Events

The Wilds will close at the end of October for the season. Before we close up for the 2011 season, we wanted to give you one more reason to visit. In addition to your favorite tours, horseback riding, and zip-lining, we will be hosting WILDZFEST presented by the Hearst Foundations and Pepsi.

On October 1, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. there will be entertainment, food, drinks, games, crafts and other attractions for the young and the young at heart.

TOURS 

Reserve your spot today on one of the exciting tours that are offered:

- Open Air Safari

- Safari Transport

- Wildside Tour

- Animal Encounters Tour

These exciting tours are available the day of, but can be booked in advance by going to thewilds.org. Some tours are limited so booking early is recommended.

EXPERIENCES

There is more to do at the Wilds other than the tours. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, zip-lining and fishing. These experiences will also be available as well. Pre-registration on-line is also recommended at thewilds.org

ENTERTAINMENT

The hills will come alive with our entertainment line up:

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.    Timberline Band

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.        Up to Know Good

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.        Dirty Mule

The Crystal City Chorus, Hound Dog Duo and Mark Snyder will also be there for your listening pleasure.

DORA THE EXPLORER

One of the most famous explorers will be on hand to meet and greet everyone. Be sure to bring your cameras to capture the moment.

ANIMALS

Other than the typical animals you see on your tours, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will be on hand with some of their animal friends to join in the fun.

Presentation Times: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.

PUPPET SHOWS

The staff from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Education Department will be on hand to present a kid-friendly animal puppet show that will entertain and educate the little ones.

Show Times: 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.

* meet the show puppets and learn a few more fun facts before and after each show

KIDZ ZONE

Make something, learn something and most of all have fun! at these four stations that are presented by the Education Department at the Wilds.

- Ohio’s Golden Resource – CORN

- Ohio’s Orange Resource – PUMPKINS

- Wildlife in Ohio

- Nature All Around Us

GAMES / ATTRACTIONS

Try your hand at some games of skill or just plain good ol’ fashioned luck with the Pepsi Bottle Ring Toss, the Wild Mini Miniature Golf Course, Corn hole and more. Guests can also take a stroll through this kid-friendly hay maze. All these and more will add to the fall fun at WILDZFEST.

MARKETPLACE

Local vendors will also be on hand to assist you with your browsing, shopping, eating and drinking experience during the fall fest with some specialty items.

So whether you have already been to the Wilds or you have never been…. this event is a good reason to visit the Wilds. We hope to see you there!

Join us for FountainSide presented by Sunny 95 (94.7 FM) in Bicentennial Park on select Wednesdays throughout the summer for free children’s activities! While the fountain bubbles, jets, sprinkles, mists and fogs, an array of themed activities, games, arts and crafts await—get ready to dive deep under the sea, sail with some seafaring pirates, jump overboard into an underwater story, and more!

Finish the afternoon with free ice cream from the Sunny 95/Meijer Treat Truck, yum!

• Pirates on the Mile
  Wednesday, August 3 11:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m.
  Ahoy, me mateys! Leave the landlubbers behind and come FountainSide for a swashbucklin’ good time with the Pirates of the Scioto and the Columbus Museum of Art on Pirate Day. Find out how the Pirates defend themselves, what weapons they use, and hear about what kind of treasure and booty they look to capture. Mark my words, missing out on this would be worse than walking the plank!
• Water Colors and Crafts
  Wednesday, August 10 11:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m.
  Studio J will be helping us explore our artistic sides today! We will use water from the fountain to create interesting masterpieces— Art from the Heart of Water! Splasher the whale will be excited to see how your works of art turn out, so come prepared to get creative—and wet!
• Fountain Friends and Fun
  Wednesday, August 17 11:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m.
  Meet new Fountain Friends today! The Turtle Lady will be introducing her assembly of amphibious amigos, then learn about some creek critters from the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District. Stick around for an interactive reading of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax and hop around with the friendly Fountain Frog before bidding adieu to the Fountain crew!
• Fishy Finale
  Wednesday, August 24 11:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m.
  At the final FountainSide of the season nothing will be held back—go overboard with Candace from Dramatic Impact! Put on a costume, get in character, and jump right into the story. Be on the lookout for everything from an octopus to mermaids, perhaps some pirates too. Stop by the Lowe’s How to Grow station one last time before saying goodbye for the summer!