We {heart} the Short North! When we moved to Columbus, it’s where we wanted to be. My husband and I lived here for three and a half years before we had our first child. We took full advantage of walking out our front door and straight to some of the best dining, arts and shopping in the city!
We love having kids in the Short North, the proximity to so many fun places, parks and museums is awesome! We love being in a walkable neighborhood that’s full of life and energy! But, let’s be honest, our excursions to High Street have decreased in frequency since the bambinos came along. Gallery Hop comes to life mostly after bed time and strollers don’t always fit inside tiny, hip restaurants or crowded art galleries. But over the past few years we’ve noticed more and more strollers popping up on the sidewalks around us and with the creation of the group Short North Parents, there’s been a movement for families with children to stay in the area as their kids grow.
Just this past year we’ve seen the opening of the first retail shop in the Short North that is 100% for kids (correct me if I’m wrong, I can’t think of another!). That is certainly a sign that the times are changing and that the Short North CAN be kid-friendly!
Even if (and especially if) you don’t live here, you should know that you CAN bring your kids to the Short North and have a really fun time! Today I’m going to share with you a recent outing I had with my family – all four of us.
First Stop: Laughlin’s Bakery
This quaint little bakery sits on 2nd Ave. just east of High St.
The cookies, cakes and pastries are beautiful and it was tough to choose!
My oldest went straight for the pink one (technically the Lemon and Pomegranate Haley Cake) because he’s into icing! Eric and I shared a Laminated Sugar Brioche which was awesome!
The selection is amazing and I could try one of each – so could my kids, for sure! There are 3 or 4 tables for sitting. The atmosphere is bright and I bet every day feels like Saturday in here! See also: 5 on Friday: Columbus Bakeries!
Laughlin’s Bakery
Location: 15 East 2nd Ave, Columbus Ohio, 43201
Phone: 614-914-8858
Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Closed Monday
Second Stop: Italian Village Park
If you’re exploring the Short North and your kids need somewhere to get out excess energy or a place to take a break and have a snack, veer east on Buttles Ave., over to Italian Village Park, which is about a block and a half from high street. This is a pretty large green space for the area and a great meeting place for the neighborhood. There is a lot of seating here, room to run and a small playground. We’ve stopped off here a number of times to eat ice cream from UDF or let the kids out of the stroller to run after walking up and down High Street.
Italian Village Park
Location: 55 E. Hubbard Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
Third Stop: Cub Shrub
Cub Shrub grew from one shelf in Tiger Tree to it’s very own storefront! Since its opening in November, 2015, this was our first visit to the store!
My kids enjoyed the workbench set up for play and they especially loved pushing the little shopping carts around the store.
Cub Shrub carries toys and clothing for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. If you’re looking for a unique, one-of-a kind birthday or shower gift, look no further! The clothing is hip and adorable and the toys are eye catching and high quality. There is also a fun selection of books, decor and children’s accessories.
Cub Shrub
Location: 749 N. High St. Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: 614-947-1193
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Free and metered street parking can be found on the side streets around the Short North. There are also several parking garages available. Check out this link for more detailed parking options in the area. If you’re looking for more in the Short North, check out our trip to North Market and keep an eye on the blog as we will continue to share more Short North fun with kids!
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ICYMI: The Farm at Walnut Creek
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5 on Friday: Columbus Bakeries | What Should We Do Today?
Thursday 2nd of February 2017
[…] European Pastries in the cutest little shop in the Short North – one of my favorite shops in the area! There are cookies, breads, scones, and gluten free options, too! Head to Rocket Fizz, Big Fun or Italian Village Park for more fun! […]
Kid-Friendly Short North: 5 Places to Take Your Kids
Thursday 23rd of June 2016
[…] Take a rest break here at Italian Village Park. This large green space is great for getting out that excess energy. The park provides lots of seating and is a great place to stop and have a snack and let the kids play on the small playground. See more pictures of the park here. […]
Pizzuti Collection + Le Chocoholique | What Should We Do Today?
Thursday 26th of May 2016
[…] Sunday would be a great afternoon for exploring the Short North! You could combine your trip to the museum with lunch or dinner. Some kid-friendly options for eating out in the area would be Melt Bar and Grilled, Fabian’s Chicago Style Pizza Place, or Stack City Burger Bar. You could also have dessert at Jeni’s or Whit’s. The museum is across the street from Goodale Park so you could take a walk around the park or head to the playground! For some more ideas, you can check out my post, Saturday Morning in the Short North! […]
What Should We Do This Weekend? April 29 – May 1, 2016 | What Should We Do Today?
Thursday 28th of April 2016
[…] ICYMI: Saturday Morning in the Short North […]