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While visiting Columbus, Ohio, bring your Tiny Travelers to a great zoo, science center, waterpark and amusement park

The capital and largest city of Ohio, Columbus has a reputation for a varied economy of politics, education, and a thriving retail history.  While Columbus is often overlooked as a family destination, its colletion of economical entertainment and attractions options has created an influx of tourism over the years. 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.

Visit the Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau or call (614/221-6623 or 800/354-2657) for information on accommodations

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. 

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.

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.