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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I love how you focus on the actual trip. You have a very distinctive style. This was funny and entertaining.
this looks interesting! I will be in San Diego come November to attend the convention of the National Association of Realtors. I will include this beach to my "must see" . Im pretty excited to see this place.
what a beautiful place i want to visit the beautiful beach with beautiful people.
lucky you our beaches are under control of mulla
Hi, by baby is nearly 4 weeks old and i have started back at work but on nights, i have been getting txt's and phone calls off my partner all night saying that our baby has non stop crying since i left for work today. We think it is down to that he knows that i am not there and is crying out for me. Could anyone be able to give me some advise on how my partner could settle him pleas.
thank you Daddy I
i need to get there
To Victor: That is because we want this island paradise all to our SELFISH, SELFISH, SEELLLFIIISSHHHH SELVES!
psssshhh! that's nothing… with BORACAY Island and AMANPULO Island
Actor Tom Cruise, Supermodel Naomi Campbell, Actor Robert de Niro, Supermodel Claudia Schiffer, Singer Mariah Carey, Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, Singer Diana Ross, etc. already had a vacation here at AMANPULO ISLAND. Others go to dirty and crowded resorts, Exclusivity at its finest!
Check out my site for some great pictures and my own experiences/reviews of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Dollywood, The Great Smoky Mountains, etc! Its <a href="http://somewhereinthemountains.blogspot.com/">here</a>
Good news for those of us who are more interested in substance over gimmicks. As a youngish grandparent, looking forward to introducing my grandson to the joys of cruising, on Crystal and others.
Thanks
wow that is lovely. perfect for a road trip. i miss those pair now
Very good and thanks for sharing this informative post.
hi i can recive uur magazine every monthe pleaz i wait bye
hhhmmm…i wonder why does the Boracay beach in Philippines not in the list..
Here is all the letter needs to say:
(Date)
I (parent's name), authorize my child/children, (child/children’s name) to travel to (destination) on (date of travel) aboard Airline/Flight # (flight information) with (accompanying adults), returning on (date of return).
Signed by parent or parents
Address:
Telephone/Contact:
Notary Public Signature/Seal
I want there, with my family.
It's my dream to be there for summer holliday.
it's truly awesome……………………
iam from kurdistan cool site and fntsc places
SameProb –
we hear some users have been having trouble getting these documents via email. It's really hard to troubleshoot this, so if you don't get the documents, can you please email us at ftf[at]familytravelforum.com and we'll make sure to send you the links. Posting your complaints here won't help at all! thanks, and sorry for the hassle-
Hi Derek,
Although there are regulations about transporting minors between some U.S. states (and they vary), our members have never reported a problem with this. It's mainly an issue transporting minors over national borders.
In any case, we subscribe to the "Better safe than sorry" school of travel. Therefore, why not ask the girls' mother to fill out the Permission to Travel letter with her contact info, and give you a copy of the girls' birth certificates to verify the Mom's identity, so that you have some paperwork with you.
While traveling, it sounds like you may be able to reach her by phone in case there's any trouble at the airport, but we don't anticipate there would be.
Let us know if you have any other questions and safe move –
very good
I would spray Rataway fragrance from Rataway.com . Rataway Fragrance is non-poisonous and non-toxic.
To protect food place food in a plastic bag or box and spray bag with Rataway Fragrance. Also use Rataway fragrance to protect car engines, computer cables, wiring, air conditioning equipment,camping supplies, etc…. Stops rats, mice, rodents, monkeys, etc from nesting & chewing.
Same problem — if you go thru the hassle of requesting these via the email link, you get sent to a page that isn't working. Don't bother trying to get them!!!
Excellent overview of a very un-touristy part of Amsterdam
I do not have legal custody of my soon to be step-daughters and their mother needs me to take them with me to Alaska (I am staioned up there) before she can head up there herself. she has to stay behind for another week to finish selling the house. What legal documentation am I going to need for them to fly with me to Alaska?
These ideas are great. I studied abroad when I was a junior in college. I lived in Florence, Italy for the summer with the American Institue of Foreign Study. It was a great program, but I really wish I had some of these tips when I was planning my journey.
What is the average weather Aug-Oct?
Hi from Spain,
personally as an active dad trying to be healthy and get the kids away from the computer games / X box ect… I'd add hiking in the many national parks, or surfing, scuba or kayaking from Spain 1000s of km of beaches !!!!
saludos desde España
Richard Harris
The Iberostar resort complex in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic also allows you to stay at one resort while enjoying the restaurants, bars, and entertainment in the other Iberostar Resorts.
The Iberostar Bavaro in Punta Cana is the highest rated family resort. Since it is often booked far in advance, you will not be disappointed by staying in the Iberostar Punta Cana or the Iberostar Dominicana and enjoying the grounds of all three resorts.
very good living of style
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Big thanks for keeping me awake and entertained.
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Hi David,
This same document "Permission to Travel Letter" is good whether a minor under 18 years is traveling with one birth parent or none. Just adjust the information you provide in it.
thanks, let us know if you have problems!
Tthe Information about the documents required for the children for traveling abroad is great! You have provided the required form is appreciated and made more convinient.
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You can find great local food restaurants with great service and good prices, for instance in Jaffa their are great fish and seafood restaurants, and you can not visit Israel with trying humus.
Maybe next time….
looking for single parent or one-parent authorization form letter
Visited parkmall today. Out of Africa BBQ and Steakhouse is on soft opening. This is my report! Details come from the manager and owners who gave me a tour….it is like a museum!
The restaurant is amazing, animal heads, African paintings and sculptures. There is a African Safari Lodge upstairs that is not yet finished, since they are on soft opening. An original 100 year old bar from South Africa and separate antique wine rack.
They have a Father's Day special of CROCODILE. The ownertold me that they would have Ostrich, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo, Turtle, Deer, Lamb, Venison, Goat, Iguana and other exotic meats after their grand opening in July of 2009.
The chef was trained by two of the Out of Africa Group chefs from South Africa. I met Mike who is the on site consultant from South Africa, watching over the menu and operations. He said there is another Out of Africa Fastfood Franchise under construction elsewhere in Cebu.
Also an Out of Africa Sports Bar is being located near J.Y.
So this is great, a major international franchise has come to Cebu first, before Manila!
The manager told me that they tested the menu for 6 months in Cebu, before opening the first franchise and their flagship restaurant in the Philippines of Out of Africa BBQ and Steakhouse in Parkmall.
The crocodile was great!
intp
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Hi PatSea, sorry to be getting back to you so late! As a matter of fact, I did go to the plate boundry, it was incredible, very cool and slightly scary! I was able to do both the Golden Circle tour and the plate boundry area in only two days, so you should be fine! Iceland was amazing, and two days is really all you need to see the major geological sites!
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This was really an informative article. I enjoyed reading it a lot. Here is a site that I think will be of great interest to the readers http://www.aardvarktravelcentre.co.za . Keep up the great work!
nice information…and photos are interesting
Maybe discuss with children what sort of attractions or venues that they would like to specifically visit. Visit/research online tourist/city web sites and engage with the the site and children, as to what is relevant or of interest to them for later visits.
This might generate incentives for them (and perhaps all) to look foward to. This may reduce any chance of them trying to wander off (or pester you), without your knowledge, to try find a nearby venue to the hotel, for their satisfaction/entertainment. Then parents can arrange for visits for their children, or ideally for the whole family to their chosen attractions or venues.
I simply love the Sheraton Universal for a weekend getaway with my family. So close to everything and in the heart of Hollywood. For us it is the perfect choice for family travel. My kids love the Ultimate Star Burger bar. Building your own burger with all those great topping choices. What fun!
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I got unbelievable rate through room savers coupon yesterday night in Hollis Maine which was even less than 50% pf normal rate.
Does anyone out there recommend the Four Seasons Maui for teenagers or should we go next door to the Grand Wailea?
There are lots of ways to have fun without cost. Fun without cost is something that many of us used to have when we were children – times when laughter was easy, we didn't worry about personal loans or what many other people thought. Even going to the movies has become an expensive proposition, but there are ways to have fun without spending money. Like cooking food in dinner to be share with the family together instead of eating in the restaurant. Also, going to beach together. Cheap and affordable beaches can be your destination for a summer vacation.
I didn't really like the Poble Espanol because it was pretty touristy but the kids kind of liked it. DOn't miss Parc Guell, it's the best of all the Gaudi attractions for children as it's outside and a real park with crazy architecture and elements. Kids like the cable car ride to Montjuic too – be sure to get an ice cream at when you unload – you can get a cone that loads three scoops across on a super wide cone.
If you are planning on visiting our beautiful country and would like to participate in a fun activity. Please visit http://www.CebuSportFishing.com and read about the low price sport fishing charters we have available.
We also have ties with the local resorts and travel agencies and can recommend a great place for you to stay.
Feel free to e-mail us at sales@cebusportfishing.com should you need assistance or require information about cebu.
Rob
http://www.FilipinoAngler.com