Summer Activities for the Kids

School’s out for summer!  

Picture this.  The final bell rings on the last day of school, and the kids rush out of the building and back home.  They throw their backpack down, plop on the couch, and before five minutes have passed, utter the words every parent dreads:  “I’m bored!”. If you are the parent of school-aged children, then this is likely a familiar scene. Summer is a wonderful time, full of hot days spent at the pool and late nights spent riding bikes and catching lightning bugs.  But it’s almost inevitable that there will be at least a day or two that the kids declare that there is “nothing to do!”.

The good news is, since you are reading this post, you’ll be able to tell them - “yes there is!”.  Pouring custom-scented candles is a great activity for kids of all ages. It’s fun, relaxing, creative, and sure to please even the most skeptical of children.  The kids will get to smell candles, making a list of their favorite scents. With the help of our Scent Stylists, they’ll choose 2-3 of those scents, decorate a label, and blend their oils before pouring and stirring their very own candle.

And the fun doesn’t stop there!  The candles take about 90 minutes to set and cool before they can be enjoyed at home, so we’ve put together a list of suggestions for how to spend that time.  All of our stores are located in vibrant communities full of activities to entertain the kids. From educational to recreational and everything in between, you’re bound to have a great summer afternoon!  

COLUMBUS

Grandview: While the candles cool, take the kids to play a round of putt-putt at Galaxy Games & Golf.  Or stay within walking distance of the store and get the kids (and yourself!) an ice cream cone at Jeni’s Ice Cream and walk to the nearby park on Goodale Ave.  And to keep those little minds extra sharp, visit the Grandview Library just around the corner for some air conditioning and quiet time browsing the books!

Short North:  For your pre-teens and teengaers that want to feel like adults, treat them to a day out on the town in the Short North!  Pour candles, then browse the local shops and galleries before grabbing a bite to eat at one of many local restaurants. Or expand their culinary horizons with a trip to the North Market - the person with the most unusual food find wins!  For your sports fans, make a whole day of it and pour candles when the store opens at 11, then catch an afternoon Clippers baseball game. And for a more low-key afternoon, a simple trip to Jeni’s Ice Cream followed by a walk around Goodale Park is perfect.  

Worthington:  Can someone say Pizza Party?!  Pour candles, then grab pizza at Dewey’s Pizza just across the street.  Top it off with an ice cream sundae at Graeter’s Ice Cream or some Peace, Love, and Little Donuts!  For your swimmers, the Worthington Community Pool is just around the corner. And you can never go wrong with a walk around Hartford Park and a trip to the Old Worthington Library.  

CINCINNATI

Anderson Township:  Kids are full of energy, and the Sky Zone Trampoline Park in the same shopping center is the perfect place to let them go crazy!  For days when it is extra hot outside, there is nothing wrong with treating them to a little popcorn and movie time at the movie theater just down the road.    

Over-the-Rhine:  Similar to the Short North Arts District of Columbus, Over-the-Rhine (OTR) is a great place to take your slightly older children.  They’ll appreciate the unique vibe of the area and all its shops and interesting food (we recommend the hotdogs at Senate). You can even take them to Findlay Market, where they can explore local produce, meat, bakery, and cheese vendors.  Or simply grab a cold drink at Coffee Emporium and walk around Washington Park. 

PITTSBURGH    

Lawrenceville:  Particularly hot day?  Take the kids to a movie at Row House Cinema, or take them bowling at Arsenal Bowl, both just down the street from the store.  Or if you’ve got more time, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is just a short drive away. Candles + Cheetahs make a fun day!

Have an idea of your own?  Please share in the comments!  We wish you a wonderful, fun-filled summer!