Summer’s here, folks! Time to pack up the kiddos, slather on that sunscreen, and dive into all the family fun Columbus and Central Ohio have to offer.
Columbus and its surrounding areas are the ultimate playground for family fun this summer, and while there’s a lot to do, we’re going to guide you through it all.
Whether your crew is wild about animals, crazy for adventure, or just loves to explore, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re just planning a quick day trip or perhaps a full-blown summer adventure, Central Ohio is bursting with activities that promise to keep everyone entertained. So grab your calendar, start penciling in these must-do summer experiences, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories.
Zoombezi Bay and the Columbus Zoo
4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
With 14 separate water attractions, rentable cabanas, and premium adult-only lounges Zoombezi Bay is such an easy and fun way to cool off in the sweltering sun once the kiddos are out of school for the summer. Plus, you can hit the Columbus Zoo the same day either before or after your splashing and swimming, which is one of the largest and most renowned zoos in the entire world!
Zoombezi Bay Additional Info Here
Columbus Zoo Additional Info Here
Trip to Young’s Jersey Dairy
6880 Springfield Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Ice cream, batting cages, putt putt, driving ranges, corn mazes, picnic areas, and a whole lot more, there’s really no better family fun paradise than Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Their homemade ice cream really hits different after 18 competitive holes of putt putt (or, for you parents of young ones, chasing the golf balls around the course as your kids take full swings at them).
Cave Hikes
What better way to cool off and hide from the humid summer air than descending into the depths of a cool (both in looks and temperature), gorgeous cave? I bet you didn’t realize there were so many caves around Central Ohio, which will make for a unique experience for the entire family that they’ll be bragging about to their friends for years to come. Check out our guide to cave hikes here!
Zip Lining at ZipZone Outdoor Adventures
7925 N High St, Columbus, OH 43235
If you’ve got a family full of thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies, ZipZone Outdoor Adventures is calling your name. Voted as the #2 Best Aerial Adventure Park in the United States by USA Today, there are thrills for the whole family here. A kids park with two kid-friendly courses is perfect for your young ones ages 4 – 7, while the adventure park and the guided zip line tours are exciting activities for everyone 7 and up.
Find more details here.
Do Go Chasing Waterfalls Around Columbus
While we love TLC, we think you shouldn’t take their lyrics too seriously as there are some truly beautiful waterfalls hidden around Columbus that are worth chasing. Perfect for a relaxing day with a side of exercise or even a spot to capture some family pictures for your Christmas cards this year (it’s never too early to start planning, ya know), these waterfalls are an easy and fun adventure for the entire family. Some of our favorites are at Quarry Trails Metro Park in Northwest Columbus, Hayden Run Falls in South Dublin, and Indian Run Falls just north of Downtown Dublin.
Columbus Clippers Games
330 Huntington Park Ln, Columbus, OH 43215
It’s never too early to start introducing your kids to America’s Pastime, and there’s no better way to do it than a night at the park cheering on the Columbus Clippers. You don’t even have to enjoy baseball to enjoy a night at the park. Tickets are cheap (we’re talking $6 kids tickets cheap), the food is tasty, and the chance to catch a foul ball is always keeping you on your toes. Plus, you may see some of Major League Baseball’s biggest stars playing down here as they rehab an injury, such as Gold Glove Award Winner and AL Batting Average Leader Steven Kwan! Some of my favorite memories involve catching baseball games as a kid… we promise your kids will love it too.
Free Carousel Rides and Commons for Kids at the Columbus Commons
160 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Yes, you read that right. Every day from now until September 30th, the Carousel at the Columbus Commons is open and free to ride anytime between 11 AM and 7 PM. There are also Commons For Kids Mornings every Friday from June 7th – August 9th, offering face painting, balloon twisting, lawn games, and much more, as well as Free Movie Nights and so much more! It’s all free and it’s all fun, plus it’s a great way to get your kiddos out of the house and running around.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
