Things to do With Kids in Columbus, Ohio
“What are we going to do today?” whines one. “I’m bored!” pouts another. Before you know it the complaints fill the air. Suddenly the day at home looks long and daunting. Plan a trip to Columbus to get rid of the whining and entertain them in the heart of Columbus. Here is a list of Things to do With Kids in Columbus, Ohio
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#1 Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the best zoos in the country, and it’s a great place for kids to learn about animals and have fun. There are rides, shows, and exhibits, and the zoo is home to over 10,000 animals. Tip: book an interactive special one on one program to get your kids up close and personal with some of the animals.
#2 Head to COSI
COSI is a science center that’s perfect for kids who love to learn about science. There are interactive exhibits, shows, and programs, and COSI is a great place for kids to explore their curiosity. Tip: Check the website frequently for up-to-date traveling exhibits.
#3 Take a walk or bike ride on the Scioto Mile
Looking to explore a downtown park system? The Scioto Mile is a riverfront park that’s perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. There are also plenty of places to stop and have a picnic or just enjoy the views. Tip: rent a bike with the kids and spend the day checking out all the interconnected parks.
#4 Visit the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
One of the nation’s best botanical gardens, The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to spend a day with kids. There are gardens, greenhouses, and a variety of plants to see. There are also special events and programs for kids throughout the year. Tip: This is so much more than gardens; kids will love the glass-blowing and interactive displays.
Official Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens website
#5 Cheer at a Blue Jackets hockey game
If your kids love hockey, The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional hockey team, and their games are the perfect way to experience a night of goals and maybe even on ice dust-up. There’s plenty of action and excitement, and the Blue Jackets always put on a good show. Tip: Spend the night in Columbus after the game! Book a room in Columbus, Ohio.
#6 Experience the Ohio History Center
Fall in love with the past at The Ohio History Center, which tells the story of Ohio’s amazing journey to statehood. There are exhibits, artifacts, and interactive programs, and the Ohio History Center is a great place for kids to learn about the state they live in. Tip: Kids will find that they will not want to leave as they explore all the fantastic things to do at Ohio History Connections. Buy a membership and use the code OHROADTRIPS for 10% off.
Official Ohio History Connections website
#7 Marvel at Art, at the Columbus Museum of Art
The Columbus Museum of Art is a museum that has a collection of art from around the world. There are exhibits, paintings, sculptures, and other works of art, and the Columbus Museum of Art is a great place for kids to learn about art and culture. Tip: Families will want to Explore the Wonder Room; this experimental gallery is a space created for intergenerational exploration, play, connection, and discovery.
Official Columbus Museum of Art website
#8 Follow the Crowd to a Crew soccer game
Our city’s hometown team, Columbus Crew, is a professional soccer team, and their games are a great way to spend a night out with kids. Soccer is growing in popularity with kids, and if yours love to play, they will love to watch! Tip: Kids will become lifelong fans when they can do a meet-and-greet event with the team.
#9 Take a Hike at Columbus Metro Parks
Get the kids off screens and into nature at one of Columbus’ fantastic metro parks. Get up close and personal with bison at Battelle Darby, hike the geological-rich Highbanks Metro Park, or see the farm animals at Slate Run. Tip: Check the website for the free classes offered throughout the metro park system and go during one of them. Learn more about our time in the Columbus Metro Parks here.
Official Columbus Metro Park website
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