As a newly appointed uncle thanks to my brother and sister-in-law (please hold your applause), I take great pride in knowing the best things to do around Columbus for the whole family. I am fully fulfilling my fun-uncle fate.
And while I’m no meteorologist, by my calculations, spring has sprung! We’ve been enjoying such nice weather (I am currently writing this from my front porch), so we couldn’t help from putting together a list of fun family-friendly activities to check out this spring in Central Ohio.
Disclaimer: If you have any qualms with this list, know that I am just an uncle trying to make his niece and nephews like him more than everyone else, so you can’t get mad at me!
1. Catch a Columbus Clippers game (and maybe a foul ball!)
📍 330 Huntington Park Ln, Columbus, OH 43215
The Clippers season is in full swing, with fan-favorites like Dime-a-Dog Nights returning in full force. Plus, the Cleveland Guardians have a bunch of future stars that will be playing right here in Columbus that you and the family won’t want to miss. Grab your tickets here.
2. Hang out at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
📍 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Go visit the over 10,000 animals that call the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium home. Whether you like petting the sting-rays or roaring with the lions, the Columbus Zoo is always fun for the entire fam. You can get even get FREE tickets with your Columbus library card, available at the Main Library, Barnett, Driving Park, Franklinton, Hilltop, Karl Road, Linden, Marion-Franklin, Martin Luther King, Northern Lights, Northside, Parsons, Shepard & Whitehall branches.
3. Raise your heart rate at ZipZone Outdoor Adventures
📍 7925 N High St, Columbus, OH 43235
If you and your clan are a bunch of adventure-seekers, ZipZone will be like heaven on Earth. Challenge yourself in their Adventure Park, glide through the treetops on a Zip Line Tour, or take it easy in the Kid’s Park!
4. Hiking in Hocking Hills State Park
📍 Logan, OH 43138
One of the most beautiful spots in the entire state is just a short 45 – 60 minute drive southeast of Columbus. With countless hiking trails and breathtaking scenery, you’ll never guess you’re in Ohio.
5. Catch and release butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
📍 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
Blooms and Butterflies is one of our favorite exhibits at the Franklin Park Conservatory. With hundreds of butterfly species occupying the Pacific Island Water Garden area, you and your family will make some amazing memories in just a short visit. They offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month for Franklin County residents, too. If your kids love nature and the outdoors, or as my niece calls it, “out tide,” then they’ll love the Franklin Park Conservatory.
6. Explore the Olentangy Indian Caverns
📍 1779 Home Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
This underrated gem has tons of family-friendly activities that your family will love. Want to pet some animals? Check out the petting zoo. Want to do something you’ve never done before? Explore the cool, dark caverns. Want to get competitive? Play some putt-putt!
7. Get active at Westerville Golf Center
📍 450 W Schrock Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
There’s something for the whole family to enjoy at Westerville Golf Center! With a full driving range, putt-putt course, and batting cages, your whole family will be able to soak in the nice spring weather with some outdoor fun.
8. Enjoy Free Family Movie Nights at Columbus Commons
📍 Columbus Commons: 160 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
This one’s a no-brainer: free movies on a giant screen, under the stars, with free popcorn? Yeah, we’re going. The lineup this spring includes kid favorites like Finding Nemo and Inside Out, so bring a blanket, a few lawn chairs, and prepare for some serious bonding time.
9. Visit museums with free admission
📍 Columbus Museum of Art: 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
📍 Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum: 1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210
Who says you can’t have culture on a budget? The Columbus Museum of Art is free every Sunday and has a whole space dedicated to hands-on creativity for kids. Plus, kids 3 and under are always free! And if you’ve never been to the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum — yes, that’s a real place — you’re in for a treat. It’s all the best parts of Sunday comics but in museum form. Lots of goofy things to look at = a great day for the young ones.
10. Participate in Free Kids’ Golf Clinics
Bank of America is launching free celebrity golf clinics for kids and teens in Columbus. These clinics, through the Youth on Course nonprofit, aim to make golf more accessible and fun for young enthusiasts. Whether they’re newbies or can already hit their driver further than you, they’re eligible as longs as they’re between the ages of 6 and 16! Enroll your kiddos ASAP, as this offer ends on May 24th or once they reach 75,000 kids enrolled.
11. Discover the Fairy Doors of Dublin
Embark on a whimsical adventure by exploring the Fairy Doors Trail in Dublin. Collect a passport and find fairy doors hidden throughout the area — a magical experience for young children. Search for the names of each fairy, and if you find them all, you’ll get a free Fairy Door T-Shirt!
12. Experience the COSI Science Festival
📍 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
From April 30 to May 3, COSI hosts its annual Science Festival, offering hands-on science activities suitable for all ages. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to engage with science in a fun environment!
