15 Best Things to do in Columbus with Kids!

In Ohio, Columbus is one of those cities that surprises families in the best way. At first glance, it may look like a busy capital city with government buildings and offices, but once you start exploring, you realize it’s full of fun spots for kids. From science museums and art centers to outdoor parks and playful neighborhoods, Columbus has plenty of activities that make family trips exciting and easy to enjoy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 15 best things to do in Columbus with kids, sharing details about each spot so you can plan your trip with confidence.

1. Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) turns learning into fun with hundreds of hands‑on exhibits that both kids and adults can try out. Visitors get the chance to step into different worlds, from dinosaurs and outer space to ocean life and everyday science, each designed to spark curiosity. Families with children often spend time in Little Kidspace, while adults enjoy the Dinosaur Gallery along with other themed areas. The museum also has a giant screen theater for immersive shows, and the planetarium is a highlight, taking guests on a journey through the stars and far beyond.

2. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers a chance to discover variety of animals from around the world in spaces built to look like different regions. A walk through the zoo might take you into Africa, where giraffes and lions roam, then over to the Arctic to spot polar bears and foxes, and later into Asia to see elephants and tigers. The aquarium adds another layer of adventure, with manatees and a wide variety of fish showing the value of water habitats. Since the zoo stretches across hundreds of acres and features countless exhibits, families usually plan to spend the whole day exploring.

3. Zoombezi Bay

The Zoombezi Bay is a summer water park, where families cool off by spending some time in pools, sliding down water rides, and relaxing in mixed play areas. Since it is part of the Columbus Zoo, many visitors plan their trip to include both animal exhibits and water fun in one outing. The park features a large wave pool for splashing, a lazy river for floating, and fast slides for those looking for thrills. Younger kids usually stay in shallow areas with fountains and safe climbing spots, while older children and teens prefer the bigger slides and the action river that keeps them moving.

4. LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Walking into the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, visitors are welcomed by bright Lego displays and kids quickly head toward the interactive play areas, where they can build and design with their favorite Lego pieces. The 4D cinema adds extra fun, using special effects to make Lego movies feel real and engaging. A major highlight is Miniland, a small-scale city built completely from Lego bricks, featuring well-known Columbus landmarks in amazing detail. Families also enjoy rides such as Kingdom Quest, while Lego workshops give young builders tips and ideas from experts to help them create more.

5. Scene75 Entertainment Center

The Scene75 Entertainment Center is a big indoor venue where families can spend hours enjoying a variety of activities together. The arcade has plenty of games that both kids and adults can play, and there are plenty of attractions like go‑karts, mini‑golf, and laser tag for more fun and excitement. Kids usually head straight to the inflatables and soft play zones, and one of the unique features is the small indoor roller coaster, which sets this place apart from many other centers. Food is easy to find inside, with simple snacks and meals available so families don’t need to step out during the day.

6. Otherworld

The Otherworld is a creative indoor space where visitors walk through themed rooms filled with interactive art works, bright lights, and plenty of sculptures. Unlike a traditional museum, this place invites people to touch, explore, and even play with what they see. There are more than forty themed spaces, each designed to feel like a different world, making the visit full of surprises. Families often enjoy the bright and playful sections, while adults spend more time in areas with detailed and imaginative designs. Since photography is welcome, many visitors take pictures to capture the unusual displays.

7. Columbus Children’s Theatre

The Columbus Children’s Theatre (CCT) is a community stage where families take kids to watch live performances created especially for young audiences. Most of the shows are built around well‑known stories, which makes it easy for children to follow along and stay engaged. The theatre organizes different series of performances, making them a good fit for little ones who may be experiencing theatre for the first time. Beyond performances, the theatre also offers workshops and summer camps where kids can learn singing, acting and stage skills in a playful and engaging way.

8. Magic Mountain Fun Center

The Magic Mountain Fun Center gives families a chance to enjoy indoor and outdoor activities without the need to spend a whole day at a large amusement park. Guests can hop into go‑karts and race around the track, while the mini golf courses bring extra fun with their playful designs. Inside, the most popular attractions is laser tag and the arcade keeps everyone entertained with racing simulators, interactive machines, and ticket games that appeal to both kids and adults. Younger kids often head to the playland area, while teens prefer outdoor options like bumper boats or batting cages.

9. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is home to the Palm House, a glass building from the late 1800s that showcases towering palms and tropical plants, making visitors feel like they’ve stepped outside Ohio. As you explore, you pass through sections that highlight desert plants, rainforest greenery, and vibrant orchid displays. Seasonal butterfly releases and art blends into the setting with Dale Chihuly’s bright glass creations placed among the gardens. At night, the Palm House lights up with glowing displays that makes the old glass building stand out as centerpiece of the gardens.

10. Ohio History Center

The Ohio History Center is designed to tell Ohio’s story in a way that feels clear and easy for anyone to follow. Inside, visitors walk through several exhibits that share stories of Native American culture, Civil War events, and everyday life from different periods in Ohio’s past. Families often enjoy looking at old cars, clothing, and furniture, which give an idea of how people lived in the past. The museum explains Ohio’s part in shaping the nation, and nearby sits Ohio Village, a recreated town from the 1800s where guides in period costumes show how people lived and worked during that time.

11. Columbus Museum of Art

The Columbus Museum of Art gives visitors a chance to see both traditional and modern works in a way that feels enjoyable. The galleries inside showcase paintings, sculptures, and many photos that show artistic ideas from many cultures and time periods. Families often spend time in the Wonder Room, a space designed for kids to explore art through play and hands‑on activities. Outside, the sculpture garden offers a calm place where visitors can take rest after walking through the exhibits. Guests also value the free admission on Sundays, which makes the museum easier for everyone to visit.

12. Scioto Audubon Metro Park

The Scioto Audubon Metro Park was once an old industrial site, but today it has been transformed into more than 100 acres of green space along the river. The park’s trails connect with the Scioto Greenway, making it easy for walkers and bikers to go on longer rides. One of the attraction is the free climbing wall, which is considered one of the largest public walls in the country. Guests can also enjoy sand volleyball courts, play bocce, or use the wide open fields for casual games. Some visitors choose the river instead, where kayaking and fishing add extra ways to enjoy the outdoors.

13. Nationwide Arena

The Nationwide Arena serves as a main hub for live concerts, hockey games, and large events, making it one of the city’s most active venues. It serves as the home rink for the Columbus Blue Jackets, bringing fans throughout the season to watch NHL games. Beyond sports, the venue also hosts concerts and family shows, attracting crowds with different interests. Sitting in the Arena District, it is surrounded by restaurants and hotels, which makes planning dinner or a full night out simple. Inside, food stands are spread around, and walkways help families move comfortably during events.

14. Ohio Expo Center & State Fair

The Ohio Expo Center & State Fair is a big venue that organizes Ohio State Fair every summer along with many other events during the year. The fair is known as one of the largest in U.S, bringing together rides, food vendors, concerts, and farm exhibits all in one place. Families spend time on the Midway enjoying the rides, while kids often look forward to seeing animals and the well‑known butter cow. Music and live entertainment take place inside the Celeste Center. When the fair is not happening, the Expo Center continues to host trade shows, sports competitions, and cultural gatherings.

15. Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum

The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum celebrates the history and creativity of comics and cartoons in a way that feels welcoming for visitors. Located on the Ohio State University campus, it holds millions of items including comic strips, editorial drawings, books, and original pieces of art. Families often enjoy exhibits that highlight familiar characters, while students and researchers explore the collection to learn how cartoon art has influenced culture over time. The museum also shows how comics have captured daily life, humor, and even political themes across different generations.

---

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

---

Related Articles