25 Things To Do in Columbus With Kids

Kelly R. said:  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.

Hannah Scott said:  Waterfalls are often tucked deep into the woods and difficult to reach (especially for younger family members with smaller legs). Since it's located on just 2 acres, Hayden Falls Park gives the whole family a chance to experience a stunning 35-foot waterfall surrounded by a lovely nature preserve. Be ready to snap a family selfie to document the moment!

Hannah Scott said:  Inniswood is a delightful collection of botanical gardens and trails that span 123 acres. You'll find over 2,000 species of plants as you explore the grounds, including native wildflowers and wildlife. Families will love the children's garden with its interactive water stations and other outdoor play areas designed to inspire the imagination.

Katie G. said:  With over a dozen slides and water attractions (including a wave pool!), Zoombezi Bay offers Columbus family fun for groups of all sizes. Plus, admission to the seasonal, outdoor water park also includes entry into the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on the same day!

Hannah Scott said:  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.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  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!

Katie G. said:  Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park is one of the largest Metro Parks in Columbus, stretching 13 miles along the Big and Little Darby Creek rivers. The nature center, which blends in with the landscape, overlooks the park's enclosure of roaming bison. Inside the nature center a 53-foot "living stream" flows through the exhibits and is stocked with several kinds of creatures (fish, turtles, frogs) that can be found in the Big Darby Creek. There is also a variety of educational and interactive exhibits to learn about the park's ecosystems.

Hannah Scott said:  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.

Kelly R. said:  Gahanna's Creekside District boasts plenty to see and do, including waterfalls, fountains, boardwalks and paths, shops and outdoor dining. Rent a paddle boat for a unique family activity, and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

Hannah Scott said:  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!

Kelly R. said:  We were lucky to live just down the road from the Columbus Zoo for years, and I spent many hours there with my kids. It truly is a world class zoo with beautiful exhibits, many hands-on opportunities, and fun play areas sprinkled around. One of the essential things to do in Columbus with kids, whether you're a local or a visitor! I appreciate the convenient suburban location, so no navigating of city traffic is required, and you can see a lot without feeling like you're doing a ton of walking.

Kelly R. said:  One of the best Columbus family attractions, COSI is a hands-on science center featuring a giant screen theater, planetarium, and a number of exhibits including a dinosaur gallery, an interactive ocean area and an outdoor science park. Everything at COSI is kid friendly, but the fabulous Little Kidspace keeps the first-grade and under set coming back.

Hannah Scott said:  Worried your kids aren't ready for something as sophisticated as an art museum? Fear not!The Columbus Museum of Art offers an amazing interactive experience tailored to families. In addition to its galleries containing a varied and impressive art collection, the museum hosts numerous hands-on activities for kids.

Brittany Kozielski said:  The Worthington Farmers Market is the largest farmers market in central Ohio. You will find all of your favorites here including seasonal fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies, syrups, flowers, plants, soaps and so much more! Every third Saturday, check out the Market Sprouts program at the information table, which invites kids under 12 to engage with activities like scavenger hunts, art projects, and bird feeder building.

Katie G. said:  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.