Columbus Staycation Ideas for Families

Katie G.:  Take a tour of the state capital building at the Ohio Statehouse. During the tour, you will learn all about Ohio's history and the important people from Ohio. Plus see the beautiful structure and design of the Statehouse. Tour guests will be able to see the House and Senate Chambers (when not in session), which are only accessible by tour. Tour guides are knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions.

Ages: all ages

Cost: Free

Hannah Scott:  Families who visit the Columbus Commons during open play hours can take advantage of art supplies, bocce ball, an outdoor reading room, and a unique electronic playground -- all completely FREE! With all that money saved, take a spin on the carousel for just $1 per ride. The Columbus Commons is also home to frequent events like concerts, movie nights, and Family Fundays. Check out the Event Calendar to see what's happening during your visit.

On-site garage parking is available, so you can spend less time circling the block and more time enjoying the Commons!

Brigitte Nohra Miller:  The Scioto Mile Fountain at Bicentennial Park has it all, including a fun splash pad area with unique architectural designs. By night, this marvelous fountain displays special effects with lighting and fog!

Hannah Scott:  Designed with kids in mind, this hands-on museum features interactive exhibits on all sorts of science and technology subjects: dinosaurs, space, the ocean, energy, farming, big machines, digital media, and so much more! There's even a special area for the youngest kids to safely run around and explore. Throw in the live shows and demonstrations, and your family will be talking about COSI for years to come.

Katie G.:  Introduce the kids to the fun game of duckpin bowling at Pins Mechanical Co. This fun, fast-paced game is a variation of traditional bowling, but uses shorter lanes, smaller balls and pins that are attached to strings. Once you've finished bowling, enjoy the other activities including foosball, ping pong, shuffle board, giant jenga and pinball. Although food is not served at Pins, there are rotating food trucks outside to enjoy or guests are welcome to bring in their own food. Open to all ages before 8pm.

Contact for pricing

Katie G.:  The Columbus Clippers are the AAA affiliate for the Cleveland Indians. Games are played at the beautiful Huntington Park in downtown Columbus. There are a variety of inflatables for the kids to play on, delicious and healthy kids meal options and lots of entertainment from mascots Krash and Lou Seal.

Hannah Scott:  The Topiary Park is a truly unique Columbus gem! The plants in this public garden are sculpted to recreate Seurat's famous painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte. It's beautiful, whimsical, and a lovely place to spend a couple hours with your family and a picnic.

Kelly R.:  Scioto Audubon Metro Park is an oasis in the city. Two paved hiking trails loop around the park, but the real attraction is the amenities. There's a fun playground (with an interactive electronic game), teens can try out the rock climbing wall (BYO harness), and there is a smaller 10 foot boulder for younger kids. A parkour-style obstacle course features a tire run, 8-foot wall, tunnel crawl, balance beams, monkey bars, and more. While you're there, check out the nature center, eat lunch at one of the shaded picnic tables, and take in a breathtaking view of the Columbus skyline.

Katie G.:  Melt Bar and Grilled is a gourmet grilled cheese restaurant offering tasty options for the whole family. Diners can choose from several varieties of grilled cheeses, from traditional to beef, chicken, veggie or seafood. If melted cheese isn't your thing, there are plenty of other options on the menu including appetizers, salads and soups along with kids menu items for kids under 10. Options for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten free diners are available.

Katie G.:  Schmidt's Sausage Haus, located in German Village, has been entertaining and serving Columbus for over 130 years. Schmidt's makes all their German sausages fresh and in-house with several varieties to choose from mild to spicy. Save room for dessert, as Schmidt's is known for a jumbo cream puff which is big enough for the whole family to share.

Hannah Scott:  What's the best way to make a child feel like they've won the lottery? Take them to a candy store, of course! I'm not recommending you do this all the time, but a visit to Rocket Fizz has to happen at least once. Parents will appreciate all of the throwback offerings from their childhood, and kids will get a big kick out of all the wacky soda flavors -- peanut butter and jelly, buttered popcorn, bacon, etc. Take your time exploring the store and pick out a few treats to savor together.

Cost: free to browse; prices vary per item

Hannah Scott:  Buckeye football fans won't want to miss the opportunity to go behind the scenes with a guided tour of Ohio Stadium. You'll get up close and personal with the sidelines, the Yassenoff Recruit Center, the press box, suite level seats, the Steinbrenner Band Center and more!

Hannah Scott:  This favorite Columbus family attraction is home to indoor gardens with over 400 plant species inside the glass conservatory greenhouse. There are several traveling exhibitions and a stunning display of Chihuly glass artwork. Be sure to check out the 2-acre Children's Garden, where a myriad of programs and activities for kids and families are offered and included with the price of admission.

Katie G.:  Have popcorn lovers in the family? You won't want to miss out on a popcorn tour at Al's Delicious Popcorn. During the tour you will watch a short, entertaining and informative video showing how gourmet popcorn is made at Al's. Then you will be able to sample some of the delicious and unique flavors available at Al's, including Cookies N Cream, Pizza, Bubblegum, Jelly Bean and more. There will be a question and answer session and a chance to purchase a yummy sample to take home at the end.

Ages: all ages

Cost: Free (appointments must be made online)

Katie G.:  If you've ever driven along state route 315 on a nice day, chances are you've seen bikers on the Olentangy Trail. This scenic, 13-mile paved trail starts in Worthington Hills and ends in downtown Columbus passing through several neighborhoods along the Olentangy River. There are trail heads at many major city parks offering families a place to rest, grab some water or let the kids play at a playground. The trail also passes through Ohio State University if you want to get out and take a tour of the campus.