Robert Huff Miller

Instruments instead of actors take center stage at the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Come spend an evening at the opulent and acoustically grand Ohio Theatre to hear the sweeping sounds of the capital city's oldest professional orchestra perform classical and pops concertos. Your musical mood is certain to hit a high note at this entertainment destination.

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.  

Get your tickets to the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus. Whether you want to see the hottest music concerts, get smart at interactive educational exhibits, get up on stage with hypnotists and magicians, watch a rodeo or any other show, the Ohio State Fair is certain to have an event on its fairgrounds for you.

Catch a concert at the Newport Music Hall. The 1,700-seat entertainment venue is owned and operated by PromoWest Productions, one of the largest independent premier concert promotion companies in the country, and has staged some of the capital city's biggest concerts, including U2 and the Rolling Stones.