columbus.tours

Tag: family fun

  • Harvest Festival at Ohio Village 2026: Fall Family Fun

    Harvest Festival at Ohio Village 2026: Fall Family Fun

    You’ll wander Ohio Village with warm cider in hand, nose full of cinnamon and wood smoke, while kids smear paint on tiny pumpkins and you pretend you don’t know how to braid a corn husk—classic move. I’ll point out the best stalls, the loud band that makes you stomp, and the quiet tent where someone’s teaching butter-churning like it’s a secret. Stick around—I’ve got the tips that’ll save your day.

    What to Expect at the Harvest Festival

    cozy fall harvest memories

    Think corn husks, cider steam, and the creak of a wagon wheel — you’re about to step into a day that smells like fall and feels like a cozy, loud memory.

    You’ll wander through stalls, learn a few harvest traditions, and taste small proud victories: chunky apples, buttered corn, and stewing pumpkins that whisper “made with care.”

    Kids dart, you laugh, someone hands you a paper cup of hot cider, you wince pleasantly at the burn.

    There are lively songs, a noisy pie contest, and booths offering easy fall recipes you’ll copy shamelessly.

    I nudge you toward the cooking tents, I promise not to judge your second slice.

    You’ll leave smelling of smoke, sugar, and the kind of joy that sticks.

    Historic Demonstrations and Crafts

    traditional crafts come alive

    When you wander past the cider fumes and festival noise, you’ll find the real show tucked between the tents: folks in period clothes doing stuff your phone can’t replicate.

    You step closer, nose full of smoke and spice, and watch a blacksmith hammer a red-orange nail, sparks popping like tiny fireworks. A seamstress hums, fingers flying, and the texture of wool looks like dinner to your senses — warm, rough, honest.

    You chat, they explain, you nod, pretend you always knew that carding wool came before spinning. Traditional crafts sit here, slow and stubborn, and historical demonstrations bring stories alive, not dry facts.

    I grin, you laugh, we both leave smarter, hands empty but head full.

    Hands-On Activities for Kids

    creative hands on kid activities

    You’ll want to start at the pumpkin painting station, where squishy orange gourds wait for your kid’s bright, sticky fingerprints and a rainbow of tempera paints.

    I’ll shepherd you over to the historic craft workshops next — think button-making and simple weaving, hands-on stuff that smells like wood shavings and warm glue, and yes, you’ll get to laugh at my attempt to make a perfect braid.

    Stick around, roll up sleeves, and I’ll show you how these tiny projects turn into big grins and proud, slightly messy keepsakes.

    Pumpkin Painting Station

    One brightly painted pumpkin can change a kid’s whole day, and I’m here to make sure they get messy in the best possible way. You’ll guide little hands to bold pumpkin designs, lay out paint supplies, and cheer when a smudge becomes a masterpiece.

    I hand you sponges, brushes, aprons—you pick colors, mix mud-brown with sunset orange, and watch faces bloom. Kids laugh, fingers sticky, noses freckled with specks of paint. I joke, “That’s modern art,” you nod, proud.

    We move from station to station, swapping ideas, wiping drips, drying creations on racks. Parents take photos, kids demand encore. You leave with a painted pumpkin, a grin, and a story you’ll tell all winter.

    Historic Craft Workshops

    Even if your hands haven’t learned to knead clay or stitch a crooked seam yet, I’ll shove an apron on you and promise it’ll be worth the mess.

    You’ll squat at a wooden table, feel cool clay, rough wool, and hot beeswax under your nails, while I jabber about historic preservation and why your lumpy pot matters.

    Try simple crafting techniques—coil pots, primitive stitches, candle-dipping—follow my clumsy demos, laugh when it collapses, and try again.

    Kids get sticky fingers, parents get proud grins. We’ll pass tools, swap tips, hear a quick story about the maker, then move to the next station.

    You’ll leave with a wonky treasure, a photo, and a tiny, stubborn sense of achievement.

    Live Music and Entertainment Schedule

    While the pumpkins roast and the cider steams, I’ll be the one tapping my toes and nudging you toward the stage — trust me, I’ve scoped the best spots.

    You’ll catch live performances on two stages, acoustic sets under the maples, and a lively brass band that’ll make you forget your to-do list.

    Entertainment highlights include kids’ sing-alongs, a storyteller who smells like old books, and surprise street musicians weaving through the crowd.

    I’ll point out shady benches, the sunniest patch for dancing, and where the sound mixes best — you’ll thank me later.

    Expect folk, blues, a bit of swing; clap, laugh, stomp.

    If I embarrass you by dancing, blame the music, not my rhythm.

    Seasonal Food and Treats to Try

    Smell that? Steam from a mug of apple cider curls past your nose, sweet and tangy, and you grin because you know good things are coming.

    I drag you to the vendor tent, where warm pretzels twist in the air, cinnamon sugar dusts fingertips, and pumpkin spice whispers promises of cozy.

    You’ll sample caramel apples that snap when you bite them, roasted corn that crackles with butter, and doughnuts that sigh with glaze.

    I joke that my willpower left town, but you don’t need it — you came to indulge.

    Trade coins for a slice of pie, then chase it with cider, it’s the law here.

    Eat slowly, taste everything, laugh when your hands get sticky — that’s the point.

    Hay Wagon Rides and Outdoor Fun

    You’re hopping onto a rickety hay wagon with me, the breeze smelling of straw and cider, as we roll past cornfields painted gold.

    You’ll laugh when the kids shout at the scarecrows, try that horseshoe toss, and maybe wipe pumpkin-slick fingers on your jeans — I’ll pretend I meant for that to happen.

    Stick close, we’ll crowd around the bonfire later and I’ll tell you which outdoor games are actually worth your time.

    Scenic Hay Wagon Tours

    If you’re up for a little bump-and-breeze adventure, hop onto our scenic hay wagon and I’ll show you why this is the easiest way to feel like a kid again—only with fewer scraped knees and more hot cider.

    You’ll settle on golden bales, inhale damp straw and apple spice, and watch the village roll by, fields and lantern-lit paths stitched into autumn.

    I’ll point out bits of hay wagon history as we pass an old barn, tell you a quick joke, then admit it’s corny. The driver hums, horses clip-clop, wind tugs your scarf.

    These scenic routes are gentle, photo-ready, and oddly soothing. Stay cozy, wave at neighbors, snap a shot—don’t blink, you’ll miss the light.

    Family Outdoor Activities

    One good hay wagon ride can fix a lot of things, I swear — sore day, cranky kid, or a selfie deficit. You climb aboard, feel the hay prickle, hear the horses clip-clop, and suddenly the world slows.

    I point out pumpkins tumbling in fields, you take the goofy photo. We drift past golden stalks, wind smells like cider and earth, kids shriek as leaves fling up.

    Then we hop off for nature walks, boots crunching, trail maps in sticky hands. You race in a leaf pile, I pretend to be stern and lose.

    Back at the green, there’s a lineup of outdoor games — sack races, ring toss, tug-of-war — you play, you laugh, you win a ridiculous ribbon.

    Tips for Visiting With Family

    Bring the kids—just not all at once. I’ll tell you why: staggered arrivals make family bonding easier, less chaos, more smiles.

    Do festival preparation like a pro—pack snacks, wet wipes, a small blanket, and a phone charger; you’ll thank me later. Tell the kids about one big activity, promise one surprise, and stick to it. Walk slowly, point out smells of cider, crunchy leaves, sizzling food, let them lead for ten minutes.

    If someone melts down, distract with a silly song, buy a tiny treat, and keep moving. Take photos, yes, but live the moment first. Rest on a bench, compare sticky fingers, laugh about the mud.

    You’ll leave tired, happy, and shockingly proud.

    Event Dates, Tickets, and Parking

    Okay, you’ve corralled the kids, survived the sticky fingers and the meltdown-era opera—now let’s talk logistics so the good stuff actually happens.

    The festival runs weekends in October, plus Columbus Day Monday, so pencil dates, set alarms, and tell yourself you’ll bring snacks (you won’t regret it).

    Buy tickets online to skip the line; I check ticket pricing early, snag discounts, and act like I’m on a mission.

    Parking fills fast, so arrive early, grab the grassy lot, and wear sensible shoes — mud happens, trust me.

    There’s a family drop-off lane if someone can’t walk far.

    Remember event logistics: map your must-sees, plan meal breaks, and leave room for a surprise cider donut.

    Conclusion

    You’ll leave Ohio Village sticky with cider on your fingers, cheeks flushed from pumpkin paint and laughter, humming a tune I swear sounded like a street organ from Dickens, even though your phone’s a modern miracle in your pocket. You’ll have learned a neat stitch, tasted caramel that clings to memory, and waved at a hay wagon as it rolled by. Come ready to get messy, curious, and utterly delighted — I’ll be right there, elbow-deep in pie.

  • Boo at the Zoo Columbus 2026: Family Halloween Event

    Boo at the Zoo Columbus 2026: Family Halloween Event

    I once watched a toddler roar at a plastic pumpkin like it owed him rent — that’s how playful Boo at the Zoo feels, a tiny theater of big reactions. You’ll wander lit pathways, smell kettle corn, hear crunching leaves, and snag a timed ticket so you won’t be elbow-to-elbow with the werewolves; I’ll point out the costume parade, crafts, and nocturnal animal meet-and-greets, and you’ll want to plan one clever photo — but there’s one surprise I’m keeping for the visit.

    Event Overview and Dates

    boo at the zoo

    If you’ve ever wanted to trick-or-treat with llamas and glow-in-the-dark pumpkins, now’s your chance — Boo at the Zoo Columbus returns for fall 2026 and it’s bigger, brighter, and a little bit spookier than last year.

    You’ll wander lantern-lit paths, you’ll hear rustling leaves, and you’ll feel that crisp, cider-on-your-lips kind of night.

    I’ll tell you straight: the event runs over multiple weekends in October, evenings only, so plan around school nights and soccer games.

    It leans into classic Halloween traditions, with kid-friendly frights, photo spots, and interactive exhibits.

    Bring family costumes, coordinate a theme, and expect friendly staff guiding you.

    Don’t worry, it’s playful, not petrifying — perfect for grinning, not screaming.

    Ticketing, Hours, and Admission Details

    timed entry ticket purchase required

    One quick tip: buy your tickets early, because these weekend evenings sell out faster than you can say “spooky snacks.”

    I’ve got your back — tickets are timed-entry, so you pick an arrival window, which keeps the lantern-lit paths from turning into a stroller traffic jam; you’ll show your QR code at the gate, hear the crunch of leaves underfoot, and be waved through by a smiling staffer.

    You’ll want to check ticket prices before you commit; they vary by date and age, and there are usually member discounts — I always pretend I forgot my membership card, just to feel important.

    Hours run evenings only, typically 5–9 pm.

    Read the admission policies closely, bag checks included, and plan to arrive early for photos.

    Kid-Friendly Activities and Costume Parade

    sugar fueled costume parade fun

    While you’re dodging glowing pumpkins and sticky cotton-candy hands, I’ll steer you straight to the kid zone where sugar-fueled chaos is actually encouraged.

    You’ll hear giggles, drum beats, and tiny capes flapping; you’ll smell caramel and pumpkin spice.

    I’ll point out craft tables where kids glue, paint, and invent costumes with wild costume creativity—feathers, foam, googly eyes, glue on your sleeve, proud mess.

    Come mid-afternoon, line up for the costume parade, expect parade excitement, cheers, a silly announcer, and parents pretending they aren’t crying.

    You stroll beside the route, you clap, you take ridiculous photos.

    Snack stations sit nearby, volunteers fix a fallen mask, and you’ll leave with sticky fingers, great stories, and one very silly victory wave.

    Animal Encounters and Educational Programs

    You’ll get up close with the zoo’s nocturnal residents, eyes adjusting to dim lights as you watch owls swivel and bats flutter near the talk stage.

    I’ll point out cool facts during keeper-led animal talks, you’ll ask the obvious questions (like “does that snake like hugs?”), and we’ll laugh when the answer is predictably dramatic.

    Then try hands-on learning stations, touch a feather or fossil, and leave feeling smarter and oddly proud you didn’t faint.

    Meet Nocturnal Residents

    If you sneak up to the dimmed pavilion with me, I’ll point out why nocturnal animals are the original night-owl VIPs—quiet, sharp, and a little dramatic.

    You’ll crouch beside mesh enclosures, feel cool air, hear soft rustles, and I’ll whisper facts so you don’t embarrass yourself in front of a bat.

    We’ll watch subtle nocturnal behaviors—slow stalking, sudden ear-twitches, glowing eyes—then I’ll explain animal adaptations like huge eyes, keen hearing, and velvety fur that make nights their playground.

    You’ll touch safe replica fur, follow scent trails, and try a low-voice call that gets an amused chirp.

    It’s hands-on, cozy, and slightly spooky, perfect for kids who love mystery and adults who love clever creatures.

    Keeper-Led Animal Talks

    Step up to the roped-off spot and don’t worry — I promise I won’t hand you a snake.

    You’ll hear my voice, see a keeper gently lift a feathered wing or point to a whisker, and you’ll lean in, curious. I explain animal behavior with plain examples, you laugh at a goofy habit, then you gasp at a clever survival trick.

    We talk conservation efforts, why habitats matter, and how your small choices add up. You’ll smell hay, hear soft chirps, feel a cool breeze from an open enclosure.

    I’ll crack a joke, fumble a prop, and steer the group toward real learning, fast. By the end, you’ll leave smarter, kinder, and oddly proud.

    Hands-On Learning Stations

    After I finish nudging you out of the roped-off crowd—probably with a corny animal pun—you’ll find me waiting at a hands-on station, gloves on, props ready, and something small and surprisingly warm in a foam cup.

    You lean in, I grin, and we trade a quick, “Don’t freak out, it’s friendly”—then you hold a fuzzy chick, feel its tiny heartbeat, and your face goes soft.

    Stations mix hands on experiments with tactile learning, smells of hay and cinnamon, and a soundtrack of excited kids.

    Interactive displays let you test owl wing shapes, mimic bat echolocation, and guess animal tracks.

    You leave with a sticker, a new fact, and a slightly sheepish, delighted swagger.

    Safety, Accessibility, and Parking Information

    You’ll notice staff in bright vests stationed at every turn, checking paths and answering breathless questions so you don’t have to play traffic cop.

    I’ll point out the clearly marked parking lots and quick drop-off zones, where you can unload costumes and trick-or-treat loot without circling forever.

    Follow the signs, listen to the team, and you’ll be in and out with a smile — I promise I won’t judge your pumpkin-spice emergency.

    Safety Protocols and Staff

    Because we want everyone grinning instead of groaning, I’ll start by saying safety here isn’t an afterthought — it’s the whole point of the party.

    You’ll notice staff training is thorough, everyone’s practiced, and they’ll greet you with a smile while scanning the route for hazards. I’ll be blunt: we don’t wing this.

    Staff wear bright vests, radios buzz, and volunteers guide tiny hands across paths, so you can relax and savor the spiced air.

    • Visible staff positions for quick help
    • Clear emergency protocols posted and rehearsed
    • First-aid stations with trained responders
    • Accessibility aides and calm spaces for sensory breaks

    Talk to staff if you need anything. They’ll help, fast, and probably crack a joke.

    Parking, Drop-Off Zones

    I’ll keep watching the staff so you don’t have to—now let’s talk getting here and getting out without a meltdown.

    You’ll see clear signs and marshals waving, guiding you toward several parking options, from the main lot to overflow fields that smell faintly of cut grass and cider. Drive slow, breathe, follow cones.

    If you’ve got little ghouls or a stroller, use the marked drop off procedures by the front gate; they move cars fast, like a well-rehearsed haunted ballet.

    Walkways are wide, ramps obvious, and attendants will grab a stroller strap if you need hands.

    Listen for radios, follow the cues, and don’t be proud—ask for a golf cart ride if your kid’s done.

    Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

    If you want to squeeze every spooky, sugar-crunching minute out of Boo at the Zoo, plan like a mildly paranoid party planner—early arrival, comfy shoes, and a stopwatch for the snack lines.

    I’ll tell you how to win the day, without sounding like your overly enthusiastic aunt. Bring family costumes that coordinate but don’t smother the kids; layers beat overheating. Pack a small stash of Halloween snacks, napkins, and hand sanitizer — sticky fingers happen fast.

    Scout quiet exhibits for a breather, I promise lighting and sounds change everything.

    • Hit the welcome map first, mark showtimes and candy stations.
    • Rotate adults for snack duty and stroller breaks.
    • Take photos at sunrise light near the pumpkin displays.
    • Know exit routes for quick bathroom sprints.

    Conclusion

    Go, drag the kids, and your slightly too-excited neighbor to Boo at the Zoo — I’ll wait here, pretending I’m not jealous of the costume parade. You’ll smell caramel apples, hear flapping wings, and see tiny superheroes save stuffed animals. Walk slowly, grab crafts, say hi to the nocturnal critters (they don’t bite, promise), then snap that goofy family photo. You’ll leave sticky, tired, and oddly delighted — that’s the whole plan, executed perfectly.