Things to Do With Kids in Columbus - Top Picks

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  The Scioto Mile Fountain at Bicentennial Park has it all, including a fun splash pad area with unique architectural designs. By night, this marvelous fountain displays special effects with lighting and fog!

This dynamic science museum is one of the most kid friendly things to do in Columbus, offering hundreds of hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, a giant screen theater, and engaging live shows. It's a fun and interactive way to explore science and technology for all ages.

Want to eat local, but can't agree on a place to suit the whole family? North Market has a little bit of everything: international cuisine from countries like Belgium, Poland, Vietnam, India, and Tibet, plus specialty treat shops the kids will love.

Katie G. said:  The Columbus Clippers are the AAA affiliate for the Cleveland Indians. Games are played at the beautiful Huntington Park in downtown Columbus. There are a variety of inflatables for the kids to play on, delicious and healthy kids meal options and lots of entertainment from mascots Krash and Lou Seal.

Hannah Scott said:  The Book Loft is a one-of-a-kind bookstore located in three historic buildings that were a general store, a saloon, and a cinema in a former life. Besides having a super cool history, it's a mecca for a family of bibliophiles with 32 rooms of books, gifts, games and puzzles.

Hannah Scott said:  Worried your kids aren't ready for something as sophisticated as an art museum? Fear not!The Columbus Museum of Art offers an amazing interactive experience tailored to families. In addition to its galleries containing a varied and impressive art collection, the museum hosts numerous hands-on activities for kids.

Hannah Scott said:  The Topiary Park is a truly unique Columbus gem! The plants in this public garden are sculpted to recreate Seurat's famous painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte. It's beautiful, whimsical, and a lovely place to spend a couple hours with your family and a picnic.

Scioto Audubon Metro Park is an oasis in the city. Two paved hiking trails loop around the park, but the real attraction is the amenities. There's a fun playground (with an interactive electronic game), teens can try out the rock climbing wall (BYO harness), and there is a smaller 10 foot boulder for younger kids. A parkour-style obstacle course features a tire run, 8-foot wall, tunnel crawl, balance beams, monkey bars, and more. While you're there, check out the nature center, eat lunch at one of the shaded picnic tables, and take in a breathtaking view of the Columbus skyline.

Hannah Scott said:  What's the best way to make a child feel like they've won the lottery? Take them to a candy store, of course! I'm not recommending you do this all the time, but a visit to Rocket Fizz has to happen at least once. Parents will appreciate all of the throwback offerings from their childhood, and kids will get a big kick out of all the wacky soda flavors -- peanut butter and jelly, buttered popcorn, bacon, etc. Take your time exploring the store and pick out a few treats to savor together.

The Orton Geological Museum always offers free admission. Explore rocks, minerals, and fossils from Ohio, from around the world, and from outer space!

Kelly R said:  The Ohio History Center is filled with exhibits exploring a wide range of Ohio History from the ice age to the present. Exhibits teach about subjects including life in the 1950s, extinct and endangered Ohio species, Native American history, and restored Civil War battle flags. Over the Summer, guests can also explore Ohio Village to get a look at what life was like in the 1890s. Kids love viewing the center's giant mastodon skeleton, exploring a 1950s Lustron home, and taking in an Ohio Village Muffins base ball game.

Hannah Scott said:  Buckeye football fans won't want to miss the opportunity to go behind the scenes with a guided tour of Ohio Stadium. You'll get up close and personal with the sidelines, the Yassenoff Recruit Center, the press box, suite level seats, the Steinbrenner Band Center and more!

Hannah Scott said:  This favorite Columbus family attraction is home to indoor gardens with over 400 plant species inside the glass conservatory greenhouse. There are several traveling exhibitions and a stunning display of Chihuly glass artwork. Be sure to check out the 2-acre Children's Garden, where a myriad of programs and activities for kids and families are offered and included with the price of admission.

This nostalgic Columbus drive-in theater opened in 1950 and still runs seasonally as weather allows. Concessions are available for purchase, or bring your own. Showings range from classic family movies to new releases.

Kelly R said:  Columbus is home to one of the largest public rose gardens in America, with more than 12,000 roses and 13 acres to explore. The Formal Rose Garden reaches peak bloom in June and September. Picnicking on the park lawns is permitted.