The Holidays are over. The weather outside is frightful and the kids are acting less than delightful. What to do to break up the January dole-drums and get the little dears out of the house? Mansfield has a number of great offerings for the little ones as well as fun, age appropriate entertainment. The big people just might enjoy it too.
Downtown Mansfield has several whimsical attractions that are “must-dos” for younger children. The Little Buckeye Children’s Museum is a colorful, interactive environment engaging kids in imaginative play while learning. Like a delightful set from a Disney movie, all the props have been added so kids can really engage in various venues and roles; banking, caring for animals at the vet, starring in a theatre production, shopping at the market. Budding scientists conduct experiments at the little lab, assume the role of baby doctor, or don their engineering hats to check out the inner workings of a water treatment plant. Other activities include a treehouse and climbing wall, perfect for burning some of that extra energy. The Museum is open Thursday through Sunday and admission is minimally priced at $6.00. The museum has something for children up to age 12.
Just down the block is the Richland Carrousel Park. This magical carrousel opened in 1991 and was the first new, hand-carved carrousel to be built and operated in the USA since the 1930’s. All 52 carrousel animals and figures were carved and painted by the Carrousel Works in Mansfield, Ohio. Mirrors, mural frames, and scenery panels, hand painted, are eye candy as well. The Stinson Band Organ music adds to this nostalgic childhood delight for children of all ages. The park is open seven days a week year round in a heated building. Ride tickets can be bought at the gift shop which also features unique souvenirs.
You can cap off your day with an overnight stay at Comfort Inn Splash Harbor. Located in Belleville, Ohio, this hotel features a water park with buckets, waterfalls, basketball hoops, rafts, and even a pirate ship. There are two hot-tubs; one for adults and one for families, so you can relax and watch the kids frolic as you unwind too. This water park is perfect for younger children as the layout of the pool area provides easy monitoring of children’s activities. A game room is also available. Room rates include up to four water park passes and a hot breakfast.
A few hours of swimming is sure to make for hungry kids. Directly behind the hotel is the charming Buckeye Express Diner. The restaurant is in an authentic railroad car and caters to the more casual diner. Noted for their Belly Buster, ten pounds of hamburger and a pound of bacon, the sandwich could be shared by the whole family. The menu includes a variety of great homemade sandwiches, with fries included, as well as a Caboose menu for smaller appetites.
This is a great way to spend a January weekend; have fun with your little ones, and break up the monotony of our long Ohio winters. See www.MansfieldToursim.com for more details and check out the Deals/Packages section of the website for family-friendly getaway packages or call the Mansfield/Richland County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-642-8282 for a free visitor guide.