25 Things To Do in Columbus With Kids

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!

Kelly R.:  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:  Want to eat local, but can't agree on a place to suit the whole family? North Market has a little bit of everything: international cuisine from countries like Belgium, Poland, Vietnam, India, and Tibet, plus specialty treat shops the kids will love.

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 Book Loft is a one-of-a-kind bookstore located in three historic buildings that were a general store, a saloon, and a cinema in a former life. Besides having a super cool history, it's a mecca for a family of bibliophiles with 32 rooms of books, gifts, games and puzzles.

Hannah Scott:  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.

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.

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.

Kelly R.:  This nostalgic Columbus drive-in theater opened in 1950 and still runs seasonally as weather allows. Concessions are available for purchase, or bring your own.

Kelly R.:  Columbus is home to one of the largest public rose gardens in America, with more than 12,000 roses and 13 acres to explore. The Formal Rose Garden reaches peak bloom in June and September. Picnicking on the park lawns is permitted.

Katie G.:  This is by far one of my kids favorites activities to do every year. In an hour tour, you walk around the upstairs of the factory to view the assembly lines from the glass windows. A guide teaches you the step-by-step process of how candy is made. At the end of the tour, guests will receive a chocolate sample.

Brittany Kozielski:  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.

Kelly R.:  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.