The state’s capital and largest city, Columbus, Ohio has affordable, entertaining attractions that make family travelers very happy. My family should know, after so many visits that we stopped counting.
Bring your Tiny Travelers to a great zoo, science center, waterpark or amusement park. Then stroll the quaint, uneven brick streets of Columbus’ German Village or bask in the splendor of downtown’s mix of riverfront skyscrapers, storefronts and walking and bike trails.
Home to Ohio State University’s Buckeyes, Columbus, Ohio boasts quality education, museums, art, and pedestrian friendly pockets. Park your car at the Short North and peruse unique shops, eateries, and galleries or join the Gallery Hop the first Friday of the month. When hungry, make your way to the historic German Village for authentic brawtwursts and sausage at Schmidt’s.
Fun for Toddlers
(Toddler to Age 8)
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
4850 West Powell Road
Powell, OH 43065
800/MONKEYS or 614/645-3550
The well-known Columbus Zoo is nestled in the northwest corner of the city. Delight at over 660 species as they frolic, nap and wander in their naturalistic habitats. Areas of exploration include Shores, African Forest, Voyage to Australia, Asia Quest and North America. Famous residents include three female Florida manatees at home onManatee Coast. Kids can ride ponies, take a train, and a spin on a 1914 carousel. There is also a great kid’s playground.
COSI
333 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
888/819-COSI or 614/228-COSI
COSI, the stunning Center of Science and Industry, is perfect for your budding scientist. Fully immerse your senses in the cutting-edge exhibits. The interactive exhibit worlds include Ocean, Space (this is a NASA affiliate site), Progress, Life, little kidspace, and Gadgets. The Gadget cafe lets kids “order” up their own inventions, take everyday things apart, and see how it all works. The Extreme Screen Theater features a seven-story screen and a tilted hemispherical dome. Look for a visiting dinosaur from the American Museum of Natural History. Next, challenge yourself by riding on the only high wire unicyle in the world! An 84-foot cable, 17 feet above the ground, a counter balance weight makes it possible to accomplish this feat. There is also a schedule of Family workshops on a variety of topics to thrill all interests.
Fun for Older Children
(Up to Age 18)
Magic Mountain Fun Centers
5890 Scarborough Road (Brice RD & I-70)
Columbus, OH 43232
614/840-9600
This center is like a mini amusement park, with arcades, KidsGym playgrounds, mini-golf, go-karts (including Rookie Karts for younger drivers), and other amusements. Your schoolage kids will love the laser tag, bumper cars, and bumper boats. Snack bar offers pizza, burgers and soft drinks.
The Short North
1126 1/2-A North High Street
Columbus, OH 43201
614/299-8050
Adjacent to the Arena District, The Short North district boasts a variety of shopping, galleries, kid-friendly restaurants and more. It’s easily walkable. Park the car and let the kids go exploring or play at Goodale Park. For a special treat, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has a dazzling array of original creations. My kids love Buckeye State (peanut butter and chocolate chip.) My husband does for sweet potato with torched marshmallow. I prefer goat cheese with red cherries as a more adventurous eater.
Columbus Clippers – Minor League Baseball
Huntington Park
300 Huntington Park Lane
Columbus, OH 43215
614/462-2757
Play ball early April until September. The Columbus Clippers are a Triple A affiliate team of the Cleveland Indians, now in Huntington Stadium. Tickets range from $6 – $35. Go and enjoy hot dogs, cracker jacks and the ballgame. Heaven! And, one of Columbus Ohio’s top family attractions.
Zoombezi Bay
4850 West Powell Road
Powell, OH 43065
800/MONKEYS
Ohio’s largest waterpark began as the calm Wyandot Lake and is now known as Zoombezi Bay waterpark, part of the Columbus Zoo. Seasonal attractions include waterslides, a wave pool, small kids area and an action river. It’s a big hit and must-do in summer.
Fun for the Whole Family
Columbus Museum of Art
480 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
614/221-6801
The Columbus Museum of Art is an inviting and cozy museum with special kids and families programs. Visit The Wonder Room, full of hands-on fun for families, and The Family Gallery with themed exhibitions for family enjoyment. Kids will love the free gallery hunt designed for visitors of all ages.
Wexner Center for the Arts
Ohio State University
1871 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43210
614/292-3535
The Wexner Center regularly hosts interactive projects, films, and workshops to keep kids busy year round. There are also special teen programs just for kids ages 14-18 including opportunities to work with artists. Tap into kids’ creative side before taking in a college football game.
German Village
Visitor’s Center: 588 South Third Street
Columbus, OH
614/221-8888
The internationally recognized German Village is a thriving historic area of Columbus. Here are my don’t miss shops. The world-famous Katzinger’s Delicatessen boasts an endless array of deli sandwiches. Schmidt’s Fudge Haus & Gifts and Pistacia Verde offer tantalizing treats. The very first Max and Erma’s is located in the heart of the village. Look for the oldest craft store in the country — Helen Winnemore’s Contemporary Craft Gallery which offers among the usual selection, kid’s clothing, animals and toys.
Ohio Village
800East 17th Street
Columbus, OH 43211
614/297-2300
The Ohio Village is closed for a major restoration. We loved when it recreated the daily life of a typical countryside town in Ohio during the mid 19th century. Costumed interpreters pursued activities typical of 1860s townspeople, including farming, cooking and playing games. Call ahead or check the web site for a schedule of events and historic venues administered by The Ohio Historical Society.
Trip Planning Details for a Columbus, Ohio Family Visit
Visit the Experience Columbus C & VB for more information and a schedule of current attractions and live entertainment.
They also provide more information on accommodations — everything from luxury suites to affordable rustic lodges. For a taste of the city at your fingertips, stay downtown. The Lofts, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cross Country Inn Continent, and Westin Great Southern are just a few of the hotels convenient to area attractions.
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