Many thanks to our partners at Credit Union of Ohio for making this guide possible. During these troubling times, Credit Union of Ohio is devoted to ensuring the health, safety, and financial wellness of our communities. If you’re worried about your finances or struggling to make ends meet, Credit Union of Ohio is offering phone sessions with their financial coach, Cindy Walker. Click here to learn more about these free coaching sessions and how Credit Union of Ohio can help you or email Cindy at [email protected] to schedule your appointment, today!
Here are some ideas of things you can do at home or online to keep the family entertained during this pandemic. We hope you are hanging in there and making the best of these times.
Please note that this will be an ever-changing resource. While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and details, we always encourage you to do the same. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can correct them. Check back often to see what has been added.
Calendar of Events and Activities
May 1-3
Powell Porch Parade with a fire truck, ambulance, police cruisers and school bus. Check out the times, routes and more information here: Powell Porch Parade
May 2
During this time, the Worthington Farmers Market has a link to pre-order what you want from local farmers and then drive-through on Saturdays between 9 am – 12 pm to get your order.
National Bike Month Ride and Seek in Hilliard- Search for the “Golden Bike” tires hidden in the designated parks from 9 am – 8 pm and you could win a prize. Check out their post for the full details.
May 4
Happy Star Wars Day! Have fun making these Wookiee Cookies.
May 5
It’s Cinco de Mayo! If you want to order takeout and need some suggestions on our favorite taco shops, here’s a list: taco shops
May 8
Do you live in Dublin and want to participate in a street art festival? Dublin Arts Council is encouraging creativity and hosting neighborhood art viewing.
May 10
Happy Mother’s Day! There are several local businesses offering deals, take-out options or gift ideas. *Many of them require you to pre-order.
Cameron Mitchell Premier Catering- Mother’s Day in a Box (orders must be placed by May 5 at 5 pm.) There are several options to pick from such as brunch, Italian Meal and Bistro Dinner. Also, you can add enhancements such as a Mimosa Kit, a floral bouquet or a bottle of wine.
Sunny Street Cafe- Brunch with Mom Pack includes a no-prep spread featuring a perfect Egg Strata, a build your own Parfait Kit, Cinnamon Rolls with Sweet Cream Frosting, and of course, a flower for Mom!
101 Beer Kitchen- Mother’s Day Family Meals are being offered in addition to their regular menu.
Local Roots- Mother’s Day Brunch Special (includes quiche, 1/2 dozen muffins, fresh fruit and 4 mimosas for $75)
Lindey’s- Mother’s Day Menu includes salads, entrees, sides and desserts.
Winans – offers a variety of made to order gift baskets that include things such as chocolates, gourmet nuts, coffee, etc. that would make a great gift. Prices start at $50.
May 22 – May 25
Each year Westerville honors military heroes by putting up an impressive display of 3,500 American Flags on the grounds of the Westerville Community Center. Find out more details here: Field of Heroes
May 22 – May 29
Hop in the car and head to Easton for one of their newly added Drive-In Movies. A limited number of tickets are being sold and some dates are already sold out. Head here for more details: Easton Sunset Drive-In
May 29 – May 30
It’s Fair Food Weekend at the Dublin location of Oakland Nursery.
Businesses That Recently Opened Back Up
As always, be sure to confirm hours of operation and any policy changes such as face masks being required or reservations.
Here are some restaurants that have patio-dining available: Hofbrahaus, Northstar Cafe, Grandview Cafe, and Benny’s Pizza.
Dine-In or Patio seating is available at these restaurants, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (beginning May 21, select CMR restaurants will be open for indoor and outdoor dining) and Mezzo (opens May 22).
Weekly Facebook Lives
Daily
Captain from the local kid band The Shazzbots goes live on Facebook daily (for now) at 10:30 a.m.
Wonder Friends is a live, Monday- Friday, FREE drawing/motivational show from 2-3pm EST led by Columbus-based artist Jason.
Mondays
CATCO is Storytime at 10 am.
Paulettes Princess Parties at 5 pm. (May 4th it will be live with the Fairy-Godmother.)
Tuesdays
Club Quarantine-Kids Glow Dance Parties are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-8:20 pm.
Wednesdays
CATCO is Education: Virtual Adventures. Artist Educators are bringing you mini-lessons on playwriting, acting, and more from the comfort of your own home at 10 am. (Also on Fridays)
Thursdays
Club Quarantine-Kids Glow Dance Parties are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-8:20 pm.
Fridays
CATCO is Education: Virtual Adventures. Artist Educators are bringing you mini-lessons on playwriting, acting, and more from the comfort of your own home at 10 am. (Also on Wednesdays)
Columbus Businesses and Organizations Offering Online Classes or Activities
Learn from home with these science lessons from COSI Connect.
Digital Storytime with the Westerville Public Library
Online Storytime and activities for preschoolers by Columbus Metropolitan Library
Paulette’s Princess Parties has come up with some creative ways to have children interact with various characters.
Virtual Books and Badges– Columbus Police Officers read books on their Facebook page.
Check out the virtual experiences from Franklin Park Conservatory.
Ohio History Connection has put together some history lessons.
Magic Nate is live-streaming magic tricks on his Facebook page.
Virtual songwriting classes are being offered by WAV.
Local Take-Home Options
Central Ohio Restaurants Offering Family Style Meals To-Go
Select Cameron Mitchell Restaurants will be reopening on May 5 for curbside carryout.
There are many Local Coffee Shops that have stayed open to serve drinks, coffee beans, etc.
Discounts
Now through May 31, COSI is offering a deal if you buy a membership you get an extra year for free.
Meza is offering free delivery in the Columbus area for curated 6 packs of wine and cases.
Z Cucina (Grandview and Dublin) has a Date Night and Dessert Menu available on Thursdays-Saturdays for $65. It includes charcuterie + cheese, insalata for 2, any 2 entrees or flatbreads, dessert trio and a bottle of wine. This is a great deal!
Outside Activities
Although not all of the options are available at the Metro Parks (ex. no playground use) here’s an overview of some Central Ohio Metro Parks to visit.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources put together a May Outdoors Challenge.
Kids will have fun with these Natual Play Spaces for Your Backyard.
Build a Fairy Garden.
TV and Movies
We know many people are catching up on shows and movies. Here are some suggestions.
Netflix List for Kids
Hulu List for Kids
Lists from various streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu and Disney +
Netflix List for Adults with shows that came out this fall
Kanopy– use your public library card and you can watch 7 movies per month for free
Kanopy Kids-unlimited plays in the curated collection for kids using your public library card
At-Home Workouts
Staying active is important!
Modo Yoga Columbus has been going on Instagram Live with classes and offers other live streaming options.
Local hip hop instructor M. Nicholson has a Youtube Channel so you can dance at home.
YouTube Workouts for Kids
Most weekdays at 10 am Laurie Berkner Band will go live on Facebook for singing, moving, stories, and more.
Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Here is a helpful resource- Mental Health
St. Vincent Family Center is providing free mental-health support conversations with a health professional Monday-Friday from 9 am – 9 pm. Additional emotional-support resources can be found on their website.
Virtual Field Trips
Hilliard Ohio Historical Society
Explore a Zoo from home
12 Famous Museums to tour from your couch
Virtual Concerts
It’s been great to see so many musicians performing free of charge for others.
Here’s a list on where to stream live concerts and who’s performing each day.
Books
Find electronic content free of charge (with a library card) from Columbus Metropolitan Library
These chapter books for kids will encourage a love for reading.
Here’s a list of some of our favorite books for moms in a variety of genres- Mom Reading List.
Podcasts
Columbus Podcast Directory
Momcast– a local podcast featuring topics related to mothers and parenting.
Activities for Younger Kids
Busy Bag Ideas for Indoor Play
Here’s a list of 20 Things to Do with Young Kids When You’re Stuck Inside.
Playdough and More Homemade Fun
Please Remain Seated: Entertaining Littles from the Couch
Activities for Older Kids
10 Big Kid Activities for Days at Home
This tech animation project will keep the kids occupied for a long time.
Have a family game night!
Download this free COVID-19 journal created by Jason from Wonderville Studios.
Family Photos
Spring is typically a very popular time for family photos. Photographers have been given permission to hold outdoor sessions while keeping social distancing. If you are in need of a photographer, here are two resources: Ultimate Guide to Photography and Family Directory-Photographers
Date Night
It’s not as easy to find some alone time and actually get away from the kids, but here are some at-home ideas for connecting with your partner.
Z Cucina (Grandview and Dublin) has a Date Night and Dessert Menu available on Thursdays-Saturdays for $65. It includes charcuterie + cheese, insalata for 2, any 2 entrees or flatbreads, dessert trio and a bottle of wine.
Where to Get Hand Sanitizer and Masks
As our state begins to reopen this month, more and more people will be going back to work and patronizing businesses. If you are in need of hand sanitizer or masks here are some places to check.
List: Hand Sanitizer and Masks in Columbus
We update this list all month long, so check back often. If we missed something, please comment below. We hope May provides lots of opportunities to get outside and build memories with your family.
