Family Living


Top 10 Things To Do With Young Kids in Columbus

Family Living | June 11, 2018
people strolling along riverside path in columbus ohio

Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized as one of the best cities in America in a variety of different ways. One reason it ranks so highly is that it’s an amazing city for young families. Quaint neighborhoods and COSI, the famous science center, make the Columbus area a great place to raise a family.

Top 10 Things To Do With Kids In Columbus

Because there are so many options, our staff at The Gardner School of Dublin wanted to share some of our list of the top 10 things to do with young kids in and around the Columbus area:

  1. COSIThere’s much to see and do inside COSI, your family could easily spend multiple days exploring the interactive science museum. Toddlers will love to run around in the kids’ space, while older kids can enjoy the planetarium shows and riding COSI’s high-wire unicycle.
  2. Columbus Zoo and AquariumWith more than 10,000 animals to see, pet, and feed, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium provides the latest and greatest of the animal kingdom.
  3. Columbus Museum of ArtIn addition to important works of art from Ohio and around the world, this museum also includes the Wonder Room, a one-of-a-kind woodland gallery for families including costumes, games, storytelling, a treehouse, and interactive art projects.
  4. Topiary ParkWhether you take a docent-led tour or prefer to explore on your own, the Topiary Park located near the downtown library is certainly a favorite destination for young families. There are 54 people made of plants and bushes as well as boats, dogs, and other animals, standing up to 12 feet tall!
  5. Olentangy Indian CavernsThe Olentangy Indian Caverns are located just a few minutes away from the Columbus Zoo and are believed to have once been used by the Wyandotte Indians. Your kids can learn about fossils and rocks with a cave tour. Additionally, there’s mini-golf, gem-mining, hiking trails, and a playground.
  6. Columbus CommonsLooking for a green space in the middle of the city to put your feet up and let the kids run around? Columbus Commons is a 9-acre park in the heart of downtown Columbus that hosts a carousel, green space, and packed roster of activities, all of which makes this park a great destination for families.Columbus Commons also presents Family Fun Days on Fridays throughout the summer with free inflatables (even a water slide inflatable) for kids to enjoy.
  7. Graeter’s Scoops and Chutes Play AreaIs there anything kids love more than ice cream and playgrounds? Graeter’s Scoops & Chutes combine the two for the ultimate kid-friendly experience. They also provide tours of the ice cream factory.
  8. Columbus Clippers. Local sports teams provide hours of fun for Columbus-area families. The Columbus Clippers is a minor league farm team for the Cleveland Indians. Clippers games are popular for families because the tickets are inexpensive. A bonus for families is the stadium’s lawn seating options, which eliminates the burden for moms and dads who don’t want to keep their kids in bleachers or seats for the duration of a game.
  9. Inniswood Metro GardensThese gardens, located in Westerville, are a magical place for young children. Your kids can walk amongst the trees on suspension bridges and climb into a treehouse as they look for frogs or hide in the Secret Garden.
  10. Columbus Children’s TheatreThe Columbus Children’s Theatre literally has something to offer for children of all ages. Kids as young as 1 can enjoy toddler-oriented one-act plays that last about 30 minutes. One-act musicals and plays lasting about an hour are just right for kids ages 3 to 12. The theatre also offers sensory-sensitive shows for children or family members with special sensory-related needs.

Whether you love fun food experiences, immersive historical exhibits, the outdoors, or educational activities the whole family can enjoy, Columbus has a lot to offer. For families in the Columbus area, be sure to like to The Gardner School of Dublin’s Facebook page for new and exciting activities for your kids.

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