Planning a family trip can feel overwhelming. I have put together this guide to make it easier.
Columbus has more to offer families than most people expect. This blog covers the 15 best things to do in Columbus Ohio with kids, plus free options, indoor picks, winter ideas, and travel tips.
Whether your kids love animals, science, water parks, or just running around outside, there is something here for them.
This guide brings together the city's top family-friendly attractions, seasonal activities, and practical travel tips, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
By the end, you will have a clear plan for a fun, stress-free Columbus trip.
Why Visit Columbus with Kids?
Columbus is one of those cities that actually has a lot going on for families. It has a mix of outdoor spots, science centers, museums, and food markets.
Conde Nast Traveler readers named it one of the top big cities in the US, and it regularly shows up on best food city lists too.
Kids of different ages can find something they enjoy here. The city is easy to get around. Prices are reasonable compared to bigger cities. And there is always something happening, no matter the season.
Whether you have toddlers or teens, Columbus keeps everyone busy without wearing out your wallet.
Families flying in can land at John Glenn Columbus International Airport, which is served by several major airlines and sits a short drive from downtown.
15 Best Things to Do in Columbus Ohio with Kids
From zoos to candy factories, here are the top family-friendly spots in Columbus worth your time.
1. Visit Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo is one of the best in the country. It covers over 580 acres and is home to more than 10,000 animals across 600 species.
Kids can see polar bears, manatees, cheetahs, and a lot more.
The stingray touch tank is a hands-on highlight that appeals to younger visitors. The aquarium section adds another layer of fun. There are also splash pads and rides inside the zoo.
The zoo is located in Powell, Ohio, just northwest of the city. Plan for at least a full day here. General admission runs roughly $20 to $25 per person, with lower rates for kids under 3.
The zoo also has seasonal events that make repeat visits worth it.
2. Explore COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
COSI is a hands-on science museum that kids actually love. It covers topics like space, energy, health, and ocean life.
The Ocean exhibit lets kids play with water cannons and a wave tank. Most of the exhibits are interactive, so kids are not just looking, they are doing.
There is also a planetarium and a separate area for toddlers.
Admission is typically $25 to $28 per person. Check the website before you go because COSI offers free admission days several times a year.
It is one of the best indoor options in the city, and school-age kids especially get a lot out of a visit.
3. Discover Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Franklin Park Conservatory is a great stop for families who enjoy greenery and calm spaces. The glasshouse features plants from rainforests, deserts, and other climates.
Families enjoy spotting the wide variety of plants and seasonal butterflies.
The conservatory sits right next to Franklin Park, so you can pair indoor gardens with outdoor time if the weather cooperates.
There is also a children's garden with hands-on activities built specifically for younger visitors.
Admission is around $15 for adults and $8 for kids. It is a quieter option compared to the bigger attractions, but it is well a memorable experience.
4. Build and Play at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a solid pick for kids who love to build.
It sits inside Easton Town Center on the east side of Columbus, which also has restaurants and shops if you want to make a full afternoon of it.
The attraction has LEGO-themed rides, a 4D cinema, and build zones where kids can create whatever they want. There is also a miniature Columbus built entirely from LEGO bricks.
Tickets run around $20 to $25 per person and are cheaper when booked online in advance. It is best suited for kids ages 3 to 10 and works well on rainy days.
5. Spend the Day at Zoombezi Bay Water Park
Zoombezi Bay is attached to the Columbus Zoo and is a fun summer destination for visitors. There are water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a smaller splash area for little kids.
The park is open from late May through early September, so it is a warm-weather-only option. It gets busy on hot days, so arriving early helps.
Single-day tickets run roughly $35 to $45 per person. Combo tickets with the zoo offer a better deal and are worth it if you plan to visit both.
It is the kind of place kids will want to come back to every summer.
6. Walk, Play, and Splash at Scioto Mile
Scioto Mile is a long stretch of parks and paths along the Scioto River in downtown Columbus. parents come here to walk, bike, and let the kids run around.
There are splash pads in summer that kids love. The area connects to several parks, including Bicentennial Park and Genoa Park.
Columbus Commons, a downtown park just a short walk from the Scioto Mile, is another easy add-on with open green space and free seasonal events throughout the year.
All of it is free to use and very easy to reach from most downtown hotels. A good lunch stop if you want something low-key and outdoors.
7. Explore Columbus Museum of Art
The Columbus Museum of Art has a section called Wonder Room that is made for kids. It includes interactive exhibits where children can make art, play with light, and use their imagination.
The museum also has a rotating set of exhibits for adults, so parents get something out of the visit too.
General admission is around $18 for adults and $10 for kids. Every Sunday the museum offers free admission to all visitors, which makes it a great budget stop for groups with young kids.
It is located on Broad Street in downtown Columbus, close to COSI.
8. Let Kids Play at Columbus Metro Parks
Columbus Metro Parks covers a network of more than 20 parks spread across the area, and several stand out specifically for families.
Glacier Ridge Metro Park has a natural play area with cedar towers, ropes, ladders, and a zipline, plus a boardwalk through the wetlands and a 25-foot observation tower for spotting wildlife.
Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville covers 120 acres with a Sisters' Garden, a pond for frog watching, stroller-friendly paved paths, and a treehouse structure kids love.
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park has roaming bison you can find using a camera in the nature center, a 53-foot living stream, and interactive indoor exhibits.
Quarry Trails offers easy hiking trails all under a mile, a 25-foot waterfall, lake views, and canoeing for more active children.
Scioto Audubon Metro Park adds a 35-foot climbing wall, a puppet theater and indoor nature center, boardwalk trails, and clear views of the Columbus skyline.
Entry is free at all of these locations. A good way to spend a half day outdoors without spending anything.
9. Visit Columbus Metropolitan Library's Kid Spaces
The Columbus Metropolitan Library system has some very well-designed spaces for kids.
The Main Library downtown on Grant Avenue has a dedicated children's area with books, activities, programming, interactive displays, and building stations.
Many branches also offer storytimes and events throughout the week.
It is completely free to visit. The library also lends out passes to local museums, which can save children a good amount on admission.
If you are visiting for a few days, grabbing a guest pass is worth checking into before you go.
10. Watch a Columbus Clippers Baseball Game
The Columbus Clippers are the city's minor league baseball team and a Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians.
A game at Huntington Park in the Arena District is a relaxed and fun family outing.
The stadium holds about 10,000 fans and is small enough that you can see well from almost any seat.
Tickets start around $10 to $15, making it one of the most affordable nights out in Columbus.
There are food options kids enjoy, and the pace of baseball makes it easy for younger ones to move around without missing much. Games run from April through September.
11. Tour Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory
Anthony-Thomas is a local chocolate company that has been making candy in Columbus since 1952.
They offer factory tours where kids get to watch how candy and chocolates are made on the production floor, which holds their attention well.
The tour ends at the gift shop, so be ready for some begging.
Tours cost around $5 per person and need to be booked in advance. It is a short visit, usually under an hour, but a memorable one. A good add-on to a day already packed with other activities.
12. Explore North Market for Family-Friendly Food
North Market is a public market in downtown Columbus with a wide range of food vendors under one roof. Kids can find pasta, crepes, donuts, hot sauce tastings, and a lot more all in one stop.
It is more of a food stop than a full attraction, but guests enjoy the variety and the fact that everyone gets to pick something different.
Saturday mornings are the busiest time. There is also an outdoor farmers market in warmer months.
After the market, grab dessert at Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream, a Columbus-born brand with a scoop shop nearby that is a local institution.
A good lunch stop after visiting nearby attractions like COSI or the Columbus Museum of Art.
13. Visit The Wilds for a Safari Day Trip
The Wilds is a large open-land conservation park in Cumberland, Ohio, about 75 miles southeast of Columbus.
Animals like rhinos, giraffes, bison, and cheetahs roam across thousands of acres of rolling land. Guests take a guided open-air bus safari to see the animals up close, and tours run about two hours.
The park is open from late May through October. Admission with the safari included runs roughly $30 to $40 per person.
There are also cabins and glamping options if you want to turn it into an overnight stay. Book tickets in advance, especially on summer weekends.
The experience feels very different from a regular zoo, and kids tend to find it one of the most memorable stops of a Columbus-area trip.
14. Enjoy Momi Land Indoor Playground
Momi Land is an indoor play space in Columbus designed for younger children.
It has climbing structures, slides, soft play areas, and sensory zones across a large, well-maintained space. Located in a good spot for toddlers and kids under 8.
Parents can sit and relax while kids burn off energy in a safe, enclosed environment.
Admission runs around $15 to $18 per child, with free entry for adults. Admission is by timed entry sessions, so booking ahead online is a smart move.
It works well as a morning or afternoon activity, especially during colder months when outdoor options are limited.
15. Explore Bloc Garten Adventure Park
Bloc Garten is an outdoor venue in Columbus that combines mini golf, lawn games, food trucks, and a beer garden in one space.
Kids are welcome during the day in the outdoor area, and families regularly use it as an early evening stop before heading back to the hotel. Mini golf runs about $10 per person.
Food trucks rotate, so the menu changes regularly. It is a casual, laid-back place with no pressure to rush through anything.
A fun option for early evenings when you want somewhere easy and enjoyable for the whole family.
Free Things to Do in Columbus Ohio with Kids
Columbus has plenty of no-cost options that are actually worth your time as a family.
Scioto Mile: The parks and splash pads along the riverfront are completely free. Kids can run around, get wet in summer, and enjoy the open space without spending a dime.
Columbus Commons: This downtown park hosts free events, has a carousel, and open green space. Visitors can make a simple, easy stop when you are already in the area.
Metro Parks:The city's park system has more than 20 free locations with trails, picnic spots, and nature areas. Glacier Ridge and Inniswood Metro Gardens are two of the best picks for kids. A good way to spend a half day outdoors without spending anything.
Columbus Metropolitan Library:Free admission, free events, and free museum passes through the library card program. A standout attraction free resources for families in the city.
Free Museum Admission Days: The Columbus Museum of Art offers free admission every Sunday. COSI also has select free days throughout the year. Check both websites before your visit to plan around those dates.
Seasonal Festivals: Columbus hosts several free outdoor festivals throughout the year, especially in spring and summer. Many include live music, food vendors, and activities for kids.
Indoor Things to Do in Columbus Ohio with Kids
On cold or rainy days, Columbus has more than enough to keep families busy inside.
COSI: A popular choice science museum for kids in the state. Interactive, educational, and fun for a wide age range. The Ocean exhibit alone can fill an hour.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center: A solid indoor pick for kids who love to build and play. Best for children under 10. Located at Easton Town Center with food options nearby.
Columbus Museum of Art: The Wonder Room alone makes this worth a visit with kids. Creative and hands-on. Free every Sunday.
Momi Land: A soft-play indoor space ideal for toddlers and young children. Safe, clean, and well-maintained. Book timed entry in advance.
Columbus Metropolitan Library: A quiet, free option with dedicated kids' spaces, interactive displays, and regular programming.
Franklin Park Conservatory: Walking through the glasshouses counts as a great indoor outing. Warm year-round and visually interesting for kids of all ages.
Things to Do in Columbus Ohio with Kids in Winter
Columbus in winter still has plenty of options for families who do not want to stay home.
Indoor attractions: COSI, LEGOLAND, the museum, and Momi Land are all great picks when it is cold outside. Winter is actually a quieter time to visit most of these, so lines tend to be shorter.
Holiday lights: The Columbus Zoo runs its annual Wildlights event from late November through early January. It is one of the most popular winter events in the area, and tickets sell out on busy weekends, so book ahead. It is a great outing for families with kids of any age.
Winter festivals: Downtown Columbus hosts various seasonal markets and festivals in November and December. Many are free to attend and family-friendly.
Indoor play centers: Places like Momi Land stay open through winter and are popular with parents of young kids who need a way to burn off energy indoors.
Museums: Winter is a good time to spend longer at COSI or the Columbus Museum of Art without feeling rushed by good weather outside.
Conservatory: Franklin Park Conservatory stays warm all year. It is a nice escape from the cold and especially worth visiting during their winter floral displays, which typically run November through January.
Family Travel Tips for Visiting Columbus
A few practical tips that make a real difference when visiting Columbus with kids.
- The best time to visit is late spring or early fall. The weather is comfortable, crowds are smaller, and most outdoor spots are open. Summer works too but can get hot, and winter is fine if you focus on indoor attractions.
- Stay near downtown or the Short North Arts District to keep travel time short between attractions. Look for hotels with a pool and free breakfast if you have young kids. Suburban hotels often offer more space for less money.
- Columbus is best explored by car since most attractions are spread out. Parking is easy to find and not too costly. Rideshare works well downtown if you prefer not to drive.
- Save money by grabbing combo tickets for the zoo and Zoombezi Bay, visiting the Columbus Museum of Art on Sundays when admission is free, hitting COSI on a free day, and packing snacks to avoid buying food at every stop. A realistic daily budget for a family of four, including one paid attraction, lunch, and a snack, runs around $100 to $150.
- One-Day Plan: Start at COSI in the morning, grab lunch at North Market, spend the afternoon at Scioto Mile or Columbus Commons, and wrap up with a Columbus Clippers game in the evening. It covers a good mix without rushing.
- Two-Day Plan: Day one, spend the morning at the Columbus Zoo and the afternoon at Zoombezi Bay if it is summer, or at Franklin Park Conservatory if it is not. Day two, start at COSI, grab lunch at North Market, hit the Columbus Museum of Art in the afternoon, and end the evening at Bloc Garten or a Clippers game.
- Three-Day Plan: Add a half day at Columbus Metro Parks (Glacier Ridge or Inniswood are the best picks for kids), a stop at the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory, and either LEGOLAND or Momi Land depending on the ages of your kids. If you want a full day out of the city, use day three for a drive to The Wilds.
Conclusion
Columbus surprised me. I expected a decent city trip, but it genuinely has so much for families.
From the zoo to COSI to a lazy evening at a Clippers game, there is something here for every kind of kid and every kind of parent.
If you are planning a family trip to Columbus Ohio with kids, start with one or two spots from this list and build from there. You will not run out of things to do.
Tried any of these spots? Drop a comment and let me know your favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus Ohio a good road trip destination for families?
Yes. Columbus is easy to reach from several Midwest cities and has enough attractions to fill a full weekend without feeling rushed or overpriced. It sits within a four to five hour drive of Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati.
Are strollers allowed inside Columbus Zoo and COSI?
Both welcome strollers. COSI and the zoo have stroller-friendly layouts, and rentals are available at the zoo if you need one.
How many days do you need in Columbus with kids?
Two to three days covers the top spots comfortably. Add an extra day if you plan to visit The Wilds or Zoombezi Bay.
Are most Columbus attractions open year-round?
Most indoor spots like COSI, the library, and the conservatory stay open all year. Outdoor attractions like Zoombezi Bay and The Wilds close after their season ends, typically in September or October.
What does a Columbus family trip cost?
It depends on how many paid attractions you visit, but a family of four can expect to spend around $100 to $150 per day on admission and food if you mix one paid attraction with free options like the library, Scioto Mile, or Metro Parks. Combo tickets and free Sunday admission at the museum help stretch the budget further.
What is the best age for a Columbus family trip?
Columbus works well for kids of almost any age. Toddlers do best at Momi Land, the library, and Metro Parks. Kids ages 5 to 12 get the most out of COSI, LEGOLAND, and the zoo. Teens tend to enjoy the Clippers game, North Market, Bloc Garten, and The Wilds safari.
