Beckman Xmo

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.

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.

Take the family to see a play at The Phoenix Theatre for Children. Watch fairy tales and children's stories come to life on stage. Productions have included The Story of Babar, the little elephant, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, Madeline's Christmas, Hansel and Gretel, The Miracle Worker, and the Paper Bag Princess.

Art connoisseurs gather at the Columbus Museum of Art. The museum has earned a reputation for its American Modernist and European impressionist collections that draw more than 200,000 visitors from around the world each year to its gallery halls. Equally impressive are the museum's gift store and on-site restaurant, The Palette Café.