Last year we went to Florida. And while we may not be taking such an involved trip this summer, we do have a few places we’d like to take the kids to. This weekend we hit two spots not far from home in a “mini-vacation.”
Our first destination was C.O.S.I. (Center of Science and Industry) in Columbus, Ohio. We had lots of fun exploring the area designed for children up through kindergarten-age. Of course, the first thing my little guy found was the train table…
And I just had to take a picture of the BEST vending machine I have ever seen…right there in the little kid area…
Yes, those are diapers, pacifiers, sippy cups, baby meds, and even a toy rattle… All the things you might have forgotten, lost, or for some reason need when out with a little one.
Tired from our C.O.S.I. adventures, we went to our hotel.
The only other time the kids had been in a hotel was on our way to and from Florida last year.
Let’s just say it was a hit.
Not only did the kids have fun playing in “their corner” of the room, but I also braved taking them swimming when the husband ran across the street to Gander Mountain. (There is no Gander Mountain store where we live; it called to him…)
Oh, and the soap smelled divine – like fresh oranges.
A little boy I know thought so ,too…
In the morning we hit the road – this time our destination was the United States Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio.
(It’s free, by the way, always a plus!)
This was the first time the kids got to see airplanes up close.
There were even a couple of airplanes they got to try out!
Now we’re home, and I’m already thinking ahead to our next little trip.
Are you planning any “mini-vacations” this year? Got any suggestions?
No matter how short the drive, don’t forget to bring along things to keep little ones entertained in the car!
Torrie says
You had my attention at COSI. My husband and I were born and raised in OH. We remember visiting COSI as a kid. I was raised in Lima, which is about 45 min north of Dayton, so I’ve been to the museum before too. If you stay on 75 and go a little further north, you could also go to the Neil Armstrong museum in Walpak. The Toledo zoo is really nice, and of course there is Cedar Point if you are an amusement park enthusiast. 🙂
OneMommy says
I went to COSI every year as a kid – our Girl Scout troup went to the overnight camp there each year. I loved it! The building has moved since then, but it still is awesome!
We thought about trying the Columbus zoo while we were up there, but decided to make it another trip. I’ll have to look into the Toledo zoo… and maybe Cedar Point when the kids are older! 🙂
Donna says
They all look like fun. Sometimes mini vacations are the best.
OneMommy says
Agreed – it was nice not to have to pack for more than a day and not stress about getting someone to check the mail, etc.
Donna says
Oh, I totally agree there! Or getting far away for a few days and realizing you forgot something important!
Jen@Creative and Curious Kids! says
Looks like a great mini-vacation! Love all of your pics.
jen
OneMommy says
It was pretty fun; hoping to do a few more mini-trips this summer