5 nights in Columbus with pregnant wife & 2 kids ... ideas for fun?
 

Attending a convention with family (2 adults (wife pregnant) / 2 children (ages 10/3) for 5 nights (Sept.26-Sept.30) at Nationwide Arena. We are staying at the Crowne Plaza downtown & will be attending some of the meetings at the Convention (yes, children are welcome). Of course my wife can't stay on her feet a whole lot but does very well. Also, should we rent a car or just utilize public transportation & stay in & around the downtown area? I definitely need advice on some of the "DON'T MISS THIS WHILE YOU ARE HERE", fun things to do with the kids, & kid-friendly restuarants that aren't just fast-food. Just want to try & create a nice trip for the family with a few exciting things for the kids to do as well. Any advice would be appreciated!

One more thing to add. I do have the option to fly into Dayton rather than Columbus & save almost $100 per person. Good or bad idea?

It's only about and hour and 15 minutes from Dayton to Columbus; if it were me I would probably save the $400 ($100/pp x 4?) and schlep it assuming you're going to rent a car anyway. Someone that is familiar with things to do in Columbus will surely offer some suggestions. It's usually a drive-through city for me... The weekend you are there is an away game for OSU so there will be no football traffic.

The Dayton airport is north of town & has easy access to I-70. For $400, I'd do that. Also, check out the Short North (art district), German Village & the Brewery District. I'm not sure when Oktoberfest is this year, but you may luck into that as well. Try www.experiencecolumbus.com for details & goings on. COSI & the Zoo both come to mind for the kids.

Thank you for your suggestions. I will check into these.

We live in Columbus and always check the DAY option for pricing. It's about 75 minutes, all highway traffic. I work in the Arena district and am very familiar with the area. If you fly into Dayton (or even if you don't) you need a car in Columbus. There is lots of action in the area. Great places to eat are the Flatiron right next to the Crowne Plaza. If you are looking for some inexpensive options for lunch or dinner, Nationwide has 2 very reasonably priced cafeterias in both towers that are open to the public. Ask at the security desk in the lobby for directions. There is a Mongolian BBQ place right across from the arena that is a design your own stir fry and might be fun for older child to watch. There is also a Montana Grill, Red Star Tavern directly across the Arena as well as the Arena Grand movie theatre. There is a small park about a 10 min walk from the Arena on Spring/Long st. your children might enjoy. Be sure to check out the restaurant scene in the Short North on High St. Your wife may not want to walk, there is parking on High St. Mac's is a Scottish tavern with fabulous hamburgers. You would be OK taking your kids there. Very reasonable for dinner. A splurge for steak would be Abbracio. There are also yummy bakeries in the Short North, A Piece of Cake at intersection of Warren & High or Pistachio on Pearl St. (both have web sites). There is also Haiku for Japanese, The Burgundy Room (if you can score a babysitter). Visit German Village for old world ambience. Food recs there would be Katzinger's deli off Livingston and 3rd St., The Mohawk on Mohawk St. (great meat loaf, blue plate specials, sandwiches). Barcelona, Lindey's or G. Michaels if you want white table cloth dining. The Thurman Cafe has great sandwiches and Schmidt's is legendary for sausages and cream puffs. Be sure to find an outlet for Graeter's ice cream and try some. The North Market is within walking distance and a great place for ethnic food or simple groceries. Check out Jenni's ice cream. As for attractions, The Columbus Zoo is about a 30-45 minute drive but well worth seeing. allow 3-4 hours to see all the attractions. Easton is an outdoor shopping venue with the usual mall stores but the landscaping makes this very attractive. I am not sure if the Ohio Historical Center is still open, but would be fun for kids. Check out the status of their renovation. Hope this helps!

Great response from Aliska.
Would second the Zoo, and Schmidt's in German Village.
Also Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is always fun.

aliska - you're making me miss my old stomping grounds in German Village, I used to live right next door to the "Cave" (Thurman Cafe), upstairs.

Thank you aliska ... your suggestions are extremely helpful! I'm definitely keeping your information with me on my trip! TTFN

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