Home to Ohio State University's Buckeyes, Columbus, Ohio boasts quality education, museums, art, and pedestrian friendly pockets. Park your car at the Short North and peruse unique shops, eateries, and galleries or join the Gallery Hop the first Friday of the month. Or make your way to the historic German Village for authentic brawtwursts and sausage at Schmidt's.
The capital and largest city of Ohio, Columbus has a reputation for a varied economy of politics, education, and a thriving retail history. Leslie Wexner started his career with the successful apparel chains The Limited, launching a retail conglomerate including Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, Henri Bendel, among many more. While Columbus is often overlooked as a family destination, its collection of economical entertainment and attractions options has created an influx of tourism over the years.
Great Fun for the Kids
(Toddler to Age 8)
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
9990 Riverside Drive
Powell, OH 43065
800/MONKEYS or 614/645-3550
Nestled in the northwest corner of the city, over 660 species from all regions of the planet frolic, nap and wander in their naturalistic habitats at the Columbus Zoo. The Shores, only one of the three outside Florida, is home to three female Florida manatees. Other attractions are the gorillas in the African Forest, the Pachyderm yard (the world's largest indoor elephant exhibit), Australia, and North America, where visitors can see Bald Eagles, Cougars, and stroll through the Migratory Songbird Aviary.
COSI
333 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
888/819-COSI or 614/228-COSI
COSI, the Center of Science and Industry, is a perfect place for your budding scientist to explore. Fully immerse your senses in the cutting-edge exhibits of seven interactive exhibit worlds including Ocean, Space, Progress, Life, little kidspace, and Gadgets. The Gadget cafe lets kids "order" up their own inventions, take everyday things apart, and see how it all works. The Extreme Screen Theater features a seven-story screen and a tilted hemispherical dome. Those with iron stomachs will appreciate the motion simulators energy packed multi-media show. Traveling exhibits and attractions include: Bob the Builder where tots can build along with Bob and his Can-Do crew, Dinosaur Dynasty: Discoveries from China, Magic: The Science of Illusion and Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination, an exhibit which combined costumes and props from all six Star Wars films with real-world technologies.
Fun for Older Children
(Up to Age 18)
Easton Town Center
160 Easton Town Center
Columbus, OH 43219
614/416-7000
Easton Town Center opened its doors in 2000 as an unusual shopping, entertainment and recreation experience. It features an AMC 30-screen movie theater and a Discovery Channel Store. There is also the Shadowbox Cabaret, Funny Bone Comedy Club and GameWorks and Gymboree for toddlers. In a city with such chilly winters, here's an indoor entertainment destination where families can play, eat, drink and socialize in a series of dynamic "zones."
Magic Mountain Fun Centers
East Center
5890 Scarborough Road (Brice RD & I-70)
Columbus, OH 43232
Polaris Center
8350 Lyra Drive (Polaris PKWY & I-71)
Columbus, OH 43240
614/840-9600
These centers are like mini amusement parks, with arcades, KidsGym playgrounds, mini-golf, go-karts (including Rookie Karts for younger drivers), and other amusements at each location like laser tag, bumper cars, and bumper boats. The Polaris Center also has an all-you-can-eat Italian buffet while the East Center has a Cafe.
The Short North
1126 1/2-A North High Street
Columbus, OH 43201
614/299-8050
Adjacent to the Arena District, The Short North boasts a variety of shopping, galleries, kid-friendly restaurants and more. It's easily walkable, making it convenient to park the car and let the kids go exploring or play at Goodale Park. For a special treat, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams (614/294-5364) has a dazzling array of original creations from salty caramel to cocoa zin for more adventurous eaters. Art loving families can check out the gallery hop the first Saturday of every month where galleries open their doors to the public and the streets bustle with excitement.
Columbus Clippers- Minor League Baseball
Cooper Stadium
1155 West Mound Street
Columbus, OH 43223
614/462-5250
Playing through early April until early September, the Columbus Clippers are a Triple A team of the St. Louis Cardinals. For $6 for adults and $3 for children, the family can enjoy hot dogs, cracker jacks and the ballgame. In between innings, Lou Seal and Krash will entertain the kids with wacky games and entertainment. Themed nights include Fun Run, where fans can take a lap around the diamond, and Party-at-the-Park.
Fun for the Family
Columbus Museum of Art
480 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
614/221-6801
The Columbus Museum of Art is an inviting and cozy museum with special kids and families programs. Their Eye Spy Adventures in Art program is an interactive exhibition just for families and focuses on Museum Magic & Mysteries, George Bellows, the woodcarvings of Elijah Pierce, and the art of ancient Mexico. The museum also hosts Family Sundays where families with school-aged children can drop-in for interactive gallery games, exhibits, participate in hands-on art projects, and explore educational exhibits. Kids will love the free gallery hunt designed for visitors of all ages to explore the variety of exhibits.
Wexner Center for the Arts
Ohio State University
1871 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43210
614/292-3535
The Wexner Center regularly hosts family programs and fun exhibits everyone will enjoy. Special tours, interactive hands-on projects, films, and workshops keep kids busy year round. There are also special teen programs just for kids ages 14-18 including opportunities to work with artists as well as participate in an annual VideoSlam event. Wexner's close proximity to the Ohio State Buckeyes makes it a fun way to tap into kids' creative side before taking in a college football game.
Zoombezi Bay
10101 Riverside Drive
Powell, OH 43065
800/MONKEYS
Opened in May 2008, Zoombezi Bay waterpark (formerly known as Wyandot Lake) has recently been acquired by the Columbus Zoo. Attractions include waterslides, a wave pool, small kids area and an action river.
German Village
Visitor's Center: 588 South Third Street
Columbus, OH 43215
614/221-8888
The internationally recognized German Village is a thriving historic area of Columbus. Families can arrange for special tours -- including a scavenger hunt for kids -- with rates from $3-$10 (note a total booking of $100 is required for a tour). The world-famous Katzinger's Delicatessen boasts an endless array of deli sandwiches while Schmidt's Fudge Haus & Gifts and Pistacia Verde offer tantalizing treats. The very first Max and Erma's is located in the heart of the village, as well as the oldest craft store in the country -- Helen Winnemore's Contemporary Craft Gallery. The top floor is dedicated to kid's clothing and toys.
Ohio Village
1982 Velma Avenue
Columbus, OH 43211
614/297-2300
The Ohio Village, only open to the public for signature events, recreates the daily life of a typical countryside town in Ohio during the mid 19th Century, about the time of the Civil War. Craftspeople fashion and sell a variety of period items such as baskets, leather goods, and woodblock prints. Other costumed interpreters pursue activities typical of 1860s townspeople, including farming, cooking and playing games. There is special entertainment on summer weekends and Christmas season. Numerous special events, workshops, and reenactments are held at the village throughout the year. Call ahead or check the web site for a schedule of events.
Visit the Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau or call (614/221-6623 or 800/354-2657) for information on accommodations from luxury suites to affordable rustic lodges. For a taste of the city at your fingertips, The Lofts, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cross Country Inn Continent, and Westin Great Southern are just a few of the hotels located in the heart of downtown and convenient to area attractions.
