Things to Do With Kids in Columbus - Top Picks

The Columbus Clippers at Huntington Park offer an exciting and family-friendly outing, with room for kids to play in the splash pad and interactive zone before or during the game. With promotions like “dime-a-dog” nights, fireworks on select Saturdays, and the chance for kids to run the bases post-game, it’s a fun and affordable activity.

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:  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!

The Columbus Park of Roses is one of the largest public rose gardens in the U.S. with more than 7,500 rose specimens and 13 acres to explore. The Formal Rose Garden reaches peak bloom in June and September. Picnicking on the park lawns is permitted.

Katie G. said:  My 10yo recently went with a friend to Zip Zone. They did the aerial park tour and he absolutely loved it! Perfect for kids this age and older.

Tour the Olentangy Caverns' winding (and chilly!) underground passageways, which were formed millions of years ago by the flow of an underground river and likely used as a haven by the Wyandot tribe. There are also plenty of other things to do with kids, including gem mining, mini golf, a petting zoo and a maze.

Kelly R said:  This is such a cool and unique thing to do. We toured the caverns extra-carefully with a little one in a baby carrier and a preschooler, and it worked out fine.

Since it's located on just 2 acres, Hayden Falls Park gives the whole family a chance to experience a stunning 35-foot waterfall surrounded by a lovely nature preserve.

Katie G. said:  This is a hidden gem in Columbus. Short hike to the amazing falls, which are literally right off the main road.

Kelly R said:  Find the magical fairy door at each of 11 Historic Dublin businesses, record the name of each resident fairy, and turn in your completed passport at the Dublin Visitor & Information Center to receive a free fairy door t-shirt. All participating businesses are family friendly and within 3 blocks of each other, so this is a great way to explore Dublin with your kids!

This art installation in Dublin, Ohio arranges 109 human-sized concrete ears of corn into neat rows as a nod to the area's farming history.

The Columbus Zoo is a family favorite with immersive exhibits like Heart of Africa and Polar Frontier, where kids can observe lions, giraffes, and polar bears up close. With stroller-friendly paths, plenty of shaded rest areas, and several kid-focused play zones throughout the park, it’s easy to spend a full day exploring.

Kelly R said:  We were lucky to live just down the road from the Columbus Zoo for years, and I spent many hours there with my kids. It truly is a world class zoo with beautiful exhibits, many hands-on opportunities, and fun play areas sprinkled around. One of the essential things to do with kids in Columbus, whether you're a local or a visitor! I appreciate the convenient suburban location, so no navigating of city traffic is required, and you can see a lot without feeling like you're doing a ton of walking.

Katie G. said:  With over a dozen slides and water attractions (including a wave pool!), Zoombezi Bay offers Columbus family fun for groups of all sizes. Plus, admission to the seasonal, outdoor water park also includes entry into the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on the same day!

Kelly R said:  Ohio Wildlife Center is dedicated to the rehabilitation of native Ohio mammals, birds, and reptiles, and educating the public about how to coexist with these animals. They offer a variety of opportunities for families to visit and learn more about Ohio's natural wildlife, meet animal ambassadors, and explore and observe nature.

Katie G. said:  Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park is one of the largest Metro Parks in Columbus, stretching 13 miles along the Big and Little Darby Creek rivers. The nature center, which blends in with the landscape, overlooks the park's enclosure of roaming bison. Inside the nature center a 53-foot "living stream" flows through the exhibits and is stocked with several kinds of creatures (fish, turtles, frogs) that can be found in the Big Darby Creek. There is also a variety of educational and interactive exhibits to learn about the park's ecosystems.