Ballooncasions

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.

Entertainment junkies hang out at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus. The state-of-the-art, $150 million arena is the home to the National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets, the

Located in the heart of Downtown Columbus and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Central Ohio Fire Museum and Learning Center offers engaging activities for all ages. Your adventure begins by going back in time. As the adult visitors learn about the fire trucks of the past and the way fires used to be fought, the kids get to visit with Him the Fire Horse and hear the bells that would sound as the trucks raced through the streets. Be on the lookout for a fireman sliding down the pole! Your adventure continues to the Fire Safety Education area that is also for all ages. A Fire Safety Educator will share ideas and tips on preventing a home fire and will guide you through the steps to take in the event of a fire, be it a kitchen fire or a fire that breaks out during the night while you sleep. First you will see a smoke-filled bedroom with a firefighter searching for a victim, then you will see how the same room looks after the fire. Both experiences provide a humbling reality of home fires. Kids can end their visit in the Jr. Firefighter Academy where they can put on fire gear, slide down a pole, and drive a firetruck to the fire. Adults are welcome to slide down the pole or do a little shopping at the gift shop.  The Fire Museum is available to host birthday parties, business meetings, or other gatherings.

There's music in the air and ribs on the grill at the Jazz and Rib Fest. The most anticipated summertime festival is the capital city's largest free outdoor music festival and one of the nation's biggest rib cook-offs. Enjoy listening to the coolest jazz music and savoring the tastiest BBQ in the country.