Fun Family Things To Do In Columbus Ohio

Columbus, Ohio is one of the most underrated family-friendly travel destinations in the Midwest. It is safe, clean, affordable, and filled with attractions that are perfect for kids, parents, and even grandparents. Whether you love animals, museums, hands-on exhibits, park adventures, food halls, or sports activities – the city has something for every age group. Many people search for fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio because it offers the perfect balance of education and entertainment. From world-class zoos to science centers to botanical gardens, Columbus is loaded with unique places that are impossible to get bored of.

Families can easily spend a weekend here and still not cover everything. This blog will walk you through some of the top and most exciting places you should not miss when planning your family itinerary in Columbus. Each attraction below delivers a unique experience that will keep kids excited and adults satisfied. So, let’s explore the best fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio and make your trip planning easier, smoother, and more enjoyable.

1. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the most famous family attractions in the country, and it definitely ranks at the top of the list of fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio. Families can explore different habitat zones like Australia & The Islands, North America, Africa, and Asia. The zoo is home to more than 10,000 animals and offers interactive shows, live learning experiences, and seasonal events that are perfect for children of all ages. The zoo is huge, so families can easily spend an entire day walking around, watching feedings, and discovering unique animal species.

From polar bears to elephants to exotic marine creatures, there is always something happening at the Columbus Zoo. The nearby water park, Zoombezi Bay, is right next door – which means you can turn this into a double adventure if your family loves water slides and wave pools. The zoo also offers stroller rentals, food areas, rest spots, and family amenities, making it easy to explore comfortably. Without a doubt, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the most unforgettable fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio because it delivers both learning and excitement in one place.

2. COSI – Center of Science and Industry

COSI is one of the coolest hands-on science museums in the U.S., and it is one of the most recommended fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio. Kids love COSI because every room is full of touch-and-learn science exhibits. You can explore space displays, an ocean-themed hall, dinosaur fossils, energy innovation zones, and even interactive live science shows. Families can try experiments together, learn how things work, and explore how technology is shaping the future. COSI is ideal for families who want education mixed with fun. You can spend hours inside without even realizing how quickly time passes.

Younger children have their own separate area with water play, climbing zones, and age-appropriate exhibits. Older kids and teens enjoy the engineering and physics section where they can build things, test them, and watch the results in real time. COSI also hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year, which means every visit can be different. It is also perfectly located near downtown, so after your museum visit you can easily grab food or walk outside near the riverfront. COSI has been a top choice for fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio for decades, and it continues to be a favorite for both tourists and local families.

3. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

If your family loves peaceful environments, colorful flowers, and nature photography, then Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a must-visit. It is truly one of the most relaxing fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio. The conservatory is filled with glass greenhouses, exotic plant rooms, butterfly exhibits, and large outdoor gardens where children and adults can enjoy nature up close. Families can walk through tropical rainforest-style rooms, desert plant sections, and seasonal flower installations that change throughout the year.

The children’s garden is especially popular because kids can run around, climb structures, splash around in the play areas, and explore miniature landscapes built just for them. The conservatory also hosts rotating art exhibits like glass sculptures, landscape art, and nature-themed creative pieces that make the environment even more magical. It is also a great spot for family photos because every section is picturesque. The experience is calming, fun, and inspiring — making it one of the best fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio, especially for families that want a slower paced attraction after an action-packed day at the zoo or COSI.

4. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus

LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a highly popular attraction for children who love building, creating, and imagination play. Inside this indoor activity center, families will find themed LEGO zones, a 4D cinema, interactive rides, model displays of Ohio landmarks built entirely from LEGO bricks, and a huge play area where kids can build anything they can think of. It is one of the ultimate fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio because children instantly become engaged and stay busy for hours. Parents love it because it is a safe, indoor, climate-controlled space — making it perfect for rainy days, cold winters, or hot summers.

There are special activities, LEGO workshops, birthday party rooms, and photo spots where kids can take pictures with giant LEGO characters. It is located inside Easton Town Center, one of the largest shopping and dining complexes in Ohio. So after the LEGO fun, families can grab ice cream, snacks, lunch, or even go shopping. For families with younger children, LEGOLAND Discovery Center stands out as one of the most exciting fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio because it stimulates creativity and offers nonstop entertainment in a colorful environment.

5. Columbus Commons & Bicentennial Park Fountain Splash Pads

If your children love open spaces, play zones, and running outdoors, then Columbus Commons and Bicentennial Park are both amazing outdoor spaces for families. The Commons often hosts free concerts, fitness classes, food festivals, and kid-friendly weekend events. During warm months, you will find food trucks, play equipment, and seasonal activities that keep children fully engaged. Meanwhile, Bicentennial Park sits along the Scioto River and features one of the most popular splash pad fountains in the region. Kids run through water jets, cool off in the spray areas, and have a blast during summer afternoons.

Parents can relax on benches or grab refreshments while kids burn off energy. These public parks are great because they are cost-friendly, walkable, and filled with activities depending on the season. Many families who want budget-friendly fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio choose these parks because they offer a perfect combination of play, nature, and entertainment without expensive admission fees. Being located downtown, both these parks also give families quick access to restaurants, riverfront walking paths, and scenic views — making them ideal for outdoor quality time.

6. Ohio Stadium Tour – A Fun Sports Experience

Ohio Stadium, also known as “The Horseshoe,” is one of the most iconic college football stadiums in the country. Families who love sports, especially football, will enjoy touring this massive venue. While it might not be the first attraction people think of when searching for fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio, it actually offers a unique behind-the-scenes experience that is memorable for children and adults. The stadium tour lets families stand field-side, walk through press areas, see player tunnels, and learn the history of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Kids who love sports get excited seeing how big the stadium is in real life.

Parents who follow college football appreciate the legacy and atmosphere that Ohio Stadium represents. Even if your family does not usually watch football, the tour still gives a great cultural learning experience because Ohio State football is a major part of Columbus identity. On game days, the crowds, marching band, and energy are unbelievable, and families can experience a different side of the city when attending a live match. Whether you choose a guided tour or game day visit, Ohio Stadium definitely deserves a spot in your list of fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio.

7. Easton Town Center – Shopping, Dining & Entertainment

Easton Town Center is not just a mall — it is more like a family entertainment district. Here you will find indoor playgrounds, outdoor plazas, toy shops, movie theaters, candy stores, restaurants, cafés, and seasonal pop-up events. Kids can enjoy LEGO activities at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, families can watch movies together, and parents can shop at premium stores. The best part is that Easton keeps updating its events calendar regularly, which means there is always something happening — holiday lighting in winter, outdoor concerts in summer, and promotional events throughout the year.

Many parents mention Easton when talking about fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio because it gives families entertainment choices in one place. You don’t have to waste time driving between places — everything is within walking distance. During holidays, the decorations are stunning and perfect for family photos. Children love the fountains, open courtyards, and candy stores, while adults enjoy the dining options and brand shopping. Whether you are spending the whole day or just a few hours, Easton Town Center always ends up being one of the most enjoyable fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio.

8. German Village & Book Loft

German Village is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Columbus. With cobblestone streets, brick cottages, bakeries, coffee shops, dessert spots, and local artisan stores — it feels like stepping inside a European village. One of the top highlights here is The Book Loft — a massive 32-room bookstore filled with books in every genre. Kids love getting lost inside the themed rooms, and adults enjoy browsing through art books, travel guides, biographies, and limited editions. Families can stop for pretzels, pastries, pizza, or ice cream at nearby eateries.

Schiller Park is also located in the center of German Village — this is a perfect green spot for kids to run around, enjoy outdoor time, or have a small picnic. Many families mention that exploring German Village is one of the most unique fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio because it gives a European-village feeling without leaving the Midwest. The walk is peaceful, the environment is kid-friendly, and the streets are full of character — making it a wonderful cultural and relaxing experience for the entire family.

9. Otherworld – Immersive Art Experience

For families who want something different, artistic, mysterious, and visually stunning — Otherworld is the perfect experience. It is an immersive art museum filled with mind-bending rooms, neon lighting, fantasy-style environments, interactive technology, hidden passages, unique sound effects, and surreal installations. Kids and teens love exploring rooms that look like they are from another planet. Adults enjoy the creativity, storytelling, and futuristic concepts behind the art. You walk through themed portals, touch interactive walls, enter glowing tunnels, and take unforgettable photos inside every room.

Otherworld is one of the most modern and futuristic fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio, especially if your family loves Instagram-worthy places. Every corner is photogenic and designed for visual engagement. Unlike typical museums where looking only is allowed, here you can touch, explore, and interact with the exhibits — making it more exciting. It is also an indoor attraction, which makes it ideal for rainy days, winter months, or hot summer afternoons. Families leave feeling amazed and inspired — it’s not just a museum, it’s an adventure you step into.

10. Topgolf Columbus – Active Family Game Fun

Topgolf is a great option for active families who enjoy games, sports, competition, and outdoor entertainment. It is basically a modern version of a golf range — but much more fun because it includes targets, scoreboards, digital screens, fun challenge modes, and food served to your private lounge bay. Kids can try easy shots, parents can play at their own level, and everyone can track their points on screens. You don’t have to be a golfer — even beginners have a great time.

Many families choose Topgolf when searching for fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio because it combines activity with social time and food. There are also climate-controlled bays, so you can play even in cold or hot weather. Families can enjoy snacks, lunch, or dinner while playing, and the environment has a fun upbeat energy. It’s perfect for birthdays, family nights, weekend outings, or vacation evenings. When you want something interactive that entertains all ages together — Topgolf is a perfect choice.

Conclusion

When it comes to planning a family getaway or a weekend vacation, Columbus truly stands out as a destination filled with variety, culture, nature, entertainment, and educational value. From world-famous attractions like the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and COSI, to relaxing nature escapes like Franklin Park Conservatory, to hands-on creativity at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, families never run out of options here. And when you add German Village, Topgolf, Otherworld, Easton Town Center, public parks, and iconic sports venues like Ohio Stadium — it becomes clear why so many travelers search for fun family things to do in Columbus Ohio. The city provides both premium world-class attractions and free outdoor activities, making it suitable for every budget and every type of family.

Whether you are visiting with toddlers, school-age children, teenagers, or grandparents — everyone will find an activity that matches their interests. More importantly, Columbus is clean, easy to navigate, and offers excellent dining and accommodation options. Every spot mentioned in this list gives families a memory-making experience that is meaningful, enjoyable, and exciting. So if you want to plan a vacation that combines learning, adventure, creativity, sports, nature, and unforgettable moments — Columbus, Ohio should definitely be at the top of your list. The city proves that family travel can be educational, entertaining, and rewarding all at once.