Experience Columbus This Summer

Thank you to Experience Columbus for inviting us to visit.  Opinions are honest.

For the third year in a row our family has been invited to visit Columbus, Ohio and honestly it is the highlight  of our summer.  This year we visited all our favorites attractions such as COSI, the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay, we also added a few new stops on our trip such as German Village, The Franklin Conservatory and did a little shopping at Easton Town Center which was within walking distance of the Hilton that we stayed at.

After getting settled at the Hilton, we took a walk to the Easton Town Center which has over 200 stores and 30 restaurants so needless to say we spent the remainder of the evening walking around and while our daughter fell in love with the frog fountain near the new Build a Bear Workshop and American Girl I was about to get a little free time to zip into a few of my favorite stores while she and Daddy hung out.  If you are a Vera Bradley fan I highly suggest a stop at Occasionally Yours, they have one of the best selections of the Vera collection I have ever seen.

Since I did a little shopping the night before it was my husband's turn and he picked The Book Loft in German Village.  All I can say is if you are a book lover then you can not leave Columbus without a stop at this 32 room book store that requires a map (no joke a map) to find your way around.  I do want to warn you in advance that this store is not accessible for anyone in a wheelchair, the spaces are tight that I found it to be a little overwhelming but my husband and daughter loved it and could have stayed all day looking around if we would have had the time to do so.

Day two was devoted to both the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay, since this was our third visit to both parks we we took our time and visited the areas we love most which for me is the aquarium.  I could spend hours watching the fish, they amaze me every time.  This trip the zoo was extra special for our daughter who not only was able to meet Tommy the Turtle but also take her first pony ride.

I do suggest that you get your child the armband which allows them to ride not only the pony and train but also the carnival rides which connect the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay.  Trust me if your children like to go on the rides it will pay for itself after about the fourth ride.

Zoombezi Bay was a perfect way to cool down after visiting the Zoo.  We spent most of our time in the wave pool and in the children's area that we love since parents are also allowed to play and climb on everything, which for us allows for peace of mind that every parent of a young child around water needs.

Our third and final day started with a stop at the Franklin Conservatory,  this botanical garden was perfect for a quiet Sunday morning and while we arrived when they opened the butterflies were ready for us.  This was the first time I had ever walked around so many butterflies and at first I was nervous about walking into them but they are accustomed to people and just go around you.  While the butterflies alone are worth the trip they also have a collection of Chihuly Glass that you will not want to miss.

Our last stop was COSI.  I love how COSI has something for the entire family no matter age or interest.  The past two years we have enjoyed the water area but this year progression hit home.  I am still laughing when our daughter asked us what a pay phone I still don't think she understand why anyone would ever need one. We did take the time to see the Butterfly movie in 3D on the Extreme Screen, it was worth making the time for the featured films they are very educational and seeing them on this size screen just adds to the enjoyment.



The one stop we wanted to make but did not was at the Santa Maria , a replica of the ship that Columbus came over on but the time on this trip did not permit it.  I know that next time we will be adding it to the itinerary no matter what.


The best way to visit Columbus with the family is with the Roar and Explore package, which starts at only $369 for a family of four when you select the Drury Hotel.


This package comes with:

• Four Tickets to the Columbus Zoo
• Four Tickets to Zoobezi Bay
• Four Tickets to COSI
• Two Nights at the Drury Hotel (which includes breakfast and a kick back dinner)
• Free Kids Sized Pizza from Donatos

Based on your family's needs the Roar and Explore package does allow for fewer or additional tickets to be purchased.  There are also a variety of hotel options that you can select based on your preference, allowing you to customize your vacation to fit your needs.

Personal Photos used in this post belong to My Springfield Mommy and may not be used without written permission.

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