Schools will soon be dismissing for summer. Parents will once again face the dilemma of what to do with kids this summer? In addition, the increasing cost of gas and food has many families trading in long-distance vacation plans and instead thinking about shorter day or weekend trips to closer locations. One reasonably-priced destination is to Columbus for a "Double Header" event. No, it is not baseball, but visits to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and COSI (Center of Science and Industry). Plus, if you want more, there is Zoombezi Bay, a newly expanded and renovated water park located directly beside the Zoo.
Of course the Columbus Zoo is open year-round, but it is always fun to visit with the kids during the summer. If you're worried about the heat, the Zoo is open until 8 p.m on Wednesdays from mid-June until mid-August. Plus, it opens as early as 9 a.m. for early-bird families. General admission is $10 per person ages 9 and older. Admission for children ages two years to nine as well as adults over 60 is $7 per person. Parking is $5 per car.
If your family has a really loves the zoo, consider a membership. Zoo membership is reasonably-priced for families. The membership fee includes admission and free parking. Zoo membership allows you and your family the opportunity to pace your visit. This is especially nice if your children are small and can only handle a few hours at a time in the zoo setting. Zoo passes will allow you to visit the zoo as often as you want throughout the the year without any penalty.
Additionally, Zoo members receive discounts at the gift shop as well as free or discounted admissions to zoos across America. Furthermore, your family will feel the satisfaction that comes from knowing that your membership goes towards supporting the zoo and its inhabitants.
Divided into seven main sections, the Columbus Zoo has many choices in the types of animal life and habitats that can be viewed. Younger children often enjoy the calming effects of "Discovery Reef" as well as the hands-on adventures of "Habitat Hollow" where they can pet and brush animals such as a variety of goats, ponies and sheep. Younger children also enjoy rides on the Zoo's Carousel, Boat and Train. Each of these rides cost $1. There is also a "Stings, Wings and Play Things Park" for the point in the day in which your child may just need some free-play activity.
Older children seem drawn to "Asia" for peeks at Rhinos and Siberian Tigers. This same age group also may enjoy visiting "African Forest" and "Voyage to Australia and the Islands." Animals in these sections include: the Komodo Dragon, Kangaroo, Gibbons, Gorillas and Bonobos to name a few. Additionally, older children seemed amazed when viewing Eagles and their huge nest when visiting "North America."
Of course, the Zoo offers several different types of picnic shelter and food courts for those wishing to spend the day. Strollers, double strollers, wagon and wheelchairs can also be rented at the Zoo. There are even storage lockers of varying sizes near the entrance of the Zoo and can be rented for 75 cents to $1.
After a warm day outside with wild animals, you may be ready to tame your own "wild things" with an indoor visit to COSI. Presently, COSI has two great movies scheduled for summer viewing on a seven-story tall IMAX screen. These movies include: "Sea Monster 3D: A Prehistoric Adventure" as well as MacGillivray Freeman's "Greece: Secrets of the Past." The "Sea Monster" movie seems to be popular with those under the age of 12. "Greece" tends to appeal to those seeking a more cerebral experience. These movies are not the only thing new for spring at COSI.
WOSU is sponsoring "Zula Patrol: Mission Weather." Geared towards the under 10 crowd, kids can discover through numerous hands-on activities the science behind the weather. Plus, they can interact with their favorite, "Zula Patrol" characters. This is part of a traveling exhibition that will be at COSI through the end of May.
COSI is also offering "CSI: the experience." This exhibit is geared towards all ages. Visitors can investigate crime scenes, collect evidence and use cutting-edge forensic science to prove it's not always an open and shut case. COSI is expecting larger than usual crowds for this exhibit which will run through Sept. 1.
Of course, COSI still has its usual offerings. Favorites such as the Electrostatic Generator, Gadgets Stage show, Rat Basketball, Under (Ocean) Pressure and Little Kidspace "Animal show" offer children of all ages a variety of educational and entertaining choices. Plus, summer time is a great time to visit COSI's "Big Science Park" located behind COSI. This outside park offers kids more hands-on science experiences, such as trying to lift a car to an echo-well to a centrifuge ride. "Big Science Park" is a great place to take kids for a picnic lunch or simply to blow off some steam.
COSI admission tickets can be purchased online. Admission rates vary depending upon age, number of movies as well as certain exhibits viewed. There are discounted rates for teachers, military personal and seniors. Check online at www.cois.org to plan for admission costs. Families can join COSI. Membership has many benefits including discounted rates for admission, movies and other museums across the country.
So, if a long extended vacation is out of the question this summer, but you still want to do something fun with the family consider the Columbus "Double Header." Try them out in one extended-day visit or several, interspersed single-day trips throughout the summer.
Stephanie Hill is a freelance writer and a kindergarten teacher at Burlington Elementary. She is also a lifelong resident of Lawrence County. She can be reached at hill992@zoominternet.net.
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