It’s hard to enjoy the beautiful weather while cooped up inside all day. To fully indulge in the sun-drenched days, you must explore – and what better way than with your family in your own backyard, the Tri-Village area? We’ve found some adventures to help you and your nearest and dearest make the most of the summer.
Green Grass and Great Bands
If you’re looking for some outdoor tunes for your Tuesdays, head over to the Grandview Heights Public Library for the 29th annual Music on the Lawn series.
Each Tuesday in July the library hosts a variety of bands on its front lawn. Pack up some chairs and enjoy the evening starting at 7:30.
“We see tons of families, kids and picnics during the concerts,” says Canaan Faulkner, public relations manager and coordinator of adult programs for the library. “We’ve been averaging 6,000 attendees per season. It’s a nice cozy spot for a show. It’s at the heart of the community, and you can look down the sidewalk and see everyone heading to the library.”
Schedule :
- July 1 – The Randys (Eclectic oldies)
- July 8 – Birdshack (Jazz)
- July 15 – Forest and the Evergreens (Funk/soul)
- July 22 – Erica Blinn and the Handsome Machine (Rock)
- July 29 – The Whiles (Indie pop/rock)
Switch Up Your Mainstay
Life is too short to stick to one library. Try out the different branches of the Upper Arlington Public Library to see what each brings to the table.
The main branch on Tremont Road provides an opportunity for young children to advance intellectually and physically.
“We offer an Early Learning Center with adult seating where babies through preschoolers can make sensory discoveries, tell stories with felt characters or make creations with magnetic shapes,” says Dena Little, youth services manager. “In this space we also provide bead manipulatives and vinyl blocks for little hands to work on large motor
skills.”
Kid favorites Matt the Juggler and Erica Carlson the magician will visit the Tremont location periodically throughout the summer.
The Lane Road location boasts a summer schedule full of storytimes and science programs. And the Miller Park Library, the smallest of the bunch, offers storytimes, but has unique offerings as well.
“(We put on) Reading to Rover, where kids in grades K-5 can practice their reading to furry friends,” Little says.
The Upper Arlington Summer Reading Club is available at all locations and runs until Aug. 2. All ages can join, from babies through adults. Participants earn prizes for reading.
Other events throughout the summer include:
- Songs of America Concert, 7 p.m., July 1, Miller Park
- Astronomy Series, 8:30 p.m., July 10 and Aug. 7, Lane Road
- Make Your Own Ice Cream, 2 p.m., July 19, Lane Road
- Fun Day Carnival, 6:30 p.m., Aug.7, Miller Park
- Popsicles and Songs in the Park, 1:30 p.m., Aug. 16, Main
Visit www.ualibrary.org for a full list of events.
Summer Fling
Tossing the old Frisbee around can be more exciting than you might imagine.
The Griggs Reservoir Park in the Upper Arlington area features a mile-long, 18-hole disc golf course that is great for beginners.
“It’s a little longer than some of the beginner’s courses, but it’s fairly open,” says Mike Gates, owner of the Disc Golf Mart at 1971 Riverside Dr. “You also have to avoid throwing your disc in the river.”
The object of the sport is to fling, toss or launch the disc into a basket at the other end of the course in the lowest number of attempts possible.
Don’t have a professional disc lying around in the garage? Not a problem. The Disc Golf Mart is just a few miles south of the course.
“If you’re a beginner, just let us know so we can fit you appropriately with discs that are easier to start with,” Gates says. “Disc golf is already the biggest sport you’ve never heard of.”
www.columbus.gov/griggsreservoirpark
The Plot in You
Originally a World War II victory garden, Wallace Gardens in Grandview Heights gives families the opportunity to plant a garden plot for homegrown produce.
“The garden wraps together four obvious benefits,” says Sean Robey, director of Grandview parks and recreation. “There’s the physical exercise, nutritional value from organic food, the social connection with the community and the educational piece. You can teach your family how to garden through experience and we have classes at the beginning of the year. You get a little bit of everything down there.”
Robey sees returning green thumbs and new faces each year. More often than not, the gardens are filled, so early registration is encouraged. Incumbent gardeners get first picks of plots for the next year. Even if the garden is full, it makes for a great family stroll, and conversation around the area is abundant.
To sign up for a plot, visit www.grandviewheights.org or call 614-488-3111. Participants must be Marble Cliff or Grandview residents.
Pull Up and Park It
For an old-fashioned evening feel, head to Upper Arlington for Movies in the Park series.
Disney’s Frozen will show at the Mountview Baptist Church drive-in July 11.
“The drive-in brings that old school-feel,” says Mac Kinney, Upper Arlington recreation program assistant. “The event is in partnership with the church, which hosts a little event and brings popcorn and cotton candy.”
All other movies will be shown at the south shelter in Thompson Park on a 24-foot movie screen. Check out The Avengers July 17, Despicable Me 2 Aug.1 and The Lego Movie Aug. 15.
“About 250 to 300 people show up for each movie,” Kinney says. “It’s family-oriented. There are a lot of coolers, pizza and people hanging out before and after.”
For weather-related inquiries and possible date changes, call the Parks and Recreation hotline at 614-583-5345 after 6 p.m. on the date of the event.
Café the Day Away
When a rainy day comes and the great outdoors isn’t such a great option, opt for an adventure that will stretch your imagination.
To take a hands-on approach to creativity, visit the Clay Café, 1644 W. Fifth Ave. The paint-your-own pottery shop offers drop-in painting from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sa
turday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday as well as workshops and private parties. www.claycafecolumbus.com
Little ones can roam the streets of Little Green House Play Café, 808 Grandview Ave., which features a miniature town and food available from the adjacent Bellwether Kitchen. The Play Café is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. www.littlegreenhouseplaycafe.com
Take a dip into chocolate heaven during Chocolate Café’s fondue Fridays at 1855 Northwest Blvd. You can enjoy all-you-can-eat fondue treats starting at 5 p.m. for $5 per person. www.chocolatecafecolumbus.com
Stephan Reed is an editorial associate. Feedback welcome at laurand@cityscenemediagroup.com.
