Things to Do With Kids in Columbus - Top Picks

Katie G.:  Take a trip on a jungle safari right here in Ohio at The Wilds. Owned and operated by The Columbus Zoo, The Wilds is one of the largest wildlife conservation centers in the world. Visitors can board an open air tour bus as they roam through the park viewing animals in their natural habitats. Here you will find zebras, giraffes, ostriches, wild horses, antelope, white rhinos, cheetahs, camels, birds and more.

The Newark Earthworks are the largest set of geometric earthen enclosures in the world, built by the ancient Hopewell Culture between 100 BC and 500 AD. They are believed to be part cathedral, part cemetery, and part astronomical observatory. A self-guided tour of the site is a fun family activity, or check the schedule for the next free guided tour.

Kelly R:  Part of the Metro Parks system, Slate Run Living Historical Farm allows you to experience an authentic 1880s Ohio farm. Volunteer staff members dress up in time-appropriate farm clothes while they complete daily chores like plowing the fields, milking cows and splitting wood. There are plenty of animals to observe (and sometimes touch), including pigs, geese, turkeys, cows, Percheron horses, and more.

Katie G.:  Unlike any other art museum you've seen, Otherworld is an experience the whole family will enjoy. Visitors can immerse themselves in over 40 rooms of interactive art mystery and mixed reality playgrounds. This museum encourages guests to touch and play all while learning about the art surrounding them.

Katie G.:  Soccer has become a very popular sport in the United States. Many little boys and girls throughout Columbus play soccer each year. Soccer loving families can enjoy watching the Columbus Crew play a professional soccer match at Mapfre Stadium in Columbus. The Crew hosts many promotions throughout the season including half-price concessions, Dispatch family 4-packs and post-match penalty kicks for kids 14 and under.

Cost: tickets start at $27

Gahanna's Creekside District boasts plenty to see and do, including waterfalls, fountains, boardwalks and paths, shops and outdoor dining. Rent a paddle boat for a unique family activity, and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

Hannah Scott:  Inniswood is a delightful collection of botanical gardens and trails that span 123 acres. You'll find over 2,000 species of plants as you explore the grounds, including native wildflowers and wildlife. Families will love the children's garden with its interactive water stations and other outdoor play areas designed to inspire the imagination.

If you're looking for things to do with kids in Columbus, this indoor attraction features LEGO-themed rides, a 4D theater, building areas, and a jungle gym.

Hannah Scott:  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.

Kelly R:  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.

Hannah Scott:  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.

Hannah Scott:  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:  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.

Kelly R:  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.

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.