Planning a family trip to Columbus, Ohio? You are in the right place.
I have spent time researching and visiting Columbus with kids, so I know what works and what wastes your time.
In this guide, you will find the 15 best things to do in Columbus Ohio with kids, from the zoo to free metro parks. We also cover where to eat, where to stay, and how to save money along the way.
Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, Columbus has something for them.
This guide gives you everything in one place so you can plan less and enjoy more.
Why Columbus Is a Great Destination for Families
Columbus, Ohio, is a great city for families looking for fun without breaking the bank.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the best in the country, with animals from all over the world. COSI is a hands-on science museum where kids can learn about space, dinosaurs, and more while having fun.
The city also has many well-kept parks with easy trails safe for kids of all ages. Many attractions have free or low-cost entry, making it simple to plan a full day out without spending too much.
With a wide food scene and plenty of spots to explore, Columbus has everything a family needs for a great trip.
15 Things to Do in Columbus Ohio With Kids
Top spots in Columbus where families can spend quality time together.
1. Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to over 10,000 animals, this zoo is one of the best in the country. Kids can see polar bears, gorillas, and sea creatures in the aquarium. Arrive early to beat the crowds and check for feeding times online before you go.
2. Visit COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
COSI is a hands-on science museum where kids can touch and test everything. It has exhibits on space, ocean life, and energy, plus a planetarium and giant screen theater. Great for rainy days.
3. Wander Through Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
This indoor garden has plants from rainforests, deserts, and tropical regions. The colorful glass art by Dale Chihuly is a big hit with kids. In winter, they host a popular holiday lights display.
4. Stroll Along The Scioto Mile
A free stretch of parks and paths along the Scioto River. Kids love the open lawns and splash pad at Bicentennial Park. Food trucks are often nearby for a quick bite.
5. Visit the Columbus Museum of Art
The Wonder Room inside is made for young children with hands-on art stations. Admission is free on Sundays, which makes it a smart budget stop for families.
6. Build and Play at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
A large indoor play space with rides, a 4D cinema, and building zones. Best for kids aged three to ten. They will not want to leave.
7. Have Fun at Momiland Indoor Playground
A colorful soft-play space for toddlers and young children. It has slides, a ball pit, and climbing zones. Parents can relax while kids burn off energy.
8. Tour the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory
Watch chocolates being made right in front of you. The tour is affordable and includes samples. There is also a shop on-site to grab some treats to take home.
9. Visit Quarry Trails Metro Park
A free park built on old limestone quarry land. Families enjoy the trails and rocky cliffs. It is a good spot to talk to kids about how land changes over time.
10. Visit Glacier Ridge Metro Park
Wide open meadows, wetlands, and paved trails make this park a relaxing outdoor stop. Kids enjoy spotting birds and frogs near the wetland area. Free to enter and great for picnics.
11. See Bison at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
The largest metro park in the Columbus area. The main draw is a real bison herd that kids can watch from a safe viewing area. There is also a nature center on-site.
12. Enjoy Inniswood Metro Gardens
A botanical garden and nature park with themed garden sections and a nature-themed play area for kids. It is calm, free, and a good option for a relaxed outdoor outing.
13. Play at Scioto Audubon Metro Park
This park has a free 35-foot outdoor climbing wall that older kids love. It also has bird-watching trails along the Scioto River and a restored prairie area to walk through.
14. Catch a Columbus Clippers Baseball Game
A minor league game at Huntington Park is affordable and fun. The ballpark has great sightlines, good food options, and a relaxed atmosphere. Look for fireworks nights during the season.
15. Spend a Day at Easton Town Center
An outdoor shopping and dining area with a town square feel. There is a carousel, a seasonal ice rink, a movie theater, and many restaurant options. A great way to wrap up a day in Columbus.
Fun Things to Do in Columbus Ohio With Kids by Category
Columbus activities sorted by type, season, price, and age group.
Best Indoor Things to Do in Columbus Ohio With Kids
COSI is the top pick for a full day of hands-on science exhibits. LEGOLAND Discovery Center works best for kids aged three to ten. Momiland is great for toddlers who need space to play.
The Columbus Museum of Art offers a calmer, creative indoor stop. Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory is a quick and sweet outing when you only have an hour or two.
Best Free Things to Do in Columbus Ohio With Kids
The Scioto Mile is free and has open space and a splash pad.
The metro parks, including Quarry Trails, Glacier Ridge, Battelle Darby Creek, Inniswood, and Scioto Audubon, are all free to enter. The Columbus Museum of Art is also free on Sundays.
Things to Do in Columbus Ohio With Kids in Winter
COSI is a strong pick for a full indoor day. Franklin Park Conservatory hosts a holiday lights display that families enjoy. Easton Town Center sets up an ice rink during winter months.
LEGOLAND and Momiland both work well for indoor play on cold days. Quarry Trails is a peaceful option for a snowy trail walk.
Fun Things to Do in Columbus Ohio With Kids for Toddlers
Momiland is the best pick for safe soft play. The Scioto Mile Splash Pad is a fun free option in warm months. Franklin Park Conservatory is slow-paced and full of colorful sights that hold a toddler's attention.
Inniswood Metro Gardens has a nature-themed play area made for young kids. The Columbus Zoo is great for close-up animal viewing at any age.
Where to Eat in Columbus Ohio With Kids
Family-friendly places to eat across the city.
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants
Buca di Beppo is a good pick for large shareable Italian meals. Bob Evans covers casual comfort food any time of day.
Roosters Wings has a lively atmosphere and an easy menu for families. Schmidt's Sausage Haus in German Village is a Columbus landmark known for hearty food and giant cream puffs.
Kid-Friendly Dessert Spots
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is a Columbus original with creative locally made flavors.
Graeter's Ice Cream is a classic Ohio brand with rich, generous scoops. Buckeye Donuts near Ohio State is open around the clock and very affordable.
Food Halls and Casual Dining Options
North Market has a wide mix of vendors under one roof and is great for groups with different tastes. Budd Dairy Food Hall offers a relaxed space with several food options side by side.
Easton Town Center has many casual restaurants close together, making it easy for everyone to find something they like.
Where to Stay in Columbus With Kids
Hotel options based on location, budget, and family needs.
Hotels Near Top Attractions
Hilton Columbus Downtown is well-placed near COSI and the Scioto Mile. Drury Inn and Suites includes a free hot breakfast, which helps families save money. Homewood Suites by Hilton Columbus/OSU has kitchen suites that are very practical for families with young children.
Budget-Friendly Family Hotels
Hampton Inn offers consistent quality and free breakfast at a fair price. La Quinta Inn and Suites has decent-sized rooms without a high price tag. Extended Stay America is a smart option for longer trips because of the in-room kitchenettes.
Hotels With Pools and Family Amenities
Great Wolf Lodge Columbus is the top pick for families who want a full indoor water park on-site. Hyatt Regency Columbus has an indoor pool and spacious rooms in a central location. DoubleTree by Hilton Columbus offers pools and the famous warm cookie at check-in that kids always remember.
Tips for Visiting Columbus With Kids
Simple advice to make your family trip run smoothly.
- Visit the Columbus Museum of Art free on Sundays and use the five free metro parks to fill outdoor days. Check your library for discounted COSI passes before you go.
- Driving is the easiest way to get around Columbus. The CBUS is a free downtown circulator bus, and rideshare apps work well on busy days.
- Pack comfortable shoes, light layers, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, water bottles, and a basic first-aid kit for any full day out.
- Bring a portable charger for maps and tickets, and toss in a rain poncho just in case the weather changes.
- Sample 2-Day Itinerary: Day 1 covers the Columbus Zoo and Battelle Darby Creek bison, ending with dinner at Schmidt's Sausage Haus. Day 2 starts at COSI, then the Scioto Mile, and wraps up at Easton Town Center.
Conclusion
Columbus truly surprised me the first time I visited with kids. I expected a quiet Midwest city, but it had so much more going on than I thought.
Whether you are planning your first trip or coming back for more, this city has something for every family. The free parks alone are worth the visit.
Have you been to Columbus with your kids? I would love to hear which spot was their favorite.
Drop a comment below and share this post with a fellow parent who needs a fun family trip idea!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Columbus Ohio with kids?
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons to visit. The weather is mild, the parks are open, and most attractions are less crowded than in peak summer.
Is Columbus Ohio a good family destination?
Columbus is a great city for families with kids of all ages. It has a solid mix of free outdoor spaces, museums, and fun indoor attractions that keep everyone busy.
How many days do you need to see Columbus Ohio with kids?
Two to three days is enough time to cover the main attractions. You can fit in the zoo, COSI, a metro park, and some good meals without feeling rushed.
Are there free things to do in Columbus Ohio with kids?
Yes, Columbus has plenty of no-cost options for families. The metro parks, Scioto Mile, and Columbus Museum of Art on Sundays are all free and worth a visit.
What is the most kid-friendly attraction in Columbus Ohio?
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the most popular spot for families. COSI is a close second, especially for kids who enjoy hands-on learning and interactive exhibits.
