We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like COSI to hidden gems like the Picture Perfect Ranch, there’s something in CBUS for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 25 kid-friendly activities around the 614.
🧠 Educational activities
COSI, 333 West Broad St. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Learn about science with 300+ interactive experiences and hands-on experiments. Kids will remember the planetarium.
Columbus Metropolitan Library, Multiple branches
Find a large variety of books and try educational art activities. Kids will remember getting paired with a reading buddy.
Ohio History Connection, 800 E. 17th Ave.
Ages three and under get in for free. Kids will remember browsing museums about ancient artifacts, extinct and endangered Ohio species, and historical events.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Enroll in classes and camps to learn about nature, bugs, and plants. Kids will remember cultivating and harvesting a garden.
The COSI Planetarium is the largest in Ohio. | Photo by @cosiscience
🎨 All about the arts
Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Enjoy art classes and open studios to experiment with art supplies. Kids will remember creating their own masterpieces.
Otherworld, 5819 Chantry Dr.
This immersive art museum mixes science fiction and fantasy with large-scale, interactive art pieces. Kids will remember the mixed reality playgrounds.
Viral Columbus Selfie Museum, 1555 N 4th St.
Take pictures in 19+ selfie booths with themes and bright colors. Kids will remember posing with the provided props.
The eye in this Otherworld exhibit follows you as you walk through the forest. | Photo via @enter.otherworld
🦁 Animal encounters
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
The Zoo makes a great place to host birthday parties or enroll in summer camp. Kids will remember hands-on educational experiences with animals.
Picture Perfect Ranch, 1214 Rockmill Rd. NW
Book a guided tour to see Highland cows, horses, alpacas, pigs, goats, and ducks. Kids will remember feeding and petting farm animals.
🎢 Thrill-seeking fun
Play: CBUS, 535 Lakeview Plaza Blvd.
The city’s largest indoor adventure park has ropes courses and climbing walls. Kids will remember going ziplining.
Get Air Columbus, 3708 Fishinger Blvd.
This indoor trampoline park has special hours for toddlers to jump. Kids will remember dodgeball and the foam pit.
Scene 75 Entertainment Center, 5033 Tuttle Crossing Blvd.
Find go-karts, inflatables, arcade games, and laser tag. Kids will remember the 35-ft drop tower.
Ninja Citi Adventure Park, 2620 Sawmill Place Blvd.
Explore indoor trampolines, rock climbing walls, and a parkour arena. Kids will remember the 12 ninja courses.
Play: CBUS is a 53,000-sqft indoor adventure park for all ages. | Photo by @playcbus
💦 Splash around
Zoombezi Bay, 4850 Powell Rd. | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Enjoy a variety of water slides, lazy rivers, and toddler splash area. Kids will remember the wave pool.
Scioto Mile Fountain, Bicentennial Park, 233 Civic Center Dr.
This free downtown splash zone will soon be open year round thanks to a $15 million renovation. Kids will remember the 15,000 sqft of fountains with 1,100 fog nozzles.
Baboon Lagoon is a great place to work off some energy. | Photo via @zoombezibay
🎳 Indoor adventures
Columbus Sqaure Bowling Palace, 5707 Forest Hills Blvd.
Open daily, this bowling center has 64 lanes, party rooms, food, and TVs. Kids will remember a birthday party at the bowling alley.
Glow Putt Mini Golf, 161 Granville St.
Play under black lights at this glow-in-the-dark, indoor mini golf course. Kids will remember getting a glowing hole-in-one.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus, 157 Easton Town Ctr.
Meet LEGO characters and see mini LEGO masterpieces. Kids will remember the 4D cinema with wind, rain, and fog effects.
Momi Land, Multiple locations | 🎟️ Family memberships available
Ages eight and under can ride multi-slides and play in ball pits. Kids will remember the kitchen and vanity-themed playrooms.
Youngsters can enjoy the “Little Play Sqaud” at LEGOLAND. | Photo via @ldccolumbus
🍽️ Foodie families
North Market, Multiple locations
From pizza to bagels to ice cream, even the pickiest eaters can find something at these Dublin and downtown markets. Kids will remember their first cone of Jeni’s.
Our CupCakery, 54 S. High St.
Kids and families can try baking classes, camps, or parties. Kids will remember baking and decorating their own birthday cake.
🌳 Great outdoors
Schiller Park, 1069 Jaeger St.
This 23.45-acre park has a fishing pond, basketball court, tennis court, and walking trail. Kids will remember the playground.
Blendon Woods Metro Park, 1069 W. Main St.
The park has natural play areas, trails, and disc golf. Kids will remember the nature centers.
Fancyburg Park, 3600 Tremont Rd.
Amenities include a playground, tennis courts, and a nature area. Kids will remember the ball diamonds.
Scioto Audubon Metro Park, 400 W. Whittier St.
Get active in nature with rock climbing, canoeing, and biking. Kids will remember the obstacle courses.
Ready to visit these local attractions but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured activities.
