Is your family itching to get out and explore Columbus this summer? Let me guess, you have no idea where to start? We get it, it’s no small feat. Kick your feet up, take a load off, and let us do the work. It’s kind of what we do.
Number 1 : Ohio State Fair
717 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211 / more info
If you’re a one and done kinda planner, the Ohio State Fair is the perfect activity to keep your family busy all day long. From July 26th – August 6th, the fair gates will be open with general admission starting at $10 for kids and $12 for adults. Oh – parking is free, by the way! There will be numerous food vendors, an ungodly amount of fried foods, an exotic petting-zoo, helicopter rides, a magic show, and lots of family-friendly fair games to spark up some friendly competition. It may take a few cycles through the washing machine to get the lingering smell of funnel cake out of your clothes, but there are worse smells.
Number 2 : Doran’s Fruit Farm
5462 Babbitt Rd, New Albany, OH 43054 / more info
Skip the produce aisle at the grocery store and get your hands dirty (in a good way) while picking fruit at Doran’s Fruit Farm in New Albany! Ohio’s warm weather window is brief, so a family trip to the great outdoors is a sweet way to seize the summer. Peaches and melons are practically the fruits of the summer and are ready to be picked by hand. Cute, right? Bring your own little baskets and fill them to the brim with this summer’s sweetest, freshest, and juiciest produce.
Number 3 : Columbus Museum of Art
480 East Broad St, Columbus OH 43215 / more info
For a more laid-back family outing, make your way to the Columbus Museum of Art. Kids under five are always free admission, but Saturdays are free for everyone from 10am – 5pm, woot! There are several exhibits to observe, including special art galleries catered toward little ones to keep them engaged. The “Big Idea Gallery” and “Wonder Room” offer hands-on activities for parents and kids which capitalize on encouraging connectivity and creativity. You won’t have to stress about finding a lunch spot either – there’s a cafe right at the main entrance. Are you sold yet?
Number 4 : Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
4850 W Powell Rd, Powell OH 43056 / more info
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to over 9,000 different animals and 650 species, so there won’t come a point in the day where you think to yourself, “there’s not much to see here.” Bring your most loyal anti-chafe sneakers, pray for no blisters, and make your way around the 10,000 acres of park. If the Columbus Zoo could talk, it would probably say something like, “I’m not a regular zoo, I’m a cool zoo,” because in addition to its wildlife, it also has a water park, roller-coasters, and boat-rides. Oh, and if we may – we would like to make a small but honorable mention.. the soft pretzels. Thank us later.
Number 5 : The Scioto Mile
233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus OH 43215 / more info
Before we unpack this, let’s get this minor detail out of the way. It would probably be a good idea to practice saying, “Scioto,” as it sounds absolutely nothing like how it is written. You may be tempted to say, “skee-o-toe,” but you and the children will likely be reprimanded by a passerby since the proper pronunciation sounds like, “sigh-oh-tuh.” Got it? Ok, class is over – let’s get to the fun part. The Scioto Mile is a large park on the Scioto River with gorgeous trails, an outdoor concert venue, and a nature-center for all you birdwatchers out there. Bring some sunscreen and enjoy some family time as you walk along the river.
Number 6 : Easton Town Center
160 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus OH 43219 / more info
If you’re in need of some TLC that only a shopping trip can provide, the indoor-outdoor Easton Town Center is definitely your best bet. Shopping and restaurants and entertainment, oh my! It’s something for the whole family, as there’s endless options for the kiddos to take part in as well. There’s a massive LEGOLAND Discovery Store Center, an American Girl Store, and an AMC dine-in theater with very, very plush seating. Can I get an Amen?
Number 7 : ZipZone Outdoor Adventures
7925 N High St. Columbus OH 43235 / more info
Need more adventure in your life? ZipZone Outdoor Adventures is the place to make that happen for you and the family. With varying outdoor courses, climbs through the forest, treehouses, and zipline tours – you’ll have the chance to unleash your adventurous spirit. There is also a kid’s park for children ages 4-7 years old with courses and ziplines designed specially for them. Sound like a hoot?
Number 8 : The Ohio Theatre
39 E State St, Columbus OH 43215 / more info
Come on down to the Ohio Theatre and see a play or concert – and be prepared to say, “wow.” Its grandiose red and gold interior will keep you in a perpetual state of awe as you make your way to your seats, but try not to stare – that’s rude. If you’ve got little ones who don’t want to miss out on the show, the venue offers booster seats so they can watch comfortably. There’s always something happening at the Ohio Theatre, and you won’t want to miss it.
Number 9 : Hayden Run Falls Park
4326 Hayden Run Rd, Columbus OH 43017 / more info
Uh oh, don’t tell me you’ve lived out your days not knowing that you can see a waterfall here in Columbus? No, I’m not messing with you. You can cancel that ticket to Hawaii and wipe your tears, Hayden Falls is here. All you have to do is take a quick 15 minute trek up the boardwalk to a 35-foot waterfall oasis. Then, you may peacefully marvel at the sound of rumbling water and take in the impressive forest scenery. Take that, Maui.
Number 10 : Scene75 Entertainment Center
5033 Tuttle Crossing Boulevard, Dublin OH 43016 / more info
Get ready to make a scene here at Scene75, as there is no ceiling to the entertainment options for you and the whole family. Scene75 is a family-owned indoor entertainment center where lazer tag gets serious and go-karts go crazy. There are classic arcade games, blacklight mini golf, and even a “spin zone” with the bumpiest of bumper cars. A nap may be necessary to gear up for all the fun.. a good nap.. like a blackout curtain kind of nap. Capiche?
