need to be mindful of. At some point in their teens, they’ll rebel. It got me thinking: What if you ran around the house

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singing the Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop” at age 2? How do you rebel? I have visions of a teenage Liam scowling at me from his room while blasting “The Essential Michael Bolton.”

So I’m careful to include “kid” music. I can’t quite bring myself to put “Baby Beluga” on mixes, but it’s not rare to hear the “Curious George” soundtrack, Yo Gabba Gabba songs and “Slugs, Bugs & Lullabies” blasting from Liam’s room.

When I took Liam to see the “U2 3D” concert film at COSI, he loved it for three songs. Then he fell sound asleep. I had the urge to wake him up and say, “Liam, you gotta hear this one. It’s so much better than the album version.” But I resisted. Sometimes you have to let a kid be a kid.

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| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

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on the go: TAKE IT FROM TRACY

Fabulous FATHERS

BY TRACY TOWNSEND

Writing this column is a good outlet for me.

Like you, I am a proud parent who always has a good story about something my son Ian did or said. My colleagues here at 10TV News have been so gracious and patient with me over the course of my nearly seven years here. They’ve listened, laughed and sometimes even advised on various “Ian issues” including homework, peer pressure and his fascination with video games.

Many of you have even come up to and talked with me about the column and provided your input. Some of you have even asked me what Ian thinks of it. Uhm… he doesn’t really read it but does have some idea of how much of our — err, his — life I’ve shared. So far, it hasn’t been a problem but now that he is “double-digit age” as he terms it, I am going to have to get his approval to share

certain things.

Fortunately for me this month’s column is about Father’s Day and a topic on which Ian and I can agree: His Dad (my husband, Murv) is pretty terrific.

“Daddy is a great father because he always has time for me,” Ian told me in our interview. “He’s showing me how to be a good man.” (Now that response warms my heart and also chills it: Be a man? My “baby” is still a baby! This double-digit business may require a therapy session on letting go — for me.)

I absolutely love the bond between Murv and Ian. It is based on a strong foundation formed at birth and strengthened by the fact that when I returned to work after maternity leave 10 years ago, Murv assumed the role of caregiver. Yep, he was a “Stay at

Home Dad” and loved it. He and Ian were even featured in a 2003 “People” magazine article on the subject. One of the great outcomes is that Ian isn’t bogged down by many gender biases. He knows and looks to both of us for care, comfort and to cook something when he’s hungry.

Now, 10 years later, Ian looks to Dad for even more.

During the fourth-grade school year, it was help with math.

“I don’t want to hurt your feelings, Mom, but Dad has a great math mind,” Ian said.

“You’re good at stuff, but definitely not math.” (No hurt feelings here. That is the truth.)

It’s not all business with the two of them. They both cherish “Dudes’ Day,” which is whenever I’m not at home for a while because it

involves junk food, video games and long stretches of watching ESPN. There is also baseball this summer — Murv is coaching Ian’s team.

Ian concedes that in the end, it doesn’t matter that I’m not so great at math. He told me, “You picked a good man to be my dad.”

Whew. I am glad I did something right and relish the fact that this month and every month, we have a great reason to celebrate Father’s Day.

Tracy Townsend is a news reporter and anchor with 10TV News HD.

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15

on the go: NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT

Downtown COLUMBUS

STORY BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON PHOTOS BY ALYSIA BURTON

Columbus’ bicentennial celebration is the perfect reason to spend the day sightseeing downtown with the family.

In addition to the normal sights and sounds of the state capital, there are plenty of special activities planned throughout the summer.

You can make the trip a green adventure by riding a COTA bus downtown or from one destination to another.

The Main Branch of the

Columbus Metropolitan Library provides a great downtown introduction for little ones. The children’s librarians share wonderful books during their story hour sessions, which are held most days. The children’s section has a large play area with interesting toys and a tree house for curling up in with a good read. The library also has a coffee shop where families can grab a quick bite. Be sure to check out the gift shop, too, for low-priced books and other paperbased goodies.

Younger children also will enjoy exploring COSI and the Columbus Museum of Art. Both institutions have plenty to keep kids busy.

COSI’s “little kidspace” is an ideal spot to spend a rainy afternoon or to escape

16

the sun on a hot day. Children love playing pretend, using the water table and roaming the colorful space.

The museum’s other areas cater to older kids with an interest in science. Don’t forget about the extreme screen theatre. COSI shows an interesting array of films each year.

The art museum, which unveiled its renovated space last year, also offers lots for children to do. The newly created Wonder Room is full of hands-on activities for children ages 3 to 14. The museum also has kid-friendly touches in most of its galleries.

Kids can learn about state government during a visit to the Ohio Statehouse.

Visitors can take a free 45minute guided tour or spend time at the interactive Statehouse Museum. Hands-on activities provide information about how government works and the chance to learn about the people who built the statehouse.

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

A game of chess at Columbus Commons ALYSIA BURTON PHOTOS

Visitors can do more than just feed their minds at the Statehouse. They also can feed their bellies at Milo’s Capitol Café, which serves hearty breakfasts and lunches.

Columbus’ downtown also has many outdoor venues to explore.

The Santa Maria, the permanently docked replica of the wooden ship that Christopher Columbus

sailed to the Americas, offers history lessons and opportunities to scamper up and down ladders like sailors did five centuries ago.

Kids also enjoy the Scioto Mile. One of the city’s newest landmarks, these 145 acres of green space are home to Bicentennial Park, a performance pavilion and an interactive fountain. Summer events include music,

movies and arts and crafts.

The Grange Insurance Audubon Center, a nature center with a playground, indoor play space and free programming, also is located along the Scioto Mile. The center, which opened in 2009, was constructed using green-building methods.

Columbus Commons, the park on the site of the former City Center shopping mall, hosts many special

events. Activities include music, face painting, carousel rides, live entertainment, movies and more.

The Columbus Symphony will perform its summer concert series, Picnic with the Pops, at the newly constructed Bicentennial Pavilion, which recently opened at Columbus Commons in recognition of the city’s 200th birthday. The symphony’s family-oriented con-

COLUMBUS CHILDREN’S THEATRE 512 Park St. 614-224-6672 colschildrenstheatre.org

SANTA MARIA 25 Marconi Blvd.

614-645-0351 santamaria.org

3.

COLUMBUS COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN 60 Cleveland Ave. 614-224-9101 ccad.edu COLUMBUS MUSEUM OF ART 480 E. Broad St. 614-221-6801 columbusmuseum.org

4.

2.

1.

COSI 333 W. Broad St. 614-228-2674 cosi.org

7. 8.

5.

6.

9.

COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY, MAIN BRANCH 96 S. Grant Ave. 614-645-2275 columbuslibrary.org

SCIOTO MILE sciotomile.com

COLUMBUS COMMONS SOUTHERN THEATRE160 S. High St. columbuscommons.org 21 E. Main St. 614-469-0939 capa.com/venues/ southern-theatre

The Scioto Mile’s splash area certs, the Popcorn Pops, also will be held at the pavilion.

Youngsters who enjoy plays and performances have numerous downtown choices. The Ohio Theatre, the Southern Theatre, the Palace Theatre and the Riffe Center often host kid-friendly shows that are organized by the nonprofit arts organization CAPA. Columbus Children’s Theatre will perform Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Kids in August. CCT and the Phoenix Theatre for Children offer acting classes for children.

Budding artists should check out classes and camps at the Columbus College of Art & Design.

There’s no shortage of places to eat downtown either. The Columbus Brewing Company is a nice place for families to dine. The kids’ menu features several reasonably-priced entrees.

For snacks, Sugardaddy’s serves up decadent brownies. For something with more crunch, check out the Peanut Shoppe Columbus, an old-fashioned nut and candy store.

For some fun summer snacking and shopping, visit the Pearl Market. Located in the alleys between Broad, High, Gay and Third streets, the market offers a mix of fresh produce, locally made goods and delicious food. The market is open from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays from mid-May through October.

COLUMBUS BREWING COMPANY 525 Short St. 614-464-2739 columbusbrewingco.com

GRANGE INSURANCE AUDUBON CENTER 505 W. Whittier St. 614-545-5475 grange.audubon.org

COTA DATA

Riding the bus gives kids and caregivers a chance to enjoy the scenery. Bus fare is $2 for adults. Children under 48 inches ride free.

Two of the easiest bus routes to navigate are along High and Broad streets. COTA has Park & Ride locations along North High and East and West Broad streets.

Visit http://www.cota.com/How-to-Ride.aspx for details on how to catch a bus near home.

1. PALACE THEATRE 34 W. Broad St. 614-469-0939 capa.com/venues/ palace-theatre

6. RIFFE CENTER 77 S. High St. 614-469-0939 capa.com/venues/ capitol-theatre

2. PEANUT SHOPPE COLUMBUS 46 N. High St. 614-221-8837

7. MILO’S CAPITOL CAFÉ 1 Capitol Square 614-728-9231 ohiostatehouse.org/information/CapitolCafe.aspx

3. SUGARDADDY’S 11 E. Gay St. 614-888-4491 sugardaddys.com 4. PEARL MARKET Broad, High, Gay and Third streets downtowncolumbus.com/ pearlmarket 5. PHOENIX THEATRE FOR CHILDREN 77 S. High St. 614-464-9400 phoenix4kids.org

8. OHIO STATEHOUSE 1 Capitol Square 614-752-9777 ohiostatehouse.org 9. OHIO THEATRE 39 E. State St. 614-469-0939 capa.com/venues/ohio-theatre

columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

17

on the go: SHOP SPOTLIGHT

Does It Matter What I’m Allergic to?

Melissa K. (Dublin, OH): If a person has a runny nose, bleary eyes and is sneezing during pollen season, how important is it to see an allergist? Does it matter what you’re allergic to, specifically? And are allergy shots — immunotherapy — worth the time and trouble?

Dr. Shah: It’s definitely helpful to understand what triggers your symptoms, especially if you’re having difficulty controlling them with over-the-counter medications, having complications like sinus infections or asthma, or feeling so run down that it affects your ability to work or go to school. Symptoms can be hard to interpret, but an allergist has particular training and experience that help find answers.

A patient with allergic sensitivity to pollen, for example, may not have symptoms after a minor exposure. But with heavy exposure or other allergens added in like pet dander or dust mites, the person’s allergy threshold may be exceeded and symptoms begin.

That’s why some patients have symptoms mainly during pollen season, but they’re not just allergic to pollen. They may also have allergies to things like pets and dust mites, and if those other allergens were reduced, the individuals might be able to tolerate more pollen exposure.

Regarding allergy shots, how helpful they could be depends on the severity of symptoms. Allergy shots are most effective for inhaled allergens such as pollen and other environmental allergens, animal dander, and mold spores.

The shots help build tolerance to an allergen so that the patient can tolerate exposure. Now, with new procedures such as RUSH immunotherapy, this tolerance continues even after the immunotherapy ends — 1-day accelerated program to becoming ‘allergy free’.

18

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTO

Kelly Berger Manager of Science2GO! at COSI Kelly Berger wants potential customers to know that shopping at the Science2GO! gift shop at COSI is a special experience – but not an exclusive one.

Anybody can visit the store, she said, since COSI admission is not required to shop.

“It’s a really cool place to come,” she said. “We’re not like every other toy store or every other science store.”

What would you say to families who try to avoid the shop because they don’t want to buy their children a souvenir every time they visit COSI? Coming to COSI is a special experience. It’s good to have a memento of a good memory. There are educational toys that allow you to keep up the experience of COSI.

Tell us more about your inventory.

We definitely try to keep the inventory true to COSI. We try to reflect the exhibits whether they’re temporary or permanent.

What ages does the shop appeal to?

We try to appeal to all different ages. There’s something for everybody. It’s not just toys and science kits.

Is the staff good at making suggestions for people shopping for a gift?

That’s one of the things we really work at. When we get in something new, we open it up and play with it. We make sure we educate ourselves about our inventory so we can give guests the best service we can.

Do you ever have sales?

We try to have promotions throughout the year. Members always get 10 percent off. Sometimes, at the holidays, we increase that to 20 percent. It helps them and it helps us.

—MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

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hot topic: BEST OF COLUMBUS WINNER, BEST CUPCAKE CAKE

UP PINK MOONEC BAK RY

We asked and, once again, you voted - and you voted almost 10 times more this year than last!

And this year we upped the number of categories to 68 and expanded the subject headings from Food, Clothes and Stuff to Buy to include Family-Focused Businesses, Special Events and Low- or No-Cost Family Fun. Using our online ballot, we suggested a few worthy nominees in each category but also took write-in votes. Votes were collected online during the month of April, then we tallied the votes and determined who our winners and runners-up were. The write-ups on our winners are the work of Jane Hawes, Heather Weekley, Melissa Kossler Dutton and Debbie Angelos.

Congratulations to the winners, the runners-up and everyone who got a vote because each vote means you matter to a Central Ohio family!

20

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

FOOD

BEST ASIAN-FOOD RESTAURANT

GENJI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

5874 Sawmill Rd., Dublin 614-792-2500 2045 Brice Rd., Reynoldsburg 614-864-7888 It’s dinner and a show at Genji as master chefs prepare your meal before your eyes with acrobatic precision. Part juggling routine, part culinary art, Genji’s signature teppanyaki dishes are a sight to behold and a delight to eat.

RUNNERS-UP: Molly Woo’s Asian Bistro, China Dynasty (Rt. 161)

BEST BAKERY

BEST BREAKFAST-FOOD RESTAURANT

RESCH’S BAKERY

4061 E. Livingston Ave., Whitehall 614-237-7421 reschbakery.com It’s all about dessert at this Columbus institution, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The family-owned bakery is known throughout the city for its birthday and wedding cakes, cookies and other sweet treats. That’s not to say that the homemade bread and rolls should be overlooked: They’re worth a visit as well.

The bakery prides itself on using quality ingredients to create its made-fromscratch goodies. Resch’s Bakery also offers seasonal treats during the holidays. The bakery sells hot cross buns at Easter, cookies at Christmas and pumpkin donuts in the fall.

RUNNERS-UP: Mozart’s Bakery & Piano Café, Pistacia Vera

NANCY’S HOME COOKING

3133 N. High St., Clintonville 614-265-9012 It’s not fancy. They don’t take credit cards and there’s no wi-fi or caffeine that comes with shots of anything in it. But if you’re looking to crank up your street cred with the kids, Nancy’s is it. This is friendly, diner dining at its absolute finest and most authentic with pancakes and omelets as big as your head. OSU grads — take the kids here and regale them with strategically edited stories of your illustrious youth.

RUNNERS-UP: German Village Coffee Shop, Jack & Benny’s

BEST DINER

BEST ICE CREAM PARLOR

5240 Cemetery Rd., Hilliard 614-529-1198 starlinerdiner.com From the Cuban-inspired dishes to the colorfully eclectic décor, this is certainly not your typical neighborhood diner. Featuring menu standouts such as Creole Macaroni and Grilled Pizza Bread Salad along with homestyle diner fare, Starliner Diner is sure to make you say “delicioso!”

RUNNERS-UP: Tommy’s Diner, The Wigwam

Multiple locations (nine, to be precise in Central Ohio) graeters.com Two years in, it’s already become an annual form of entertainment for us here at Columbus Parent Central to watch Graeter’s and Jeni’s engage in their frozendairy-product death match. Once again, Graeter’s emerged victorious. All we can say is what a wonderful world it is we live in where we have to stress over choosing between a scoop of Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chip or Jeni’s Salty Caramel.

RUNNERS-UP: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Whit’s Frozen Custard

STARLINER DINER

GRAETER’S

BEST FANCY FAMILY DINING

CAP CITY FINE DINER AND BAR

1299 Olentangy River Rd., Grandview Heights, 614-291-3663 1301 StoneRidge Dr., Gahanna, 614-478-9999 capcityfinediner.com With family favorites such as meatloaf and apple pie, Cap City Fine Diner provides a unique combination of homespun diner atmosphere with upscale flair. From kidapproved appetizers to the parent-approved wine list, Cap City offers families a chance to experience fine dining without the fuss.

RUNNERS-UP: Buca di Beppo, Brio Tuscan Grille

BEST PIZZA (DELIVERY/TAKE-OUT)

DONATOS

multiple locations donatos.com Since 1963, Donato’s famous golden crust and aged provolone cheese have been tantalizing taste buds all over the great state of Ohio and beyond. A homegrown favorite, this rising chain is all about creating the perfect combo with the freshest ingredients.

RUNNERS-UP: Tommy’s, Massey’s Pizza

columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

21

hot topic: BEST OF COLUMBUS BEST GLUTEN-FREE MENU BEST MAC ‘N CHEESE

RUSTY BUCKET RESTAURANT AND TAVERN

multiple locations myrustybucket.com Rusty Bucket took home the gold in two categories this year! As gluten intolerance seems to hit more and more kids and adults each year, this family-friendly chain with six Columbus locations caters to those who need to eat around this type of protein. Yummy options include quesadillas, pasta, salads and even gluten-free alcoholic beverages for Mom and Dad. The restaurant’s signature Macaroni ‘n Cheese (ironically, not a glutenfree item) blew its competition out of the water. The warm, gooey plate is topped with bread crumbs, and it comes with garlic bread to enjoy the leftover cheese sauce. We’re hungry just thinking about it!

BEST CHICKEN FINGERS

ROOSTERS WINGS

Multiple locations (nine, to be precise in Central Ohio) roosterswings.com

BEST LATIN FOOD RESTAURANT

EL VAQUERO

multiple locations vaquerorestaurant.com What kid doesn’t like a dinner that starts with endless bowls of chips and salsa? Perhaps that’s why El Vaquero always crushes the competition in area “best of” contests.

The family-friendly restaurant offers a wide selection of South of the Border favorites prepared with fresh ingredients. Diners can expect friendly service and consistently good food. The local chain tries to appeal to value-conscious parents by offering daily lunch and dinner specials as well as printable, online coupons.

They also offer a reasonably-priced children’s menu.

RUNNERS-UP: Abuelo’s, Chile Verde

BEST ORGANIC-FOOD RESTAURANT

NORTHSTAR CAFÉ

951 N. High St., Short North 614-298-9999 4241 N. High St., Clintonville 614-784-2233 4015 Townsfair Way, Easton 614-532-5444 thenorthstarcafe.com

K I D S S TAY AC T I V E W I T H G R O V E C I T Y PA R K S & R E C R E AT I O N 2012-13 P.A.R.K.

SUMMER P.A.R.K.

PLAY ZONE

Programmed After-school Recreation for Kids (P.A.R.K.), provides safe, engaging and affordable fun after school until 6 p.m. Children in grades K-4 choose from enriching and spontaneous activities at five South-Western City elementary sites. Before-school options also are available from 6 a.m.

This full-day child care program for grades K-4 keeps children engaged mentally and physically with diverse activities including on-site minicamps and weekly field trips.

Summer P.A.R.K. operates from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 11 through Aug. 10.

Not in need of full- day child care, but looking for a great, economical way to keep your child active and social this summer?

Play Zone offers children in grades K-6 a ton of fun Mondays through Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., June 18 through July 23.

G R O V E C I T Y PA R K S & R E C R E AT I O N

www.GroveCityOhio.gov • 614-277-3050 4035 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123 Richard L. “Ike” Stage, Mayor

22

facebook.com/GroveCityOhio • twitter.com/GroveCityOhio

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

©2012 City of Grove City

RUNNERS-UP FOR GLUTEN-FREE MENU: Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse RUNNERS-UP FOR MAC ‘N CHEESE: La Chatelaine French Bakery & Bistro, (tie) Grandview Café and Eddie George’s Grill 27

They’ve made their name, over the last 23 years, with chicken wings, but clearly Columbus parents give their chicken fingers two thumbs up. Roosters Wings, with locations from Grove City to Huntington Park, are a madein-Ohio success story, and you also have to appreciate their business philosophy of recycling existing buildings, rather than building new, for their restaurant locations.

RUNNERS-UP: Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern, Max & Erma’s Northstar Café prides itself on using organic ingredients and carryout containers that are safe for the environment. The high quality of food preparation is evident in each of the café’s locations, which boast rustic atmospheres and homey vibes. Kids will love being able to take a peek inside the kitchen!

“Can’t miss” menu items at Northstar include the burger (made with black beans, beets and rice), the Sweet Basil Burrito and cookies the size of your head that are made fresh daily.

RUNNERS-UP: Harvest Moon Café, Raisin Rack

Thank You Columbus Parent Reader for voting us The Best Pizza in Columbus 2012 & #2 Best Gluten Free Pizza in Columbus

BEST RESTAURANT WITH GAMES AND ACTIVITIES

DAVE & BUSTER’S

1554 Polaris Pkwy., Polaris 614-310-6800 3665 Park Mill Run Dr., Hilliard 614-771-1515 daveandbusters.com Dave & Buster’s offers excitement for both kids and adults at its popular eat-and-play establishments. After a meal (the menu is loaded with family faves like hamburgers and pasta dishes), there are plenty of games and activities for the whole crew. Test your skills at popular games like Wheel of Fortune, Madden Football and the always classic Skeeball, all while earning tickets for the prizes of your choice. The endless fun also makes Dave & Buster’s another prime birthday party venue in Columbus.

RUNNERS-UP: Rule (3), Magic Mountain Fun Centers

BEST HAMBURGER AND FRIES

THE THURMAN CAFÉ

183 Thurman Ave., German Village 614-443-1570 thethurmancafe.com Your kids might not be able to make a dent in The Thurmanator, the celebrated signature burger at The Thurman Café, but they will likely find something that piques their appetite at the German Village burger joint. The restaurant, which has received lots of attention after being featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food” show, has more than a dozen specialty burgers on the menu. Burger toppings include ham, salsa, red peppers and mushrooms. The restaurant also serves wings, thincrust pizza and hot dogs. They’re best enjoyed with the restaurant’s hand-cut fries.

Fame does come with a price. Since the café was featured on television, there’s often a wait for a table and the restaurant does not take reservations.

RUNNERS-UP: Max & Erma’s, Graffiti Burger Fries & Shakes

2170 Polaris Parkway (614) 885-6355

6505 Dublin Center Drive (614) 389-5445

www.mellowmushroom.com/columbus-oh

Thanks for voting us #3 best Asian restaurant Columbus Parent!

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North 1930 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., 1 Mile east of I-71 (614) 523-2008

columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

23

hot topic: BEST OF COLUMBUS BEST PIZZA (RESTAURANT)

MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS

2170 Polaris Pkwy., Polaris 614-885-6355 6505 Dublin Center Dr., Dublin 614-389-5445 mellowmushroom.com The creators of Mellow Mushroom want diners to experience pizza as an art form.

The chain restaurant with locations near Polaris and in Dublin offers pizza with unique toppings artfully arranged on the pie.

The line-up of toppings includes everything from salami to barbecued tofu — all served on a thick, chewy crust. And to wash it down, there’s dozens of craft beers for the grown-ups to choose from. Be sure to check out their bingo nights, too.

RUNNERS-UP: Plank’s on Parsons, Kingy’s Pizza Pub

BEST PANCAKES

HARVEST MOON CAFÉ

BEST HOT DOG

DIRTY FRANK’S HOT DOG PALACE

248 S. Fourth St., Downtown 614-824-4673 dirtyfrankscolumbus.com When parents are ready to throw in the towel on their kids’ hot dog habits, Dirty Frank’s comes to the rescue. Where else can you find a place that elevates this tubular food item to an art form? Trying to educate little Hortense or Fauntleroy’s palate?

Kim chee topping — it’s like cole slaw, only from another country!

Mango chutney — it’s ketchup with attitude.

RUNNERS-UP: Schmidt’s Restaurant und Sausage Haus, (tie) Wholly Joe’s Chicago Eatery and Phillip’s Original Coney Island

24

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

7 N. High St., Canal Winchester 614-834-8100 hm-café.com It’s no secret (from our April Eating Out with Kids review) that we here at Columbus Parent Central are big fans of Harvest Moon Café’s “heavenly hotcakes” and apparently so are other Columbus parents. Harvest Moon Café, a friendly little organic eatery in Canal Winchester, wiped up its plate with lavenderinfused maple syrup in this hotly contested category.

RUNNERS-UP: Jack & Benny’s, German Village Coffee Shop

SEMI–ANNUAL WORTH THE PRICE OF A SITTER RESTAURANT

HYDE PARK PRIME STEAKHOUSE

multiple locations hydeparkrestaurants.com For Moms and Dads looking for a place to dine without the kids, Hyde Park hits the spot.

The steakhouse, which prides itself on quality ingredients and culinary flair, offers impeccable service and great ambiance. All of the Columbus locations have cozy fireplaces to help set a romantic mood. It’s definitely a place to linger over a meal.

Hyde Park chefs will prepare your steak in the classic way you love or in whatever manner is the current foodie trend. They also have a wonderful seafood selection and serve more than 40 wines by the glass.

RUNNERS-UP: Mitchell’s Ocean Club, The Top Steak House

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BEST CUPCAKE

PINK MOON CUPCAKE BAKERY

84 W. Olentangy St., Powell 614-802-0230 pinkmooncupcakes.com These oh-so-delightful confections infuse a little whimsy and a lot of palateBEST MILKSHAKE pleasing flavors into one STEAK ‘N SHAKE bakery staple. From triedand-true flavors like vanilla multiple locations and chocolate to more darsteaknshake.com ing endeavors like red velWhen a restaurant has “shake” in its name, you know it’s going to be good. Since 1934, Steak ‘N Shake restaurants nationwide (including more than a dozen in the greater Columbus area) have been vet and caramel macchiato, Pink Moon is sure to send delighting the masses with their “hand-dipped” milkshakes. Classic flavors of the frosty treat include chocolate, banana, vanilla and strawberry. Can’t decide which one to get? Side-by-side shakes let you you over the moon.

RUNNERS-UP: Fantasy combine two flavors, or choose from fun specialty flavors like Butterfinger or M&M’s.

Cupcake, Pattycake Bakery RUNNERS-UP: Graeter’s, Culver’s

Thanks for voting us the #2 Best Diner in Columbus!

Serving breakfast, lunch and coffee 914 W Broad St, Columbus 43222 614-224-2422 • www.tommysdiner.com columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

25

hot topic: BEST OF COLUMBUS

CLOTHES

BEST BABY CLOTHES

LOTTIE DA

4705 High St., Clintonville 614-754-1261 lottiedababy.com Thanks to demand nationwide for their handmade children’s clothing, Lottie Da will be converting its store to a showroom and studio to focus on their online retail business. But never fear, Lottie Da devotees! In addition to shopping online, you can still visit the store by special appointment.

RUNNERS-UP: Nicole’s for Children, Blankets and Booties

BEST PLAY CLOTHES

TUTU MOMMIES

133 N. Columbus St., Lancaster 740-743-7070 tutumommies.com This fascinating shop, located in Lancaster, is one of those nifty little finds that are a testament to parental ingenuity: Two mommies who knew that there’s no better way to clothe a little girl’s playful frame of mind than with tutu material and imagination! They offer in-stock tutus, dresses and accessories, but also custom-create to your little princess’s specs (and for very reasonable prices).

RUNNERS-UP: What the Rock?!, Nicole’s for Children

BEST SHOES

NORDSTROM BEST MATERNITY CLOTHES

SCHOOL UNIFORMS

BEST DRESS-UP CLOTHES

multiple locations oldnavy.com When shopping for maternity clothes, comfort is key, but so are cute and classic styles. Old Navy Maternity offers just that and more. The store has you and your bump covered with prices that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.

Find stylish dresses, cardigans and tops in an array of patterns and colors, or stay comfy with activewear, jeans and hoodies. If you need summer attire, Old Navy also carries maternity bathing suits.

And after your bundle of joy is born, check out some post-pregnancy favorites, including nursing tops and yoga pants.

RUNNERS-UP: Destination Maternity, Gap Maternity

2497 E. Main St., Bexley 614-237-0088 73 N. Stygler Rd., Gahanna 614-476-4104 4507 N. High St., Clintonville 614-262-6016 schoolcloset.com If the youngsters need polo shirts, plaid skirts or gym uniforms for school, School Closet and School Days stores have you covered. Customers can easily find the specific school uniforms they’re looking for, with plenty of accessories and backpacks to boot.

Order online, or visit one of the three locations nearest you. Summer is the prime time to stock up before the school year starts!

RUNNERS-UP: Educational Outfitters; Educational Apparel, LLC

1249 N. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna 614-473-2000

OLD NAVY MATERNITY

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SCHOOL CLOSET AND SCHOOL DAYS

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

BELLES & BEAUX CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE bellesandbeauxchildrensboutique.com

Located just south of the Stone Ridge Plaza shopping area in Gahanna, Belles & Beaux has become a revered part of Central Ohio’s dressy-wear-forkids landscape. Owner Kathleen Gibbons devotes as much care to selecting her inventory of the latest in children’s clothing (from newborn to girls’ 16 and boys’ 7 sizes) as do Short North ladies’ boutique owners. Guaranteed, if you’re looking for something special for someone special, you will find it here.

RUNNERS-UP: Nicole’s for Children, Lottie Da

4000 Worth Ave., Easton 614-416-7111 nordstrom.com Kids are on the go and Nordstrom knows they need the shoes to help them get there. With pint-sized versions of name brands and an array of classic and trendy styles, Nordstrom offers plenty of adorable options for your munchkin in motion.

RUNNERS-UP: Stride Rite at Polaris, Kids Foot Locker

BEST RESALE/CONSIGNMENT ADULT CLOTHES

CLOTHES MENTOR

2011 Henderson Rd., Columbus 614-923-0166 399 S. State St., Westerville 614-899-3000 clothesmentor.com Want the hottest trends for the coolest prices? Clothes Mentor is the place for the latest “new-to-you” styles for the budget-conscious fashionista. Find the perfect statement piece or sell those lonely closet items for cash. Now that’s a great deal.

RUNNERS-UP: One More Time, Second Chance Consignment Boutique

To Learn more about Plato’s Closet check us out online at

platosclosetcolumbus.com or find us on Facebook

BEST RESALE/CONSIGNMENT KIDS’ CLOTHES

BEST RESALE/CONSIGNMENT TEEN CLOTHES

multiple locations onceuponachild.com The staff at Once Upon a Child is legendary for being picky about what clothes they will accept to sell in the store, which is good news for second-hand shoppers.

The stores offer a wide array of children’s clothing, toys and books and music.

It’s a great place to look for specialty items like dress clothes, costumes or winter gear.

Parents also should pay the store a visit before big purchases like bikes, kitchen sets and strollers because Once Upon a Child usually has a good selection of those, too.

It’s also a good place to make a little extra money from your little one’s castoffs.

RUNNERS-UP: Three Bags Full sales, Trader Tots

multiple locations platoscloset.com Fashion-conscious teens dressing on a budget must pay a visit to Plato’s Closet.

The second-hand store works hard to cater to young people with an eye for stylish clothing.

The store carries brand-name and trendy clothes and accessories for teens, women and men. Plato’s Closet works to keep its inventory in line with what stores at the mall have carried within the last 12 to 18 months.

The store estimates its prices are up to 70 percent below the retail prices.

The website offers fun fashion tips and offers ideas on how to put trendy looks together.

RUNNERS-UP: Rag-O-Rama, The Dresscode Consignment Shop

ONCE UPON A CHILD

PLATO’S CLOSET

# 1 Teen Resale Store!

Thanks for voting!

At Plato's Closet you'll find a huge selection of trendy, designer styles as well as those every day basics you can't live without all at up to 70% off mall retail prices!

Our stores buy and sell girls sizes 0/1 to 15/16 and guys size 28 to 38 waist.

The gently used clothing and accessories that we buy are: top-name brands, cool, hip, trendy, and clean.

open mon - sat 10am - 9pm sun 12pm - 5pm columbus 751 bethel road 614-583-8888 dublin 7525 sawmill rd.

614-764-7700 grove city 2195 stringtown rd. 614-277-9662 reynoldsburg 2087 S.R. 256 614-552-5050 westerville 571 south state st. 614-882-1818

School Closet & School Days Uniforms

BEST VOTED

30% OFF SALE 5/15-6/15

25% OFF SALE

SCHOOL UNIFORM STORE

6/16 - 6/30

20% OFF SALE 7/1 - 7/15

15% OFF SALE 7/16 -7/31

*Excludes letter jackets, alterations and custom embroidery

THANK YOU COLUMBUS!

School Closet 2497 East Main Street Bexley 237 0088

School Days Uniforms

School Days Uniforms

73 North Stygler Road Gahanna 476 4104

4507 North High Street Clintonville 262 6016

WWW.SCHOOLCLOSET.COM columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

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hot topic: BEST OF COLUMBUS

FAMILY-FOCUSED BUSINESS BEST DANCE STUDIO

BALLETMET DANCE ACADEMY

322 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus 614-224-1672 1141 N. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna 614-224-1672 balletmet.org From toddlers in tutus to adults with a passion, BalletMet Dance Academy offers students a chance to learn from professional instructors in a supportive atmosphere. Classes are offered in ballet, hip hop and more.

RUNNERS-UP: NorthPointe Dance Academy, Pinnell Dance Centre

BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUE

SKY ZONE

459 Orange Point Drive, Suite E, Lewis Center 740-548-4004 columbus.skyzonesports.com You know those jokes about how great the sugar crashes are after your kids spend time at a birthday party?

This is better because, after a birthday party at the Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, they are legitimately exhausted, but not in danger of insulin shock. Soon after this Lewis Center (southern Delaware County) business opened in 2010, it bounced (haha) to the top of the ranks of great birthday-party venues. This year, Columbus parents voted it tops.

RUNNERS-UP: Mr. Game Room, Magic Mountain Fun Centers

BEST ARTS CENTER/STUDIO

CULTURAL ARTS CENTER

139 W. Main St., Downtown 614-645-7047 culturalartscenteronline.org Run by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, the Cultural Arts Center was first dedicated in 1978 (in a beautiful building down near the riverfront, which, we were surprised to learn, used to be the Ohio State Arsenal!). Though this robust organization does not currently offer classes to anyone younger than 18, parents obviously enjoy exercising their artistic muscles here (and maybe someday they’ll let the teens and kids in, too!)

RUNNERS-UP: Delaware Arts Castle, Dublin Arts Council

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BEST FARMERS’ MARKET

NORTH MARKET SATURDAYS

59 Spruce St., Arena District 614-463-9664 northmarket.com Enjoy live music, activities for kids and some of the area’s finest farm-fresh foods at one of Columbus’ historic treasures. This open-air market packs in fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers and more in a one-stop shop for home-grown goodies.

RUNNERS-UP: Worthington, Clintonville

BEST CHILDREN’S THEATER

COLUMBUS CHILDREN’S THEATRE

177 E. Naghten St., Downtown 614-224-6672 colschildrenstheatre.com Young thespians can learn the tricks of the trade at Columbus Children’s Theatre workshops, classes and camps.

The organization also has a touring company that produces kidfriendly shows. Columbus Children’s Theatre, which is nearly 50 years old, is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and their families through live theatre and theatre education.

RUNNERS-UP: The Phoenix Theatre for Children, Wexner Center for the Arts

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

BEST CUT-YOUR-OWN CHRISTMAS TREE DESTINATION

TIMBUK FARMS

2030 Timbuk Road, Granville 740-587-2178 timbukfarms.com This 60-year-old, 200-acre family-run farm is clearly a fave with Central Ohio families when it comes to Christmas time and the acquisition of that esteemed evergreen symbol of The Season. And it probably doesn’t hurt that they offer a “North Pole Café,” gift shop and tractor train rides to make this an outing worth bundling the family up for. As for the Timbuk name — it derives from the original owners’ declaration that a trip from Columbus out to Licking County was like visiting Timbuktu.

RUNNERS-UP: Homestead Tree Farm, Dale Tree Farm

BEST GYMNASTICS

BUCKEYE GYMNASTICS

10562 Sawmill Rd., Powell 614-793-1936 7159 Northgate Way, Westerville 614-895-1611 buckeyegymnastics.com For nearly 30 years, kids of all ages have been bouncing around and acquiring tumbling skills at Buckeye Gymnastics. Their two locations offer gymnastics classes, competitive cheerleading and introductory tumbling classes for children as young as 2 years old.

Plus, the gym hosts a plethora of summer camps and even serves as a birthday party venue! Kids can enjoy inflatables and the infamous “cheese pit” with those fun yellow foam blocks that youngsters love.

RUNNERS-UP: Gym X-Treme, Columbus Gymnastics Academy

hot topic: BEST OF COLUMBUS

FAMILY-FOCUSED BUSINESS BEST MUSEUM BEST PLAYDATE DESTINATION

COSI

313 W. Broad St., Downtown 614-228-2674 cosi.org Families with young children can log some serious hours at COSI. The children’s museum has great permanent exhibits like the ocean and space display that kids look forward to visiting again and again. COSI also routinely brings in special exhibits designed to wow the whole family. There are also gadgets, pulleys and really loud explosions to discover.

We know “little kidspace” is designed to be an interactive space where caregivers and their charges learn and explore. But we also know that there is so much for little ones to do there that moms can have actual conversations without getting interrupted every five minutes. The museum is so playdate-friendly, parents are even allowed to bring in their own snacks. There are spots for nursing and diaper changing and kid-sized potties.

RUNNERS-UP FOR MUSEUM: Columbus Museum of Art, Ohio History Center RUNNERS-UP FOR PLAYDATE DESTINATION: Firefly Play Café, Columbus Metropolitan Library–Main Branch

BEST MINIATURE GOLF

MAGIC MOUNTAIN FUN CENTER

8350 Lyra Dr., Polaris 614-840-9600 5890 Scarborough Blvd., Pickerington 614-840-9600 magicmountainfuncenter.com Showcase your skills and score a hole-in-one at a Magic Mountain miniature golf course.

With two 18-hole courses at each location, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun and make your way through the maze of holes. The Fun Centers also keep the miniature golf games affordable with the ability to play 18 holes for less than $10 a person.

And take our helpful hint: Pick your favorite color golf ball to play with. It sure makes it easier to watch out for those tricky rocks!

RUNNERS-UP: Glow Putt Mini Golf, Westerville Golf Center

BEST MUSIC STUDIO/PROGRAM

THE CONSERVATORY OF PIANO

209 N. Hamilton Rd., Columbus, 614-755-2424 60 Old W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Worthington, 614-436-6076 conservatoryofpiano.com

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Piano lessons are as much a part of American childhood as, well, apple pie and county fairs. The Conservatory of Piano has been around since 1971. It isn’t just that patrons like the sampler classes (for kids and adults): It’s the free shows they put on for local retirement homes, charity events, churches, synagogues and hospitals that make this music-education business a respected part of our community.

RUNNERS-UP: Joyful Noise Studio, Columbus Children’s Choir

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

BEST PLACE TO BRING OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS

COLUMBUS ZOO & AQUARIUM

4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell 1-800-MONKEYS colszoo.org With more than 2 million annual visitors, it’s no shock that the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium secured the win in this category. The nearly 600-acre zoo houses more than 9,000 animals and is one of the most well-known zoos in the country.

It’s open 363 days a year (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day), so there’s plenty of opportunity to share this Columbus gem with friends and family. Get up close and personal with the manatees, walk through the reptile house or make friends with the gorillas. There are plenty of other activities including train rides and hands-on animal encounters.

Seasonal activities also abound: Don’t miss the twinkling Wildlights each winter or the twists and turns of the water slides during the warmer months at the adjoining Zoombezi Bay water park.

RUNNERS-UP: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, German Village

BEST SPECTATOR SPORTS

BEST WATER PARK

411 Woody Hayes Dr., Campus 614-292-2624 ohiostatebuckeyes.com With Buckeye spirit days starting in preschool, it’s no surprise that readers choose Ohio State University Football games as their favorite sporting event. It was OH – IO all the way.

Families who don their Scarlet and Gray and head to Ohio Stadium are sure to have a memorable time rooting for the home team and gobbling hot dogs, nachos and other stadium munchies.

Even kids who aren’t football fans will love listening to the band, cheering along with Brutus and watching the fun animation on the score boards.

RUNNERS-UP: Columbus Clippers, Columbus Blue Jackets

10101 Riverside Dr., Powell 614-724-3600 zoombezibay.com A relatively new addition to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (it opened in 2008), Zoombezi Bay provides the fun of a vacation destination right here in Columbus.

Boasting 17 water slides, a lazy river and a kid’s pool, among other things, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Put on those sunglasses and explore the various rides, or simply soak up the sun poolside.

New for the 2012 season is the ZoomPass. Functioning similarly to the Fast Pass at Walt Disney World, pass holders can purchase a wristband ($19.99 on weekdays and $24.99 on weekends) and skip waiting in line for the slides.

RUNNERS-UP: Great Wolf Lodge, CoCo Key Resort

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL

ZOOMBEZI BAY

BEST MOVIE THEATER

AMC EASTON TOWN CENTER 30

275 Easton Town Center, Easton 614-428-5716 amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/amc-easton-town-center-30 Taking in a movie at Easton always kicks things up a notch. First there’s the ride up the mega-escalator — a treat for most kids.

Then there’s snack bar with a seemingly endless amount of choices — including a bar for grown-ups.

The theater also offers a great variety of movies, comfy seats and an awesome sound system.

RUNNERS-UP: AMC Lennox, Arena Grand

STUFF TO BUY BEST BABY SHOWER GIFTS

SPROUT SOUP

3286 N. High St., Clintonville 614-267-7768 sproutsoup.com Eco-friendly meets oh-so-adorable at this green baby boutique. Specializing in baby carriers, cloth diapers, safe feeding supplies and natural toys, Sprout Soup offers babies a chance to play and grow the way they know best — au natural.

RUNNERS-UP: Blankets and Booties, (tie) Lottie Da and Fritzy Jacobs

BEST TOYS AND GAMES

LARSON’S TOYS & GAMES

1617 W. Lane Ave., Upper Arlington 614-486-7701 larsonstoys.com While the Shops at Lane Avenue have undergone some transformations over the years, one thing that has stayed consistent is the quality of fun and education that Larson’s Toys & Games provides. Larson’s is rooted in offering premium toys for all ages that have delighted the masses for the past 30 years. Step into the family-owned store and find everything from outdoor games to puzzles to art kits.

RUNNERS-UP: Lakeshore Learning Store, Learning Express Toys

BEST EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS

LAKESHORE LEARNING STORE

2148 Polaris Pkwy., Polaris 614-846-1710 lakeshorelearning.com With thousands of curriculum-based products for kids, Lakeshore Learning offers fun ways to help kids learn about reading, math, music, science, art and play. From literacy and science kits to dress up and storytelling, there are millions of ways to spark a lifelong love of learning.

RUNNERS-UP: Larson’s Toys and Games, United Art & Education

BEST ART SUPPLIES

BLICK ART MATERIALS

BEST SPORTS EQUIPMENT

BEST BOOK STORE

multiple locations playitagainsports.com Outfitting a kid for a new sport each season can get costly. That’s why thrifty parents head to Play It Again Sports. The second-hand sporting goods store, which does carry new items, carries a large selection of equipment. Buying used makes sense especially for growing kids. It’s also a chance to recycle equipment that’s not worn out but too small for your children to use.

RUNNERS-UP: FrontRunner, Columbus Running Company

631 S. Third St, German Village 614-464-1774 bookloft.com A stroll through German Village isn’t complete without a meander through The Book Loft, the 32-room bookstore that stays open until 11 p.m. every day of the week.

The store is a true reader’s delight with rooms dedicated to books about travel, history and cooking. It’s easy to lose track of time as you flip through books about famous people, fabulous destinations and imaginary worlds. They also offer a discount program, where customers who wear the store’s t-shirt save 10 percent on their in-store purchase.

The German Village institution has a wonderful children’s section with unique puzzles, games and art kits, as well as lots of kid-friendly titles. If you bring the kids, consider setting up a meeting place in case you become separated.

RUNNERS-UP: Cover to Cover, Village Bookshop

PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS

THE BOOK LOFT OF GERMAN VILLAGE

6486 Sawmill Rd., Dublin 614-792-1900 dickblick.com If you’re in the mood to tackle an art project, start the journey at Blick Art Materials, which has a brisk mail-order business and one retail store in Central Ohio.

The store has an amazing selection of art materials — running the gamut from clay to screen-printing supplies to macramé twine. Blick sells fun craft kits for kids and carries an awesome array of Sharpie markers.

Allow time to browse. And don’t beat yourself up if you buy way more than you planned on— everyone seems to.

RUNNERS-UP: Lakeshore Learning Store, United Art & Education

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10 years ago, we made a promise to you and your children. We kept it.

The promise: No child need ever leave central Ohio for world-class medical care.

Over the past ten years, a remarkable and historic transformation has taken place in Columbus. Its most visible component is the new 12-story patient tower of Nationwide Children’s Hospital pictured here.

It is unlike any other pediatric institution anywhere. From the beginning we approached it in a unique way. We didn’t follow standard operating procedure, or revert to the tried and true. From the start, we challenged every existing premise.

To build a facility this special, we needed a special team. We assembled the country’s leading architects and designers and asked them to leave conventional thinking at the door.

We asked them to help us create an environment that would “define the future of pediatric care.”

They, in turn, gathered input from physicians, nurses, patients and families.

Input that informed all of our work.

Collectively, we began to believe that we could create an environment where patients would not only be treated, but one where environment could actually contribute to the healing process.

We tested every idea. We built a full scale mock-up of a hospital floor as part of the comprehensive design process.

We built a Level One trauma room. We built fully equipped and furnished patient rooms. We built nurses stations. We analyzed every aspect of the hospital experience. Again. And again. Our team of world-class architects and designers claim no institution has ever gone so far.

Our new main hospital is only the beginning. We’ve added a third research building, increasing our dedicated research space to 525,000 square feet.

That is important when you consider the

National Institutes of Health has tripled our research funding over the last ten years. The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s is one of the fastest growing anywhere.

We’ve also worked hard to make the neighborhood beautiful, adding six acres of green space to the northern border of Livingston Park. It not only welcomes patients and families to our campus, it’s a wonderful amenity for the entire city.

We’ve recruited world class talent. And we’ll continue to. When you see what is happening here, it’s easy to understand why the country’s leading physicians and scientists want to be a part of it. What may surprise you is the list of prestigious institutions they left to join us, including St. Jude, Harvard, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Yale.

This influx of talent has had a remarkable impact on the growth of vital clinical programs. For seven consecutive years, Nationwide Children’s has been listed in the U.S.News & World Report rankings of the country’s “Best Children’s Hospitals.”

We are also the first pediatric hospital in Ohio to achieve “Magnet” nursing status.

Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, it is nursing’s most prestigious honor.

As our reputation has grown, so have the number of families who turn to us for help. In 2012, we anticipate more than one million patient visits. And we’ll be ready for each one. With unprecedented facilities. The best and brightest talent. And a healing environment unsurpassed by any, anywhere in the world.

We made a promise to all of you. We kept it.

Please join us for a Community Celebration Day on June 10.

Visit NationwideChildrens.org/GrandOpening

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NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S: The Go-To Guide

hot topic: NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S

NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S AT A GLANCE For 120 years, Nationwide Children’s has served the families of Central Ohio in its 37-county service area. Right now, nearly 1 million patient visits are logged each year. The main campus has the only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center in this service area and was the first in the state.

With the addition this year of the 12story new main hospital, a third facility devoted to research and a satellite outpatient surgery center, this multifaceted healthcare organization strengthens its position as one of the top children’s hospitals in the world.

The entire system reaches across Ohio, with one main hospital, 10 Primary Care Centers, 16 ChildLabs, 14 Close to Home Centers (many with Urgent Care capabilities), 15 Heart Centers (including one in Kentucky), five Neonatal Intensive or Newborn Special Care Units, three Sports Medicine and/or Orthopedic Centers, one satellite Surgery Center, one Autism Center and one Homecare and Hospice Services office. The map on the back of this Go-To Guide explains the functions and locations of each.

With the opening of the new main hospital, the existing hospital becomes known as the Outpatient Care Center and will be converted to an outpatient care facility.

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| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nationwide Children’s main campus is located at 700 Children’s Drive at the intersection of Parsons and Livingston avenues, just south of the I-70/ I-71 split in south Columbus.

Beginning June 10, you can download the “myChildren’s” free app from Apple’s App Store or Android’s Google Play Store. The app provides driving directions to any location within the Nationwide Children’s system. (You can also read any physician’s bio, learn more about the procedure you’re coming in for and much more!)

PARKING

A ticket system will be used now (instead of the old token system). You can “pay on foot” at kiosks in the hospital or “pay in lane” at stations as you exit a parking area. Drivers using GPS devices will appreciate that many of the visitors’ parking areas have their own address. Some on-street parking also can be found on the surrounding streets.

• 633 CHILDREN’S DRIVE = the new hospital’s 430-parking-space, underground garage; self-parking costs $2/first four hours, $1 each additional hour, $7 maximum charge • 555 S. 18TH ST. = the old hospital/new Outpatient Care Center’s 1,176-space garage; self-parking costs $2/four hours, $1 each additional hour, $5 max • OFF PARSONS AVE. = the new emergency department’s 80-space ground lot; self-parking costs $2/first four hours, $1 each additional hour, $5 max • 574 S. 18TH ST. = additional handicapped-accessible parking next to the Human Resources Building • ON MOOBERRY ST. = parking for those with high-top vans; call Patient Relations at 614-355-4133 to obtain a keycard for this lot • 700 CHILDREN’S DRIVE (main entrance and “crossroads” entrance) and 555 S. 18TH ST. (Outpatient Care Center entrance) = destinations for valet parking; costs $5.

WAYFINDING “Wayfinding” is Nationwide Children’s term for the system it has developed to (surprise, surprise) help visitors find their way through the combined hospitals.

The system is based on the color-coded lines that many subway systems use.

The lines — or “paths” — are embedded in the floors, and the terrazzo material used in the new main hospital to create the paths is designed to catch your eye, not just with vibrant colors but also with crushed-up mirrors and crystalclear glass chips (lean down and take a closer look if you don’t believe us!).

This map shows the four lines: THE YELLOW PATH runs mostly through research facilities.

THE GREEN PATH leads through some of the best “purposeful distractions” in the hospital: the Magic Forest play area, the Magic Bean Café, the siblingsupport Clubhouse, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation Family Resource Center and the hospital’s chapel.

THE ORANGE PATH is the original line that runs through the existing hospital.

THE BLUE PATH (sometimes called “The River” by staff members) stretches the length of the entire first level from the new emergency department to the 18th Street parking garage.

Digital signage also is part of the new wayfinding system. These pairs of rectangular signs are located throughout the hospital. The one on the left will feature an interactive, touch-screen directory, and the one on the right will have a list of the day’s events.

SECURITY Hotels were the model for many design features in the expanded main campus. The most obvious similarity comes at the moment of arrival: At the main entrance desk, visitors will receive a key card coded uniquely for them. By using a swipe-activated reader, the key card allows families to enter AND exit only those areas of the hospital that they need to be in.

The need to swipe a key card in order to leave an area is where the system differs from

hotels. The two main reasons for the exit swipes, explained hospital officials, are teens who are most prone to leaving the hospital on their own and parents in a custody battle who might try to leave with a child.

Parents also can set up a “guest code” that visitors will need to know, along with a patient’s name, in order to be issued a visitor key card.

columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

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need to know: THE GO-TO GUIDE

Hospital staff explained to Columbus Parent that one of the toughest things about being in a hospital is the feeling that you have no control over what’s going on. So, with that challenge in mind, the new patient rooms, each about 300 square feet in size, were designed with many features that increase not only patients’ and families’ privacy and comfort, but also their sense that they do retain control over their environment.

This helps lower stress and anxiety, creating a more optimal healing environment.

• THE RECYCLING SYSTEM: Nationwide Children’s think they might be the first hospital, let alone first children’s hospital, to feature this two-container, built-in system. Bonus: By making it easy for users to separate their recyclables from their trash, it gets done and saves the hospital significant money on waste management.

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• THE OVERHEAD LIGHTS: These have four settings: room (for normal, full-room lighting), reading (a more focused beam), exam (brighter) and night (soft).

• THE HEADWALL: Above each patient bed is a square-ish acrylic panel that is backlit with changeable LED lights. The families can choose their favorite color or set them on a rotating scroll. Bonus: this customizable form of room art is more hygienic and easier to clean than framed paintings. Double bonus: the headwall glow can be seen for miles away, making the hospital a distinctive new landmark on the Columbus horizon!

• THE EDUTAINMENT SYSTEM: Not only are there hundreds of entertainment viewing options on the hospital’s in-house broadcast network, but the staff is able to keep track of whether patients and their families turn on any instructional videos they have been “prescribed” to watch as part of treatment.

• THE BATRIATRIC LIFT TRACK: Many rooms have a serpentine track in the ceiling, to help move an immobilized patient from the bed to the bathtub and to the toilet.

• THE MAGNETIC WALL: Genius — a wall that artwork, pictures and cards can be displayed on, using magnets.

• THE WINDOW: Overlooks gardens on the south side of the hospital; offers a view of the city on the north side.

• THE BATHTUB: This is another customdesigned element, created by Nationwide Children’s staff members. It combines a number of features that had never been integrated into one bathtub: lowered side, fold-down chair, flooring that scrolls up along the side of the tub. Using parent and staff input, the design addresses many different bathing challenges that families face.

• ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT: Customizable for each room • A CLOSET: ’Nuff said.

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

• AIR-PRESSURE CONTROL: On some floors, the rooms’ air pressure flow can be customized, based on the patient’s situation. For a patient with a fragile immune system, the air-pressure flow is positive, keeping outside air from flowing into the room. For a patient with a highly infectious disease, the pressure is negative, keeping air inside the room from flowing out.

• NURSES’ CART: These mobile carts pack a PC (that uses fingerprint recognition for log-in), a “med-bar” scanner that matches a patient’s ID to their medication order (reducing the risk of error), and assorted medical supplies.

• THE TRUNDLE BED AND RECLINER CHAIR: Parents are always welcome to sleep over with their children, even in the critical-care rooms. Thanks to parents’ input, members of the Nationwide Children’s staff designed their own trundle bed (that sleeps up to two adults and doubles as a couch) and a convertible recliner chair (for a third).

• HOTEL-LOCK DRAWER: Parents can safely store purses, wallets and other valuables in here.

columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

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hot topic: NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S

NC-SPEAK

Nationwide Children’s is, in many ways, its own country with its own language.

In addition to terms like “wayfinding” and “The Clubhouse,” here are more terms that families may learn:

THE BIG PICTURE • FAMILY-CENTERED CARE: one of the

key concepts in the new hospital’s design. It embraces the idea that making the whole family comfortable creates an optimal healing environment.

• PURPOSEFUL DISTRACTION: another

key concept related to the hospital’s vibrant, nature-oriented aesthetic design. Simply put, it translates to “help me forget why I’m here” and also promotes optimal healing.

• ONSTAGE (ALSO CALLED “FRONT OF HOUSE”): the parts of each level used by families and patients

• OFFSTAGE (OR “BACK OF HOUSE”):

the parts used primarily by staff personnel. These include the hospital’s cooling and heating systems, waste-management systems, as well as the central controls for a pneumatic-tube system that delivers medicine throughout the hospital. There are about 10,900 feet (more than 2 miles) of pneumatic tubes running through the walls.

• THE BACK FILL: the phase of the cam-

pus expansion that will, over the next several years, convert the old hospital to an outpatient-treatment facility. The new hospital’s patient rooms need up to 15-feet ceilings to accommodate all the equipment now used (including cooling vents for telecommunication devices). The old patient rooms are only 11 feet tall: good for outpatient use, but not ideal for inpatient.

• HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS,

HEALTHY FAMILIES: the neighborhood-revitalization project already begun in the surrounding, 10,000-resident community. More than 70 homes already have been renovated with more economic-development, literacy and domestic-safety programs to come.

6

THE LITTLE DETAILS • ANIMAL FRIENDS: the 6-foot-tall animal characters carved out of bass wood by artists from Mansfield’s Carousel Works, one of the leading carousel makers in the world.

• THE AVIARY AND THE RABBIT HOLE: you might hear staff members occasionally refer to the Atrium as “The Aviary” and the stairway behind the main entrance desk that leads down to the cafeteria as “The Rabbit Hole.” These are carryover terms from the early design phase.

• CHILD LIFE: the playrooms that sit between the two wings of each level’s patient rooms.

• LEVELS: don’t call them “floors.” The basement is the Lower Level and everything else goes from Level 1 up to Level 12.

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

WILL SHILLING PHOTOS

• NICHES: the playful animal scenes with fun fact statements set into the walls on the patient floors; they are actually part of a strategy to engage kids’ attention and motivate them to walk along through the corridors.

• VOCERAS: wireless communication devices worn like necklaces by medical personnel; they enable staff to spend less time at their desks and more time with patients. For fun, ask them if they can “call” Darth Vader, Dora the Explorer or SpongeBob. • THE WISH TREE: located in the sibling-support Clubhouse, the Wish Tree is an interactive art project, based on the Chinese tradition of adorning a village tree with paper on which good wishes for the new year have been written.

EAT IN!

• CAFETERIA: located on the Lower Level, includes a wood-fired pizza oven, outdoor seating, a south-facing glass wall, ample comfy seating and very healthy, tasty food. Your parent ID card will get you one free 12-ounce beverage each day.

• THE FOOD COURT: located in the lower level of the education building: includes Subway and Mark Pi’s Koko’s • ON-DEMAND FOOD SERVICE: patients can order food from a menu to be delivered to their rooms at any time • MAGIC BEAN CAFÉ: located next to the Atrium. Lattes and gelato. Need we say more?

• CLEMENTINE CAFÉ: a coffee shop located on the orange path near the Outpatient Care Center

HELP OUT!

GIFT CARDS: A great way to help a family spending lots of time at Nationwide Children’s. These cards can be loaded with money and used in the cafeteria, food court, coffee shops, gift shop and outpatient pharmacy. To contribute, call Cathy Ray at 614-722-4973 or Kristen Haines at 614-722-3083 during weekday hours and they’ll be able to process a contribution via credit card.

• BRING YOUR OWN: families (in consultation with the staff) can bring in favorite foods prepared at home or purchased outside the hospital

CHILL OUT!

• THE MAGIC FOREST: Located in a Level 1 corridor between the new and old hospitals, the Magic Forest features a canopy of whimsically huge fiberglass-and-foam trees; “seek and find” art on the walls (the grown-up in need of a break says, “Go find the parachuting turtle” to the child who needs to burn off some excess energy); a tree with a cut-out arch, big enough to accommodate a wheelchair; and a smallchild-sized, two-hole burrow to climb through on the wall.

• THE FRONT LAWN: This outside park is a 6-acre series of gardens, each designed to offer a special experience. The space has a fragrance maze, an S-shaped “storyteller’s garden,” slate walls to draw on with chalk, a toddler’s play area and a memorial garden. The hospital has also taken over maintenance of the city’s Livingston Park.

• THE GALAXY LOUNGE: One of the limitations of the existing hospital was that special entertainment often occurred in the main lobby, and that prevented children with delicate immune systems from coming down to see the shows. With the creation of the “Galaxy Lounge” on Level 6, more children will be able to attend special events. For those still confined to their beds, the Lounge’s shows can be broadcast to their rooms’ TVs. • ACTIVITY ROOMS: In addition to the Child Life play areas, three different activity rooms have been created for specific age groups — one for Toddlers (on Level 10), one for School-Age children (6) and one for Teens (11).

• FAMILY SPACE: Each patient-room floor has a social room available to families and their visitors.

• THE CLUBHOUSE: A carryover concept from the existing hospital, the Clubhouse is where patient siblings, ages 3-11, can hang out and receive supportive care.

• THE COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS FOUNDATION FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER: provides a variety of family-support services including a lounge and eating area, showers, lockers, fitness equipment and a library with computers and printers.

• THE AQUARIUM: In the center of the Emergency Department sits a donut-shaped, 1,400-gallon, freshwater aquarium where brightly colorful African peacock cichlids swim. It’s built around one of the hospital’s support columns.

columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

7

hot topic: NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S

Nationwide Children’s in Central Ohio 4.

LOCATIONS WITH FACILITIES AT OR NEAR THE SAME ADDRESS: 1. DOWNTOWN/MAIN CAMPUS: Main Hospital, Primary Care Center, Heart Center Clinic, NICU 2. EAST COLUMBUS: ChildLab, Heart Center Clinic 3. DUBLIN: ChildLab, Close to Home Center, NICU 4. WESTERVILLE: ChildLab, Close to Home Center, Heart Center Clinic 5. HILLIARD: ChildLab, Close to Home Center 6. CANAL WINCHESTER: ChildLab, Close to Home Center 7. DUBLIN: ChildLab, Close to Home Center 8. WESTERVILLE: Close to Home Center, Child Development and Autism Center

3.

8.

MOUNT CARMEL ST. ANN’S HOSPITAL

7.

NORTHLAND

RIVERSIDE METHODIST HOSPITAL

5.

UNITY LINDEN

PRIMARY CARE CENTERS

2.

OLENTANGY

where you go for regular checkups and immunizations (up to age 21) GRANT MEDICAL CENTER

CHILDLABS where you go for blood tests and other medical tests

DOCTORS HOSPITAL

CLOSE TO HOME CENTERS where you go for urgent care when your primary-care doctor's office is closed or unavailable; these centers also may offer services for behavioral health, physical therapy and other special needs HEART CENTER CLINIC where you go for outpatient cardiology diagnoses and treatment

SPORTS MEDICINE AND ORTHOPEDIC CENTERS where you go for treatment and prevention of sports-related injuries; for weight and nutrition issues; and for problems related to the spine and other musculoskeletal issues

8

NEAR EAST

WHITEHALL

HILLTOP 1.

WESTSIDE SOUTH HIGH

MAIN HOSPITAL: where you go for emergency and trauma treatment; for inpatient and outpatient treatment of serious medical conditions; and for most major surgeries

EASTLAND

GROVE CITY

WESTERVILLE SURGERY CENTER where you go for outpatient surgical procedures

HOMECARE AND HOSPICE SERVICES OFFICE

where you go for assistance in home-based care

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

6.

NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OR NEWBORN SPECIAL CARE UNIT where you go when an infant is born with serious medical needs CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND AUTISM CENTERS where you go for assistance with a variety of developmental needs

THANK YOU!

hot topic: BEST OF COLUMBUS

This is a big “thank you” shout-out to the readers of Columbus Parent for voting Larson’s The BEST Toys and Games Store & Runner-up for the Best Educational Products Store!

LOW- OR NO-COST

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

FAMILY FUN

Bring this ad to receive 20% off one item.

One coupon per household. Expires June 30, 2012

LARSON’S

TOYS AND GAMES Fine Toys for All Ages The Shops on Lane Avenue

486-7701 Locally owned & operated since 1981

Thank you, Central Ohio!

“The Westerville Community Center was voted the #1 recreation center two years in a row by the readers of Columbus Parent magazine” Visit us at 350 N. Cleveland Avenue or online at www.westerville.org

DELIVER

WHAT’S

IN IT FOR

Supplement your income every week

YOU?Visit www.dispatch.com/delivery or

call 614-461-8585 to see if there’s a delivery area open near you!

42

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

BEST GARDEN PARK

FRANKLIN PARK CONSERVATORY AND BOTANICAL GARDENS

1777 E. Broad St., Columbus 614-645-8733 fpconservatory.org Gorgeous flowers and plants make up this beautiful indoor and outdoor center where guests can delight in nature, participate in educational programs and learn about gardening and the outdoors.

The Franklin Park Conservatory has nearly 90 acres to stroll and enjoy the botanical gardens.

There are plenty of activities for families, too, during Family Fun Days. These are typically held on the weekends, and kids can make crafts and learn about garden plants and creatures. The Family Fun Days are free with regular conservatory admission.

RUNNERS-UP: Inniswood Metro Gardens, Whetstone Park of Roses

BEST INDOOR PLAYGROUND

FIREFLY PLAY CAFÉ

4822 N. High St., Columbus 614-230-2375 fireflyplaycafe.com They were the first “play café” in the area and it’s clear this is a modern-parenting phenomenon that Columbus parents wholeheartedly endorse, especially when it comes to indoor playgrounds. Safe, clean space for kids to play in? Coupled with comfortable, caffeinated space for parents to hang out in? #winning as the kids would tweet!

RUNNERS-UP: Recreations Outlet, Graeter’s (Bethel Road)

BEST LIBRARY CHILDREN’S AREA BEST LIBRARY STORY TIMES

COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY, MAIN BRANCH

96 S. Grant Ave., Downtown 614-645-2275 columbuslibrary.org There’s no shushing in the “Center for Discovery” in the Main Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Librarians welcome children with warm smiles and friendly greetings.

Children are free to chatter, explore and imagine in the ample play area that includes a puppet stage, wooden-train table and play kitchen. There’s also a tree house to climb into and a fish tank to observe.

There are plenty of comfy chairs where families can share a good book or moms and dads can do a little reading while their youngsters play. The teens-only area is also a haven for quiet thinking and reading, and the entire section boasts nearly three dozen computers for kids and teens to use.

And when it comes to bringing children’s literature to life, the librarians at the Main Library are unstoppable. Their arsenal includes a huge selection of stuffed animals and puppets that they happily use to animate the stories. The librarians also cleverly use children’s music to build on the theme of the day. Their enthusiasm and love of books is truly inspiring.

The Main Branch offers four types of story times (Preschool, Toddler, Baby Laptime and Family) on a near-daily basis. To find one that suits your needs, go to their website, click on “Events” and use the search engine there.

RUNNERS-UP FOR LIBRARY CHILDREN’S AREA: Westerville Public Library, (tie) Upper Arlington Public Library and Old Worthington Library RUNNERS-UP FOR LIBRARY STORY TIMES: Columbus Metropolitan Library–Hilliard Branch, Westerville Public Library

BEST OUTDOOR MUNICIPAL POOL

GROVEPORT AQUATIC CENTER

BEST NATURE PARK BEST SLEDDING HILL

HIGHBANKS

9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center 614-846-9962 metroparks.net With miles of hiking trails, a natural play area, nature center and even a sledding hill in the winter, Highbanks Metro Park offers plenty to entice your little ones to give up screen time for a little green time.

And Highbanks Metro Park remains king of the hill when it comes to sledding in Central Ohio. For the second year in a row, readers crowned Highbanks the best sledding hill. The park’s two sledding hills provide two different types of thrills. There’s the high, fast hill for daredevils and the smaller, slower hill for the less daring. Park staff set out hay bales to keep sledders from colliding with trees and create a perimeter around the parking lot to separate kids and cars.

RUNNERS-UP FOR NATURE PARK: Slate Run & Slate Run Living Historical Farm, The Wilds RUNNERS-UP FOR SLEDDING HILL: Scioto Park (Leather Lips), Sharon Woods

BEST OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND

WHETSTONE PARK OF ROSES

3901 E. High St., Clintonville 614-645-6640 parkofroses.org One of the largest municipal rose gardens in the country, this 13-acre wonderland showcases more than 11,000 rose bushes as well as display and perennial gardens. Splashes of vibrant color and intricate landscape design make this the perfect spot for a sunny summer outing.

RUNNERS-UP: Homestead Park, Millstone Creek Park

7370 Groveport Rd., Groveport 614-836-2255 groveportrec.com Kids look forward to the summer all year long, and the Groveport Aquatic Center is certainly an exciting place to spend it.

The Aquatic Center is a normal pool on steroids: It has two 30-foot slides, a lazy river, diving boards, a leisure pool and a kid’s area. Add to the mix Dairy Queen treats at the concession stand and free wifi, and now we’re in business.

This year’s swim season at Groveport runs June 3 to Aug. 21, along with special hours Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. Purchase a pass for the whole summer or pay daily as you go. Groveport residents get a slightly reduced rate compared to non-residents.

RUNNERS-UP: Worthington Pools, Hilliard Family Aquatic Center

BEST RECREATION CENTER

WESTERVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER

350 Cleveland Ave., Westerville 614-901-6500 westerville.org There are plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy at the Westerville Community Center, which opened in November 2001. Kids can enjoy the indoor pool, and parents can utilize the track and fitness room. There’s even childcare available for a small fee during certain hours (learn more on the Westerville website). We also can’t forget the Tree Top Playground, which is free and located inside the facility. Little ones will love the mini-climbing walls and outdoor-themed space.

RUNNERS-UP: Dublin Community Recreation Center, Worthington Community Center

by

Thank you for voting Gym X-Treme Gymnastics & Cheer first runner up

BEST SPLASH PAD

EASTON TOWN CENTER

160 Easton Town Center, Easton 614-337-2200 eastontowncenter.com Especially during the warm summer months, the kids should be excited to shop with Mom and Dad at Easton. They can keep their eye on the prize: The fountains, located behind Brio and near Barnes & Noble and the Cheesecake Factory. Parents can relax on the benches in the surrounding area while the youngsters frolic in the water and cool off. An extra bonus is the free towels that Easton provides on weekends (from June to August), so you don’t have to worry about packing one in your bag.

RUNNERS-UP: Powell Village Green Park, Scioto Mile in Bicentennial Park

We offer Preschool & School Age Gymnastics & Cheer Classes, Competitive Gymnastics & Cheer, Birthday Parties, Open Gyms and MORE! 7708 Green Meadows Dr Suite A Lewis Center OH 43035

614-573-8484 www.gymx-treme.com columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

43

hot topic: BEST OF COLUMBUS

SPECIAL EVENTS BEST HOLIDAY SINGLE-DAY EVENT

RED, WHITE & BOOM

Downtown Columbus redwhiteandboom.org Red White & Boom is more than a fireworks presentation — it’s a daylong celebration full of family fun. The event now includes children’s activities, a midway with food from some of the city’s top restaurants and a parade.

But it remains the best firework display in the region. From the first burst of color to the minutes-long grand finale, families will find themselves “oohing and aahing.”

The event also is strategically planned for July 3 so families can attend without missing their hometown celebrations on July 4.

RUNNERS-UP: Village Lights (German Village), First Night Columbus

BEST HERITAGE FESTIVAL

DUBLIN IRISH FESTIVAL

Coffman Park, Dublin dublinirishfestival.org Get a taste of Ireland without leaving this fair city during the annual fest, which attracts around 100,000 people annually. Held throughout Coffman Park in Dublin, the three-day festival has authentic food (and beer for the adults!), entertainment and plenty of Irish dancing performances.

Kids can check out the Wee Folk area with crafts and activities. And, if they look Irish enough, there’s an annual competition for redheads and those donning freckles.

This year’s festival runs August 3-5, with plenty of scheduled musical shows including Celtic band Gaelic Storm.

RUNNERS-UP: Columbus Oktoberfest, Greek Festival

44

BEST FOOD FESTIVAL

BEST HOLIDAY ONGOING DISPLAY

WILDLIGHTS (COLUMBUS ZOO)

BEST SEASONAL FESTIVAL

COLUMBUS ARTS FESTIVAL

Scioto Mile and Downtown Riverfront columbusartsfestival.org 4850 West Powell Rd, Powell Around the start of summer, Columbus 800-666-5397 comes alive with the arts during its annual colszoo.org festival. The fest showcases the best in local Bundling up to stroll through the zoo art, music, poetry and more, and guests can and see the holiday lights display is a tradi- buy artwork and check out exhibitions. tion for many families. The display of nearThis year’s festival is June 1-3, and has a ly 2 million lights appeals to all generations new home: It’s heading back to the Riverfront of the family. Grandmothers and toddlers in Downtown Columbus. The Scioto Mile and will delight in the awesome celebration of Bicentennial Park will serve as the backdrop winter. It’s also a great opportunity to drink for three days of fun. And there’s definitely hot chocolate and visit with Santa. excitement for the whole family with the Wildlights, which will celebrate its 25th Hands On Arts Activities series. Make a glass anniversary this year, seems to get bigger bead, create a rainbow and even visit with and better every year. In 2011, the zoo animals from the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. added an animated lights show that was a Best of all, admission to the festival is free! It’s real crowd pleaser. truly a can’t-miss Columbus event.

RUNNERS-UP: State Auto Christmas CorRUNNERS-UP: Creekside Blues & Jazz Festiner, Fantasy of Lights (Alum Creek) val, Ohio Renaissance Festival

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

JAZZ & RIB FEST Downtown Columbus Riverfront hotribscooljazz.org The only thing that can make a jazz festival better? Add ribs of course! The Jazz & Rib Fest, Columbus’ popular musical and culinary celebration, features barbeque masters from across the country, an unbeatable lineup of soulful sounds and, best of all, free admission.

RUNNERS-UP: Circleville Pumpkin Show, Millersport Sweet Corn Festival

AUGUST 3, 4 & 5 - 2012

STILL KICKIN’

Come See Us At The

Grea at American Ball lpark

RecreationsOutlet.com 885 St. Rt. 28

513-831-PETE

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP

COLUMBUS

West Chester Lawn & Garden 7267Yankee Rd.

484W. Olentangy/ Powell Rd.

513-469-1333

614-792-3700

(513-831-7383)

New Outdoor Location

E3_00358

MILFORD

BE A PART OF THE ARTS IN UPPER ARLINGTON

LABOR DAY ARTS FESTIVAL September 3, 2012 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Northam Park, 2070 Northam Rd. 43221 FREE Admission

Presented By Farmers Citizen Bank

CONCOURSE GALLERY

MUSIC IN THE PARKS

M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

3600 Tremont Rd. 43221 FREE Admission

Thursdays 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

UA Arts Stage, Sunny 95 Park 4395 Carriage Hill Ln. 43221 FREE Admission

come see what’s

on view

come see what’s

Thank you for voting us the #1 Heritage Festival!

Join us as we celebrate 25 years of authentic Irish dancing, the best of Irish music, food, sports, art and culture. Go to DublinIrishFestival.org to see all the activities.

on stage WWW.UAOH.NET

columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

45

Setting The Standard In Early Care & Education

need to know: PEDIATRIC HEALTHSOURCE

EXPERTS FROM NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ANSWER COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT HEALTH AND SAFETY

Offering outstanding Reggio-Inspired Infant, Toddler & Preschool programs, as well as Kindergarten, Afterschool & Summer Camp.

www.AboutCompass.com Discover the difference that degreed teachers, excellent parent communication, NAEYC Accreditation, and a welcoming family environment can make. Schedule your personal tour today!

CompassQuest 2012: Summer Games Now registering for The Compass School’s summer camp program, featuring weekly field trips, swimming, arts & crafts, games, food, and summer fun with friends!

The Compass School 3989 North Hampton Drive Powell, Ohio 43065 (located off of Sawmill Pkwy)

614.764.8844

My son snores a lot. Someone told me he may have “sleep apnea.” What is sleep apnea and is there something I need to do about it?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a medical condition in which a person’s air flow is blocked intermittently during sleep. These pauses are an interruption of air intake and can happen as often as 300 times a night, disrupting a person’s quantity and quality of sleep.

In children, OSA may be related to enlarged tonsils. In adults, risk factors Lenora M. Lehwald, for OSA include being overweight or having certain facial structures.

M.D., is an attendWhile the most common symptom is snoring, children can also experiing pediatric neurolence pauses in breathing, gasping for air, morning headaches, dry mouth, ogist at Nationwide trouble concentrating, forgetfulness or depression.

Children’s and an The most common treatment for OSA in children is removing the tonAssistant Professor sils. The most common non-surgical treatment is a CPAP, which stands for of Clinical Pediatrics “continuous positive airway pressure.” Children wear a mask that is hooked at The Ohio State up to a small machine that delivers a continuous and measured flow of air University College of into the nose and/or mouth. The mask can be specifically fitted to the indiMedicine. vidual for increased comfort. The CPAP keeps the airway open, thus preventing obstructive apnea.

Children with OSA often awaken sleepy in the morning and may have attention problems during the day that could lead to difficulties in school. If you suspect your son has sleep apnea based on some of these symptoms, you should take him to his primary care physician for diagnosis. OSA is best determined by a doctor after a sleep study is performed.

TIP OF THE MONTH FIRST AID KITS

Our unique camps provide three hours of fun and activities in a noncompetitive, nurturing environment. Each day, different creative themes keep your child on their toes as they take part in exciting imaginative journeys.

NOW ENROLLING SUMMER CAMPS AND CLASSES Polaris www.TLGPolarisOh.com 614.430.3355

46

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

With all the playing and running around your kids may be doing this summer, take some time to make sure you have a proper first-aid kit on hand in the case of minor injuries. You can buy these at a drugstore or make your own. The list below is a good start to what you should include: • First-aid manual • Clean bandages and gauze pads of different sizes • Antibiotic ointment and alcohol wipes • Extra prescription medications as well as pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications • Tweezers and scissors • Cold packs • List of emergency phone numbers Be sure to check with your primary care physician for a more comprehensive list specific to your family’s needs.

need to know: FAMILY FINANCE

the cost of

Denise Trowbridge is a self-professed money geek who writes about personal finance, banking and insurance for The Columbus Dispatch, bankrate.com and middlepathfinance.com.

FAMILY VACATIONS

BY DENISE TROWBRIDGE

I didn’t appreciate how cheap and easy travel was when I was single. Now, with a hubby and two kids in tow, I’m suffering from constant family-travel sticker-shock.

I’ve had to figure out ways to save on family vacations because, although it’s tempting to save money and stay home, I doubt I’ll look back on my life and wish the family had spent more time at work or daycare.

Alas, this summer is supposed to be particularly brutal on traveling families, pricewise. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says gas will hover around $3.95 a gallon all summer. Domestic airfare prices are set to increase again, on top of a 9 percent hike last year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The budget traveler’s motto? Save where you can.

WHERE TO GO. Sure, summer vacation can mean SeaWorld and Disneyland. If budget is a sticking point, be creative and choose less expensive destinations, said Robert Reid, U.S. travel editor for the Lonely Planet guidebooks: “It’s about being flexible and really looking around. You can really make up for the price of getting there if you go somewhere off the radar.”

National parks (think Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore and Great Smoky Mountain National Park) are always an adventure, but don’t discount urban areas. Explore the (free) museums in Washington, D.C., or gaze at real T-Rex bones at the Natural History Museum in Chicago. Or, plan an out of the way “Roadside America”-style trip to a town like Metropolis, Ill., which claims to be home to Superman and has a “Super” museum and a 15-foot Superman statue to prove it.

“PRIVATE” TRAVEL. If you’re more into all-inclusive five-star resort-style

travel, there is a new crop of “private” travel sites offering half-price, limitedtime deals on fancy resorts in the U.S. and abroad, like sniqueaway.com, jetsetter.com, vacationist.com and voyagePrive.com. Some of these claim to be members only, but a few Google clicks can usually point you to a signup page.

GETTING THERE. Drive or fly, it’s not going to be cheap. Take advantage of gas discounts like credit card promotions, grocery store perks or shave a few cents off each gallon by paying cash. If you’re flying, book a cheap flight and use credit card points to upgrade, or apply them to hotels or car rentals. Sign up for airline email alerts in order to get sale notices before they’re announced publicly.

WHERE TO STAY. I’m a new convert to “hidden” hotel deals, the deals where you don’t actually know what hotel you’re staying at until you’ve booked the nonrefundable rooms.

There’s a reason these sites

Thanks for voting us #2 best miniature golf !

(hotwire.com, Travelocity’s Top Secret Hotels, Expedia’s Unpublished rates service) are so popular. They really can save a lot of money. Well-designed web sites like betterbidding.com, biddingtraveler.com, biddinghelper.com and hotwirerevealed.com help you figure out what hotel you’re actually booking. Tingo.com, a new hotel booking site, will automatically rebook your room at a lower rate if one becomes available.

Look beyond hotels for lodging to sites such as airbnb.com, houseswap. com and homeexchange.com. You can either trade a free stay in your house for a free stay in someone else’s, or book a room in a private residence.

And don’t forget about camping. One adventurous family we know has a tent so deluxe it has its own ceiling fan — talk about roughing it in style.

You may not stay at the The Ritz, but it sure is more fun than staying home!

SUMMER FUN FOR LE$$

Dads play FREE on Father’s Day!

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Quality Time With Your Child Playfully Nurture Early Skills

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 866-470-1427 OR VISIT WWW.SAFY.ORG

14 Locations to Serve You • Weekday, Evening & Saturday Classes columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

47

family fun: HANDS ON

Classic Pinwheel Harness the summer breeze with a classic pinwheel craft! Gather the family to create these simple, playful paper pinwheels and take your new toys out for a stroll in the park.

Pinwheels also make great party favors or decorations for your next summer gathering.

HOW YOU DO IT

1. Cut out a 5-inch-by-5-inch square.

2. Use colored pencils to decorate the square on both sides or on one side if you are using patterned paper.

3. Use a ruler to draw a dot in the exact center of your square.

BY OLIVERA BRATICH

WHAT YOU NEED • Plain or patterned paper • Ruler • Colored pencils • Scissors • Push pins • Pencils with intact erasers

4. Lay your ruler flat from the left top hand corner of the square to your center dot.

Use a red colored pencil to make a mark one inch from the center dot.

5. Use scissors to cut a straight line from the top left hand corner to the red mark.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the other corners.

7. The cuts have created four flaps. Take the left side of each flap and fold toward the center, so that the tip overlaps the center dot. Do not crease down. Hold the first piece in place and repeat for each flap.

8. Put a push pin through the center dot, making sure to catch each of the four tips. Put the push pin in the eraser part of a pencil.

9. Blow on your pinwheel or take it out on a windy day to watch it spin!

WHO THOUGHT THIS UP

48

OLIVERA BRATICH owns Wholly Craft, 3169 N. High St. The Clintonville shop features handmade goods from more than 100 crafters and artists, including clothing, jewelry, accessories, paper goods, home décor and more! Hours of operation: 1-8 p.m., weekdays except Tuesdays when they’re closed, 12 noon-7 p.m. Saturdays, 12 noon-5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, go to whollycraft.com or call 614-447-3445.

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTOS

Sing, dance, and monkey around with the Columbus Symphony!

Teddy Bears’ Picnic Friday, June 22 'Grrrrrreat' music! Bring your favorite Teddy Bear.

Symph-o-ny-Doo-Dah Friday, July 6 Tunes from your favorite Disney movies—what a way to celebrate!

Pajama-Rama Friday, July 20 Come in your PJs—dancing is encouraged!

All concerts are held at the Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion (160 S. High St.) in the Columbus Commons. Gates open at 6 pm.

Pre-concert activities will be available from 6:00 to 7:45 pm.

Concerts begin at 8 pm and run for approximately one hour.

Albert-George Schram, conductor

Tickets are available in person at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office (39 East State Street), by phone, or online. Discounted tickets available at central Ohio Kroger Ticketmaster and Graeter's locations.

ticketmaster.com

FALL 2012

Free popcorn and lots of fun activities!

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE: JUNE 15 APPLY NOW! SATURDAY MORNING ART CLASSES TALENT- AND NEED-BASED AWARDS Students grades 1–12 may compete for talent scholarships valued at $100 prior to each term.

There is no entry fee for the scholarship competition.

Additionally, students may apply for need-based scholarships valued at $175.

Go to www.ccad.edu/ce/info and click on the CE Scholarships link to download application forms or call 614.222.3248.

columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

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family fun: PARTIES

Central Ohio Fire Museum & LEARNING CENTER

BY JANE HAWES

If we’ve learned one thing here at Columbus Parent since we launched our Parties feature nearly two years ago, it’s that parents are always on the hunt for party ideas. It’s probably the No. 1 question we get when we meet our readers: “What’s a cool place for a kid’s birthday party that won’t break the bank?”

So, in addition to “covering” real parties when they happen, we’re also going to use this feature to share the due diligence we’ve done on various party venues in the Central Ohio area.

This month, it’s a venue guaranteed to ring the bell of the junior firefighter in your family.

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTOS

THE CENTRAL OHIO FIRE MUSEUM & LEARNING CENTER WHERE:

260 N. Fourth St., Columbus 43215

You’ve probably noticed this distinctive, century-old fire house in downtown Columbus, but have you ever been in? You really should and, if you’ve got a kid whose idea of fun is watching any of those “real firefighters and the trucks they love” videos, then this is a party venue that will ring his (or her) bell. No, really. The former “No. 18 Engine House” (that’s the building name built into the brick façade) has a bell tower with a rope-rung fire bell. They ring it and “fire off” lights and sirens when the birthday guest of honor blows out the candles.

WHY:

$100 plus $5 per child (no charge for birthday child). Museum members pay $75 plus $5 per child (an annual household membership costs $52). Up to 20 children can be accommodated. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of reservation with balance due on the day of the party. Payment can be made with cash, check or credit card.

COST:

Parties can be scheduled Tuesdays through Saturdays during one of two time slots. For the morning time slot, you and the staff set up from 10-10:30 a.m., then party time is from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For the afternoon time slot, set up is from 1-1:30 p.m., then party time is from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

WHEN:

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Two 6-foot tables and benches for the guests to sit on, one specially decorated “fire chief” chair, deluxe fire helmet and badge for the birthday person of honor; one 8-foot table for food, cake and beverages; one card table for gifts; guest party bags with plastic fire helmets, toy fire truck, coloring book and fire-safety handouts; trash bags and trash removal; an age-appropriate tour of the facility and a fire-safety lesson, play time on the available equipment which includes a brass pole; a fire truck cab with lights and siren; fire helmets, coats and boots to wear; and a driving video and steering wheel that simulates riding in the back of a long aerial-ladder truck.

WHAT THE VENUE PROVIDES:

All food and beverages (most people order in pizza), table coverings, place settings, table decorations or balloons (but, honestly, the surroundings are so cool to look at, you really don’t need to get fancy with the table decorations).

WHAT YOU PROVIDE:

Free parking for up to 15 cars is available in the brick alley along the south side of the firehouse. If, for any reason, it’s full (and it usually isn’t), there is a self-pay parking lot next door (for $3.50). The firehouse is handicapped accessible.

OTHER DETAILS:

CONTACT: 614-464-4099 centralohiofiremuseum.com

The 2012 Waterfire Season lgnites On Saturday, June 2

6:3 0 to

10:30 p.m.

Riverfront Amphitheater In Genoa Park (On Washington Boulevard just east of COSI)

The incredible display of more than 30 blazing fires burning just above the surface of the Scioto River makes WaterFire a one-of-a-kind experience.

You’re invited to join us for a unique spectacle, bringing friends together to enjoy music, unique art, bonfires and delectable food.

The 2012 Burn Season ignites with the Columbus Arts Festival!

2012 WATERFIRE SCHEDULE Saturday, June 2 In conjunction with the Columbus Arts Festival Friday, June 15 MoJoFlo Friday, July 13 Arnett Howard Friday, July 27 Entertainment TBD Saturday, August 4 Grassinine Saturday, August 18 The Floorwalkers Friday, September 7 Ladies of Longford Friday, September 28 In conjunction with the Riverfront Arts Festival Saturday, September 29 In conjunction with the Riverfront Arts Festival

Presenting Sponsors

About the Columbus Arts Festival After a four-year absence, the Columbus Arts Festival returns to its former home on the Riverfront, along the beautiful new Scioto Mile and Bicentennial Park, on June 1-3. The Columbus Arts Festival is the city’s welcome-to-summer event, pairing the finest artists and craftspeople from around the country and the world with continuous entertainment including handson art activities, musical performances and great food from area restaurants.

HOURS: Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.- 10 p.m.

Sunday 11:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. FREE. www.columbusartsfestival.org.

Supported By:

THE JOSEPH A. JEFFREY ENDOWMENT FUND

For more details and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.waterfirecolumbus.com columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

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MARBURN ACADEMY MARBURN ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL Be part of a dynamic program!

100% of graduates accepted into college!

• • • • • • •

College preparatory curriculum Improve self-management Achieve academic success College counseling Internships Robotics and technology J-term

• Outdoor leadership training • Community-based service learning • Soccer, dodge ball, ultimate Frisbee • Performing arts • 1-1 laptop school

Now accepting new students in grades 8, 9, 10, & 11.

Check out Marburn Academy High School!

Call today for an admission appointment, 614-433-0822 or bdavidson@marburnacademy.org.

FREE COMMUNITY PARENT SEMINARS “Understanding the Problems of ADHD Children”

June 12 • 7:00-9:00 pm “Improving Self-Management Skills for ADHD Students”

June 19 • 7:00-9:00 pm RSVP to 614-433-0822 or bdavidson@marburnacademy.org

ADHD SUMMER PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS A few spaces remain • Open to students entering grades 8, 9, & 10.

Classes in self-management, organization and scuba diving… gain academic success this summer! Check out the High School ADHD Summer Program on our website… www.marburnacademy.org.

Marburn Academy...simply better www.marburnacademy.org

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family fun: COOKING WITH KIDS

Golf Snacks: Trail Mix

BY MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON

Sarah Wick prepares a batch of trail mix Sarah Wick knows that kids can get tired and cranky when they go a few hours without eating or drinking — and that’s not even counting when they’re in the middle of a long golf game.

Young people who are learning to play golf or spending time on the course with friends or family need to be well nourished and hydrated, said Wick, a sports dietician at The Ohio State University and the mother of two high school golfers, Josh, who is 17 and Justin, 15.

“It’s vitally important. A lot of these kids don’t think about staying hydrated,” said Wick, who works with the OSU golf team. “It allows them to stay focused physically and mentally.”

Feeding kids — especially younger children — on the golf course can help make the sport more enjoyable, she added.

“One of the hardest things about golf in general is that it takes time and focus,” said Wick, an Upper Arlington resident.

Hungry or dehydrated kids are going to lose interest in the game, she said.

“It’s not going to be any fun for them,” she said.

Wick recommends golfers carry snacks and water in their bags.

One of her favorite foods to send with golfers is trail mix.

“It’s an easy thing to grab,” she said.

It’s also easy to prepare, said Kristi Kanzig, assistant

ALYSIA BURTON PHOTOS

marketing director for Earth Fare, the health-focused grocery store that recently opened at Gemini Place Towne Center in Columbus.

The store does not sell products containing high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils or foods made with artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors or fragrances.

Kanzig and Wick recommend using a mix of sweet, salty and crunchy foods in the mix.

Let the youngsters choose the ingredients, suggested Kanzig.

“I love getting kids involved in helping make their own snacks,” Kanzig said.

INGREDIENTS • 1 box healthy cereal that’s easily eaten dry • 1 bag pretzels • 1 bag dried fruit • 1 bag seeds or nuts • Optional ingredients include mini marshmallows, chocolate-covered candies or popcorn

INSTRUCTIONS 1. KID: Open all the bags.

2. GROWN-UP AND KID: Carefully pour all the ingredients into a large, sealable container.

3. GROWN-UP: Seal the container tightly.

4. KID: Gently shake the container so the ingredients mix together.

5. KID: Fill small baggies with the trail mix so it’s ready to grab.

columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

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family fun: EATING OUT WITH KIDS

Ohio German Language School

Opa Grill & Tavern

Operating as part of the American Center for German Culture

German Language Classes in Columbus!

Open to students of all ages and abilities Children (4 & up) and Adults Beginners through Advanced (Individual tutoring also available)

THE MOM SAYS

dar ! calen ETING r u o E ky ION M Mar MAT 2th at 7pm y R O F 1 r IN Libra , July ain sday Thur ton M rling A r . e d Upp ont R Trem 2800

Classes are held every Saturday morning from September - May

For more information, visit our website: www.ohiogermanlanguageschool.org

Fun & Exciting Summer Classes and Camps Ages 3-12 Age Appropriate themes for even more fun!

$

1000 OFF

When registered before June 30th, 2012 New Students Only. One Coupon Per Child. Coupon can also be used for Fall Registration.

Summer Class & Camps Now Registering for Fall Classes Summer Class and Camps, Fall Classes too.

Visit our website for schedules, details and to sign up!

www.northpointedance.com 740-548-4600

500 Orangepointe Drive, Lewis Center

(Minutes from Powell off Route 23, between Home Rd. & Orange Rod.)

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ALYSIA BURTON PHOTOS

OPA GRILL & TAVERN 18 S. Sandusky St., Delaware 740-363-7283; opadelco.com

HOURS: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 12 noon-9 p.m. Sundays COSTS: kids’ menu includes dishes with gyro meat ($4.99-$5.95), soups ($2.99-$3.99), gyros ($5.25-$6.99), spreads and dips ($3.50$7.99), dinner entrees ($13.99-$19.95), desserts ($2-$4.99), burgers, salads and other sandwiches also available; check their website for really excellent coupon deals

Don’t let the full bar, dark interior and proximity to Ohio Wesleyan University’s campus throw you off the scent of the Opa Grill & Tavern. No child is going to get led down the path of debauchery here, even as the décor has a speakeasy vibe to it. This place has really well done, imaginatively prepared Greek food, and it totally passes my “could I make this better myself at home” test (that’s the yardstick by which I stingily dole out my dining-out dollars).

But you know how you can tell when food’s been prepared from scratch — even down to the most humble sauce or dip?

That’s this place. There’s just a smooth purity to every dish I’ve had at the Opa, from the skordalia creamy potato garlic dip with toasted pita wedges to the spanakopita phyllodough triangles (filled with a much better balance of spinach to feta cheese than usually found — I think most places overdo the feta).

I’ve also enjoyed the keftedes pita sandwich (loaded with “Greek meatballs,” veggies and tzatziki sauce) and the spicy chicken kopanisti sandwich (similar but with zingy chicken and a garlic sauce). Now my husband quibbled that “real” gyros don’t have banana peppers in them, but arguably “real” calamari doesn’t come with a “Cajun dipping sauce” either, but that didn’t stop him from chowing down on them. And the spanakopita also was served with a chunky, homemade marinara sauce — again, not the standard accompaniment, but it works.

We’ve also sampled the desserts, which appear to be made on site. The baklava and the galaktobouriko (a lemon custard infused with vanilla and honey) highlight what I like about a lot of the food here: Somebody in that kitchen has a nice, light touch with ingredients like lemon and honey, which so easily overwhelm a lot of the Greek food I’ve had elsewhere. And that light touch has gotten my son to devour the food here because the seasonings, sauces, syrups and marinades don’t overwhelm the taste buds.

Service is fine and the bathroom is large but probably not ideal for diaper changing.

But go for the food: It’s well worth the trip.

—JANE HAWES

big fat Greek Kuzina Traditional, Fresh Greek

Homemade Pastitsio, Baklava, Moussaka, & More!

Big Fat Greek 2816 Fishinger Road Columbus, OH.

614.457.4733

THE KID SAYS

I’ve never really had that much Greek food, so I didn’t know what to expect. When I walked in, I thought it looked more like a modern restaurant than a Greek restaurant because I thought a Greek restaurant would try to look a little older, since it is after all about Greece.

I had a chocolate milkshake and I didn’t really like it. It was too chocolatey. I know it’s unusual for a kid to think something is too chocolatey, but there was a huge lump of chocolate syrup sitting on the bottom when I was finished.

I’ve had calamari before and my mother tricked me into it, the first time. But I admit I did like it. Their calamari was almost exactly the same as the ones I’ve had before, which is why I liked it. I didn’t try their dipping sauce because I’m not a fan of sauces in general.

For dinner, I ordered the baby lamb chops. I liked the sauce they had on them, even though I just said I don’t like sauces.

But this tasted sort of like gravy a little bit

WWW.BESTGREEKUSA.COM Gluten Free Options | Vegan | Organic | Vegetarian | Chemical Free

and I could taste a tiny bit of lemon so it was not too sweet. It’s definitely something for when you want to eat meat but you don’t want to eat a lot because they give you six lamb chops, but it’s like ribs and they only cover about a third of the rib with meat (MOTHER EDITOR’S NOTE: the chops were served butterfly-style).

The service, they were definitely nice but they weren’t overachievers. The bathroom was kind of in the middle — a little bit dirty, but OK. I would go back.

—COLIN HAWES

HOW’D THEY LIKE IT? FOOD:

SERVICE:

BATHROOM:

FAVORITE BITE: MOM: spicy chicken kopanisti KID: baby lamb chops

GRADING SCALE:

GREAT!

GOOD.

MEH.

BOO.

columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

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family fun: DAY TRIPPING

Slate Run Living Historical Farm

BY JANE HAWES

For us, living all the way up in Delaware, Slate Run Living Historical Farm had taken on a sort of “urban myth” quality through the years. We heard it existed, read about it often in the newspapers and in our Metro Parks literature, but we had never actually gotten down there to see it. And any time we tried to plan ahead and register for one of their special programs, we were always too late to get a spot.

So I decided, when my son had a day off from school this spring, to just going drive down and see if showing up and doing a selfguided tour was worth the long drive. The short answer: yes, it was. We easily filled two hours, which is frankly more than I was expecting to last.

By way of background, the Living Historical Farm is only one part of the entire Slate Run Metro Park, which is mostly occupied by gorgeous forests, grasslands and a wetlands refuge (also worth visiting if you think the child units’ attention spans will last that long).

The farm sits along the south-center boundary of the 1,705-acre park, and at

56

TIM JOHNSON PHOTOS

its center are a farmhouse, barn and assorted outbuildings. The mostly-volunteer staff keeps it operating like a legit 1880’s farm.

You park in an outer lot and walk in about a quartermile (be sure to grab a brochure on your way in because it does provide excellent info about each element of the farm, from pastures to sheds, from the windmill to the root cellar).

A pergola opposite the farmhouse immediately grabbed our attention because it had an assortment of old-fashioned toys laid out that anyone was welcome to play with — stilts (impossible for me to master), hoops, bowling pins and ring toss, to name a few. Because we’ve

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

SLATE RUN LIVING HISTORICAL PARK 1375 State Route 674 North, Canal Winchester 43110; 614-833-1880; metroparks.net/ParksSlateRunFarm.aspx HOURS: June 1 through August 31: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays and Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays, closed Mondays; the Farm will be open on Independence Day. Check their website for information about hours during the rest of the year.

Cost: Free TIPS: There is no food service or public eating areas on the farm, but there are plenty of picnic facilities in the surrounding Slate Run Metro Park area. Likewise with public restrooms (unless you want to avail yourself of the farm’s privy, which you are welcome to use) — there are several public restrooms on the grounds of Slate Run Metro Park. Just pick up a separate brochure for the park to see a detailed map showing restrooms and picnic areas. visited a few living-history sites in our time, we didn’t need instructions on how to play with some of the more unusual toys. If you do need some helpful hints, you might want to find a volunteer to explain them to you (although, honestly, half the fun is figuring them out

yourselves).

A school group had dibs on the farmhouse, so other visitors couldn’t enter until they left about an hour later.

Not a problem: We just wandered aimlessly, checking out the kitchen garden, the “privy” (a functioning twohole outhouse, we discov-

ered, because of the exuberant preschooler in there providing his dad — and everyone in earshot — with a play-by-play on his use of the facilities), then we went on to the barns and animal sheds.

Helping to de-kernel the dried corn cobs was another

unexpected pleasure: Children (and adults) are welcome to help with this task and do so enthusiastically.

There is also plenty of livestock on site. If you have any sensitive souls in your midst, be forewarned there is a chopping block for doomed poultry behind the farmhouse (with enough loose feathers and dried blood nearby to make it clear what it’s used for).

All in all, we spent a leisurely paced and enjoyable morning at the farm. I still can’t interest my son in reading “Farmer Boy” from the “Little House on the Prairie” series, but at least he got a very realistic feel for what life then was like.

columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

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family fun: MEDIA REVIEWS

BOOKS FOR KIDS

—JOHN COOK, YOUTH SERVICES LIBRARY ASSISTANT, WHITEHALL BRANCH OF THE COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY

“Z IS FOR MOOSE” by Kelly Bingham In this fun new picture book, Zebra guides the reader through the ABCs. There is only one problem: He forgot to include Moose! Refusing to take this injustice lying down, Moose begins appearing on every page.

What will Zebra do!? FOR AGES 2 TO 4.

“THE BOY WHO CRIED ALIEN” by Marilyn Singer No one in town believes Larry the Liar when he tells them that an alien spaceship has crashed near the lake. But aliens really have landed in his sleepy town and they need help! Written in rhyme, Larry becomes the unlikely hero of this updated fairy tale.

FOR AGES 4 TO 8.

Just a short drive from anywhere in Ohio, you will discover the Wilds.

A 10,000-acre African adventure playground. Guided safari tours bring you up close to rare and endangered species from around the world. Take in a bird’s eye view from a zip line or explore the Wilds by horseback.

There is so much to see, you may want to stay overnight in one of our luxury yurts or cabins for a truly unique lodging experience.

“There is no other place on earth like the Wilds.”

740-638-5030

thewilds.org

“THE FLASH: TRICKSTER’S BUBBLE TROUBLE”

by Michael Dahl The fastest man alive, the Flash, runs from the pages of DC Comics into this actionpacked chapter book. The Trickster has devised a brilliant plan to defeat his longtime nemesis: He will attack the Flash with things he cannot see. Friction, air pressure and oxygen all become sinister weapons in the hands of the Trickster. This dynamic book combines super heroics with actual science as the Flash must push his mind to the limit in order to survive!

FOR AGES 7 TO 10.

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“SUPER DINOSAUR” by Robert Kirkman and Jason Howard Derek Dynamo is not your average 10-year-old. His father is a brilliant scientist and his best friend is a 9-foot-talking dinosaur who loves to play video games. And the fate of the world rests on their shoulders! The evil Max Maximus is searching for Inner Earth. He wants the dinosaurs that live there and the powerful mineral known as DynOre. Derek and Super Dinosaur must team up to defeat him in this exciting new graphic novel.

FOR AGES 9 TO 12.

“FAKE MUSTACHE”

by Tom Angleberger Twelve-year-old Lenny’s world is turned upside down when his best friend, Casper, purchases a novelty-store mustache. But the Heidelberg Handlebar Number Seven is no ordinary mustache! It transforms Casper into Fake Mustacho, a very short and well-dressed con man. With the entire country under the hypnotic spell of his dazzling mustache, Fako embarks on a crime spree that leads him all the way to the White House. It is up to Lenny and the amazing Jodie O’Rodeo to put an end to his evil scheme. FOR AGES 10 TO 13.

“PURE” by Julianna Baggott After the detonations, everything changed. The world has been reduced to rubble and ash. Those who survived have suffered horrible deformations and eke out a miserable existence. The lucky few, the Pure, escaped to a large protective dome. A 16-year-old girl named Pressia survived the detonations. A doll’s head is now fused to her fist. A teenaged boy named Partridge has grown up inside the sterile dome.

But when he escapes and meets Pressia, a startling conspiracy begins to unravel. FOR TEENS.

I take piano lessons...

WEBSITE

“I’m great at soccer, I won the science fair, I play video games, I deliver papers, I’m on the honor roll... ...piano lessons made me better at all of these, and piano lessons are fun.”

Your child’s future starts now. summer sampler july 9 - august 17 lessons begin at age 3

FREERICE.COM

Free Rice is a fun educational website combined with an important social mission. By answering questions correctly, this non-profit website donates grains of rice through the World Food Programme to help end hunger. Topics include math, geography, English and more! —JOHN COOK

FAMILY APPS

excellence in piano instruction is our only businesssm

209 north hamilton road • columbus, ohio 43213 • (614) 755-2424 60 old west wilson bridge road • worthington, ohio 43085 • (614) 436-6076 www.conservatoryofpiano.com

—PHIL PIKELNY

The Premier Solution For Parents Providing Hourly, Flexible and Full-Time Child Care

For Children 6 weeks to 10 Years of Age Hourly Drop Off and Flexible Scheduling Allows You To: *Run Errands/Attend Appointments *Work From Home *Work Part-time

“TREBLE CLEF KIDS”

The iPad is a great teaching aid. One of the best apps to help a child learn to read music is Treble Clef Kids.

You can elect to purchase individual lessons at $1.99 each, or you can pay $3.99 for Treble Clef Kids Deluxe which is all-inclusive. The lessons are said to be a fun, interactive and an educational way to learn the basics of reading music. Each lesson builds on the one before. This app covers both the C Scale and the Chromatic Scale and has “practice” and “performance” modes. Kids play the keys of an interactive piano as they go through the lessons. Right answers result in applause. Wrong answers produce other sounds.

“ARMY MEN (LITTLE GREEN ONES)”

Boys have played with green plastic Army men for decades. The Toy Story cartoons have popularized these characters for today’s generation of children. This 99-cent app features 27 green plastic Army men in a variety of poses. There are also 20 tanks, trucks, helicopters and planes that can also be a part of the action that makes up this app. Game play includes the sounds of gunfire and explosions, as well as four battlefield settings. What then takes place on the battlefields is limited only by your child’s imagination.

Bring in this coupon

For Two FREE Hours of Child Care (New members only)

*Parents Pay For Only Hours Reserved!*

NEW WEEKEND HOURS: Fridays until 9:00PM Saturdays 4:00-10:00PM

Dublin/Hilliard 5601 Woerner Temple Road Corner of Emerald Pkwy.

(614) 790-9970

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS: SUMMER CAMP * AGES 2 1/2 AND UP * 1ST SESSION: SPACE IS THE PLACE * 2ND SESSION: UNDERWATER ADVENTURES * CALL FOR PRICING *NO POTTY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS PRESCHOOL *AGES 2 1/2 TO 5 *CHILDREN LEARN THROUGH PLAY, EXPLORATION AND AN ENVIRONMENT WHICH PROMOTES A LOVE OF LEARNING *NO POTTY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

www.mangosplace.com columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

59

june 2012

OUT&ABOUT We’ve customized our daily calendar of events to highlight events that are FREE!

FRIDAY 1 FREE! Multicultural Families Potluck & Discussion Group, This is a group for parents and children with diverse cultural backgrounds. We will meet at least once a month for potlucks, cultural festivals and playdates. The goals of the group are support, friendship and fun.

6:30-8:30 p.m. First Unitarian Universalist, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Clintonville.

614-853-0039.

FREE! Summer Reading League Kickoff Party, Make sure you’re in Worthington Libraries’ Summer Reading League starting lineup by signing up at this fun event, where there will be face painting, costumed characters and other preseason fun! 6-7:30 p.m. Worthington Park Library, 1389 Worthington Centre Dr., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar

SATURDAY 2 FREE! 2012 Fight for Air Walk, This (slightly less than) 5K family fun walk will raise lung disease awareness and funds to support local educational programs, research, and advocacy. There will be children activities in the Kid Zone, live music and food. There is no registration fee, but as it is a ‘fundraising event’ anyone who raises at least $50 will receive a prize and anyone that raises $100 or more will also receive an official walk tshirt. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Easton Town Center, 160 Easton Town Center, Easton. 614324-3001. WalkColumbus.org Baby Bargain Boutique, Buy or sell good usable maternity clothes, children’s clothes, toys and furniture for children ages 6 and under. Admission is a non-perishable food item which will be donated to a local food bank. 9 a.m.-

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12 noon. Westerville Parks & Recreation, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville. 614901-6500. westerville.org/parks FREE! Family Day at YMCA Camp Willson, Bring the family, meet our staff and enjoy camp before summer begins.

Canoe, practice target sports, climb the wall, take a hike and enjoy the day! Limited horseback rides are $12 per person.

Directors can answer questions, give tours every half hour, and help you choose the program that is right for your child. 1:30-5:30 p.m. YMCA Camp Willson, 2732 CR 11, Bellefontaine. 937-5939001. ymcacampwillson.org Greenswell Kids & Family Triathlon Weekend, Moms and dads - sons and daughters - husbands and wives - and significant others - here’s your chance to have some fun with one another at the Greenswell Kids & Family Triathlon.

Alum Creek State Park, 3615 S. Old State Rd., Delaware. 614-425-1156.

FREE! Pupapalooza 2012, Pupapalooza is a fun-filled celebration for the family at the Alum Creek Dog Park just north of Polaris Mall! Enjoy music, food and a silent auction. Also visit with 60+ rescue groups, pet-focused businesses, non-profits and local company booths.

Proceeds to benefit the Friends of Alum Creek Dog Park, the all volunteer 501c3 charity that built, maintains and financially supports the Alum Creek Dog Park.

12 noon-5 p.m. Alum Creek Dog Park, 3993 Hollenback Rd., Polaris. 614-3298645. alumcreekdogpark.com FREE! Summer Movie Series, Featured movie is The Muppets. 7 p.m., Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Downtown. columbuscommons.org.

FREE! Touch a Truck, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. EMS Station 8, 6457 Marysville Rd., Ostrander.

740-666-1036.

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

SUNDAY 3 FREE! The Conservatory of Piano’s 41st Annual Recital Series, Each year The Conservatory celebrates the student’s progress and accomplishments with a series of recitals in the month of June, held at the historic King Arts Complex. Almost 600 students perform throughout the season on a 9-foot concert grand piano for hundreds of their family and guests. Each recital is a very gala event and a showcase for all the student’s hard work throughout the year. 1-2:30 p.m., 4-5:30 p.m. King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Ave., East Side.

614-436-6076. conservatoryofpiano.com Family Fun with Endless Recess, Endless Recess musical group plays at 2 p.m.

Children create reduce, reuse and recycle crafts. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $6-$11. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., East Side. 614645-8733.

Greenswell Kids & Family Triathlon Weekend, Moms and dads, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, and significant others, here’s your chance to have some fun with one another at the Greenswell Kids & Family Triathlon.

Alum Creek State Park, 3615 S. Old State Rd., Delaware. 614-425-1156.

Make a Father’s Day Gift for Dad!, Give Dad a personalized gift this year for Father’s Day - a self-portrait on a mug made by you! Each participant will build a mug and put their own image on it for Dad to enjoy. He can use it for drinking or decoration. The work will be fired and glazed in time for Father’s Day. 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35 adults, $25 kids under 18. Clayspace, 831 S. Front St., Brewery District.

614-449-8144. clayspace831.com

CREEKSIDE BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL Friday, June 15 to Sunday, June 17—This lively annual festival in Gahanna is back! Spend some time in Olde Gahanna to listen to some great blues and jazz music. You’ll find entertainment on five different stages! There are plenty of family-friendly activities including rides, and you can purchase art from vendors and try out some local cuisine.

The festival hours are 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is just $4, and kids under 12 are free. Learn more about the featured entertainment at creeksidebluesandjazz.com.

MONDAY 4

Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, 7680 Wright Rd., Pickerington. 614-895-6365.

Hall, 648 Main St., Groveport. 614-8363333. groveport.org

WEDNESDAY 6

THURSDAY 7

TUESDAY 5

Columbus Clippers vs. Buffalo Bisons, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com

Columbus Clippers vs. Buffalo Bisons, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com

Columbus Clippers vs. Buffalo Bisons, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Preschoolers: Swamp Things, Learn about the small creatures that make their homes in wetlands. 10 a.m.

Lace Knitting, In this intermediate knitting class, students will learn how to make a lightweight summer shawl. Previous knitting experience is required.

Ages 14 and up are welcome to join.

6:30-8 p.m. $10 Residents, $12 Non-Residents plus supplies. Groveport Town

FREE! Family Support Group, For caregivers of children with special needs.

ECRN+ Family Support Group is a monthly gathering held in an environment for families of special needs children to facilitate connections, share information and ideas. 6-8 p.m. ECRN

Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $110.

American Red Cross of Greater Columbus, 995 E. Broad St., East Side. 614-2532740 ext. 2477.

Announcing...

The NEW Haugland Learning Center!

A Pre-K through 12th-plus educational program for children and young adults with AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER and other developmental disabilities. ***NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2012-2013 ACADEMIC YEAR*** Our new Columbus location will be a 50,000 square-foot facility at 7690 New Market Center Way. This facility features custom-designed instructional spaces, swimming pool, basketball gym, training center for professionals, and easy access from the I-270 & Sawmill Road intersection.

Call 614-602-6482 or visit www.HauglandLearningCenter.com for more information.

Haugland Learning Center is a registered Autism Scholarship and Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship provider. columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

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Discover The Gardner

june 2012

School, an award-winning academically focused preschool for ages 6 weeks through private kindergarten.

www.TheGardnerSchool.com Like us on Facebook!

The Gardner School of Dublin 6145 Emerald Parkway Dublin, OH 43016 Phone: (614) 717-9677

ENROLL NOW...

SPACE IS LIMITED!

Please join us for:

Office, 6555 Busch Blvd., Columbus. 614543-9000 x215. ymcacolumbus.org/ECRN FREE! Finding Your Way, Learn map and compass-reading basics, then test your skills with a treasure hunt. Qualifies for a portion of scout badges. 6:30 p.m.

Three Creek Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Rd, Groveport. 614-895-6365.

Pediatric CPR/AED, Learn CRP/AED with the Red Cross and save a child’s life.

6-9 p.m. $70. American Red Cross of Greater Columbus, 995 E. Broad St., East Side. 614-253-2740 ext. 2477.

FREE! Preschoolers: Furry Fun, Learn about furry animals through a story, activities and a craft. 1 p.m. Slate Run Metro Park, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-895-6365.

FRIDAY 8

Thank y for youou r votes

VOTED one of the best music programs

Columbus Clippers vs. Buffalo Bisons, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Fitness at the Farm, Get the whole family moving and try some farmbased fitness activities that will bring smiles and burn some calories. Part of the letsmove.gov fun and fitness initiative. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-895-6365.

FREE! Summer Concert Series: Back Porch Swing Band, Bring your food and family, and experience the fun of an outdoor concert! The Back Porch Swing Band specializes in Western swing, but plays several musical styles ranging from Appalachian tunes, blues, old country and folk. 7-8 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-8072626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar

SATURDAY 9 FREE! Children’s Fishing, Drop a line in Schrock Lake and try to catch the big one. Limited bait and poles provided.

Ages 15 and younger. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sharon Woods Metro Park, 6911 S. Cleveland Ave., Westerville. 614-895-6365.

Columbus Clippers vs. Charlotte Knights, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! The Conservatory of Piano’s 41st Annual Recital Series, Each year The Conservatory celebrates the student’s progress and accomplishments with a series of recitals in the month of June, held at the historic King Arts Com-

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plex. Almost 600 students perform throughout the season on a 9-foot concert grand piano for hundreds of their family and guests. Each recital is a very gala event and a showcase for all the student’s hard work throughout the year. 1-2:30 p.m., 4-5:30 p.m. King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Ave., East Side.

614-436-6076. conservatoryofpiano.com FREE! Firefighters VFW Annual Health and Safety Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Firefighters VFW Post #3426, 1591 Lockbourne Road, South Side. 614-443-4360.

FREE! Fitness at the Farm, Get the whole family moving and try some farmbased fitness activities that will bring smiles and burn some calories. Part of the letsmove.gov fun and fitness initiative. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-895-6365.

FREE! Natural Play Area Adventures: Amphibians, Search the stream for salamanders, frogs and other creatures.

2 p.m. Slate Run Metro Park, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614895-6365.

Star Base Columbus 20th Anniversary Science Fiction Festival, A festival for those who embrace science fiction, fantasy & science- Star Trek, Stargate, Dr. Who, Star Wars, Harry Potter, etc. Science Fiction & outer space exhibits, magic and fantasy exhibits by local sci-fi clubs, games, trivia contests, costume contest, robot building contest, other contests, door prize drawings, Heroclix and Magic gaming competitions, activities for all ages, music, food, fun, fellowship with other sci-fi fans. Anniversary party at day’s end with cake and refreshments. 2-9 p.m. $2, Kids 12 and under Free. Star Base Columbus, 5541 Westerville Rd # A, North Side. 614-895-7827. sbccurrentevents.blogspot.com FREE! Summer Movie Series, Featured movie is Cars 2. 7 p.m. Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Downtown. columbuscommons.org.

Yoga Play, Yoga builds self-esteem and confidence, improves posture, enhances motor skills, increases focus and concentration and builds flexibility and strength. But most importantly, yoga is fun and helps kids feel great! This class features kid-friendly yoga poses, sequences and movement, creative yoga games and imaginative crafts in a structured, yet playful, environment.

Taught by certified yoga instructor Courtney Denning. Ages 6-12. 10-11:30 a.m. $9, $7 for Conservatory members.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., East Side.

614-645-5923. fpconservatory.org

SUNDAY 10 Columbus Clippers vs. Charlotte Knights, 6 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington

Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Fitness at the Farm, Get the whole family moving and try some farmbased fitness activities that will bring smiles and burn some calories. Part of the letsmove.gov fun and fitness initiative. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-895-6365.

FREE! Tram Tour, The tram will run continuously for leisurely rides through the park. 1-3:30 p.m. Blacklick Woods Metro Park, 6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg. 614-895-6365.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Run/Walk, Creative Living hosts their second annual Rock ‘n’ Roll 5k Run/1 mile Walk. All proceeds benefit Creative Living, a local non-profit that operates two apartment complexes for physically disabled individuals. 9 a.m.-12 noon. $25. Scioto Audubon Park, 301 W. Whittier St., Downtown. 614-421-1226. creative-living.com/rockrollrun.html

MONDAY 11 Columbus Clippers vs. Charlotte Knights, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com Babysitter’s Training, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $85. American Red Cross of Greater Columbus, 995 E. Broad St., East Side.

614-253-2740 ext. 2477.

FREE! Mother-Daughter Book Club, Girls in grades 4-6 and their mothers (or grandmothers!) are invited to join us and talk books. Selected title: “The Penderwicks” by Jeanne Birdsall. 7-8 p.m.

Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar Mom & Me Hip Hop Dance Class, This popular class will get the whole family moving! Join us for Mom & Me Hip Hop Dance class this June (Dads are welcome too!). All ages are welcome to participate in this 4 week class. 7:30-8:15 p.m. $35 Adult, $10 Child. Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St., Groveport. 614-8363333. groveport.org FREE! Nature Kids: Nesting Birds, Look for nesting birds on a short hike and discover the range of nesting materials used by different birds. Ages 6-12.

10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Blacklick Woods Metro Park, 6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg. 614-895-6365.

TUESDAY 12 Columbus Clippers vs. Charlotte Knights, 12 noon. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Get the Dirt on Soil, Get your hands dirty with fun activities and discover why soil is important. Age 8 and younger (accompanied by an adult). 10

SUMMER 2012 Coloring Contest - June 1-30, 2012

The SUMMER Coloring Contest runs June 1-30, 2012.

June 30, 2012.

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june 2012 a.m. and 1 p.m. Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville.

614-895-6365.

FREE! Preschoolers: Nesters, Learn how and why birds make nests through a story, song and craft. 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway.

614-895-6365.

FREE! Videogame Extravaganza, When we say “extravaganza,” we mean it! We’ll have three gaming systems going at once, so you can check out new games for PS3, Wii and Xbox 360.

2-3:30 p.m. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-8072626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar 25% offer good for early childhood workshops only. Workshop must take place on or before 12/31/12. To redeem workshop discount, call 614.228.2674 for reservations and use discount code PARADISE. Not valid toward purchase of Membership, upcharge experiences, movie-only tickets, or Family Friday Night. May not be combined with any other discounts, coupons or special offers. Other restrictions may apply.

Offer expires 12/31/12.

WEDNESDAY 13 FREE! Bookworms Book Club, Ages 46 are invited to a book club just for prereaders. Simply read the selected picture book in advance and come to each meeting ready to talk, sing and have fun!

4:30-5:30 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Father’s Day Gift, Kids will make a handmade gift for dad or grandpa in this evening class at KidSpace. Kids ages 3-12 are welcome to attend this free Just for Kids program. Preregistration is required. Children ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 7-8 p.m. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Get the Dirt on Soil, Get your hands dirty with fun activities and discover why soil is important. Age 8 and younger (accompanied by an adult). 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville.

614-895-6365.

FREE! Just for Kids: Natural Play Area, Bring your child and discover all the fun to be enjoyed in the natural play area.

Ages 6-12. 1 p.m. Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Gahanna. 614-895-6365.

FREE! Preschoolers: Who Builds Nests, Discover the different types of homes birds make for their families. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Blacklick Woods Metro Park, 6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg. 614-895-6365.

THURSDAY 14 FREE! Family Entertainment Series: Gator Dave, Gator Dave loves alligators, snakes and just about any other wild

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BABYSITTER TRAINING Monday, June 11 and Saturday, June 16 — It’s the perfect opportunity to gear up for a summer job: Teenagers can join the American Red Cross for day-long sessions to become a certified babysitter.

They’ll learn tips and tricks including how to handle emergency situations.

Visit columbus.redcross.org to find the location nearest you offering a session. The class runs from 9 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. and costs $85 per teen. animal. He also loves to share what he knows and experiences caring for and training animals for the past 15 years. 78 p.m. Homestead Park, 4675 Cosgray Rd., Hilliard. 614-652-3922. wtwp.com FREE! Nature for Kids: Tram Ride, Bring the kids for a tram ride through the park. Enjoy a nature craft as you wait for your tram. 10 a.m.-12 noon. Slate Run Metro Park, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-895-6365.

FRIDAY 15 Circle of Friends 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run, Join Circle of Friends for their 10th Annual 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run. This scenic run through New Albany benefits pediatric cancer research at The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and features free giveaways, prizes, food and tons of fun for the family! 5-9 p.m. Market Square, 200 Market Street, New Albany. 614-355-0818. NationwideChildrens.org/CircleofFriends FREE! Classic Movie Series, 9-11 p.m.

Heritage Park and Everal Barn, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville. 614-9016500. westerville.org/parks Creekside Blues & Jazz, This music festival is the showcase for the best blues and jazz music in Ohio, if not the Midwest. Music isn’t all that this renowned event has to offer. Centered around Creekside Park and Olde Gahanna, the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival promises

something for everyone with more than 90 hours of entertainment (presented on five stages), Musical Discovery Zone, Jog for Jazz, Sunday Jazz Brunch, amusement rides, craft vendors, and of course, great food! 5-11 p.m. $4, children under 12 free. Old Gahanna/Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna. 614-4189114.

FREE! Family Storytime: Meet the Farm Animals, Meet some farm animals and enjoy a story about their uses and care on an 1880s farm. 10:30 a.m.

Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester.

614-895-6365.

FREE! Outrageous Olympics, Dive into the spirit of the 2012 Summer Olympics by taking part in the library’s competition. You’ll flip over the fun physical and mental challenges! For grades 1-3. 34:30 p.m. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar

SATURDAY 16 Bargain Barn Grand Opening, Our annual bargain barn and garage sale is back with great new items ranging from household goods to games to horse tack! All items are for sale at a donation price and all money raised goes directly towards the care of animals at the Sanctuary. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Circle P Sanctuary, 1909 County Road 24, Marengo. info@circlepsanctuary.org.

Babysitter’s Training, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $85. American Red Cross of Greater Columbus, 995 E. Broad St., East Side.

614-253-2740 ext. 2477.

Babysitter’s Training, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $85. Delaware County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 380 Hills-Miller Rd., Delaware. 614-253-2740 ext. 2477.

FREE! The Conservatory of Piano’s 41st Annual Recital Series, Each year The Conservatory celebrates the student’s progress and accomplishments with a series of recitals in the month of June, held at the historic King Arts Complex. Almost 600 students perform throughout the season on a 9-foot concert grand piano for hundreds of their family and guests. Each recital is a very gala event and a showcase for all the student’s hard work throughout the year. 1-2:30 p.m., 4-5:30 p.m. King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Ave., East Side.

614-436-6076. conservatoryofpiano.com Creekside Blues & Jazz, This music festival is the showcase for the best blues and jazz music in Ohio, if not the Midwest. Music isn’t all that this renowned event has to offer. Centered around Creekside Park and Olde Gahanna, the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival promises something for everyone with more than 90 hours of entertainment (presented on five stages), Musical Discovery Zone, Jog for Jazz, Sunday Jazz Brunch, amusement rides, craft vendors, and of course, great food! 11 a.m.-11 p.m. $4, children under 12 free. Old Gahanna/Creekside

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| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

june 2012 Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna. 614418-9114.

FREE! Gospel Sail-A-Bration, A diversity event showcasing talent from around the state, a fashion show and children’s activities. 3-7 p.m. Santa Maria Ship Museum, 25 Marconi Blvd., Downtown.

614-645-8760.

FREE! Just for Kids: Natural Play Area, Bring your child and discover all the fun to be enjoyed in the natural play area.

Ages 6-12. 1 p.m. Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Gahanna. 614-895-6365.

FREE! Kids in the Woods: Fishing, Enjoy fishing from around the pond.

Limited poles and bait available. Ages 15 and younger. 6:30 p.m. Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, 8445 Winchester Rd., Carroll.

614-895-6365.

FREE! Knox County Barn Tour 2012, Driving tour of 5 local barns, outdoor festival, music, plein-air artists, Amish farm market and bakery, crafts, demonstrations, children’s events, quilt raffle, etc. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Amish Bakery, 28991 Mickley Road, Danville. 740-427-9015.

FREE! Once Upon a Time with Art, Art isn’t only fun, it’s an important early literacy tool. Under-fives are encouraged to drop in and get creative! 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Preschoolers: Tadpoles, Read a story, take a short walk and try to catch a tadpole. 3 p.m. Prairie Oaks Metro Park, 2755 Amity Rd., West Jefferson. 614895-6365.

Skate for Hope 2012, Skate for Hope, the Columbus, Ohio-based premier figure skating event benefits breast cancer research and awareness. Each year, over 100 figure skaters from the Central Ohio area come together to celebrate life, cancer survivors and the hope of a future free from breast cancer. In addition to these local skaters, Olympic, World and National Champions join the cast to present a spectacular show, honoring those that have been touched by this disease. 5-7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $15. Nationwide Arena, 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Arena District. 614-531-9499. skateforhope.org FREE! Stories for Babies, Babies and their caregivers are invited for a special Saturday morning storytime. Older siblings are invited to bring a doll or stuffed animal to be their “baby.” 11 a.m.-12 noon. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar

Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Join us for our largest fundraising event for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. This is a family fun event including a 2 mile walk, food, kid’s activities, entertainment and more. 4:307 p.m. minimum $25 donation to received wristband for activities and food. Franklin Park, 1775 E. Broad St., East Side. 614-889-6060. cctakesteps.org/columbus

SUNDAY 17 Bargain Barn Grand Opening, Our annual bargain barn and garage sale is back with great new items ranging from household goods to games to horse tack! All items are for sale at a donation price and all money raised goes directly towards the care of animals at the Sanctuary. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Circle P Sanctuary, 1909 County Road 24, Marengo. info@circlepsanctuary.org.

Creekside Blues & Jazz, This music festival is the showcase for the best blues and jazz music in Ohio, if not the Midwest. Music isn’t all that this renowned event has to offer. Centered around Creekside Park and Olde Gahanna, the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival promises something for everyone with more than 90 hours of entertainment (presented on five stages), Musical Discovery Zone, Jog for Jazz, Sunday Jazz Brunch, amusement rides, craft vendors, and of course, great food! 12 noon-6 p.m. $4, children under 12 free. Old Gahanna/Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna. 614418-9114 FREE! Family Theme Day, Learn how to attract wildlife to your backyard through habitat exploration, native plants, rain barrels and simple container gardening ideas. 2 p.m. Highbanks Metro Parks, 9466 Columbus Pike, Powell. 614-895-6365.

Father’s Day Ceramics Workshop, Come spend Father’s Day at Clayspace making keepsakes together! A great family activity for Father’s Day! Each participant will construct and embellish a cup and plate for use or decoration. You can write “#1 Dad!”, paint a family portrait, or create any kind of decoration you like on the pieces. 1:30-3:30 p.m. $35 for adults, $25 for kids. Clayspace, 831 S. Front St., Brewery District. 614449-8144. clayspace831.com FREE! Kids Fishing, Stop by anytime at Darby Bend Lakes to try fishing. Limited poles and bait provided. Ages 15 and younger. 1-4 p.m. Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, 7680 Wright Rd., Canal Winchester. 614-895-6365.

Lauren’s First and Goal High School Football Camp, The camp is open to students who will be entering grades 9 through 12 in Sept. 2012. During the one-day camp, athletes receive instruc-

tion in a variety of offensive and defensive skills from volunteer college coaches from around the country. The event also includes a guest speaker, which will be announced closer to the camp date.

The football camp is the primary fundraiser for the foundation, which provides financial support for brain tumor research and cancer services, offers financial and emotional support to families living with pediatric cancer, and increases awareness of the disease. $30.

Otterbein University, 1 S. Grove St., Westerville. 610-250-6981. laurensfirstandgoal.org/.

FREE! Music in the Gardens: Arnett Howard, Enjoy an afternoon with Arnett Howard and his band for an energetic performance of contemporary and jazz standards. 3-5 p.m. Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville. 614-895-6365.

MONDAY 18 Cupcake Camp for Kids, In this five day camp kids will learn different techniques for decorating cupcakes. The best part of the camp is that there will be plenty of cupcakes to “sample” for each kid. This camp is designed for kids ages 6-12.

Children ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 12:30-1:30 p.m. $25 Resident, $27 Non-Resident.

Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., 614-836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Magician Stephen Knight: The Magic of Reading, The whole family will enjoy this magical performance.

Free tickets, required for this program, will be available at the Old Worthington Library Children’s Desk one week prior to the performance. 7-8 p.m. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Videogame Extravaganza, When we say “extravaganza,” we mean it! We’ll have three gaming systems going at once, so you can check out new games for PS3, Wii and Xbox 360.

3-4 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar

TUESDAY 19 FREE! Soil Salad Snackers, Meet some plant-eating soil creatures through activities and a puppet show. Ages 8 and younger (accompanied by an adult).

10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville. 614-895-6365.

WEDNESDAY 20 FREE! Child Check, ECRN offers developmental screenings called Child Check for children ages 1-month through 5 years in areas of gross-motor, fine-

motor, speech and language and personal/social skills. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-543-9000 ext.216.

First Aid, 6-9 p.m. $70. Buckeye Ranch School, 5665 Hoover Rd, Grove City. 614253-2740 ext. 2477.

FREE! Preschoolers: Swamp Things, Learn about the small creatures that make their homes in the wetlands. 10 a.m. Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, 7680 Wright Rd., Pickerington. 614-8956365.

FREE! Soil Salad Snackers, Meet some plant-eating soil creatures through activities and a puppet show. Ages 8 and younger (accompanied by an adult).

10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville. 614-895-6365.

Teen Clay Workshop, Creative teens will love this 3-day Workshop making art with clay! Our projects will focus around the theme of nature. We’ll make chia heads that you’ll be able to put grass seeds on and watch them grow. We’ll also build “creature pots,” a bowl or flowerpot with the head and/or body of an animal on it. Finally we’ll make tiles with images of plants or animals. A great way to learn and have fun over the summer! 1:30-3:30 p.m. $95 for all 3 days, one class for $40. Clayspace, 831 S. Front St., Brewery District. 614-449-8144. clayspace831.com FREE! Welcome Summer Craft, Kids will make a summer themed craft in this evening class at KidSpace. Kids ages 312 are welcome to attend this free Just for Kids program. Preregistration is required. Children ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 7-8 p.m. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org

THURSDAY 21 FREE! Family Ride Night, Join the park ranger for a slow-paced bike ride on the Greenway trails. 6:30 p.m. Three Creek Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Rd., Groveport.

614-895-6365.

FREE! Get Your Art On: Move It, Using found materials, kids in grades 4-6 will create sculptures that move! Registration, which is required, starts June 1. 2-3 p.m. Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Preschoolers: Ant Antics, Discover these amazing insects and learn how they live. 10 a.m. Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Gahanna. 614-895-6365.

Teen Clay Workshop, Creative teens will love this 3-day Workshop making art with clay! Our projects will focus around the theme of nature. We’ll make chia heads that you’ll be able to put grass seeds on

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Because

A & Q A! is in our DN

Bring your curiosity to COSI!

june 2012 and watch them grow. We’ll also build “creature pots,” a bowl or flowerpot with the head and/or body of an animal on it.

Finally we’ll make tiles with images of plants or animals. A great way to learn and have fun over the summer! 1:30-3:30 p.m. $95 for all 3 days, one class for $40.

Clayspace, 831 S. Front St., Brewery District. 614-449-8144. clayspace831.com

FRIDAY 22 Experience water as never before in this exhibition for the entire family.

Exhibit Now Open Presenting Sponsor

Media Partners

Water is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org) and the Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul (www.smm.org), in collaboration with Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland; The Field Museum, Chicago; Instituto Sangari, São Paulo, Brazil; National Museum of Australia, Canberra; Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada; San Diego Natural History Museum; and Science Centre Singapore with PUB Singapore.

JUNE 9–17, 2012 Get behind the wheels of bulldozers, dump trucks, and backhoes!

CREATED AND MADE POSSIBLE BY

PRESENTED BY

N AT ION A L GEOGR A PHIC PRESEN T S

Unafraid. Unstoppable.

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Columbus Clippers vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Crafts for Kids, Try your hand at some take home crafts, from the days before plastic and glue sticks. 10:30 a.m.12 noon. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-895-6365 The Magic Nate Show, Nate LeGros is a Central Ohio Magician and has been studying magic for 15 years. Nate performs a mixture of classic and modern magic to create unique experience for every show. Nate prides himself on his ability to entertain and mystify audiences of all ages. 7-8:30 p.m. $10.

Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Ave., Downtown. 614-546-6859. themagicnate.com/themagicnate.com/ Events.html Teen Clay Workshop, Creative teens will love this 3-day Workshop making art with clay! Our projects will focus around the theme of nature. We’ll make chia heads that you’ll be able to put grass seeds on and watch them grow. We’ll also build “creature pots,” a bowl or flowerpot with the head and/or body of an animal on it.

Finally we’ll make tiles with images of plants or animals. A great way to learn and have fun over the summer! 1:30-3:30 p.m. $95 for all 3 days, one class for $40.

Clayspace, 831 S. Front St., Brewery District. 614-449-8144. clayspace831.com

SATURDAY 23 On COSI’s Extreme Screen – Opens June 9 ANNUAL PRESENTING MEDIA SPONSOR

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT cosi.org 614.228.2674 333 W. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215 Stay connected:

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FREE! Campfire Building 101, Learn how to build a campfire for your next camping trip and enjoy a campfire treat.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. 7 p.m. Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, 8445 Winchester Rd., Carroll. 614-8956365.

Columbus Clippers vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Crafts for Kids, Try your hand at some take home crafts, from the days before plastic and glue sticks. 10:30 a.m.12 noon. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-895-6365.

Dublin Kiwanis Annual Frog Jump, The Kiwanis Club hosts Dublin’s oldest event in the good old summertime. It’s an annual array of amphibious athleticism. More than 1,000 young frog jockeys participate in several age divisions, with thousands of spectators cheering on their favorite frog. Competition includes multiple playoff rounds, followed by a championship. There are loads of prizes to enhance the competition. It’s an old-fashioned slice of Americana that’s packed with photo opportunities, human interest and good, clean fun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Coffman Park, 5620 Post Rd., Dublin. 614-202-7335.

FREE! Jammin’ with Annie, Bring on the noise! Annie’s interactive program will include singing, dancing, finger puppets and percussion instruments. 10-11 a.m. Worthington Park Library, 1389 Worthington Centre Dr., Worthington.

614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar The Magic Nate Show, Nate LeGros is a Central Ohio Magician and has been studying magic for 15 years. Nate performs a mixture of classic and modern magic to create unique experience for every show. Nate prides himself on his ability to entertain and mystify audiences of all ages. 7-8:30 p.m. $10.

Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Ave., Downtown. 614-546-6859. themagicnate.com/themagicnate.com/ Events.html FREE! Preschoolers: Ant Antics, Discover these amazing insects and learn how they live. 10 a.m. Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Gahanna. 614-895-6365.

FREE! Tech Petting Zoo: School-Age Edition, Kids will go gaga for the gadgets (iPads, tablets, eReaders) and parents will love learning more about educational apps and library-exclusive resources.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

To add an event to Columbus Parent Magazine’s Out & About calendar, submit information by email to calendar@ columbusparent.com or online at ColumbusParent.com.

Please submit calendar events by the 7th day of the preceding month.

columbusparent.com | June 2012 |

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june 2012 Hard Road, Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Three Creeks Fest, Celebrate recreation and watersheds with environmental exhibits and activities, crafts, bike safety checks, games, canoeing, live animals from the Ohio Wildlife Center and more. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Three Creek Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Rd, Groveport. 614-8956365.

U Cre-8 Comics, Create your own comic! Learn about the comic book industry while creating your own comic creation in a special Character Crafter Workbook. This innovate workshop encourages creative expression and builds an interest in reading. Created and taught by artist Victor Danbridge.

Pre-registration is required. 1-2 p.m. $20, $15 for Conservatory members. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., East Side. 614645-5923. fpconservatory.org FREE! Wheels on the Farm, Play a game of “I Spy” and discover the many ways wheels are used on the Farm. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-895-6365.

SUNDAY 24 Columbus Clippers vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs, 6 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Critter Science Investigation (CSI) for Kids, Solve a nature mystery and explore animal clues using technology and scientific tools. Ages 6-12. 2 p.m. Glacier Ridge Metro Park, 9801 Hyland Croy Rd., Dublin. 614-895-6365.

FREE! OSU Family Funday with OSU Alumni Band, Columbus Commons’ Family Funday will feature a familyfriendly day of OSU-themed rides, games and entertainment that will bring thousands of people to the heart of downtown. Families from across central Ohio will come to enjoy carousel rides, inflatable games, a public art wall, family entertainment and a movie on the lawn to close out the night. 12 noon-10 p.m.

Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Downtown. columbuscommons.org.

Race for Ellie, There is a 5K, 1-mile Walk and a Kids’ Fun Run. 5K $30, Kids’ Fun Run $5. Olentangy Liberty High School, 3584 Home Rd., Powell. 614-946-7026.

RaceForEllie.org FREE! Wheels on the Farm, Play a game of “I Spy” and discover the many ways wheels are used on the Farm. 11

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a.m.-4 p.m. Slate Run Living Historical Farm, 1375 State Route 674 N., Canal Winchester. 614-895-6365.

MONDAY 25 Columbus Clippers vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Nature Kids: Wildlife CSI, Look for clues to solve a nature mystery. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Blacklick Woods Metro Park, 6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg. 614-895-6365.

TUESDAY 26 Columbus Clippers vs. Norfolk Tides, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District.

614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Soil Animal Snackers, Learn about the soil organisms that make meat their primary source of food. Ages 8 and younger (accompanied by an adult). 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville. 614-895-6365.

FREE! Time for Twos: Pond Animals, Bring your two-year-old for a story and discover what lives in the pond. 2 p.m.

Prairie Oaks Metro Park, 2755 Amity Rd., West Jefferson. 614-895-6365.

WEDNESDAY 27 Columbus Clippers vs. Norfolk Tides, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District.

614-462-5250. milb.com Family Fun with the Very Hungry Caterpillar, Join the Very Hungry Caterpillar costumed character as he eats his way through the Farmers’ Market. 3-7 p.m. Free with admission. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., East Side. 614-6455923. fpconservatory.org FREE! Science Nite Fun, Bring the kids for a night of science and fun at this evening class at KidSpace. Kids ages 312 are welcome to attend this free Just for Kids program. Preregistration is required. Children ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult. 7-8 p.m. Crooked Alley KidSpace, 630 Wirt Rd., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Soil Animal Snackers, Learn about the soil organisms that make meat their primary source of food. Ages 8 and younger (accompanied by an adult). 10 a.m. Inniswood Metro Gardens, 940 S. Hempstead Rd., Westerville.

614-895-6365.

THURSDAY 28 2012 New Albany Farmers Market, Our Thursday evening ‘producer

| June 2012 | columbusparent.com

focused’ market is held in the heart of the Village of New Albany, centered on the Market Street Square. For twelve weeks this summer the New Albany Farmers Market will be bringing the farm to Market Street where you can literally shake the hand of (& get to know!) the people who feed our community. 47 p.m. Market Square, 200 Market St., New Albany. 614-264-7995. healthynewalbany.org www.facebook.com/nafarmersmarket Columbus Clippers vs. Norfolk Tides, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District.

614-462-5250. milb.com FREE! Family Entertainment Series Mouse Trap Musicians, Hear all your favorite modern hits from Hannah Montana, The Cheetah Girls, The Jonas Brothers and others, featured with music that emphasizes positive values. 7-8 p.m.

Homestead Park, 4675 Cosgray Rd., Hilliard. 614-652-3922. wtwp.com FREE! Parenting 101: Parenting in Two Homes, Although sharing responsibility for children after a marriage ends is challenging, it is possible to achieve a healthy balance. Get a new perspective on parenting in two homes from Ellen Siegel, a licensed clinical social worker.

She’ll discuss developing rules, living patterns, values and even vocabulary. 78:30 p.m. Northwest Library, 2280 Hard Rd., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar FREE! Preschoolers: Tadpoles, Read a story, take a walk and try to catch a tadpole. 1 p.m. Prairie Oaks Metro Park, 2755 Amity Rd., West Jefferson. 614895-6365.

FREE! Special Baseball Storytime, Wear your Clippers gear and enjoy baseball-themed songs and books. 10:3011:30 a.m. Worthington Park Library, 1389 Worthington Centre Dr., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar

FRIDAY 29 Children’s Organ Transplant Association Fundraiser, Join us for a fundraiser for COTA in honor of Andrew Wasko, who is in need of a life saving kidney transplant. Proceeds from the event will help with transplant-related expenses the Wasko family will incur during Andrew’s journey. It will be a night of wine tasting, appetizers, music by Cedar Bluff Bluegrass band, a silent auction and door prizes. 7:30-10 p.m. $30 individual, $50 couple. Wyandotte Winery, 4640 Wyandotte Dr., Gahanna. 614-5583854. cota.donorpages.com/MiracleMakers/AndrewsAngels Columbus Clippers vs. Norfolk Tides, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District.

614-462-5250. milb.com

PBJ & JAZZ SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Saturday, June 9 — The PBJ & Jazz summer concerts are back, and outside to boot! These free concerts sponsored by the Jazz Arts Group and other local organizations are held in Topiary Park. For the kick-off concert, jazz and samba group Brasileira will perform.

The Saturday morning fun starts with storytime at the Main Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, with the concert following immediately after in the park. Bring a picnic and enjoy the tunes while eating lunch! Find out more information about the PBJ & Jazz series at jazzartsgroup.org.

Family Friday Night, COSI offers extended hours and price reduced admission to families so you can visit, learn, and play late! 5-9 p.m. $9.95. COSI Columbus, 333 W. Broad St., Downtown.

614-228-2674.

FREE! Natural Play Area Adventure: International Mud Day, Be prepared to get super messy as you celebrate International Mud Day by making mud pies and dirt dessert, digging for worms and mud races. You’ll even make a mud painting. 1-3 p.m. Three Creek Metro Park, 3860 Bixby Rd., Groveport. 614895-6365.

FREE! Powell Festival, Family-style fun!

2 days of musical performances, merchant displays, food vendors, educational stations, animal visits, games, rides, beer garden, and much more! 5-11 p.m. Historic Downtown Powell, 44 N. Liberty St., Powell. 614-396-3336.

FREE! Preschoolers: Nesters, Learn how and why birds make nests through a story, song and craft. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park, 1775 Darby Creek Dr., Galloway. 614895-6365.

FREE! The Science of Baseball, Young baseball fans can slide in for fun experi-

ments, and learn exciting baseball facts.

For preschool-grade 3. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., Worthington. 614-807-2626. worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar

SATURDAY 30 FREE! Beach Spectacular & Fireworks, Bring the kids to Old Field Beach for some fun in the sun! 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Indian Lake State Park, Old Field Beach, 937-843-5392. indianlakechamber.org Cedarville Boys Basketball Shootout, Cedarville University invites varsity and junior varsity boys’ basketball teams to attend a basketball shootout. The shootout consists of three games with four to six minute quarters along with a final tournament. $225. Cedarville University, 251 N. Main St., Cedarville. 937766-7645. cedarville.edu/sportscamp Columbus Clippers vs. Toledo Mud Hens, 7 p.m. $6-$20. Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Arena District. 614-462-5250. milb.com Columbus Crew vs. Real Salt Lake, 8 p.m. $22-$46. Columbus Crew Stadium, One Black & Gold Blvd., North Side. 614447-2739. thecrew.com

FREE! Free Family Movie Night, Bring the family to Heritage Park for a free outdoor movie this summer! Popcorn will be provided. Registration is not required.

Rain location: Crooked Alley KidSpace.

8:30-10 p.m. Groveport Heritage Park, 551 Wirt Rd., Groveport. 614-836-3333. groveport.org FREE! Meet Mr. Etch-A-Sketch, Learn how to create nature art on a muchloved toy with Mr. Etch-A-Sketch, Tim George. Bring a camera to capture images of your art on a loaner Etch-aSketch or bring your own. 1 p.m.

Blendon Woods Metro Park, 4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd., Gahanna. 614-8956365.

FREE! Natural Play Area Adventures, Explore the natural play area with a naturalist and discover the fun things to do there. 6 p.m. Prairie Oaks Metro Park, 2755 Amity Rd., West Jefferson. 614895-6365.

FREE! Powell Festival, Family-style fun!

2 days of musical performances, merchant displays, food vendors, educational stations, animal visits, games, rides, beer garden, and much more! 12 noon-11 p.m. Historic Downtown Powell, 44 N. Liberty St., Powell. 614-396-3336.

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HEALTH & SAFETY CLASSES Tiny Tot Tutoring will be hosting CPR and First Aid classes for parents, childcare provides & community members. Check out www.tinytottutoring.com to find out when a class will be hosted near you. Babysitter’s Training also available for youth 11-14 years!

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EMPOWERING ARTS ENRICHMENT CENTER OPEN HOUSE JUNE 16th & 23rd, 2012 12PM-2PM 160 East Olentangy St. Powell, Ohio 43065 Now enrolling Empowering Arts Enrichment Center. The arts inspire and encourage our children to grow with confidence and pride.

At Empowering Arts Enrichment Center we will offer classes daily in art, music, dance, and martial arts, this is an exciting learning experience in adjacent to our daily curriculum.

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COLUMBUS PARENT MAGAZINE IS LOOKING FOR AN ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Every month, readers seek out Columbus Parent magazine for information on how to get the most out of being a mommy or daddy. They devour our content, including the tips, event listings, reviews, advice columns — and even the helpful ads.

THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN. We’re looking for someone to sell advertising space in Columbus Parent (and other products of The Dispatch), with a heavy emphasis on new-business development.

Is there no challenge that’s too big for you? Can you put your outgoing personality and creativity to work helping local business owners grow their business? Are you knowledgable about a wide range of media options and marketing tactics?

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| June 2012 | columbusparent.com