Our Top 10 List for Date Night | Date Your Spouse | Columbus, OH

For us, date night is one of the most important nights of the week.  Between kids, work, the house, life can get busy (and sometimes stressful) and it's easy to make date nights last on the priority list, especially if it requires you coming up with something to do.  No need to worry though - I am sharing our go to list for date nights.  We pull these out when we just need to get out for some time together without the kids.  

Vino Vino followed by The Candle Lab

The Candle Lab has been part of our relationship for many years, we even had our baby shower there when we had our son, and we love going back. We normally start at Vino Vino down the street and enjoy some (okay, a lot of) wine and a delicious meal before laughing our way through The Candle Lab.  Pro Tip! The Red Pepper Pasta at Vino Vino is AMAZING!!! My favorite candle combo at CL?  Champagne and Hawaii - try it, you won't be sorry. 

PINS Mechanical Co. 

We don't always want a romantic date night - sometime we want to grab some drinks, play some games and eat from a delicious food truck. When we're in the mood for this we head to PINS.  The lines can be long but the atmosphere is great. 

Stauf's Grandview

Sometimes we head out on a weekend morning for a work date.  We both own our own businesses so working is actually a lot of fun, especially if we get to do it together.  I love the tea and grilled cheese at Stauf's, The kitchen is open daily from 8-3. 

Brunch at Milestone 229 and Cogo Bike Share

We kind of stumbled on this date randomly when our original plans fell through one day. It turned out to be one of our FAVORITE dates of all time.  We started with brunch on the patio at Milestone 229, complete with salt and vinegar fries (YUM!!!) and sangria for me, and a moscow mule for my husband.  After brunch we walked over to the docking station for CoGo Bike Share, rented two bikes and biked the Scioto Mile. 

The Walrus

Sometimes we just want to head to the bar, listen to music and hang out.  When that's the case we go to The Walrus.  The drinks are on point and the fries are the best in Columbus.  

The Kitchen

The Kitchen is one of my all time favorite places in Columbus, and not just for date night.  We went to a dinner there and had the time of our lives.  Our first experience at The Kitchen was about a year ago, for a  bourbon inspired participatory dinner.  We met new friends, tried new foods, and laughed SO MUCH! Each month they release a calendar of events and the dinners all have different themes. Check it out, I'm sure you'll find a theme that you fall in love with. 

Cap City in Grandview followed by a movie 

Dinner and a movie is a classic and we don't do this all the time, and when we do it - we head to Cap City for me and AMC for him.  The entire Cap City menu is delicious - I am a fan of the spicy pasta that I never remember the name to (without mushrooms of course), the bread, and every single dessert on the menu.  

Exploring Franklinton

Franklinton is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Columbus.  A few of our favorite spots in the area include Strongwater + Land Grant Brewery.  Think local brewery, food trucks, yummy foods at Strongwater, and amazing drinks. 

Hiking 

We love being active, so hiking is always on our list of favorite things to do.  We love taking the entire day and heading to Hocking Hills for a day of exploring.  If we can't get away for the entire day but still want to hike we will head to Highbanks Metro Park in Lewis Center. 

Easton 

Easton is growing and it's creating new options for date night, which is amazing and so convenient.  Sometimes date night includes shopping for a new bed or just casual shopping and with all the new and exciting food options at Easton, you really can't go wrong. 

Olentangy Indian Caverns | 614 Moms Playdate | 2017

I have such fond memories of the Olentangy Indian Caverns from when I was a kid, and I was so excited when we planned a 614 Moms playdate at the caverns this year.  In true 614 Moms fashion, we decided we wanted to try a new place that our kids have never been before, so we picked a warm Saturday morning in September put on our tennis shoes and headed out for a fun filled morning.  

We knew we wanted to maximize our two hours and the people at the caverns wanted to help us achieve our goal, so they sent us over a full agenda so we were sure not to miss a thing.  We started off with a self guided tour through the caverns and ended at the wonderful 50,000 square foot petting zoo.  It was the best day, my kids are already asking to go back, so is my husband ;-) (not joking) 

Our Self Guided Tour 

We gathered together and headed towards the entrance of the caverns, we of course had a few ground rules to go over. Hold the hand rails down the steps and watch your step, no running, and adults watch your head! :) A few of the kids were nervous about the long staircase but the ones who weren't scared encouraged their friends and everyone made it down and some even conquered their fears, which was amazing!!! We were lucky enough to have some amazing tour guides, the kids guided us through on their own terms which was so fun.  The giggles echoed through and left my heart smiling. 

 

 

Gem Mining 

After the kids took us on a complete tour of the caverns we headed back up the steps and straight to gem mining.  Each kid got a gem mining kit which consisted of a bag of dirt (with little gems hiding inside) and a sifter, a key to help them name the gems they found, and a bag to put their goodies.  We poured a little bit of the dirt into the sifter and ran it under the water, the kids LOVED finding their cool stuff. Since our adventure was in the fall, they had spooky gem mining bags that had a few extra surprises - like eyeballs, spiders, and more. A few of the kids found vampire teeth in their spooky themed bags and immediately put them in their mouths.  As parents, we were a little grossed out by that, but they had a blast and that's what mattered the most.  

 

The Petting Zoo

The last item on our agenda was the petting zoo.  I was really excited to see Gary the Goat again and the kids were sprinting over in excitement.  You guys!! I'm not kidding when I say this is the best petting zoo in Columbus.  50,000 square feet of fun, complete with a slide for the (human) kids, a rock wall, and swings (if you're lucky a goat will hop up there and swing with you).  Deer, Goats, Zebu Cows, and the newest addition a potbelly pig named Kevin Bacon.  We stayed in here for at least an hour, it was so fun.  The animals get really excited when they see you have food and will work really hard to grab it from you.  They aren't shy! ;-) 

I could talk all day about how much I love The Olentangy Indian Caverns but for now I will leave you with our photos from the day and who knows maybe soon I will do a Facebook Live, all about the caverns.  

These photos were all taken on my iPhone so not the greatest, but I LOVE them because they tell such an amazing story of our play date at the Caverns.  Scroll through them all, and towards the end you'll find a fun selfie I took with one of my favorite pals. :-) 

STEAM Education In Columbus | SIMPLR STEAM Playground | 614 Mom

Thank you SIMPLR STEAM Playground for sponsoring this post.  As always all thoughts and opinions remain my own. 

My husband and I are really excited to get our kids involved at SIMPLR STEAM Playground.  We've always encouraged STEAM activities, and our oldest daughter built and programmed her own robot (Name:Juice-Bot) over the summer, so to have a place where we can take them for hands on education focused on STEAM makes us so happy!! I know you will love Maurice and Erica as much as I do - they are amazing and have a passion for sharing STEAM with families in Columbus.  Be sure to check them out and if you're interested in a class, let me know - we are getting a 614 Moms class together! :) 

What is STEAM?

STEAM is the abbreviation for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. This integrative learning approach encourages students to think on a broader scale, which encourages a different approach to problem solving.  The US Department of Education reports that the number of STEAM jobs will grow by 14% in the United States from 2010 to 2020 and the income level is more than double other job sectors.

How can I get my kids involved?

There are so many ways to get your kids involved in STEAM activities, including classes and camps at SIMPLR Playground right here in Columbus, OH.  SIMPLR Playground provides great opportunities  for children to get hands on in an age appropriate, fun, engaging way.  As you know, I research a lot before enrolling my kids into any activity so when the wonderful owners of SIMPLR reached out to me, I did my research, and fell in love with their program.  

What sets SIMPLR Playground apart? 

SIMPLR is an amazing one of a kind facility that creates hands on opportunities for children to learn about STEAM.  From weekly classes to camps and events, SIMPLR is filling a need in Columbus, and I for one, am so glad they have decided to share their gifts with us.  Robots, Star Wars, Girl Genius Lab, Rockstars, Fashion, and so much more. They have so many ways for kids to genuinely enjoy STEAM and start a solid foundation with STEAM programing.  

Tell me more about their camps and events...

Every Friday, you can head to Gahanna for Open Labs ($15) from 5pm-7pm for ages 5-14. Parents are welcome to stay and wait in the waiting area, or use that two hour window to enjoy some kid free time.  Registration Required. 

The last Saturday of every month from 9am-noon, they host Girl Genius Lab ($39). Recommended ages 2nd grade - 6th grade. 

How Can I find out more?

Stay up to date with the fun they are having by following them on social media. Facebook and Instagram, as well as their website.  

Our Community | 614 Moms

614 Mom is more than just a blog where I share fun things to do with your kids, the resources that make my life easier, and all the other things I write about.  614 Mom is a community.  A community of women who love their families, love themselves, and love Columbus and I am so proud of that.  I recently decided to expand that community into a moms group where the moms reading my posts and emailing me, can all meet each other and hopefully create meaningful friendships along the way. 

614 Moms has had a lot of fun events but by far my favorite was last month when I partnered with White Elm Photography to give 614 Moms precious photos of them with their children.  This complimentary photo session was important to me when planning our year, I wanted to make sure each mom got amazing photos with their kids.  Moms are typically taking the photo, and unless it's a selfie, that means they aren't in the photo.  Your kids don't care what your hair looks like or if you look tired, they just want their mama and pictures of those memories to have forever.

 Natalie from White Elm Photography captured some amazing moments, smiles, silly faces, sweet cuddles, and most importantly the bond between mom and child.  

We'd love to have you join our community! We will be doing these photos again but until then we have a full calendar of other events.   I hope to see you at one of our future events.  

Short North Tour Of Homes and Gardens | September 2017 | 614 Mom

It's no secret my husband and I dream of the day we can trade in the suburbs for a cute little house downtown so when The Short North Civic Association approached me about attending their home and garden tour this weekend, I jumped on that opportunity.  We love the Short North and it's at the top of our list always, so I'm really excited to attend in just a few short days but in the meantime I thought I would share some important details with you and fun photos so you can join us! Be sure to check out the Facebook page for a way to win a pair of tickets!! 

The Short North Home and Garden Tour is Sunday, September 17 from 10am-5pm.  The tour includes 9 homes in Victorian Village and Italian Village - from penthouse to treehouse.  The tour is a chance to experience these homes up close and personal and get inspired as you take a look into the lives of those living in the Short North.  

All proceeds from the tour go to Short North Civic Association, a non profit, of community residents working hard to raise funds for neighborhood events like Screen on the Green and Music in the Park.  

My husband and I are so excited to visit all the houses and dream a little more.  Be sure to buy your tickets in advance or you can head to the 614 Mom Facebook page to try and win a pair! 

20 Perfectly Autumn Things You Must Do This Season | Fall 2017 | Columbus, OH

There are so many lists filled with every single thing you must do this fall, complete with an overwhelming amount of options in this great city of ours.  So today, I'm changing it up a bit and giving you a small number of MUST DO events this fall. If you are looking for the best ways to experience fall in Columbus, just pick a few things (or all) from this list and enjoy all that Columbus has to offer this season.

Apple Picking at Cherryhawk Farms - This is our favorite orchard in all of Columbus, it's actually located in Marysville but close enough ;) Cherryhawk prides itself on being a calm, peaceful experience for every person that sets foot on the property.  Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch and pick some apples.  No frills and that's what we love about it. 

Fall Fest at Dutch Mill Greenhouse is a family fun event, complete with free pumpkin decorating and shopping with local vendors, plus much more.  (It's a short 7 minute drive from Cherryhawk) This year the event is on October 21 from 10am -2pm.  

Olentangy Indian Caverns - They have thought of every single thing this year - from yoga at the caverns to their flashlight tour, petting zoo, Halloween themed mini golf and everything in between.  Every Saturday at 6pm in September and October they turn off all the lights and guide you through the tour using only flashlights.  While this sounds SO fun, this isn't for anyone who may be scared of the dark. Don't say I didn't warn you!  I'm so excited for Yoga at the Caverns, as they've partnered with Yoga on High for an incredible unique experience that can't be beat. 

Slice Of Columbus benefiting Nationwide Children's Hospital Research is the best of both worlds, unlimited pizza and drinks while benefiting Nationwide Children's Hospital.  They also have putt putt, crafts, balloon animals, and more for the kiddos.  Join me there on September 13 from 5-9 to enjoy the pizza while celebrating a great cause.  You can get your tickets here. 

The New Albany Classic is a family favorite year after year.  You will find princesses, pumpkins, and ponies on September 24 for one of the best events in Columbus all year. Amusement rides, petting zoo, games, and so much more all included with your admission and a wide variety of food trucks to purchase lunch and snacks all day. 

Cheesecake Trick Or Treat Trail - Buy your tickets to this delicious trick or treat trail before they sell out.  You won't regret it, Sam creates masterpieces that are both beautiful and delicious.

The A&F Challenge is one of the best events of the year.   Food, drinks, music, zipline, rock wall, and so much more.  This is a family fun event so feel free to bring the kids along for a night of fun for the whole family. This year the event is on September 8!

Creepside in Gahanna is my favorite local Halloween event in town.  Dress the kiddos up in their costume and go exploring in downtown Gahanna.  We love strolling by the water while looking at all the pretty leaves, listening to the live music, and munching on the yummy food. This event is free and on October 21 from 11 am - 3 pm. 

Independents' Festival (Sept 16 &17) This is the 10th and FINAL year for this festival so if you've never been, GO! If you've been and love it, GO! We love the live music, kids corner, and the close proximity to one of our favorite local restaurants, Strongwater. 

Trick or Treating with Preservation Parks of Delaware on October 22 at Deer Haven Park - enjoy pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and more. It's all free and fun for all ages. 

A Day At Leed's Farm - It's not fall without a trip to Leed's Farm for pumpkin picking, hayrides, kettle corn, zip lines, and the Pumpkin Jump.  Open from September 23-October 29 

Fall Colors Tour - Head to Ohio.org to stay up to date on the color changes throughout the season in all of Ohio. Hop in the car as you take yourself and your family on a Fall Colors Tour - this is self guided so get creative and have so much fun! Maybe I will come up with a scavenger hunt to go along with this...stay tuned. 

Fire Prevention Week is October 8-14 this year.  Visit your local fire department, check your smoke detectors, create an emergency plan. Take this week to make a plan, and have fun with it.  We love visiting our local fire station, the wonderful men and women who work there are always so welcoming. 

Try a new coffee shop - I am a bit of a coffee and tea snob so I am always searching for the best cup around Columbus.  Some of my favorites include Luck Bros in Grandview, Stauf's, Fox In The Snow, and Coffee Connections.  

A Day Of Adventure at ZipZone - This is the perfect time to get adventurous and ZipZone is our favorite local place to do just that.  The new adventure park is so fun for adults and kids alike. They also offer ziplining as well as a Full Moon Tour and Freaky Flights Tour.  

Cheer on our Buckeyes - Buckeye Love is in full force right now and for good reason. I love living in the Buckeye State. Football fan or not, the energy here is fun and I love getting in on the fun. Not to mention football parties have THE BEST food.  Don't forget to watch Buckeye Fever on Game Days!! 

Explore New Parks - We love exploring new parks all the time, this time of the year some of our favorites include the Preservation Parks, Goodale Park, Schiller Park, and Inniswood! We are lucky in Columbus to have so many wonderful parks - go explore a new one this fall and tell me all about it.  

Mac N Cheese Fest - SAY WHAT!?  The best kind of festival if you ask my kids. You can find out more information on this October 6 event here. 

Build A Haunted House at The Kitchen - Think gingerbread house at Halloween.  Pumpkin candies, gummy worms, and eyeballs. This was a great event the last two years, as soon as they post a date I will share it with you.

Do Some Good!!! Volunteer, donate your money or time, and just help our community in anyway you can.  

7 Tips For Successful Family Photos

Family photos are very important to my husband and I.  We make sure to set aside the time and money each year so we can fill our walls with our beautiful kiddos and have memories to look back on for years to come.

I want to see the changes in each of us as the years pass, I want to remember the way Emmalyn and Owen would play together and the joy on their faces when they would look at each other.  I want to be able to look back to the time we could hold all three in our arms, before they get too big and too cool for us to cuddle.  I want to always remember the way Elizabeth would only snuggle her mama, and the way Owen looked at his dad with such admiration.  

Even though family photos are very important to me, it doesn’t mean they aren’t stressful sometimes. I am after all getting three kids, 1 husband, and myself together for pictures I want to hang all over my home. The stress for perfection is sometimes overwhelming.  Over the years I’ve found a lot of tricks to help us take the stress away so we can enjoy the experience. I’m happy to pass along my tips to you so you can have stress free family photos.

We’ve taken a lot of different types of photos from documentary to lifestyle to posed shots.  You can check out my list of Favorite Columbus Photographers to find one that fits your style.  

Call in the Experts! No need to stress over haircuts or the silly way those bangs are growing in when you consult the experts.  In our family the guys go to Royal Rhino Club - Barbershop & Lounge  for the perfect cut with the most amazing barbers and the girls go to Charles Penzones.  We do this about a week before photos and we all end up very happy with the end result.  If you’ve never been to Royal Rhino Club, I highly recommend it. We’ve tried a lot of places for great cuts for my guys and have never found any place better than Royal Rhino.  

Coordinate Outfits But No Need To Match - This is a big one! The days of jeans on bottoms and white tops are behind us (thankfully)! Let your kiddos pick out their own clothes, they will feel more confident and happy in clothes they pick out which makes for a happier experience for everyone.  You can coordinate your outfits so they are in the same color family but don’t stress over it.  I love to shop at Carter’s and Cub Shrub for our young ones and for myself I love The Gemma Shop. 

Bring Bribes! I always bring M&M’s because they are easy, mess free, and chocolate. It really meets all the requirements for a bribe.  I know it probably sounds better to call it a reward but let’s keep it real. I’m not above bribing my kids to get one great family photo.  (Note: I truly only ask for ONE family photo where we are all smiling at the camera, the rest I’m happy for candid shots. Just give me one good one for the Christmas Card please)

Start with Full Bellies! This is a big one! Don’t start family photos before you’ve had a good meal.  The kids will be much happier and will smile for the camera a lot easier if you feed them first?  Running short on time? Run through Chick-fil-A on your way - just make sure they aren’t in their photo outfits. You can easily change a kiddo in the car right before photos.  

Stay On Schedule! Nothing is worse during family photos than a tired kid, no amount of bribes can help here.  If you really want “Golden Hour Photos” - make sure you adjust naptime so your kiddo is okay with staying up past bedtime.  If you can though, stick to your normal schedule and plan photos around you. If your photographer can’t make that work, no hard feelings, it just may mean you need a new photographer.  

Pick A Great Photographer! You don’t want to spend $$$ on a photographer who can’t get your kid to smile, or someone who isn’t your style. It’s okay to be selective and make sure you’ve found the best fit for you.  We are so lucky in Columbus to have so many great photographers.  I have a whole list of my favorites, hopefully you will find one that you love from this list.  

Let It Go! So much easier said than done. Mamas I feel you - we want these photos, we want the one good one for the family Christmas Card.  It's easy to get stressed out. A few years ago I decided to let go of my expectations and see what happened.  The end result? We ended up with much better photos because everyone was happy and the pressure was off. The photo below is from a moment during photos this year when my son was too overwhelmed. I sat with him, we talked, and he asked if he could have a few photos with just me.  We did what he asked and then he went back to family photos - I was able to pause and give him what he needed and it really helped.  It was great that we had an amazing photographer who was also happy to put the needs of my kids above everything else. 

One more thing - make sure you get a photo of just you and your spouse.  The love the two of you share should be documented often! 

All photos were taken by Natalie from White Elm Photography who we adore!! 

Zoombezi Bay | 614 Mom | Summer 2017

A few weeks ago my husband and I took our two oldest kids to Zoombezi Bay for an adventure that was all about them.  The last few months we haven’t been exploring as much, and when we’re home we have many times that we have to play quietly or go in a different room so the baby can (finally) sleep.  The kids have been so good to their little sister, and as far as children go have been really selfless, so we wanted to treat them to a special day for being so good. They didn’t know this going in but we knew that this was a day of “Yes!” I was so excited to take them and just give in to every single thing they wanted.  We don’t do this often because I enjoy packing lunches and having healthy food on hand for them but today was a special day and I was ready to leave our packed lunches and rules at home.  

We hired a sitter through Juggle, a local babysitting app, for our baby girl because I wanted someone I could really count on and trust.  I was able to speak to one of the owners and I told her I wanted someone who was really confident with an infant.  Our baby girl doesn’t stay with sitters very often and even a family member made me come get her early because they couldn’t calm her after I left, so I needed the best.  My phone was going to be in a locker for a good portion of our time away and not having an immediate form of communication with the sitter was something I really struggled with, but I checked my phone every 1.5 hours which worked out okay because it was about the same time the kids wanted to snack.  I was really pleased with our experience with Juggle and would recommend their services.

Zoombezi Bay was a ton of fun! We spent a lot of our time in the wave pool, hearing those giggles made my heart so happy.  Emmalyn and Owen were so happy jumping around in the water, on such a nice day. We definitely got a locker for the day ($15 for the day) and I’m glad we did, the lockers are operated by pin numbers so no need to carry around a key or anything like we used to do.

Our Favorite Spots

 

Baboon Lagoon is designed for the kids but our whole family had a blast in this space.  Between the numerous slides, the climbing net, and the 1,000 gallon bucket that tips over every 30 minutes, there was fun for everyone. My husband and I felt comfortable allowing our kids to safely explore on their own a bit as long as we could see them, and they loved the freedom.  Off to the side is a tiny pool, that’s not very deep where my son and I played sharks...the giggles.  Oh how I wish I could go back to that moment with him.  

 The Lazy River - There is nothing lazy about this river but it was fun nonetheless.  We tried to teach our kids about the simple pleasures of relaxing in an inner tube as it takes you calmly along but they wanted no part in that.  We had to give our tubes to other people and try to chase our kids through the water. Have you ever tried to run in water?  I also found it very crowded which meant if my kid got too close to a group of people in tubes before I could get too close he was getting bumped around (which did happen) and I had to quickly grab him.  It was a fun spot but we had to be on our toes at all times.  

 Overall we had an amazing time at Zoombezi Bay and can’t wait to go back next summer.  We will probably get the Gold Pass next summer for each member of our family, as it includes a membership to Zoombezi Bay and the Zoo, plus all of the rides in Jungle Jack’s Landing.  

 

See you in 2018, Zoombezi Bay & thanks again Juggle!

The New AMC Theatre | Easton | 614 Mom

My husband and I were recently invited to check out the newly renovated AMC Theatres at Easton and to say we were impressed would be an understatement.  To give you an idea of our experience, I should first tell you that my husband loves going to the movie theatre, he would happily go weekly, while I would rather wait until it comes out on Netflix.  It has nothing to do with the theater - it's a very traditional "It's not you, it's me" kind of thing.  I like to get comfy during a movie, eat a ton of snacks, and relax...you can say I'm a comfort snob. I've never had that experience at the theatre, until recently.  AMC has made a movie goer out of me and my husband couldn't be more excited. 

We didn't really know what to expect going in, but we did notice one small change in ordering our tickets online - we had to pick our seats ahead of time.  This was great for us because my husband loves to sit in the center of the middle row and well...so do a lot of people so we have to get there very early to get the seats he likes.  This changed all of that, we were able to reserve specific seats from the comfort of our couch the morning of (can you tell I really value comfort)?  :-) and then just head over to the theatre in time for the movie.  

My need to leave for a ton of snacks is now a thing of the past because with AMC, I just hit a button and a super nice employee comes to me and takes my order just like at a restaurant.  I did time everything so from the time we ordered our drinks and dinner it took 10 minutes to get our drinks, and 20 minutes for our food which I would say is reasonable due to the amount and size of theaters.  We also ordered dessert and that took about 15 minutes - which again, I find very reasonable.  

Now let's talk about the food - I ordered the cheese quesadilla which came with tortilla chips and dip and my husband ordered a burger.  You guys - it's hard to make a delicious quesadilla, because it's such a basic item, but somehow they accomplished this task, and I now crave this quesadilla weekly.  Let's hope it's the exact same thing next time I go in.  My husband isn't a foodie so he didn't elaborate on the burger other than to say it was good and he would order it again.  Dessert was another story - my husband went on and on about the milkshake we ordered. It came with a full ice cream sandwich as a garnish on top.  Amazing. 

Of course, I have to mention the seats. When we first sat down I thought they were comfortable because they were plush leather seats - easy to get comfortable in.  At some point I figured out this little button next to me would allow me to put my feet up and lean back a little.  YOU GUYS!!! Being able to put my feet up is all I need. It's literally all I need to get comfy.  I was happy, so so happy!! 

The new renovations are a total game changer for us, we have made AMC Easton our movie theater of choice and much to my husband's surprise I have agreed to see more movies with him...at the theater. AMC you changed date night and made movie dates a comfortable, enjoyable experience, and we are both so excited about the changes.  Thank you! 

Want to check it out yourself?  You can buy your super comfy seats here.  You won't regret it! :-) 

The Perfect Day Date | Adventure Park | ZipZone

This post is sponsored by ZipZone but all thoughts, opinions, and experiences are my own. 

I really enjoying getting out of my comfort zone and trying new things, exploring in new ways, and challenging myself.  This weekend we did all of those things and more at the new ZipZone Adventure Park right here in Columbus.

It wasn't what I expected at all, I thought we would just fly through it, I mean we love ziplining so this should be easy, right? Not quite.  We started off on what the guide described as the "easy" trail - well I got two steps in, and walked back convinced I couldn't do it.  Tears. Mainly tears of embarrassment as there were guides all around offering encouragement, my husband who was already all the way across now coming back to sit with me,  and a line of other people waiting to go.  So I stopped, I took a step back and watched everyone from the starting point.  I wasn't going to give up, I just needed a minute.  This was weird for me, but I knew what I needed. I needed to watch for a moment, see how the different elements worked with other people on them, before I tried them myself.  In life, I find that sometimes taking a moment and evaluating the situation so I can make careful and calculated moves helps immensely, and this situation was no different. 

When I was ready I got up, hooked myself up to the yellow course, I was going to start small and move forward as I felt comfortable, and took off.  Cody, a guide who believed in me and promised to stay with me for the first few elements on the ground offering encouragement was there, my husband behind me this time, and a harness that was not going to let me down, and I was ready to go.  The first two elements were a challenge because I was getting used to it but after that I felt my confidence skyrocket and I was ready to go.  We finished the yellow course and moved up to the green trail - there were a few elements that challenged me  but that's exactly what you want out of this experience.  You want to be challenged, you want to try something new, if it were easy it wouldn't be as much fun. 

I want to give a huge shout out to Cody who stayed with me for the first few elements to encourage me. It was so comforting knowing that I had him within earshot to ask questions, or save me if I started to dangle (which I didn't). :-) Thank you Cody! 

I finished two courses and watched my husband on the Blue course, which is the most challenging,and then we headed home.  I left really proud of myself, it may have taken me a little longer than others but I finished not one but two courses.  So how does this all work? 

When you arrive you get checked in, sign your waivers, and head out to get your harness.  Once everyone is there for your time slot they start a safety training and then you head out to the course.  You're on your own. There is a large tree house like platform that you walk up to, and pick your course.  They have yellow (easiest), green (easy), another green, and blue, in about a week or so black which is supposed to be amazing.  You can go at your own pace, explore however you'd like. Do as many courses as you can fit into your two hours.  I asked a lot about the training of the guides during my down time while watching my husband on the blue course and learned so many fun facts, like the guides have timed runs on the different elements so they can get to someone in need ASAP.  That was really comforting to me, they also have a cool little device that can get you down in the middle of a course should you need it.  

When I was scared for the first 5 minutes, I looked at my husband and told him that if our kids were there I would want them to see my conquer my fear. I did conquer my fear and I was able to tell my daughter all about it when we got home and she thought it was amazing and was so proud of her mama.  If you're looking for a new challenge I would highly recommend this.  It was a really cool experience and I would go back in a second. 

Ready to rock it!  

So so pretty!!  

Killin' It ;) 

Blue Course! Riley said this one was the hardest element for him.  

Cody - the best guide in the whole place!  

We did it!!