In the routine chaos that is motherhood, there are days and times I need to, as they say, "stop and smell the roses." When those thankless & redundant tasks us mothers tackle round-the-clock cause that overwhelming feeling of non-completion I NEED A HAPPY PLACE! It's these days that are PERFECT days for me visit Franklin Park to gain some perspective and regenerate! Not only do I enjoy the sensory overload, but I know Ivan does too!

I highly recommend finding a place or two you can share with your little one that provides the same rejuvenation. One of our favorite places to visit is Franklin Park Conservatory located on East Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio. This year marks the 20th anniversary of their Blooms & Butterflies Exhibition that runs from March 8 - September 28, 2014.

Not only is Franklin Park a perfect place to visit on an off weather day (snow, rain, or too much humidity), but it's a great place to experience the magic Mother Earth has to offer. Flowers, amazing plants, butterflies from around the globe, multiple waterfalls and streams, fish, hands-on interactive games/stations for kids, birds, and even a choo-choo train!

On a routine visit, I bring the stroller with water and snacks, and we start our tour in the Pacific Island Water Garden (left after the entrance). I love stopping by the windows were you can watch the caterpillars in their cocoons and the butterflies emerge! Viewing this metamorphosis is as equally as magical to me as the experience in making my little (1 year old) nugget, Ivan!

As 100's of butterflies fly about you can take in all the sounds, smells, and visuals of all the amazing plants and flowers that fill this space. Ivan loves visiting the fish, waterfalls, and spotting flying butterflies. Next we pass through the basement that has a few hands-on stations for kids to play with before heading into the next section that includes the Desert Biome (out of my respect for the incredible cacti, Ivan is not allowed to run free in this space) ... then we enter the Rainforest Biome that is home to Max and Mic the two resident Macaw's that scare the pants off of both of us every time with their abrupt greetings ... After the Rainforest is the train room, AKA, the Himalayan Mountain Biome that features another waterfall and other delicious visual treasures to discover (look up after you pass the over the bridge and round the corner).

The Palm House and Showroom also feature seasonal exhibitions that host all kinds of events from weddings beyond ...

The Hungry Caterpillar becoming a Beautiful Butterfly ... AMAZING!! & One of the hands-on features, a giant light bright!

If your kids are older, there are classes and workshops for all ages (kids-adults) offered year round. Check the website for more information here.

The Blooms & Butterflies exhibition is now through September 28, 2014 ... I hope you plan a visit!

and as Ivan ends The Hungry Caterpillar book .... [waving] "Bye, bye!"