As the weather warms, activities heat up at places such as the local kidscommons children’s museum in downtown Columbus — especially during spring break beginning Saturday and running through March 21.
In fact, figures show that attendance generally has doubled on most of those days in recent years, according to Ben Wagner, executive director of the three-level, nonprofit facility.
“We’ve found that people definitely are looking for places to go (during school breaks),” Wagner said. “And a lot of times, they’re here in town on stay-cations.”
For that reason, the museum’s normal closed day of Monday becomes a day that is open to the public, including this coming Monday and March 19.
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For families remaining close to home, here are a few simple ideas for budding enjoyment, from science to science fiction during the time off from school.
The star-studded film “A Wrinkle In Time,” based on the Madeleine L’Engle fantasy-oriented bestselling novel, opens today at YES Cinema, 328 Jackson St., in downtown Columbus.
Attendance especially at more family-themed films such as this one normally doubles during spring break, said Diane Doup, community outreach coordinator of Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center, which operates the nonprofit movie theater and conference center.
“Spring break is traditionally great for YES,” Doup said.
Here is a quick overview of how parents and youngsters might spend time during spring break:
- Free Family Fun Time, with free museum admission from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at kidscommons, 309 Washington St. Sponsored by Circle K. Information: 812-378-3046 or kids commons.org.
- Spring Break Camp: LEGO Building Basics, 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through March 16 at kidscommons, 309 Washington St. This introductory Lego class emphasizes learning the building blocks of design and engineering. For ages: 5 to 8. Cost: $110 members/$125 non-members. Information: 812-378-3046 or kids commons.org.
- “A Wrinkle In Time” movie, various times beginning today, YES Cinema in downtown Columbus. Tickets: $4 for children, $4 or $6 for adults depending upon the time. Information: yescinema.org.
- Spring Break Kids Craft, 1 to 3 p.m. March 15, The Commons first-floor lobby. Free. Various ages. Information: 812-376-2656.
- Zoo’opolis Exotic Petting World featuring hands-on animal introductions, feeding and the like, from a descented skunk to goats to wallabies to a variety of birds. Located at 12696 W. County Road 50S, a few miles west of Columbus. Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Staff always recommends calling ahead. Information: 812-764-4980 or zoo- opolisexoticpetting world.com.
- Public ice skating sessions, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays and 2 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Hamilton Community Center Ice Arena, 2501 Lincoln Park Drive in Columbus. Information: 812-376-2686 or columbus parksandrec.com.
- Friday Night Fun For Youth, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Foundation For Youth, 405 Hope Ave. in Columbus. meal, free play, games, and rotate month to month between swimming and gymnastics. The cost is $7 per member or $9 per non member. Preregistration is required. Information: 812-348-4558, ext. 300 or 301.
