This post is written by Sandi Combs , Marketing Coordinator for Experience Columbus.

The first time I learned of Zoombezi Bay was when I was visiting the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium with family two summers ago. We took one look at the towering slides of the water park we never knew existed and said “we’ve got to go there!” A year later, a group of friends and I finally made the trip there, and we loved it! We ended up staying until the park closed at 9 to make sure we got one last go on each of the attractions before making the two-hour drive home.

Now that I’m a full-fledged resident of Columbus, of course one of the first things on my summer fun to-do list was to go back to Zoombezi Bay. Lured by my memories of last summer and the park’s two new water slides, my boyfriend and I headed out this past Sunday armed with our sunscreen, beach towels and swimsuits to make the most of the July heat by cooling off at our favorite water attraction.

So, here’s the scoop on the park: Zoombezi Bay features 17 water slides, an action river, a lazy river, a wave pool, two kiddie play areas, plenty of lounge chairs for sun bathing and much, much more. It is a very popular place and you’ll find all kinds of people there, from thrill-seeking young adults to families to everyone in-between.

The two new slides, Big Boa Falls and Python Plunge are great. Python Plunge shoots you through a winding tunnel at high speeds before sending you down a hill to the splash pool, while Big Boa Falls blasts you up a hill, giving you the rush of feeling weightless, and then shoots you back down to the landing pool. It kind of feels like you’re riding a waterslide uphill. Both are experienced via rafts. Here’s a picture of the slides.

Do note that lines for some of the most popular attractions, like the action river and the Cyclone slide, will be long during peak periods of the day (from about noon-4 p.m.), especially on weekends; my advice is to hit those toward the beginning or end of your visit so you can do more during the hours you are there. Also, the sidewalks can get toasty if it’s a super-hot day, so if you or anyone in your group has sensitive feet, I’d recommend wearing water shoes or keeping flip-flops on until you’re at the next activity on your list.

Zoombezi Bay offers a couple other amenities to enhance your visit. The first is that your admission ticket also gets you into the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, which is great. We usually do the zoo in the morning, and then as it gets warmer, we head over to the water park. Zoombezi Bay also offers private cabanas that you can rent out for the day. If you have a large group, renting one of those makes life much easier because you get a private wait staff to take your food and beverage orders, a special discounted menu, plus a convenient place to park all of your stuff.

That’s the basic low-down. I’ll leave you with my top four favorite things to do:

• Cyclone water slide
• Big Boa Falls water slide
• Wild Tides wave pool
• R oaring Rapids action river

Zoombezi Bay’s Facebook page has a nice collection of photos that will help you get a feel for what the park is like.

This post is written by Amy Taylor, chief operating officer, Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and Capitol South. This is the group responsible for all of the construction and much of the programming for Columbus Commons.

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Columbus Commons is the right thing at the right place at the right time.

Maybe you already knew that. Passers-by have been largely unsuccessful at just passing by the park: the pathways and burgeoning gardens demand attention and exploration. Located in the heart of Downtown at High and Rich streets, Columbus Commons has already become a hub for downtown activity.

All this buzz, even before the official Grand Opening beginning Thursday, May 26 at 4 p.m.

The official debut of the park isn’t just an event, it’s an extended outdoor open house with enough room for the entire community to join in celebration. The best news is that everything is free, from the concerts, to the outdoor theater, to the inflatables and face painters.

We’ll Rock The Commons on Thursday with four local headlining acts. And Roll into the weekend with a mixture of activities ranging from bounce-houses and carousel rides to Blues and Brews.

Rock, Roll . . . then Relax on Sunday with a laid-back garden party followed by Lounge on the Lawn with the Downtown Residents’ Association of Columbus and a special production of "Back to The Garden" by Shadowbox Live.

When the weekend ends, we’ll just be warming up. Come back to the Columbus Commons for fitness classes, farmers’ markets, garden clubs, children’s events and concerts all summer long.

Visit www.columbuscommons.org for all of the details on the opening and daily activities.

This post is written by Anthony Cordo, visitor services manager, at Experience Columbus.
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We’ve got a three-day vacation package for your entire family to check out the hottest attractions in Columbus; all starting at $375 for a family of four.

Day 1
Play at COSI , the number one science center in the nation. Their newest exhibit is Dinosaurs - a massive experience of animatronic dinos, a maze, and simulators that let you be a dinosaur!

Day 2
Get wet at the Zoombezi Bay waterpark with activities including two all-new slides: Anaconda Falls, a fast, curvy slide and the Python Plunge a thrilling water coaster!

Day 3
Experience the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium , the number one zoo in the nation. Stay cool in the new Polar Frontier and check out over eight thousand animals throughout the zoo!

A two night stay is included in the package at your choice of hotel. The preferred hotel, Drury Inn , includes complimentary breakfast and evening snacks and indoor/outdoor pools.

So, get on it and plan your family fun weekend in Columbus.

Photo: bixentro on Flickr

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and there are plenty of things to do in Columbus to celebrate - whether you spend it with a special someone, your dearest friends or with your family.  I started to research for my own plans, and thought I’d share a few of the things that sounded unique and fun.

Unique Dining

Valentine’s Day at White Castle
Feb. 14 from 5-8 p.m.
This is an annual tradition for many couples across America and I must say, it’s on my bucket list! Bring your valentine to White Castle to enjoy a juicy slider or two. Call 614-294-3753 ext. 24 for reservations.

Valentines by Candlelight
Feb. 11-12 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
For a more elegant feel, take your date to the Ohio Historical Center. After a romantic dinner, you will be treated to Ohio Village Singers singing beautiful ballads and reciting romantic poetry. Cost is $60 per person or $50 for an Ohio Historical Society member. Call 800-686-6124 by Feb. 7 to make reservations.

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Looking for a respite from this frigid winter weather? Pop into the Franklin Park Conservatory and thaw out in The Orchid Forest .

The annual orchid exhibition by the Central Ohio Orchid Society, Orchid Forest is on display in the Atrium. These fragile plants thrive in this environment, shooting out vibrant blooms in fuchsia, yellow and, of course, winter white.

You’ll find special programming for all ages included with admission, such as tropical-themed family activities each Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – think hula dancing, lei-making and luaus. Also, members of the Society host Orchid Talks each Sunday from 1-4 p.m. They’ll give free advice on how to care for orchids. You can even pick one up in the Botanica gift shop. Might make a good Valentine’s Day gift – or a pick-me-up for yourself.

If you’re looking something warm but gardening isn’t your thing, you might enjoy Cocktails at the Conservatory every Thursday night from 5:30-10 p.m. Admission is $11 and you’ll receive $10 worth of beverage/appetizer tickets. We’ve talked a lot about happy hours in Columbus recently; this is an option that definitely breaks the norm.

For more information on all things toasty and tropical this season, visit FPConservatory.org .

Today’s post is written by Kristin Marks, a.k.a. cBus Mom . She writes a blog by the same name , which she created to offer suggestions and reviews of kid-friendly activities in Central Ohio.

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Huntington Holiday Train at the Columbus Metropolitan Library
by Kristin Marks, cBus Mom

To the left of the mountain is green Percy!

Do not miss the Huntington Holiday Train set up at the Columbus Metropolitan Main Library. I took my 2 year-old Thomas-aholic and we were both mesmerized for almost an hour. Thomas with Annie and Clarabell and Percy with those mischievous freight cars, along with a few other trains, run the the tracks through a replica of a town in Germany.

Teased by a train track crossing sign in the atrium, patrons get the real surprise when they walk into the library. The Huntington Holiday Train is a pleasant shock the first time you lay eyes on it – it is so big and beautifully crafted. My son actually gasped, his eyes almost popped out of his head, and his smile reached from ear to ear. I think I got major mommy points…especially when he saw Thomas for the first time. The display is so beautiful and magical. Snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, miniature people selling wares or playing in streets, detailed buildings made of wood, and lots of train tracks offer a step into another world. (more…)

It’s the time of year when children’s activities start shifting from outdoors to indoors. For a great indoor option this winter, check out PBJ & Jazz.

The Jazz Arts Group organizes PBJ & Jazz at the Lincoln Theatre. These concerts introduce jazz music to young children through a very informal setting. There was seating for those parents with shy children, also for children who just prefer a seat. There was also a large area for parents to sit on the floor and children to dance.

There was a great display of toddler and preschool dance moves, which are always original and fun to watch. My two-year-old daughter started with some light toe tapping while listening to the musicians warm-up. Twenty minutes later, she was up near the stage with some other children moving and grooving.

It was also a great opportunity to point out the different types of instruments and check out the beautiful Lincoln Theatre. PBJ & Jazz is a children’s activity that is also very enjoyable for parents and grandparents.

A tip if you go: Be sure your child has a snack beforehand, since the concerts are at 11 a.m. Each child is provided with a small peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Girl Scout cookie and juice. Depending on the child, it may be considered more snack size than full lunch size.

The next PBJ & Jazz is on Saturday, January 8. Click here for more details.

Homestyle cooking at the Dutch Kitchen

October is finally here – bring on the pumpkins, apple cider and the beautiful fall leaves! Kelly recently shared a whole slew of ideas for fun, family-friendly activities , but I have one more to add: Consider a trip to Plain City for the Dutch Kitchen’s Fall Family Fun Festival, which is happening all month long. It’s not that far of a drive, yet you feel like you are out in the country.

Admission to the Family Fun Festival is free and outdoor activities include: (more…)

COSI

This post is part 5 of a 6 part series featuring Experience Columbus Days , which takes place Oct. 8-11. During that time, Columbus attractions offer 50% off (or in some cases, BOGO or free admission). Plus, the restaurants of Dine Originals Columbus offer 25% off your food bill for two people.

In this post, Cathe features things to do that are fun for the entire family during Experience Columbus Days. You can also check out previous posts that feature delicious dining options , plus outings that are great for groups , great for dates and perfect for art fans . Stay tuned for the last post in the series - we’ll feature Experience Columbus Days activities that are recommended for history buffs.

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With 50% off admission (or BOGO) at so many attractions, it’s crazy not to take the entire family—kids and all—out and about during Experience Columbus Days.

It looks like we’re in for good weather this weekend but regardless of how it shapes up, there are both indoor and outdoor options. (more…)

Haunted Statehouse Tour

This month there is no shortage of activities for the entire family to enjoy together in Columbus. Whether you’re looking for trick-or-treat trails, pumpkin-flavored treats or to experience a local attraction with a Halloween twist, it’s all here. Pick your favorites and take your family, friends or neighbors along for the ride.

Harvest the Arts Festival
Enjoy live entertainment, a Crafter’s Marketplace, face painting, candle dipping and more.

Where: Doran’s Farm Market, New Albany
When: Oct. 9, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
How much: FREE

More information is available here
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