Fall Break (or how to entertain your kids without even trying!)

Greetings readers!

It's a rainy day in Columbus, but there is lots going on here at Columbus Parks & Rec. Our Park Operations crew is busy at Donner Park today, mowing and collecting the leaves that are starting to fall. This weekend is Ethnic Expo weekend in Columbus, which means we'll be busy helping to set up tables and chairs and bleachers. If you have a chance, get out and enjoy Ethnic Expo in Downtown Columbus!

But, I digress. The title of today's blog refers to an event that anyone in town with school-age kids knows about - FALL BREAK! If you have plans to get out of town next Thursday - Sunday, you're counting down the days until it arrives. But, if you're like me, you're half dreading its arrival. "What am I going to do with my kids for two days?" you may be wondering.

Well, Parks & Rec is coming to your rescue! We have a few events lined up to help your kids stay busy, stay active and save your sanity during this blessed time of 'relaxation' (at least if you're under the age of 18).

First, check out Flip and Dip at Columbus Gymnastics Center and Foundation for Youth. This combination can't be beat for keeping kids entertained while wearing them out for the rest of the afternoon. On Friday, October 17 from 1-3 p.m., pre-registered participants spend one hour (1-2 p.m.) 'flipping' at Columbus Gymnastics Center during Open Gym. You then move to the Foundation for Youth pool for your next hour (2-3 p.m.) of 'dipping' yourself in its warm waters. It's a great combination guaranteed to provide lots of fun for your kids. The upside may be an extra long nap in the afternoon too! If you are interested in signing up for one of the 30 spots available, call 376-2545. Don't wait! These spots fill up very quickly and once it's full, it's full.

Another great option is later on Friday evening is our annual Trick or Treat Tales. This annual event at Donner Center invites our community's ghosts and goblins to visit Donner Center in costume where they enjoy an evening of not-so-scary Halloween stories and songs, create Halloween themed crafts, enjoy a snack and play a few Halloween themed games. It's a great evening to spend together as a family (and we require adults to accompany kids, so don't make dinner plans and expect our goblin wranglers to babysit). Come see us on Friday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Donner Center. No pre-registration is required - just $1/person at the door.


Still wondering what to do on Thursday with your kids? I'd invite you to check out some of our great parks (weather permitting)! My favorite is Freedom Field, the all-abilities accessible playground located in Blackwell Park behind Parkside Elementary School at the corner of Parkside Drive and Westenedge Drive in Columbus. It's a fantastic place to play with your kids. It features a ramp system so that all kids can easily climb into the play structure (or roll in with a wheelchair), roller slides and special equipment so even kids with limited mobility can have fun. Check it out!

On Saturday, October 18, don't forget about the Columbus Dog Park Association's 1st Annual Mutt Strutt at Clifty Park. Bring your favorite canine companion(s), your family and friends to strut around Clifty Park. All proceeds benefit the Columbus Indiana Dog Park Association's drive to build a new dog park in Columbus. Visit http://www.columbuslovesdogs.com/ for more information about this great project.

Sunday...well, you're on your own. Maybe it will be a day of rest? I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Play on, readers! Have an active and fulfilling Wednesday!