A young child feeding a giraffe at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on a sunny day.

Things to Do With Kids in Columbus - Top Picks

This interactive Columbus family fun list isn't curated by an editor...it's crowdsourced from regular parents adding the best things to do in Columbus with kids, according to their families!

Zoom in on the map to find ideas for what to do in Columbus with kids, read parent reviews, and remember to chime in to share your own favorites.

This is only the beginning of the Columbus family activities you'll find on Upparent. Set your location at the top of the screen, check out our family event calendar, and browse Upparent for many more fun things to do in Columbus with kids!


 

    LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus

    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.

    Columbus, OH
    Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

    Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

    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.

    Columbus, OH

    Inniswood Metro Gardens

    Hannah Scott said:  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.

    Westerville, OH

    Topiary Garden Park

    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.

    Columbus, OH
    parkofroses.org

    Columbus Park of Roses

    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.

    Columbus, OH
    metroparks.net

    Scioto Audubon Metro Park

    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.

    Columbus, OH

    Slate Run Living Historical Farm

    Kelly R said:  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.

    Canal Winchester, OH
    Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

    Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

    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.

    Powell, OH
    Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

    Zoombezi Bay

    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!

    Powell, OH
    COSI

    COSI

    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.

    Columbus, OH
    visitgahanna.com

    Creekside Paddle Boats

    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.

    Columbus, OH
    Kelly R

    Olentangy Caverns

    Kelly R said:  We loved taking a self-guided tour of the 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.

    Delaware, OH
    ohiohistory.org

    Newark Earthworks

    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.

    Heath, OH
    sciotomile.com

    Bicentennial Park Scioto Mile Fountain

    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!

    Columbus, OH
    visitdublinohio.com

    Irish Fairy Door Trail

    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!

    Dublin, OH

Primary photo:   Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, courtesy of Kelly R.

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.

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