10 Ways To Spend a Day in Delaware, OH

Exploring new parts of Central Ohio is one of my favorite hobbies.  I love finding new unique hidden gems and finding the best of the best, and sharing them with all of you.  We've explored Delaware many times over the last few years and I'm excited to finally share some of my favorites with all of you! I was inspired to share my favorite places in Delaware because my husband and I recently checked out a new community in Powell and it's only a short 10 minute drive from the super cute Historic Downtown Delaware.  We've always had our eyes on a new build for when we move and we really like Clarkshaw Moors because of it's location, style of home, and that the school system is one of the best in Central Ohio.  

Eat 

Ollie’s Fine Ice Cream

Ollie’s Fine Ice Cream - One of my favorite things to do in a new place is to scoop out a local ice cream spot and Ollie’s is one of my favorites.  :-) Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 5:30pm-8:30pm and Sunday 5:30pm - 8pm. The hours are subject to change so be sure to check their website for the latest info.

Son of Thurman

Son of Thurman - THIS IS MY FAVORITE!! We don’t go to Delaware without stopping at Son of Thurman for lunch.  You may know The Thurman Cafe in Columbus, popular for the delicious and large burgers, well one of the family members brought it to Delaware and Son of Thurman was born.  It’s kid friendly, down to earth, and relaxed.  I love the veggie burger and my husband gets The Thurman Burger.  If you get the Thurmanator you have to send your pics to me using #614mom on social. I’ve always wanted to see how big they are.

1808 American Bistro

1808 American Bistro has been on my list for awhile now and I'm so glad I finally got to try it.  I'm a vegetarian and my husband is not, and the menu offers very pleasing options for both of us.  I really loved the carrot and kale salad and my husband loved the 48-hour short rib (without the mushrooms)! I highly recommended eating here.  

Canvas Creations For You at a 614 Mom event a few years ago

Play

Canvas Creations For You

Canvas Creations For You - Do you love to get creative and try new things at the same time?  Canvas Creations For You is the perfect place to get creative with either a private event or at one of their workshops. The owner has taken a lot of time to record hot to videos on iPads so you can go at your own pace and not worry about following along in a structured setting. Be sure to check out their class schedule to learn more.

The Arts Castle

The Arts Castle - The Delaware County Arts Council (also known as The Arts Castle) offers a wide range of artistic experiences from drawing, photography, glass, ceramics, jewelry and more. The Arts Castle is full of rich history - you can stop by for a self guided tour and see for yourself all that it has to offer.

The Dinosaur Park

The Dinosaur Park is what most kids know it as but the best way for me to describe it to you (and so you can easily find directions online) is to call it by it's formal name Veterans Park Splash Pad located behind the Delaware YMCA.  This dinosaur themed park has lots of fun slides, a whole section dedicated to the splash pad and lots of fun places for kids to climb and have fun.  It's definitely worth the drive.

Shale Hollow Park in Delaware 

Explore 

Preservation Parks of Delaware

Preservation Parks of Delaware - Committed to preserving the natural areas of Delaware County, Preservation Parks allow visitors to experience an intimacy with nature that is unique from other parks in the area. The natural play areas are so fun and such a hit for the kids.  Some of my favorites are Shale Hollow, Hogback Ridge Park, Deer Haven, and Char-Mar Ridge Park.

Stratford Ecological Center

Stratford Ecological Center - This organic farm welcomes visitors year round to explore the land, visit the animals, hike, visit the greenhouse or explore the pond.  They also offer workshops for children and adults that you can sign up for using their website.  Stratford is open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturday 9am -1pm! Also, make sure you’re following them on social media - that’s how we knew the piglets were born two summers ago and we hopped in the car that week to make sure we got to see those sweet little guys.

 

Shopping

Tanger Outlet Mall

As you guys probably know - I love saving money and I'm so happy there is an outlet mall close by now so I can get awesome quality at great prices. It's a total win and we find us exploring Delaware even more now.  

The Best Places To Eat, Play, & Shop in Powell, Ohio

My family and I absolutely love exploring Powell and all of the wonderful local businesses there. We can spend all day there between the wonderful parks and local places to grab a bite to eat. Tons of hidden gems are located in the heart of Powell which is only about 12 minutes from one of the newest M/I communities, and the drive takes you first past one of our favorite parks O’Shaughnessy Reservoir Park. I love the M/I communities because the houses are beautiful and the neighborhoods are filled with lots of green space, a playground, and walking trails. This neighborhood will even have a central park and a gazebo.  I thought I’d share some of our favorite places in Powell along with a FREE printable for you to use as a resource the next time you go.

To Shop

Smidge and Pinch - This adorable baking store has everything you need to bake and decorate super cute and themed goodies.  Even better? They sell cheesecakes from The Cheesecake Girl, which are by far the best cheesecakes in Ohio. 

Cute As a Button - Boutique located in the heart of Downtown Powell that carries gifts for everyone in your life.  What started as a line of baby products has now grown into items for babies, children, teens, and adults. I love finding unique products here that I can’t find anywhere else.

Liberty Antiques - Specializing in unique antiques and located on N. Liberty street. 

 

To Eat

Local Roots - Locally sourced American food using quality ingredients.  They host lots of special events like live music on the patio and a delicious seasonal menu. Because they source local ingredients they change up the menu based on the best ingredients.

Be Fit Cafe - I was SO happy to find this cafe on Sawmill Parkway so close to the heart of Powell and is our go to on our way to the Powell Splash Pad. They serve healthy sandwiches, wraps, soups and some of the best smoothies in Columbus.  We stop by Be Fit Cafe every time we head to the zoo, parks in Powell and especially before a day at Zoombezie Bay.

Powell Village Winery - I was first introduced to Powell Village Winery over two years ago and since it’s been one of my favorite places in Columbus and is by far my favorite place in Powell.  The wine is amazing, and the menu has the perfect blend of flatbreads, cheese plates, and other small plates perfect for a night out. If I lived in Powell this would be a weekly spot for me.  

To Play

The Powell Splash Pad (Village Green Park) is one of the best in Central Ohio.  Ample parking, large shaded picnic area, and a playground right next to the splash pad.

Highbanks Metro Park - My family loves to hike and explore and Highbanks gives us many opportunities to explore nature through walking trails, the creek, and it’s a beautiful spot for family photos!

Recreations Outlet - You may have heard of Recreations Outlet? It’s one of the best hidden gems in Columbus and is worth the trip to Powell if you’re considering.  Recreations Outlet sells outdoor play equipment like swing sets and trampolines and they offer playtime everyday during open hours. The hours and rates change depending on the day of the week so be sure to check here for more information.  They also offer charitable play Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9am - 11am, it’s only $2(per kid) for all three hours and 50% goes to a worthy charity.

Columbus Zoo - The Zoo is a Columbus staple for sure, but when you’re already in Powell it’s a 5 minute drive for a few hours of so much fun for the whole family.   

Zoombezi Bay - Who doesn’t love a day at the water park!? As part of the zoo, there’s plenty of parking, you can take in your own food, and you can add it on to your zoo membership so that you can go all summer long while saving lots of money!

O’Shaughnessy Reservoir Park - My kids love watching the dam at this Powell park.  Located pretty close to the zoo, it’s a great place for a picnic or to take a quiet stroll.  

My Favorite Spots In Hilliard

I graduated from Darby High School many (many, many) years ago, so Hilliard will always hold a special place in my heart.  Hilliard has seen some amazing growth since I graduated and there are a lot of new and exciting things to check out but there are also a few staple Hilliard originals that will never go out of style.  I'll share some of my favorites below and if you have a favorite I would love for you to leave them in the comments. 

Ten Pin Alley

I have so many wonderful memories at Ten Pin Alley and while they've always been wonderful - they recently went through a total renovation and the place is even better! It's so spacious, and fun! We went a few weeks ago and had a blast bowling, playing in the arcade and of course playing laser tag.  In the summer they will open the patio and they have a private room that has a few lanes - perfect for any party.  I would recommend this bowling alley as the perfect place for adults night out or a family day.  

Starliner Diner

If you're looking for a fun and unique dining experience Starliner Diner is your place. The menu is Cuban inspired with American and Southwest influences.  The eclectic menu brings people from all over Columbus over to Hilliard.  I recommend making it your first stop so you can try the delicious breakfast.  

Coffee Connections

Coffee Connections is a newer business to Hilliard but the impact they have made in the last few years has been so powerful.  They are doing amazing things and watching their impact on the community makes my Hilliard heart so happy.  We needed them.  They have an amazing play area in the back building that they offer as a free play space to customers.  I could go on for hours about how amazing Coffee Connections is but I will leave that for another post! :) 

Homestead Park

One of the best parks around got even better just a few years ago when they were bought by The Metro Parks.  There is now a beautiful field of wild flowers and a nature center. If you go, make sure to stop by the nature center to see the animals and to get a scavenger hunt for your visit.  The kids get a small prize at the end. 

Packrat Comics

I'll be honest, I had never been to a comic book store until I had kids. My kids love Packrat Comics and I have to agree with them. It's a wonderful place, and every year they celebrate Free Comic Book Day - and they do it big! With vendors, characters, bounce house, and more.  This year the date is May 5, 2018! 

Heritage Rail Trail 

This 7 mile bike path is true bliss. The trail stretches between Hilliard and Plain City, Ohio with the trailhead located in the “Old Hilliard” historic district on Center Street. Restrooms and water fountain is available.  

First Responders Park

The second largest commemorative 9/11 park in the United States features a reflecting pool, three memorial walls, art sculpture and steel from New York.

Anthony Thomas Chocolates 

My kids love taking a tour of the Anthony Thomas Candy Factory.  The tour includes start to finish candy production, a fun tour guide, and a small sample at the end.  Tours are $1 for kids 3-18 and $2 for those over 18. Children under two are free. There is also a very large gift shop so you can be sure to take home some goodies.  

Exploring The Short North With Kids

My kids LOVE going downtown, they enjoy the people, the buses, the big tall buildings.  It's a lot of fun for them and luckily for all of us the Short North is filled with kid friendly businesses.  Yummy snacks, wonderful places to shop, and some of the best places to play.  Below is my list of favorite places to visit in the Short North. Do you have a favorite? Share with me in the comments! :) 

Goodale Park - technically surrounded by Victorian Village but just one or two blocks from The Short North.  We have played here, we have had our family photos taken here, and we have picnicked here. So much fun at this park, it has an expansive playground but the parks main attraction is the view of the Columbus skyline. You can read more about the history here. 

Cub Shrub  is the perfect place to find the cutest outfit for kids, fun accessories, and the coolest toys.  Whether you're heading into explore or you need to find the perfect outfit for any occasion, I highly recommend checking it out. One of my son's favorite toys is the $5 truck I bought him while we were out exploring.  It also brings us back to that day and he talks about it so fondly.  

Rocket Fizz Columbus is a nostalgic soda pop and candy shop located in the heart of the Short North. It's one of our favorite places to stop when we're in the area. I can still get the penny candy I used to love as a kid and my kids can fill a small bag fun of candy for $5.99.  Every birthday I take my kids to fill up a bag of candy and it's turned into such a fun tradition for us.

Big Fun Toy Store is a must if you're in the Short North.  The place is filled with the most unique toys and perfect for any kids who love Star Wars, Super Heroes, and other unique toys.  Really, perfect for kids of all ages.  My husband and I included.  :-) 

This fun teal and orange wall is the perfect photo op for the whole family.  I get a lot of people asking me where they can find this and I'll be honest it took me awhile to track it down. It's on Poplar Ave. right next to Goodale Park! :) 

The North Market - From picking up fresh flowers or grabbing a bite to eat while we’re downtown, or heading to the Farmers Market there on Saturday morning, we can’t get enough.  We each have our favorite spots in The North Market but really you can’t go wrong.  I love Little Eater and Dos Hermanos, my husband is obsessed with Hot Chicken Takeover (but come on who isn’t?), my daughter goes back and forth between Destination Donuts and Taste of Belgium, and my son loves Sarafino’s.  It's the perfect way to explore local eats with kids. 

Marcella's is our go to dinner spot in the Short North. The food is delicious and they have a super cute treasure chest for kids to pick out a small toy before or after the meal and they aren't afraid to pull it out early if your kid needs a distraction.  That treasure chest has saved us from a meltdown or two over the years.