As Ohio’s capital and fastest-growing city, Columbus has it all — from award-winning parks and hands-on museums to creative play spaces and cool neighborhoods full of surprises. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are countless things to do with kids in Columbus year-round.
Let’s explore some of the top spots that make Columbus a go-to destination for fun-loving families!
Consistently rated one of the best science museums in the country, COSI is a must-visit for families.
What to expect:
A giant dinosaur exhibit
A kid-friendly Little Kidspace
Planetarium shows
Outdoor science park (seasonal)
🎟️ Great for all ages, especially 2–12.
This family-friendly museum features:
Interactive exhibits
A huge creativity zone for kids
Rotating galleries of classic and modern art
🎨 A perfect low-key weekend outing.
Located just north of the city in Powell, this world-famous zoo includes:
An award-winning aquarium
A water park (Zoombezi Bay, summer only)
Themed zones with animals from around the world
🦁 Plan to spend a full day here!
This indoor/outdoor garden oasis is ideal for all seasons. You’ll find:
Tropical plants and butterflies
Rotating exhibits and seasonal events
An outdoor children’s garden with water play and climbing zones
🪴 Beautiful and relaxing — bring a camera.
Columbus has no shortage of indoor attractions for kids, including:
LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Easton
Scene75 Entertainment Center (arcade, laser tag, mini golf)
Trampoline Parks – giant indoor adventure parks
☁️ Perfect for burning off energy indoors.
Don’t miss these local favorites:
Scioto Grove Metro Park – trails, playgrounds, and river views
Hannah Park – big playground with unique climbing structures
Whetstone Park & Park of Roses – great for picnics and nature walks
Commons Playground (Downtown) – modern play area near food and shops
🌞 So many free outdoor options for all ages!
Some shopping areas in Columbus double as entertainment hubs:
Easton Town Center – indoor/outdoor mall with fountains, train rides, LEGOLAND, and restaurants
Polaris Fashion Place – indoor play area, kids’ stores, and food court
Short North Arts District – strollable with public art and family-friendly spots
🛍️ You can sneak in errands while still having fun with the kids!
CATCO is Kids – children’s theater with interactive performances
Ohio History Center – hands-on learning about Ohio’s past
Topiary Park – walk among plant sculptures shaped like a painting
🎭 Culture and creativity go hand in hand in Columbus.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – locally famous and nationally loved
Graeter’s Ice Cream – creamy scoops and kid-friendly sundaes
🍪 Pro tip: Try the Buckeye flavor for a true Ohio treat.
Columbus offers a perfect mix of big-city fun and hometown charm. Whether you’re chasing butterflies at the conservatory, building LEGOs at Easton, or exploring a new trail — there’s always something new to discover.
Looking for more? Head over to our Greater Columbus page to explore the full map of locations, or check out our Top 10 Lists to find local favorites.