Summer is Coming (Columbus, Dayton, Hilliard: waterpark, house, theater)

[Londa419]

Hello I just moved her in August, for the most part I am happy with the city. However, because my friend and I are new here we are not sure what all is it to do here for entertainment. We are mid 20's and I have 2 children, and it's getting nice out and I don't wanna sit in the house the whole summer lol.

[sauerkraut145]

There is not that much to do in Columbus, "The Other Paper" lists alot of things that are happening that week. Columbus has alot of jogging trails if you like to run.

[streetcreed]

There is not that much to do in Columbus, "The Other Paper" lists alot of things that are happening that week. Columbus has alot of jogging trails if you like to run.

If you think there is not much to do in Columbus you are just not informed. I am heavily into the arts, opera, ballets, symphonies, art galleries, bands, live music, and sporting events. We have all of this and I cannot get enough time away from work to even enjoy all that happens in Columbus.

One thing I will say is that Columbus has many people residing in the city and metro that are solely interested in "pop" culture and not "high" culture. We have enough people here that do engage in cultural activities to keep them in operation but there are also many that do not and thus are not a good judge of what there is to do.

It's a shame more do look up and attend these cultural events but this a issue across all of the country and world. Cultural events, outside of movies and tv, and are a dying breed. Columbusites should be proud to still have a Symphony, Ballet, Opera company, Madlab Theater, Shadowbox Cabaret at Easton, Columbus Children's Theater, and more.

Almost every weekend I can find a performance by a theater company, or a touring show, or a live band to keep me occupied. Plus we have great out door parks, libraries, trails, restaurants, and bars/clubs. I am quite happy living in Columbus as are many of my friends.

Heck, you can have a bored person living in NYC. Some people are just boring not matter where they live and some cities are boring but Columbus is not one now that's less cultured and more boring. Try living in Lansing, Michigan or Dayton, OH (which I did for awhile.)

Back to the poster's question; for a family the zoo is great, there is the Columbus Children's Theater, Franklin Park Conservatory has exhibits and great gardens, the Museum of Art has exhibits, and there's many community pools (including free ones in Columbus.) Plus great walking/biking trails as the above poster mentioned. Last, there are many festivals occuring around and in downtown all summer long.

For events happening in Columbus you can do easy searches of upcoming events on Columbus Alive : columbusalive.com

[ulnevrwalkalone]

If you haven't done so already I highly recommend the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, its a top notch facitlity without the bigger city crowds. Also it is now connected to Zambizi Bay Waterpark (Formerly Wyandot Lake) which has tons of water slides and carnival games. Its a great way to spend time outdoors when the weather is nice.

And for summer nights there is always the Crew and or the Clippers. I have not made it to the new ballpark for the Clips but I hear nothing but great things. And Ive been a Crew fan since their inception so to me theres nothing better than a night game at crew stadium to start off a saturday night.

Also there are plenty of festivals throughout the summer, like Greek, Latino, Asian, and my personal favorite Community Festival (Comfest). oh and make sure you check out Red White & Boom (Downtown Fireworks show) I am told its one of the best in the Mid-West.

[streetcreed]

If you haven't done so already I highly recommend the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, its a top notch facitlity without the bigger city crowds. Also it is now connected to Zambizi Bay Waterpark (Formerly Wyandot Lake) which has tons of water slides and carnival games. Its a great way to spend time outdoors when the weather is nice.

And for summer nights there is always the Crew and or the Clippers. I have not made it to the new ballpark for the Clips but I hear nothing but great things. And Ive been a Crew fan since their inception so to me theres nothing better than a night game at crew stadium to start off a saturday night.

Also there are plenty of festivals throughout the summer, like Greek, Latino, Asian, and my personal favorite Community Festival (Comfest). oh and make sure you check out Red White & Boom (Downtown Fireworks show) I am told its one of the best in the Mid-West.

These are some great ideas for families. I second the festivals. They are usually on the riverfront but this year they will in various spots throughout downtown, as they are redoing the riverfront until 2012. The Dispatch, Columbus Alive, and various publicans will have information posted on the new locations.

[sauerkraut145]

OK~ but I'm not into Arts, Opera or Symphonies. I hate the Buckeyes because I'm a Wolverine Fan, so I didn't bring that up. I do enjoy running on the Olentangy bike trail, I entered a few races, won 2nd place in the Pancake race last year for my age group in Hilliard, Ohio. Everyone's tastes are different. I like COSI that place is interesting. In the fall there are alot of Buckeye football games to watch, I always root for the other team however, like I said I hate the Buckeyes and never did like 'em. The Zoo is another good idea as is Alum Lake and Hoover dam.

[Tenzo]

Another good source of information on things happening in Columbus is:

http:\\ColumbusUnderground.com

I'll be at the Asian Festival and the dog run on Saturday.
Got my Memorial day shirt on and ready to grill!

[streetcreed]

I'll be at the Asian Festival and the dog run on Saturday.
Got my Memorial day shirt on and ready to grill!

Those sound like great events this weekend. I am considering the dog walk and did not know the Asian Fest was going on this weekend. I love that event. Is it still in Franklin Park?

[Londa419]

Thank you for all of the ideas I like festivals where can I find out when they are I don't watch the news much.

[LMS7689]

Originally Posted by streetcreed

Those sound like great events this weekend. I am considering the dog walk and did not know the Asian Fest was going on this weekend. I love that event. Is it still in Franklin Park?

I was at the Asian Fest two years ago and had a good time. At one point, we looked over and saw two sumo wrestlers sitting on a park bench drinking bottled water and talking about football. You don't see that in Columbus that often!