So yesterday we went to the Columbus Zoo. I haven’t been to the zoo since I was a kid, and I was really excited to go. Needless to say, it didn’t disappoint. We were at the zoo for four and a half hours, and still didn’t see it all. We’re already planning a return trip and I can’t wait. Living less than an hour’s drive from Columbus means it would be a shame if we didn’t go back when we had that much fun.

We had a great time. I spent the week prior to the trip wondering if it would be absurdly hot, like we’ve seen for the last couple of weeks, or if it would rain and be miserable. Midway through the week, the forecast was promising clear skies, so we were ready to go. Except that it was raining when we left for Columbus. It was still raining when we parked the car. We waited for about a half an hour in the car, hoping that it would clear up enough to go in.

We got lucky. When the rain settled down into a very light drizzle, we went on inside, and within an hour, the skies were clear and the sun was out. It was a beautiful day, not insanely hot, and not too humid. There was plenty of shade on the paths to escape the sun when it was getting hot, and there was at least one misting fan and one rain forest-type humidity mister that helped keep it from getting to be too much.

We’re definitely going back, likely when it gets a little cooler.

I will say this, however, to all my friends who don’t live locally, but might travel to Columbus for one reason or another (hint hint….the COFW conference or World Fantasy in October), the Zoo is a nice break from all that networking, writing, and otherwise conference craziness that we all get into. And if you live within a decent driving distance, don’t postpone going just ’cause you don’t have kids. Be a kid for a day and go check it out.