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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2 Replies to “Columbus Ohio Attractions”
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There are so many great ranches that it is a fun challange to find the right one for you…but I have to say that the Dude Ranchers' Association website and directory are a very big help…you will find quality ranch vacations that will match what you are looking for. I recommend contacting the Association for more information.
Story tapes allow the driver to be amused and entertained along with the troops. The website Audible.com has a selection of stories for children and families and it allows you to preview a story to see if you like the reader.
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D.C. is incredible. I love going there for the cherry blossom festival and I have also been lucky enough to get a tour of the White House's West Wing.
The Verizon Center is a great place to see concerts, and the metro is such an easy and convenient way to get around.
I'm lucky to live just a couple hours away in Colonial Beach, a great little riverside resort town.
I always wanted to visit Jamaica with my kids (boys 7 & 12), but lots of people really discouraged me with horror stories about the safety and attitude of locals towards tourists. I was told if we decide to go just make sure we stay inside our resort. We love exploring and learning new things so this keeps me away.
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Claire
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Thank you for the interesting piece about Provence, and for giving us the courage to consider a French holiday with OUR teenagers the coming summer! It sounds like it was a great time for all. Looking forward to following your further family holidays.
The Gaylord Resort is a great place, although it's a bit far from downtown Nashville. But if you don't mind driving a bit, it's an empire unto itself and older kids can amuse themselves for hours just exploring the place.
UNLESS ITS NOT A CROWDED DAY, I THINK THE CABLE CARS ARE A MAJOR PAIN WITH TODDLERS. I WOULD WAIT TIL KIDS ARE OLDER TO GO TO THE TROUBLE UNLESS YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE AND JOSSLE FOR A SEAT.
I ALSO THINK CROSSING THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IS FUN, BUT ALSO LOST ON TODDLERS, SO UNLESS YOU WANT TO DO IT, SKIP THAT ATTRACTION OR MAYBE JUST WALK OUT A LITTLE WAYS.
THE EXPLORATORIUM SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST FOR A COLD, FOGGY OR RAINY DAY – IT'S THE PERFECT PLACE FOR LITTLE ONES TO RUN AROUND AND PUSH, PULL AND POKE ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.
if you're in Scotland you have to try the national dish, haggis, just don't tell your children what it is! It's actually quite delicious. Scots often refer to dessert as pud or pudding, but they mean the entire gamut of dessert items, not just pudding.
I think it's important to get out of the city and go into the country if you get the time. Check the calendars to see where a Scottish game might be where there will be bagpipers, the tossing of the caber, and all kinds of interesting Highland games. They take place throughout the spring and summer throughout the country and are well worth a detour.
I'd skip Poble Espanyol in Barcelona — way too touristy — unless you want to take advantage of the kids crafts activities.
Kids adore Gaudi's crazy Sagrada Familia, the high-spired church that soars above the skyline. Pay to take the elevator up and then climb down the tight spiral staircase – your kids will be thrilled.
Barcelona;s beachfront was developed during the Olympics, it's now a relaxing way to spend an afternoon with the kids after too much busy city-touring.
Another great kid pleaser is the aerial tram ride up to Montjuic where older kids may enjoy the Olympics museum or a quick stop in the Miro museum.
Villa Cosmica
Villa Cosmica is located on the south side of Puerto Vallarta, far away from the noise, where only the sound of wild birds and the whispering of the waves colliding in the ocean will awaken you every morning. Enjoy this 5 bedroom house, where all bedrooms surround a beautiful swimming pool with a Jacuzzi for 10 people and the most marvellous view to the bay is just a glance away from you. All the bedrooms have air conditioning, also our T.V. room with a game table and SKY cable at your service. Our living room, in the center of the villa is open to the breeze, under a beautiful palapa roof with a small bar to pamper all your senses.
Bedrooms: 5 Sleeps: 10 Baths: 6
Floors: 2 Parking Space: 2 Year Built: 2007
Size of Unit: 450 sq. mts.
Period Nightly Weekly Monthly
Jan 6, 2009 – Apr 30, 2009 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
May 1, 2009 – Nov 15, 2009 $978.00 $6,846.00 N/A
Nov 16, 2009 – Dec 17, 2009 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
Dec 18, 2009 – Jan 5, 2010 $1,840.00 $12,880.00 N/A
Jan 6, 2010 – Apr 30, 2010 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
May 1, 2010 – Nov 15, 2010 $978.00 $6,846.00 N/A
Nov 16, 2010 – Dec 17, 2010 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
Dec 18, 2010 – Jan 5, 2011 $1,840.00 $12,880.00 N/A
http://www.pvrpv.com
Gay Friendly Puerto Vallarta
Nestled between the lush jungle greenery of the Sierra Madre Mountains and the sparkling waters of one of the world’s largest bays, The Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta has earned an international reputation as one of the best Gay tourist cities in the world.
Being a port city and a destination for many cruise lines including RSVP and Atlantis, Puerto Vallarta is tolerant and abundant with all things gay.
The center of the activity is the charming section of old town known as The Zona Romantica. Here you will find cobbled streets, red tiled roofs and lovely white washed buildings rich with Spanish architecture. Many gay owned and gay friendly businesses including restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries for every pallet and taste, fill the narrow streets of this splendid fishing village.
Coming Events
There are no scheduled events.
Most tourists spend their day on the gay beach. With its white sand and raging surf Playa Los Muertos is the place to be and be seen. Find a deck chair, sit back and relax and let the friendly servers indulge you with great cocktails and yummy food while you unwind and watch whales and dolphins frolic in the blue ocean waters. If beaching is not for you, Puerto Vallarta offers many gay tours to fill your days. Bay cruises, horseback riding through the jungle, bike rides along the Rio Cuale and canopy tours are just a few of the many activities available.
Late afternoon the roof top bars of the gay hotels offer entertainment and a place to enjoy and view spectacular sunsets. These lively spots are crowded with beautiful men and women drinking, laughing and sharing their stories. After the sun sinks into the ocean, it’s time for dinner. From internationally recognized 5 star restaurants to small local eateries Puerto Vallarta is a foody’s delight. At last count, Puerto Vallarta boosted over 1100 restaurants of every description. Haute cuisine to meatloaf, the list of places to dine is extensive and wonderful.
Being a top gay destination, Puerto Vallarta offers more gay bars and dance clubs than most mid-sized American cities. Cantinas, martini bars, stripper and drag shows and fabulous dance clubs await you. As some of the clubs serve until 6am, most are not busy until 1am, so it is advisable to take that all important ¨Disco nap¨ before heading out.
While the vast majority of gay travelers are from Canada and the United States, Vallarta, recently has seen an increase in gay tourists from Europe and as far away as Australia. Gay men and women world wide are discovering and falling in love with the little spot of paradise that is Puerto Vallarta, making it Mexico’s and perhaps the world’s, gay mecca.
It’s good to be gay and it’s great to travel to such a gay friendly resort town. Puerto Vallarta beckons and embraces its gay tourists and it will be a spot you will return to often.
Agree that the skiing is absolutely terrific – the tram to the top of the mountain makes this resort absolutely awesome top to bottom. But I think there is one level of skier/rider who would have trouble – the advanced beginner or beginning intermediate. There isn't as much terrain to select for this group. But it's a resort that you definitely have to experience at least once – and you might get hooked and never want to go anywhere else!
It's important to start 'em young! Of all the family vacations you can pick that can last through the decades, skiing is the very best. When the kids are little you get a break because they're having fun in ski school. When they're older and more accomplished you can ski together. When they're teens and are whizzing past you, you can still ride up the chairlift with them and have them to yourself in the condo. Then when they're in college, you get to spend quality time with them on the slopes and in the condo because you're buying your lift ticket. It's a family vacation that can continue on as a tradition until you're too old to strap on a pair of skis…
i think many accidents occur when new teen or young men (and sometimes women) who are not very experienced are out with their much-more experienced pals. They get talked into trying a part of the mountain that is too much for them and then they try to keep up. They get themselves into trouble that way and often are injured.
If you are looking into hostels and you are a family, call the hostel to get a sense of the character of the place. We went to a hostel once with our elementary age kids(not in a ski area) and it was filled with young 20 somethings and teens having lots of fun – smoking pot in the parking lot, partying, etc. Even though some hostels have family rooms, if the place is full of kids it can be uncomfortable. Some hostels do have older visitors and more families, so it pays to ask.
Don't forget to plan some time to see some of the other attractions in Monterey, like the aquarium, which has an amazing sea horse exhibition coming up and take a drive to Point Lobos to hike around and Big Sur to see some of California's most spectacular coastline. Have lunch at Nepenthe in Big Sur.
Great advice and some fun ideas for new places to try. thanks for sharing your family secrets!
All of Wyoming is a great destination with kids, but my family especially loved this place because it is really a unique bit of the Old West. Definitely worth a detour!
Hello People,
I Just joined up and am trying edit my profile but i can't see the button!! probably staring me in the face lol
thanks guys
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The 25-year-old tour company Wildland Tours has a family vacation package for 2009. It will be a great multi-generational adventure for folks who like whales, puffins, comfortable hotels, and the many wonders of Newfoundland.
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Hello People,
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Great article- I am a resident of oregon and my family and I enjoy the coast and central oregon. Oregon has some of the best fishing in the northwest and such a diverse climate to choose from year round. The weather is very tempermental and almost impossible to plan around so bring a rain coat and sunglasses. I think this article gave a pretty good overview of everything that Oregon has to offer.
Sunriver Resort is a quality organization with a great reputation in Oregon. I have been to sunriver probebly 10 times since moving to Oregon and we have used the resort 7 times to book vacation rental accomodations. I highly recomend them and also visiting Sunriver.
Good hotel in a great location.
I find it to be a good value hotel, breakfast facilities are one of the best i have seen. Room is great for people on a budget who want the amenities and cleanliness of a 5 star. I'm very happy with our choice.
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Just wanted to add that we're on Central Daylight Time and now open at 9:30 am (Holiday World) and 10:30 am (Splashin' Safari). In 2009, we're introducing the World's Tallest Water Ride, Pilgrims Plunge, plus the new (free) HoliWatch program which will help separated family members find each other during their visit.