Family Activities in Columbus, Ohio
Festivals • Music • Nightlife • Culture • Art • Comedy • Concerts • Classes • Tours • Exhibits • Markets
Finding the best family–friendly things to do in Columbus, Ohio can seem hard. There are just so many possibilities. (Imagine shopping at Giant Eagle on a day when it looks like everything is on sale!)
But don’t panic. The Step Out Columbus team has you covered.
Take a look through our blog posts, restaurant summaries, and event profiles. Whether you specifically need things to do in Columbus with kids or you just want to know that you can bring children along, you’ll find out here.
The Top 5 Most Mesmerizing Christmas Light Displays in Columbus Ohio
There’s one magical thing that makes bundling up and braving the elements totally worth it – holiday lights.
9 Fun Things to Do with Friends and Family over Thanksgiving Weekend
Thanksgiving: the official kickoff to the holiday season and the unofficial beginning of “Why did I eat that much?” season.
The Best Sledding Hills in and Around Columbus (For All Ages and Thrill Levels)
Here are the best sledding hills in Columbus and Central Ohio, from family-friendly slopes to steep, adrenaline-pumping runs after fresh snow.
There’s a Museum for Everything… but This One in Ohio Might Be the Strangest Yet
Discover the Pencil Sharpener Museum in Logan, Ohio, home to thousands of wild and quirky sharpeners. It’s tiny, weird, and honestly worth the stop.
12 Fall Ice Cream Flavors in Columbus You Need To Try Before They’re Gone
Craving fall flavors? Try these limited-time ice creams in Columbus and Central Ohio — from pumpkin pie to caramel apple crumble — before they’re gone!
Guide to Family Style Dining
Who doesn’t love to chow down? (Nobody, but especially not kids!) Taking a trip through cuisines from all over the world is one of the most fun family things to do in Columbus, Ohio. You’ll find everything from all-American steakhouse fare and classic pizza to Jamaican, Japanese, and Mediterranean meals (to name just a few).
Each restaurant page includes location, contact details, price range, amenities, seating options, accessibility, and other essential info. (For restaurant deep dives, check out blog posts like this profile of Valter’s in the German Village.)
Pizza
Cafe-Coffee
Mexican
American
Latin American
Burgers
Chinese
CaribbeanEvents You Can Enjoy Together
No matter what season it is or how old your kids are, there’s never a shortage of family things to do in Columbus, Ohio. Whether you’ve got a family full of animal lovers, music buffs, foodies, or fun-seekers who can’t wait to play on the Commons, you’ll find the ideal activities here.
Attractions for the Entire Fam
Are you and your kids Interested in kayaking across Buckeye Lake? Golfing on a budget? Checking out the wonders at Legoland Discovery Center? Catching an Ohio State game if you’re here in the fall?
Whatever your ideal family activities in Columbus, Ohio might be, you’ll learn everything you need to know here.