Family Activities in Columbus, OH — 2026 Guide
Columbus is a rising family destination with COSI (voted the best science museum in the country), the Columbus Zoo, and a growing food and arts scene. Affordable and welcoming, it punches above its weight for family fun.
Get personalized ideas — text Emmie at (877) 703-6643Indoor Activities
COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
Voted the best science museum in the nation six times with a Dinosaur Gallery, planetarium, 3D Giant Screen Theater, and kidspace for young ones.
333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Visit websiteColumbus Zoo and Aquarium
One of America's best zoos with an aquarium, a water park, and hundreds of species across themed regions.
4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Visit websiteLEGOLAND Discovery Center
Indoor LEGO fun with 2 rides, 10 build-and-play zones, and a 4D theater.
157 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, OH 43219
Columbus Museum of Art
Classic and contemporary art, interactive exhibits, and a sculpture garden with great spaces for kids.
480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Scene 75 Entertainment Center
Go-karts, inflatables, laser tag, arcade games, and a 35-foot drop tower.
6144 S Meadows Dr, Columbus, OH 43235
Outdoor Activities
Franklin Park Conservatory Children's Garden
A large outdoor play space with giant nets, balance beams, and a maze integrated into beautiful landscaping.
1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
Scioto Mile & Bicentennial Park
A free downtown splash zone with 15,000 sqft of fountains and 1,100 fog nozzles, plus riverfront walking.
233 Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215
Highbanks Metro Park
Family-friendly trails through forests, along cliffs, and past Adena Indian mounds with a nature center.
9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Quarry Trails Metro Park
A unique park built in a former limestone quarry with swimming, kayaking, and cliff-side trails.
Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Rock climbing wall, bird watching, hiking trails, and a dog park along the Scioto River.
Free Things to Do
Scioto Mile Fountains
Free downtown splash zone with thousands of water jets.
Franklin County Metro Parks
22 free parks with hiking, playgrounds, and nature programs.
North Market
Free to walk through Columbus's public market with local food vendors and events.
Whetstone Park of Roses
Free 13-acre park with 11,000 roses and a community garden.
Rainy Day Plan
COSI
Full-day science museum voted best in the nation.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Indoor LEGO rides, building, and 4D theater.
Columbus Museum of Art
Indoor art exhibits with kid-friendly areas.
Scene 75 Entertainment Center
Indoor go-karts, laser tag, and arcade.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring
- •Columbus Zoo spring events
- •Whetstone Park roses bloom
- •Outdoor farmers markets
Summer
- •Scioto Mile splash fountains
- •Columbus Zoo water park
- •Red, White & Boom fireworks (July 3rd)
Fall
- •Lynd Fruit Farm apple picking
- •Boo at the Zoo
- •Fall foliage at Hocking Hills (1 hour away)
Winter
- •Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
- •Ice skating downtown
- •COSI indoor adventures
Nearby Day Trips
Hocking Hills State Park
60 miles southeast
Stunning waterfalls, rock caves, and family-friendly hiking trails.
The Wilds
80 miles east
A 10,000-acre conservation center where you safari through open fields with rhinos, giraffes, and cheetahs.
Kings Island
90 miles southwest
A major amusement park with roller coasters, a water park, and a kids' area near Cincinnati.
Local Parent Tips
Columbus is extremely affordable for families compared to coastal cities.
The Short North Arts District is walkable and family-friendly with galleries, food, and monthly Gallery Hop events.
Hocking Hills State Park is just an hour away and worth a day trip for the waterfalls and caves.
Explore More Family Resources
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