Columbus, the capital of Ohio, has so much to offer families. It’s a wonderful destination that’s often overlooked. However, there are many wonderful things to do that will entertain you and your children for hours. Read on for things to do in Columbus, Ohio with kids!
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Fun Things to Do in Columbus
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Franklin Park Conservatory Children’s Garden
Franklin Park Conservatory’s Children Garden opened in May, 2018 and immediately became a summer “must do” in Columbus. The 2 acre garden is designed for children. The (mostly) accessible garden has a canopy walk, watering garden, a waterfall flowing into creek bed pools (that children can wade in), and more. Wander along until you find Mulberry Perch and Hammock Lounge. Get messy, jump, and play!
In the winter, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden is still a wonderful place for kids to explore. Be sure to check out their events, such as Blooms and Butterflies.
Location: 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
Columbus Commons
The city took the location of the former Columbus City Center mall and turned it into the John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons, a 6 acre park. The park features a stage, a carousel, an NEOS play area, and gardens, of course. The stage hosts some huge concerts and over 200 free events yearly. Check out their events page to find out what’s playing when you’re in town!
Location: 160 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Columbus Zoo
Located in Powell, the Columbus Zoo is a world renowned facility. From the famous polar bears to the heart of Africa, the zoo delivers quality family experiences, as well as quality care for its animals. The zoo participates in conservation programs, in order to help endangered species. From feeding giraffes to walking among kangaroos, there are many incredible options.
There are also wonderful playgrounds tucked in around the zoo, a train to ride, a petting zoo, and a vintage carousel. Visit the zoo today. You may even catch a glimpse of Jack Hanna!
Location: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Zoombezi Bay
Located next to the Columbus Zoo is the waterpark Zoombezi Bay (zoom-bee-zee). From wave pools to wild and wet rides, Zoombezi Bay is a fun place to spend a day (or two). Little ones can enjoy Tiny Tides, a heated zero entry pool with 12 marine animal play structures. The maximum depth is 14 inches. There’s so much for older kids, too.
Hours vary and the park opens in late May through Labor Day.
Location: 10101 Riverside Dr, Powell, OH 43065
COSI
COSI is the Center of Science and Industry, a museum located in downtown Columbus. It’s a must for kids of all ages. There you can see awesome temporary exhibits, along with many amazing permanent ones like Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs features a life size Tyrannosaurus Rex cast, while answering the question, “Are dinosaurs still among us?”
Don’t forgot the Kidspace, a kids only zone for fun and imaginative play. There’s also a water area for your little scientists to enjoy, watch, and learn. It’s one of the great things for kids to do in Columbus.
Location: 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Check out these fun things to do with kids in Ohio!
The North Market
The North Market is the last true market in Columbus. Wander through its many food and novelty stalls. It’s also the birthplace of Jeni’s, Columbus’ own gourmet ice cream shop.
Location: 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215
Columbus Museum of Art
This beautiful art museum in downtown Columbus has a lot to offer the kids. Start in the Big Idea Gallery, which has art that depicts motion. Then, move into the Wonder Room, which is “an experimental, one-of-a-kind gallery.” The family friendly gallery is not like the stuffy museums of the past. It incorporates textiles and activities. Families can make their own bugs at Susie Underwood’s Web Party.
Check the museum’s schedule for Open Studio and Young Child Studios.
Location: 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Ohio Village
A recreation of an 1890s Ohio town that is located on the grounds of the Ohio History Center. It is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and for some special events (such as All Hallow’s Eve and a Dicken’s of a Christmas).
Location: 800 E. 17th Ave. Columbus, OH 43211
Legoland at Easton
Legoland Columbus opened in 2018 at Easton Town Center. The site includes 2 rides: Kingdom Quest and Merlin’s Apprentice. There will also be 10 Lego play and build zones, a 4D theatre, and more! This Legoland is geared towards kids ages 3-8 years, though older children will enjoy the build zones.
Location: 165 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
Other Great Options
Ziplining
Did you know you can go ziplining in Columbus? Yes, you can! Zipzone Outdoor Adventures offers ziplining and an adventure park. There are activities for ages 4 and up. Zip line participants must be at least 7 years old and between 50 – 270 lbs.
Location: 7925 North High Street, Columbus (at Camp Mary Orton).
Indoor Rock Climbing
Yes, you can go rock climbing indoors in Columbus! Vertical Adventures offers both day passes and classes so you can get the most out of your climbing adventure.
Location: 6513 Kingsmill Court, Columbus, OH 43229
Indoor Trampoline Park
Located in Westerville, is Rockin Jump, a giant trampoline park featuring 10,000 square feet of trampolines. You can reserve a time or plan a birthday party!
Location: 1220 County Line Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
Indoor Playgrounds
Recreation Outlet
Recreation Outlet sells playground equipment and also has open gym times for kids and toddlers. It’s a great space with swings, trampolines, jungle gyms, and more. It’s especially awesome in the humid summer heat and the frigid winter days.
Location: 484 W Olentangy St, Powell, OH 43065
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym is an inclusive indoor gym for kids. They welcome children of all abilities up to age 13. There is specialized equipment designed specifically for those with sensory processing disorders, yet all kids can benefit from playing here. There’s even an indoor zipline!
Location: 1250 E Powell Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035 (Oak Creek Center)
Aerotique
Did you know there’s acrobatic training in Columbus? Aerotique is an aerial acrobatic studio. While they regularly have classes on their schedule, there are occasional drop-in times (check their schedule for availability and restrictions). They also offer parties for all ages!
Location: 6665 Singletree Dr, Columbus, OH 43229
What To Do in Columbus?
There’s so much to do in Columbus with kids, from children’s museums to Legoland to indoor playgrounds. Visit today!
What are your favorite things to do Columbus?
