I am a 31 year old single mama living in Columbus, Ohio. My daughter is 2 years old and the absolute love of my life.
I love being a parent. As a parent, every day for me is an adventure. Life with my daughter is fun, crazy, messy, and so wonderful! To keep my sanity, I try to get us out of the house as much as possible. I love exploring new places and sharing new experiences with my daughter.
I’m writing this blog to share my experiences of being a parent in Columbus. I hope you enjoy our adventures.
Thanks for reading my blog! Please email me with any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like to discuss. capitalcitymama@gmail.com
Hello CCM…
I found your blog through Alaina’s (love her!). I’m always looking for “bargain moms” for First at 4 on NBC 4. I’d love to chat with you about a story. Will you email me at work? Thanks!
Ellie
http://www.wcmhblogs.com/ellie
Hi,
I found your blog while looking for websites on tips for raising kids in a big city. We live in a rough part of town and I’m trying to find things to do with my kids to get them outside more. I realize it will take extra effort on my part to expose them to nature, find places to ride their bikes, open spaces to run, etc. I have three girls ages six and three (the little ones are twins). We have a great back yard but my girls will never have the freedom do go exploring in our neighborhood or even run back and forth to friends’ houses like many of us did while growing up in the burbs. We live here by choice, to help the community, but I still want to expose my girls (and as many neighborhood kids as possible) to nature and carefree days.
Any thoughts on free places around town? We are close to downtown/Crew Stadium.
Hi Steph,
Have you taken the girls to Goodale Park? That is my favorite downtown park. They have great playgrounds – two actually. One is geared to younger kids, probably aged 1 to 5, and the other area is for older kids. My daughter loves the swings and playground for the younger kids. There is also a lot of open space for the kids to run around in at the park. You could probably take their bikes and let them ride on the sidewalks too.
One of my favorite free places that I have found this summer is the Ballantrae Park fountains in Dublin. (Here is my post about it: http://capitalcitymama.wordpress.com/2008/06/24/ballantrae-park-fountains/) We go there all the time. My daughter loves it. I like it better than a pool because she has the freedom to run around, and it’s free. To buy a day pass to use one of the community pools for the day is expensive.
My other favorite free place is the Slate Run Farm and Park. (Here is my post about it: http://capitalcitymama.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/slate-run-metro-park-and-farm/). We have been there twice this summer. It is a little far – about 20 miles south of Columbus. But to save on gas, we carpooled with other families both times we went. The farm is fantastic. The park also has a great playground area too, along with hiking trails and a pond. Pack a lunch or snack and you have a picnic near the playground – there are tables and a covered shelter with bathrooms. The farm and park is well worth the drive.
When I think of more places, I will write posts for you! Here is the link for the Columbus Metro Parks : http://www.metroparks.net/Default.aspx. Their website may give you some ideas too. Good luck getting the girls outside!
Love your blog!!! I look forward to reading more and thanks for adding me to your blogroll! You are now added to mine!!
Thanks Erin! I love your blog too!