A Step Above Construction

Travel back in time to 1908 to tour an authentically-restored engine house where you will see a collection of hand-pulled, horse-drawn, and motorized fire apparatus. Find out what it was like being a firefighter and living in the engine house during those years and how the fire service evolved to what it is today. Ring the 500-lb station bell in the bell tower and learn about early communcations with the interactive 9-1-1 simulator. Check out their rotating displays, along with the static displays of vintage fire helmets, antique fire toys and more. There's even a play area for younger kids featuring the cab and tiller seat from a real fire truck, and a fire pole for kids to slide down. Make sure to participate in the age-appropriate fire safety education programs ranging from pre-K age to senior citizen. You'll learn how to make your home fire safe, and practice what to do if there is a fire in your home. After you learn about the “Home Escape Plan” you can practice how to safely get out of a house fire, and even take some materials home to develop a plan for your own home and family. Before you leave, visit the gift shop to pick up some souvenirs like the Columbus Fire t-shirt, sweatshirts, patches, and more for your favorite firefighter.  

The Zoombezi Bay Water Park is a water and amusement park located at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Enjoy gallons of fun and water recreation on the tube slides and body slides, and being tossed around on an action river or leisurely floating down a lazy river. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Blooming enthusiasts visit the Franklin Park Conservatory. Visitors of all ages grow happy with the sights, scents, and attractions in bloom across the 88-acre botanical garden in downtown Columbus. Fertilize your botanical interest when you wander through exotic plant collections, special horticultural exhibits, and attend educational work shops.

See a garden attraction pruned after George Seurat's famous post-impressionist painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte' at the Topiary Park in Columbus. Walk through the "landscape of a painting of a landscape," where for once, nature is mimicking art through larger-than-life human topiary figures, animals, and boats.