See a polar bear at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
If you are traveling from Columbus to Fairborn, Ohio, and have some time for detours and stops, there are many activities and sights you can enjoy. Stop at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on your way out of Columbus. Make a brief stop in Hilliard for some scuba lessons. Spend a day at Buck Creek State Park. End your journey in Fairborn at the Air Force Museum.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Before leaving Columbus, consider a visit to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Visit Jack's Landing and ride the water slides. Enjoy the foods and shopping available at the zoo. Take your time to visit the zoo regions, including Asia, the shores, African forest, North America, and the islands and Australia. You can also enjoy a round of golf at the Safari Golf Club.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
4850 West Powell Road
Powell, Ohio 43065
800-MONKEYS
www.colszoo.org
Buck Creek State Park
Stop in Springfield and visit Buck Creek State Park centered around C.J. Brown Reservoir, a 2,120-acre lake built by the Army Corps of Engineers to control flooding downstream and supply water to the area. Enjoy the natural, cultural and recreation activities inside the park, including a visit to the restored native prairie. Picnic at one of two picnic shelters that can be reserved. Enjoy a hike on the nature trails. Fishing is also available. Experience the fen wetlands. Visit the 1830's David Crabill House. If you have a day to stay in October, guests can be a part of a hog roast, campsite decorating contest, pumpkin carving and chili dinner. Enjoy trick-or-treating, a haunted trail and live entertainment during the Annual Fall Campout.
Buck Creek State Park
1901 Buck Creek Lane
Springfield, OH 45502
937-322-5284
Buckcreekstatepark.org
Aquatic Adventures
Aquatic Adventures Ohio is a 18,000 square foot aquatic center offering scuba and swimming services. The center has two pools and 4,000 square feet of shopping so you can purchase all of your swimming and scuba needs. The scuba training pool is a multi-level pool used in scuba instruction, with a "boat bench" to simulate a real diving experience. Learn to rescue dive and become a divemaster to lead dive tours and assist the instruction of dive students. Book a dive adventure through Aquatic Adventures pre-organized, guided dive vacations. You can also learn water kayaking and take water fitness classes. Learn swim, train for a swim team and swim laps in the second 25-yard, 6-lane pool. You can also learn snorkel at Aquatic Adventures.
Aquatic Adventures
3940 Lyman Drive
Hilliard, OH 43026
614-545-7000
www.aquaticadventuresohio.com
Air Force Museum
Visit the National Museum of the US Air Force at the end of your trip. Visit museum exhibits like the Early Years Gallery, Air Power Gallery from WWII, Modern Flight of Korea and Southeast Asian wars, Cold War Gallery, Missiles and Space Gallery and the Research and Development Gallery. The museum has an IMAX theatre, gift shop and caf . You can become a member for $30 to $1,000 per year. Enjoy one of the special lectures about the Korean War or what it is like to be a test pilot. Take a "behind the scenes tour" on Fridays at 12:15 p.m. Family programs are provided the third Saturday of each month. Sign up for Aerospace Camp or spend Halloween in the museum.
Air Force Museum
1100 Spaatz St
Wright Petersen AFB, OH 45433
937-255-3284
www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/index.asp
