Columbus is one of the cities with the largest university presence. It is home to the Ohio State University, one of the most important in the country. With this multi-diverse imprint of being a city with students from different places, it also stands out for offering cultural festivals, both art and food, much like New Orleans.
Being such a dynamic city with so much to enjoy, it is great for a family trip. It even has one of the most amazing places to visit in the US, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. It’s a top destination because of the thousand animals and different species that it has.
So, are you planning to visit the largest city in Ohio? Here, we bring you a curated list of the best things to do in Columbus with kids. Be sure to check it out!
20 Best Things to Do with Kids in Columbus, Ohio
1
4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, USA
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
With over 10,000 animals, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a must-visit. You will meet across 600 species, from manatees to polar bears and many more! Among the zoo's highlights is the Heart of Africa, a popular exhibit where kids will be amazed by encountering giraffes and zebras. The Aquarium's variety of marine animals is also quite large, exhibiting sharks and stingrays.2
333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
Among the coolest things to do in Columbus, Ohio, with kids, the COSI is right at the top! It's a unique place to visit, with fantastic exhibits and activities for the little ones. Enjoy the “TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition,” where you will get to see artifacts and more from this famous ocean liner.3
4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, USA
Zoombezi Bay Water Park
Perfect for the summer, Zoombezi Bay is a water park filled with cool and fun attractions for the whole family. Let the kids enjoy a play area designed just for them while you relax in the lazy river or wave pool. With over 20 water attractions, the fun is just getting started!4
1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203, USA
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
For those looking for things to do in Columbus, Ohio, with the kids but still wanting to connect with nature, this is the place to be! At the Franklin Park Conservatory, you can walk through botanical gardens and visit colorful exhibits. Other highlights include the Desert Garden and the Pacific Island Water Garden!5
480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Columbus Museum of Art
The Columbus Museum of Art features not only contemporary exhibits, but also classic pieces. Regarding things to do with kids in Columbus, Ohio, there are a diverse range of options for the family to enjoy. At the Wonder Room, children will be able to explore and get creative through interactive and hands-on activities!6
157 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
LEGOLAND is filled with fun things to do with kids in Columbus! From rides like Kingdom Quest to Merlin’s Apprentice, the little ones will have hours to play. Let them get creative by building their own LEGO structures; they can even learn tricks from a Master Model Builder!7
300 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
One of the most historical museums in the area is the National Veterans Memorial. From personal experiences of veterans through all eras of military history, this is the place to take the kids for educational things to do in Columbus. The Ghost Army: The Combat Con Artists of World War II is among the most fascinating exhibits.8
1871 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Wexner Center for the Arts
Another interesting place to take your child to have fun through learning is the Wexner Center for the Arts. With a variety of exhibits, performance art events, and film screenings, visitors of all ages will have a great time. The museum regularly hosts family-friendly events, educational programs, and more!9
7925 N High St, Columbus, OH 43235, USA
ZipZone Outdoor Adventures
Adventure, fun and adrenaline - that's what you'll find at ZipZone Outdoor Adventures. Soar through the treetops on the exhilarating zip line or take your kids to the Kids Park, designed for little adventurers ages 4 to 7. There are two kid-friendly courses to make your experience fun and safe. It’s definitely one of the coolest things to do in Columbus, Ohio, with kids.10
14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732, USA
The Wilds
Take your family on an outdoor adventure at The Wilds. Immerse yourself in an unparalleled experience at an open-air safari where you can get up close and personal with animals in their natural habitat. The kids will love seeing cheetahs, giraffes, eland and more!11
5819 Chantry Dr, Columbus, OH 43232, USA
Otherworld
Once you enter the Otherworld, you will be completely transported to a fascinating world! With more than 40 scenes that combine fantasy, art, and technology, this facility is great for things to do in Columbus, Ohio, with kids. Plus, it's perfect for all ages. The most popular interactive exhibit among children is the Mixed Reality Playground, where the digital and physical worlds merge into one.12
835 Mt Vernon Ave, Columbus, OH 43203, USA
The King Arts Complex
The King Arts Complex is dedicated to promoting of African-American culture and the arts. There is no better place for kids to connect with their heritage and history than at this cultural center built in the name of Martin Luther King Jr. From music festivals, to visual arts programs for children and young adults, to free things to do with kids in Columbus like dance classes, there is something for everyone!13
160 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Columbus Commons
Columbus Commons is the perfect choice if you're looking for budget-friendly or free things to do with kids in Columbus, Ohio. From food trucks to fitness classes to weekly events just for kids, there are plenty of activities to choose from. Enjoy a free ride on the Columbus Commons' hand-carved Italian carousel. The Commons occasionally hosts concerts and even charity races.14
505 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Grange Insurance Audubon Center
The Grange Insurance Audubon Center is perfect for free educational things to do with kids in Columbus, Ohio. There are a variety of activities available. Among the most exciting programs are the Audubon Adventure Camp, the Native Plant Backyard Challenge, and perhaps the most fun and educational at the same time: Bird Watching for Beginners!15
3681 Park Mill Run Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026, USA
Momi Land
One of the most fun things to do with kids in Columbus, Ohio, is undoubtedly Momi Land. It is an indoor playground that is perfect for birthday parties. The facilities follow all safety measures so that even the toddlers can play safely. Momi Land features trampolines, multi-slides, large ball pits, and many more!16
800 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211, USA
Ohio History Center
When learning about Ohio's history, there's no place like this. This museum (and library) offers a variety of activities and exhibits. One is the Ohio Village, a recreated 1860s town where kids can learn about history through hands-on activities like churning butter. In addition, the Ohio History Center features over 60,000 artifacts and exhibits from the Civil War, and more!17
586 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Kelton House Museum and Garden
The Kelton House Museum & Garden is a historical landmark in Columbus, Ohio. It dates back to 1852, and its architecture is a blend of Italianate and Greek Revival styles. Through guided tours, visitors can learn about the role the Kelton House played in the Underground Railroad, the Victorian era, and the region's history.18
512 Maier Pl, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Bloc Garten
Among the fun things to do with kids in Columbus, Ohio, Bloc Garden is ideal! It is an indoor climbing gym where people of all ages can learn to climb with top-notch instructors. They offer youth classes for different age groups. There is also a special beginner's class where you can learn the basics of climbing in 90 minutes!19
1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
Here, you can reminisce about your favorite cartoons, while the kids have a blast! The museum features thousands of original cartoon art pieces from comic books, animation, and editorial cartoons! Special events for kids and families include tours, lectures, and workshops!20
233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Scioto Mile
A unique destination with majestic scenery is the Scioto Mile. With over 175 acres, you can come here and do all kinds of things with kids in Columbus. Specifically, Scioto Mile features nine parks full of different features where visitors can enjoy public art, recreational opportunities, bird watching, and much more! There’s also the Scioto Mile Fountain, another popular attraction in town to visit with the family!When it comes to kid-friendly places to visit, usually, we tend to look for options such as indoor playgrounds, children’s museums, and others that have some activities or attractions intended for the little ones.
In Columbus, Ohio, the vast variety of things to do with kids it’s undeniable! From outdoor family activities to adrenaline-pumping attractions, you’ll find a little bit of everything here! Just like going to big cities like Boston, or Phoenix, Columbus won’t run out of plans to go and enjoy with the entire family!
