Things to do with kids in Columbus, OH

Sandbox VR

High-tech virtual reality experience with group games suitable for older kids and teens.

4.9 (7292)$$$Dublin, OH

💬 1 local tip

Dave & Buster's Hilliard

Large arcade with a restaurant, sports bar, and ticket-redemption games.

4.1 (3910)$$Hilliard, OH

Scene75 Entertainment Center

Large indoor amusement center with go-karts, laser tag, arcade games, and inflatables.

4.3 (3579)$$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Dave & Buster's Columbus - Polaris

Large arcade with a restaurant, sports bar, and ticket-redemption games.

4.0 (3007)$$Columbus, OH

Pins Mechanical Co.

Social venue with duckpin bowling, pinball, and arcade games. Note: 21+ after evening hours.

4.5 (2993)$$Dublin, OH

Skate Zone 71

Roller skating rink offering public skate sessions, lessons, and arcade games.

4.2 (2568)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Mohican Adventures River Trips & Fun Center

Outdoor recreation hub offering river tubing, canoeing, go-karts, and mini-golf.

4.6 (2282)$$Loudonville, OH

💬 1 local tip

Rule 3

Entertainment center with bowling, arcade games, and casual dining.

4.2 (2225)$$Pickerington, OH

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus

Indoor playground with LEGO-themed rides, building zones, and a 4D cinema.

4.1 (2193)$$$Columbus, OH

💬 4 local tips

Big Air Trampoline Park

Indoor trampoline park with dodgeball courts, foam pits, and a dedicated toddler area.

4.7 (2081)$$Columbus, OH

💬 7 local tips

Star Lanes Polaris

Upscale bowling alley with an arcade and restaurant, suitable for family outings.

4.3 (1926)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Chuck E. Cheese

Indoor family entertainment center with arcade games, pizza, and play zones.

3.9 (1760)$$Dublin, OH

Bicentennial Park

Urban park featuring a large interactive splash pad, walking paths, and river views.

4.7 (5445)FreeColumbus, OH

Goodale Park

Historic city park with a playground, tennis courts, and great views of the downtown skyline.

4.7 (4503)FreeColumbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Schiller Park

Community park in German Village with a playground, fishing pond, and outdoor stage for summer performances.

4.7 (4074)FreeColumbus, OH

💬 4 local tips

Sharon Woods

Large park with a lake, jogging trails, nature walks, and a playground.

4.7 (3691)FreeWesterville, OH

Scioto Audubon Metro Park

Riverside park with a large climbing wall, obstacle course, hiking trails, and bird watching.

4.7 (3153)FreeColumbus, OH

💬 2 local tips

John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons

Downtown park with a carousel, reading room, and frequent family-friendly community events.

4.6 (2641)FreeColumbus, OH

💬 4 local tips

Three Creeks Metro Park

Large park with extensive trails, fishing, boating, and sports facilities.

4.6 (2638)FreeGroveport, OH

Antrim Park

Community park with sports fields, courts, and walking trails around a lake.

4.7 (2258)FreeColumbus, OH

Topiary Park

Unique park featuring life-sized topiary sculptures based on a famous painting.

4.6 (2210)FreeColumbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Prairie Oaks Metro Park

Sprawling park with prairies, lakes for boating/fishing, and hiking trails.

4.7 (1935)FreeWest Jefferson, OH

Homestead Metro Park

Park featuring a train-station replica, caboose, and paved walking trails.

4.7 (1692)FreeHilliard, OH

Coffman Park

Large community park with a playground, walking paths, historic home, and seasonal ice skating.

4.6 (1645)FreeDublin, OH

Hocking Hills State Park

Iconic state park with hiking trails, waterfalls, caves, and scenic gorges.

4.8 (17770)FreeLogan, OH

💬 1 local tip

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Beautiful botanical gardens with seasonal plant displays, glass art, and a dedicated children's garden.

4.8 (11986)$$Columbus, OH

💬 18 local tips

Highbanks Metro Park

Scenic park with hiking trails, river views, and a nature center.

4.8 (5395)FreeLewis Center, OH

💬 6 local tips

Ohio Caverns

Guided walking tours through extensive limestone caverns with unique crystal formations.

4.8 (4925)$$West Liberty, OH

💬 1 local tip

Blacklick Woods Metro Park

Large nature preserve with wooded hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and a nature center.

4.7 (4230)FreeReynoldsburg, OH

💬 2 local tips

Columbus Park of Roses

Beautiful 13-acre public garden featuring thousands of rose bushes and walking paths.

4.8 (4051)FreeColumbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Expansive nature park with bison pastures, hiking trails, and creek access.

4.8 (3786)FreeGalloway, OH

💬 5 local tips

Inniswood Metro Gardens

Beautiful botanical gardens with walking paths, a children's garden, and nature trails.

4.8 (3553)FreeWesterville, OH

💬 1 local tip

Blendon Woods Metro Park

653-acre park with a nature center, waterfowl refuge, disc golf, and seasonal ice skating.

4.7 (3542)FreeColumbus, OH

Hayden Falls Park

Scenic park featuring a boardwalk leading to a 35-foot waterfall and overlook.

4.5 (3151)FreeDublin, OH

Indian Run Falls

Forested urban park with nature trails and a picturesque cascading waterfall.

4.6 (2429)FreeDublin, OH

Olentangy Caverns

Guided underground cavern tours, gemstone mining, a petting zoo, and mini-golf for a full day of family fun.

4.5 (1722)$$Delaware, OH

💬 1 local tip

Zoombezi Bay

Large water park with slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool located next to the zoo.

4.4 (6250)$$$Powell, OH

💬 2 local tips

Alum Creek State Park Beach

Large sandy beach on the reservoir with a swimming area and playground.

4.5 (3933)FreeLewis Center, OH

💬 1 local tip

Scioto Mile Fountain

Interactive splash pad and fountain area located along the riverfront.

4.7 (1020)FreeColumbus, OH

Highlands Park Aquatic Center

Outdoor summer pool with slides, lazy river, and dedicated toddler play areas.

4.5 (593)$$Westerville, OH

💬 1 local tip

Groveport Aquatic Center

Public outdoor pool facility with slides, a lazy river, and zero-depth entry for kids.

4.4 (549)$$Groveport, OH

Big Splash

Outdoor water park featuring slides, climbing walls, and a dedicated play area for younger children.

4.1 (382)$$Grove City, OH

Hilliard Family Aquatic Center

Seasonal outdoor pool with water slides, a lazy river, and a kids' climbing frame.

4.2 (375)$$Hilliard, OH

Dodge Pool

Municipal outdoor swimming pool for summer recreation.

4.1 (304)$Columbus, OH

Columbus Aquatics Center

Indoor municipal pool facility for lap swimming and recreation.

4.4 (279)$Columbus, OH

Grandview Heights Municipal Pool

Outdoor municipal pool for summer family swimming.

4.3 (264)$$Columbus, OH

Maryland Swimming Pool

Neighborhood outdoor pool located in Saunders Park.

4.1 (232)$Columbus, OH

Gahanna Swimming Pool

Municipal outdoor swimming pool with recreational swim areas for families.

4.2 (211)$Gahanna, OH

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Massive zoo and aquarium with diverse animal exhibits, a carousel, and seasonal events for all ages.

4.7 (41762)$$$Powell, OH

💬 7 local tips

Young's Jersey Dairy

Working farm with ice cream, restaurant, mini-golf, batting cages, and petting zoo.

4.6 (13961)$$Yellow Springs, OH

💬 2 local tips

The Wilds

Large-scale safari park featuring open-pasture animal viewing, ziplining, and guided tours.

4.8 (4142)$$$Cumberland, OH

💬 2 local tips

Lynd Fruit Farm

Seasonal farm offering u-pick fruits, a market, and family-friendly outdoor activities.

4.7 (2717)$$Pataskala, OH

💬 1 local tip

Circle S Farms

Working farm offering seasonal activities like pumpkin picking and farm-themed family fun.

3.9 (535)$$Grove City, OH

Slate Run Living Historical Farm

A working 1880s farm where families can see livestock, crops, and historical demonstrations.

4.8 (381)FreeAshville, OH

Picture Perfect Ranch

A private ranch offering horseback riding and animal experiences.

4.9 (349)$$Lancaster, OH

Lynd Fruit Farm

Family-owned farm offering seasonal u-pick apples, berries, and pumpkins, plus a farm market.

4.7 (184)$$Pataskala, OH

Jacquemin Farms

Seasonal farm market featuring u-pick strawberries and pumpkins, plus a play area for kids.

4.5 (179)$$Plain City, OH

Slate Run Living Historical Farm

Working 1880s farm where families can see livestock, crops, and historical demonstrations.

4.8 (139)FreeCanal Winchester, OH

💬 4 local tips

Moser's Farm Market and Barn

Local farm market offering fresh produce and seasonal family-friendly farm experiences.

4.9 (108)$$Powell, OH

Hann Farms

Local farm offering seasonal produce and u-pick opportunities in a rustic setting.

4.2 (89)$$Columbus, OH

National Museum of the US Air Force

Massive aviation museum with historic aircraft, flight simulators, and 3D theater.

4.9 (29835)FreeDayton, OH

💬 3 local tips

Otherworld

Immersive art installation with interactive rooms and puzzles that kids and adults will love.

4.6 (9390)$$Columbus, OH

💬 5 local tips

Columbus Museum of Art

Art museum featuring diverse collections, a dedicated family gallery, and interactive creative spaces.

4.7 (4488)$$Columbus, OH

💬 11 local tips

Ohio Theatre

Historic theater hosting family-friendly performances, musicals, and classic films.

4.8 (4152)$$Columbus, OH

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

Premier science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and hands-on labs for all ages.

4.4 (3214)$$$Columbus, OH

💬 19 local tips

Palace Theatre

Historic venue hosting theatrical productions, dance, and family-friendly stage shows.

4.6 (2396)$$$Columbus, OH

National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Educational museum honoring veterans with interactive exhibits and historical displays.

4.8 (893)$$Columbus, OH

Columbus Metropolitan Library

Main library branch with excellent children's areas, reading programs, and family activities.

4.8 (840)FreeColumbus, OH

💬 14 local tips

Motts Military Museum, Inc.

Extensive collection of military artifacts and historical exhibits spanning various conflicts.

4.9 (729)$$Groveport, OH

AHA! A Hands-On Adventure A Children's Museum

Interactive indoor play space designed specifically for young children.

4.5 (534)$Lancaster, OH

💬 3 local tips

Ohio History Center

Museum featuring interactive exhibits on Ohio history and the Ohio Village, a re-creation of an 1860s town.

4.6 (490)$$Columbus, OH

💬 3 local tips

Columbus Metropolitan Library: Hilliard Branch

Public library with dedicated children's areas, reading programs, and family events.

4.7 (440)FreeHilliard, OH

Makers Social

DIY craft studio where families can choose from various projects to build and create together.

4.8 (391)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Musicologie

Music school offering private lessons for various instruments and ages.

5.0 (248)$$Columbus, OH

Brush Crazy

Art studio offering walk-in pottery painting and canvas painting classes for all ages.

4.9 (206)$$Columbus, OH

Musicologie

Music school offering private lessons for various instruments and voice for all ages.

5.0 (191)$$Westerville, OH

Lewis Center Music Academy

Music academy providing private instruction in piano, guitar, voice, and more.

4.9 (187)$$Lewis Center, OH

Studio 614

Art studio offering public workshops, classes, and private events for various ages.

4.8 (162)$$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Ronin Training Center

Martial arts and fitness training center offering youth programs.

4.6 (139)$$Columbus, OH

Musicologie

Music school offering private lessons for various instruments and voice for all ages.

5.0 (138)$$Lewis Center, OH

Powell Academy of Music

Music school offering private lessons for a variety of instruments and voice.

5.0 (135)$$Powell, OH

The Bare Bowl

Paint-your-own pottery studio offering walk-in sessions for all ages.

4.8 (131)$$Delaware, OH

uPaint Pottery Studio

Ceramic painting studio with a wide selection of pottery pieces for kids and adults.

4.6 (130)$$Columbus, OH

Columbus Glass Art Center

Glass blowing studio offering workshops and classes for older kids and teens.

4.8 (121)$$$Columbus, OH

Game Show Battle Rooms - Columbus

Interactive game show experiences where groups compete in trivia and physical challenges.

5.0 (14111)$$$Hilliard, OH

Breakout Games

Immersive escape room experience with various themed puzzles.

4.9 (11607)$$$Columbus, OH

The Escape Game Columbus

High-quality themed escape rooms suitable for families and groups.

5.0 (10416)$$$Columbus, OH

AMC Easton Town Center 30

Large multiplex cinema located in the Easton Town Center shopping district.

3.9 (6421)$$Columbus, OH

Marcus Crosswoods Cinema

Modern movie theater with comfortable seating and dining options.

4.6 (5852)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Marcus Pickerington Cinema

Modern cinema featuring mainstream films and expanded dining options.

4.4 (5072)$$Pickerington, OH

All In Adventures Escape Rooms

Mall-based escape room venue with multiple short-duration games.

4.7 (4119)$$Columbus, OH

Lennox Town Center 24 Theatres

Large multiplex cinema showing the latest family-friendly blockbusters.

4.0 (3493)$$Columbus, OH

AMC Dublin Village 18

Standard multiplex movie theater showing current family films.

4.3 (3299)$$Dublin, OH

💬 1 local tip

AMC Grove City 14

Standard movie theater showing current releases.

4.3 (3205)$$Grove City, OH

Cinemark Polaris 18 and XD

Large theater complex with stadium seating and XD screens for an immersive movie experience.

4.5 (3094)$$Columbus, OH

South Drive-in Theater

Classic outdoor drive-in theater showing double features; also hosts a weekend flea market.

4.5 (2680)$$Columbus, OH

BrewDog DogTap Columbus

Family-friendly brewery with a large outdoor space, games, and a menu that includes kid options.

4.5 (4616)$$Canal Winchester, OH

💬 1 local tip

Cap City Fine Diner and Bar

Retro-style diner serving classic American comfort food in a family-friendly, polished setting.

4.6 (4329)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Resch's Bakery

Classic local bakery serving donuts, cakes, and pastries.

4.7 (3580)$Gahanna, OH

Los Guachos

Popular, casual taqueria famous for authentic tacos al pastor and quick counter service.

4.5 (3505)$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Villa Nova Ristorante

Long-standing family-run eatery offering hearty Italian and American dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.6 (3445)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

Large family-friendly chain with an extensive menu of pizza, burgers, and kid-approved desserts.

4.1 (3224)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Kona Grill - Columbus

Modern restaurant offering a diverse menu of sushi, steaks, and American fare in a sleek environment.

4.3 (3119)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Brassica in the Short North

Bright, casual Mediterranean cafe serving customizable pita sandwiches and bowls.

4.8 (3034)$$Columbus, OH

💬 2 local tips

Buckeye Donuts

Iconic 24-hour donut shop and cafe near the university.

4.6 (2900)$Columbus, OH

Northstar Cafe in the Short North

Popular organic cafe with a modern vibe, known for house-baked sweets and family-friendly brunch options.

4.5 (2602)$$Columbus, OH

💬 2 local tips

The Pizza House

Simple, classic diner-style spot serving pizza, pasta, and subs in a casual setting.

4.7 (2498)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Chick-fil-A

Fast-food chain known for chicken sandwiches and kid-friendly service.

4.4 (2408)$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Easton Town Center

Large outdoor shopping complex with a movie theater, fountains, and family-friendly dining options.

4.5 (25892)$$Columbus, OH

💬 2 local tips

Polaris Fashion Place

Indoor shopping mall featuring a children's play area and various family-friendly events.

4.5 (11280)FreeColumbus, OH

💬 3 local tips

IKEA

Furniture store with a famous cafeteria and a supervised play area for children.

4.4 (11105)$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Tanger Outlets Columbus

Open-air outlet mall with a variety of brand-name stores.

4.5 (9353)$$Sunbury, OH

💬 1 local tip

The Book Loft of German Village

A massive, maze-like bookstore with 32 rooms of books, a local favorite for all ages.

4.8 (7526)$Columbus, OH

💬 3 local tips

Saraga International Grocery

Expansive international market with a huge variety of global snacks, produce, and ingredients that kids often find fascinating.

4.3 (4766)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Tensuke Market, llc

Japanese market featuring a variety of authentic goods and a popular ramen/sushi counter.

4.8 (2607)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Half Price Books

Large bookstore chain with a wide selection of children's books, games, and media.

4.6 (1984)$Columbus, OH

Foys Halloween and Variety Store

Iconic local variety and costume shop known for its unique, quirky inventory.

4.7 (1212)$$Fairborn, OH

💬 1 local tip

Used Kids Records

Local record shop with a unique selection, recommended by parents for music-loving families.

4.8 (1167)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Half Price Books

Large bookstore chain with a wide selection of children's books, games, and media.

4.6 (1148)$Lewis Center, OH

Big Fun Columbus Vintage Toys

Nostalgic toy store filled with vintage and unique finds that kids and parents will enjoy browsing.

4.9 (1074)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Lou Berliner Sports Park

Large sports complex with fields, a playground, and picnic areas.

4.5 (1654)FreeColumbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Westerville Community Center

Public facility with a massive indoor pool, lazy river, climbing wall, and open gym time for families.

4.6 (1495)$Westerville, OH

💬 4 local tips

Whetstone Community Recreation

Public recreation center with park space, playground, and youth programs.

4.6 (973)FreeColumbus, OH

Franklin County Fairgrounds

Large fairgrounds hosting seasonal events, festivals, and community gatherings.

4.1 (832)$$Hilliard, OH

💬 1 local tip

Jellystone Park Columbus North

Family-oriented campground with pools, mini-golf, and organized activities.

4.4 (776)$$Mt Gilead, OH

💬 1 local tip

Dublin Community Recreation Center

Public rec center with indoor pool, gym, and youth programming.

4.5 (643)$Dublin, OH

💬 3 local tips

Linden Community Center

Municipal center offering open gym time, youth sports programs, and community activities.

4.6 (526)FreeColumbus, OH

Pastime Park

Versatile park with an aquatic center, disc golf, camping, and playground facilities.

4.5 (525)$Plain City, OH

Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA

Community center offering youth programs, swimming, and fitness facilities for families.

4.5 (502)$$Columbus, OH

💬 3 local tips

Dodge Park and Community Center

Public facility with an outdoor pool, skate park, hockey rink, and indoor gym space.

4.3 (447)$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Whetstone Community Center

Local community center offering fitness classes, youth activities, and recreational space.

4.6 (374)$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Hilltop YMCA

Community center with gym facilities and youth programming.

4.5 (302)$$Columbus, OH

Nationwide Arena

Large professional arena hosting major sports events and concerts.

4.7 (10485)$$$Columbus, OH

Topgolf Columbus

High-tech driving range with climate-controlled bays and food service; fun for older kids and teens.

4.3 (2308)$$$Columbus, OH

💬 2 local tips

Shadowbox Live

Performance venue offering sketch comedy and musical shows; check age ratings for specific productions.

4.9 (2247)$$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Columbus Clippers

Minor league baseball team playing at Huntington Park, offering family-friendly games and stadium atmosphere.

4.8 (827)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Colony Cats Adoption Center

Local cat adoption center where families can visit and interact with adoptable cats.

4.2 (815)FreeDublin, OH

💬 1 local tip

LVL UP Sports Paintball & Airsoft Park

Outdoor paintball and airsoft fields for older kids and teens.

4.9 (767)$$$Grove City, OH

💬 1 local tip

Taft Coliseum

Historic arena at the state fairgrounds hosting various sporting events and shows.

4.4 (671)$$Columbus, OH

Mr. Game Room Game Truck

Mobile gaming theater that brings a climate-controlled truck with consoles and screens to your location.

4.9 (468)$$$Gahanna, OH

💬 1 local tip

SuperGames

Event center featuring large inflatables, obstacle courses, climbing walls, and arcade games.

4.5 (237)$$Columbus, OH

Camp Mary Orton

Outdoor camp facility offering youth programs, team building, and seasonal events.

4.7 (150)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip

Lynd Corn Maze

Large seasonal corn maze and fall festival activities located at the Lynd Fruit Farm site.

4.6 (146)$$Pataskala, OH

Bumble's Backyard

Private, fenced-in dog park that families can rent for safe, off-leash play with their pets.

4.9 (137)$$Columbus, OH

💬 1 local tip