Sort by: Highest to Lowest Rating | Date
14 friends
30 raves
Posted on May 18, 2011
Took my four year old son to one of their summer programs last year and he had a blast. More than anything, it was a good excuse to be outdoors and for him to expend all that pent-up energy with all that running! The instructors are great with the kids; my son even remembers their names and some of the things they said months after the last class ended. My son would be so spent that he would knock himself out and be in bed by 6 pm which is remarkable given how bedtime normally gets stretched till later during summer. You gotta love it!
Posted on Sep 21, 2010
We haven't been to Columbus Zoo in a while despite the fact that it's literally in our backyard. We even let our membership expire because when we last visited in 2008, the experience left much to be desired. At that time, we felt that it wasn't as well-kept, could be cleaner, etc. Being Chicago transplants, we often compared it to the experience we got at the Lincoln Park Zoo. So we were quite surprised when we went back two weekends ago to see how things have changed significantly for the better, and how much the quality of the experience has been elevated from where we remembered it. The renovated entrance, for one, created such a strong positive first impression and set the tone for our visit. Our kids loved every minute of it-- the pony ride, seeing polar bears up close, the manatee exhibit. They wanted to see it all but there just wasn't enough time in one afternoon. It looks like we'll be renewing that membership after all. It's no wonder that USA Travel Guide rated it the #1 Zoo in America.
Posted on Oct 28, 2010
Before we moved out of Central OH, we were members of the zoo - - arguably the best in Ohio. We always have to visit the manatees! The special events are always good too - Boo at the Zoo and the Wildlights during the holidays (do watch out for the traffic and looong lines for those) - - tip is to get there before sunset to avoid the rush. My daughter's girl scout troop also had an overnight camp at the zoo and we had a terrific time. The behind-the-scenes night tour was an excellent way to experience the zoo. Hands on animal experience and pre-open tours also provided a unique experience for the girls. They hold these camps I think most of the year. A big huge bison charging at you is not something I easily forget :) I have not however ran into Jack Hanna yet....
Posted on Oct 28, 2010
The Wilds is a conservation park affiliated with the Columbus Zoo - think safari in the strip-mined hills of southeast Ohio. The Wilds is just outside of Zanesville. It is maybe an hour drive southeast of Columbus. It started off as a research facility focused on endangered wild animals. Tours started to be offered over a decade ago. When we first visited in the mid-90s we rode old schoolbuses with no AC, and a smattering of animals. More areas were developed, and more animals were added or born in the facility. Now they offer a choice of open-air or air-conditioned buses, even camp outs, evening tours, and yurts offered up for rental. The guides running the tours are excellent sources of information. I recommend sitting up close to the driver/tour guide. My daughter has also attended their summer camp two years in a row now. She loves it and looks forward to coming back next year. They offer various programs for different ages, including for teens who are looking to go into the field as a career. The kids learn conservation, respect for nature, animals and people. MY daughter's group tried some (tame) rapelling, canoeing, fishing, hiking, as well as doing actual work in the fields that give them a definite unique experience. They even spent one night camping out in a shelter, next to where the Southern White Rhinos ambled about. I recommend going when it is not too hot, best around mid-70s so that more of the animals are out and about. There is also a newly added carnivorous area but, relax, these are in a segregated area, with the animals secured behind fences.
Posted on Nov 1, 2010
This is a wonderful, no-frills driving range facility for all of you golf nuts out there. It's conveniently located on Avery Road just south of U.S. 33. It's very easy to get to if you happen to work or live in Dublin. A large bucket is reasonably priced at $8 and you have a choice of hitting on grass or mats. The balls are also newer; they must change them every now and then. The cages are heated during the cold season so you can still get out and hit some balls if you're feeling a little chilly. They also have an outdoor mini-golf course on the premises. In addition to the range, there's a putting green, pitching green, and a sand trap to practice those bunker shots. Lots of parking spaces. Golf lessons from pros also available, though never tried them.
1 to 4 of 4 | Page 1
