Grove City Ohio (no, not the Pennsylvania Grove City with the Outlets), is located just southwest of Columbus.  A town full of a population that commutes to Columbus most days, it’s a place that knows how to make the most of people’s time around home.  Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a family or single, old or young, there are plenty of things to on your day off in Grove City.

For the Outdoors-Lover

If you’ve spent your entire day, or even your entire week inside while at work, it can be (literally!) a breath of fresh air to spend some time outside.  These locations are great for families, but they’re also perfect for anyone!

The Gardens at Gantz Farm

If you’re a fan of leisurely walks and lovely plants, then this is the place for you.  The garden area includes walking paths through the plants, two shelter areas available for events, a playground, a meditation maze (labyrinth), and tennis courts.  It’s the perfect park for those with children or those wishing to just spend a peaceful day surrounded by nature.  For those more interested in horticulture and its history, the main gardens are divided and organized according to three themes: the Garden of Yesterday, the Garden of Today, and the Garden of Tomorrow, all representing the roles gardens have played historically.  

Putt N Play Family Fun Center

This “new-but-old-fashioned” mini golf course is loved by many for its nice scenery and friendly staff.  Unlike the huge courses you may find in beach towns like Myrtle Beach and the Outer Banks, this family-friendly course features more subtle obstacles like spinning wheels, uneven terrain, and multiple holes.  In the past, mini golf courses were typically parts of “family fun zones” or “family fun centers,” which would feature a variety of activities to do in addition to golf, such as arcades, trampoline parks, batting cages, ice cream stands, and more.  In the case of Putt N Play, the complex includes batting cages, soccer cages, and an arcade.  In addition, they can host birthday and other parties, and you can register anyone of any age to join their “birthday club,” where you can get either a free round of golf or two tokens to be used at the batting or soccer cages.

Note:  Their hours change with the seasons, and they close for the winter, so it’s always the best idea to check their website for current operating hours before going.

Gibboney’s Aerostation

Maybe skip this one if you’re afraid of heights, but otherwise, prepare for stunning vistas of the Ohio countryside.  As their website states, “Gibboney’s Aerostation invites you to join us aboard one of our balloon flights and trade in your earthbound cares for the most magnificent experience of your life.”  Rides usually last about an hour (with another 1-2 hours set aside around the flight itself for set up and pack up of the balloon before and after) and take place at sunrise or sunset because the winds are light and the views are even more incredible.  Fliers are encouraged to take part in the preparations before flight and afterwards.  Worried about safety?  Don’t be.  All the balloons are insured and all pilots are FAA certified and have perfect safety records.  

Prices depend on the number of people will be flying and whether you’re paying with cash or credit card (there is a discount for cash), and tethered balloon rides are also available for events (minimum of two hours).

For the Athletic Ones of All Ages

Certain activities are fun for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age, and some pastimes never go out of style!

Skate America

While roller rinks had their heyday in the 1970s-80s, you can still find them in many smaller towns as a testament to their charm and fun.  Skate America is one of 5 family-owned rinks across Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and it’s also remarkable for something you wouldn’t normally expect from a place like this: good food, namely good pizza.

The facilities also have an arcade, and weekday sessions are divided daily between “cheap skate” in the afternoons ($4 for four hours of skating!) and “family skate” in the evenings ($3 per person for two hours).  Weekends (Friday-Sunday) are a bit more expensive with $6 family skate and $8 open/public skating.  Can’t skate?  No problem!  Lessons are offered on Saturday mornings.  In addition, Skate America can host parties and special events on Saturday afternoons.

For Kids

World of Bounce

This indoor, inflatable amusement park is perfect for birthday parties, special events, or just a fun outing for the kids.  With inflatable slides, bouncy castles, and more, kids will have a blast.  World of Bounce offers open bounce hours in the early afternoons and family evenings which include admission for two kids, two adults, a pizza, and drinks for $35.  They offer a variety of party packages for up to twenty five kids, and a variety of activities.

For the Foodies: Modern Restaurants in Historic Downtown

Grove City’s historic Downtown area is full of many modern restaurants and bars that shouldn’t be missed!

Hop Yard 62

Hop Yard 62 is Grove City’s top-rated craft beer bar, with 21 different rotating beers on tap and a wine selection to boot.  Featuring weekly live music, the bar is a popular gathering spot, and they try to carry local craft brews at all times.  It is a bar-only, so there isn’t a kitchen for food, but patrons are welcome (and encouraged!) to bring their own food/snacks, as well as have food delivered.  In addition, they have “Food Truck Fridays,” as well as beer-flight nights, and other events!

China Bell Restaurant

With 20 years of experience, China Bell is as well-known for their friendly, fast service as they are for their food.  Patron reviews mention that the head chef will sometimes carve vegetables tableside for special “chef’s table” dinners, and that the presentation of the food is often as good as the food itself.  In keeping with this, the restaurant has a YouTube channel where they explain how to do things such as making carrot-ribbon flowers and beautiful fruit platters.  The restaurant has special events rooms and can host parties, conferences, and more, and they also have an outdoor patio and bar/lounge.  The menu is large and diverse, including vegetarian and gluten free options.

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