Life was easier back when we were kids. No worrying about money, cooking meals, grocery shopping, or paying taxes… those were the days! Life was just more fun when we were young.
Luckily, Columbus is full of spots for us adults to go back and relive our childhood glory, even just for a couple of hours at a time. Whether you’re a racer with a need for speed or a pinball wizard, these spots are sure to make you feel like a kid again.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
Big Air Trampoline Park
1400 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240
When you think playground, what are the first things that come to your mind? Did you say trampolines, zip-lines, and foam pits? Then you’re in luck, because Big Air has all of those and more waiting for your arrival.
Columbus Axe Throwing
560 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
If you’re anything like me, you love throwing sharp objects at a bullseye. But if darts are too low stakes for you, it’s time to take the next step and try axe throwing. Plus there’s delicious food at the ready, which is the perfect way to rejuvenate after an hour of chopping wood (kinda).
Star Lanes Polaris
8655 Lyra Drive, Columbus, OH 43240
Bowling alleys are infamously the ultimate adult playgrounds… but let’s not sell Star Lanes short. It has way more than just bowling. There is a large arcade, billiards, an extensive food and drink menu, and even virtual reality!
Vertical Adventures
6513 Kingsmill Court, Columbus, OH 43229
There are two things that, as a kid, I thought I would do more frequently as an adult: 1. Get trapped in comically deep quicksand and 2. Go rock climbing! I can’t even count how many rock climbing birthday parties I went to as a kid, and yet I haven’t done it in probably a decade. After seeing the expansive walls at Vertical Adventures, I’ve got the itch to go rock climbing again.
Scene 75
5033 Tuttle Crossing Boulevard, Dublin, OH 43016
No matter how many adult playground activities you can name, there’s almost a 100% chance that Scene 75 has it all. Indoor Go Karts? Yep. Mini golf? Uh huh. An arcade? Yes. Bumper cars? Obviously. Running out of options, are you? I think it’s time to go check it out in person.
Tabletop Game Cafe
4316 N High St. Columbus, OH 43214
Are you more of a board game person than an arcade game person? Tabletop Game Cafe is going to be your second home. You’ll have access to over 600 board games along with food and drinks at the ready.
Coliseum X
100 Dillmont Dr, Columbus, OH 43235
Known as “the largest venue for indoor combat entertainment in Ohio,” Coliseum X offers extreme laser tag, axe throwing, nerf wars, gellyball (think less painful paintball), a full arcade, and a full service bar.
Glow Putt Mini Golf
91 N Stygler Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
Featuring 18 exciting safari-themed holes, Glow Put Mini Golf isn’t just your run-of-the-mill mini golf course. Everything inside glows in the dark, making you feel like you’re golfing at the Masters but in a different dimension.
Old North Arcade
2591 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
If you’re looking for a spot to drink craft beers and cocktails while playing classic pinball, arcade, and video games, Old North Arcade is the place to be. There’s also Skee-ball, life sized Jenga, and cornhole available. Plus, if you’re drinking, you play for free!
Buckeye Raceway
4050 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43228
Been watching too much Formula 1? Want to race your friends to see who really has the lead foot in your group? Buckeye raceway has indoor Karting with speeds of up to 45 miles per hour! Buckeye raceway also offers axe throwing and Footbowl, which is a unique combination of football and bowling.