Top Family Vacation Spots in Columbus, Ohio, United States

All Topics about Columbus All Cities in United States

1. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Home to over 10,000 animals across 700 species, with exciting exhibits like the Heart of Africa and Zoombezi Bay water park.

Wide Variety of Animals: Offers an extensive collection of animals, making it a great choice for animal lovers.
Educational Programs: Provides educational programs to help kids learn about wildlife and conservation efforts.
Water Park: Features a water park for families to enjoy during hot summer days.

Interactive science museum with exhibits on space, health, and environment, offering hands-on experiences for all ages.

Hands-On Experiences: Provides a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about science concepts.
Space Exhibit: Features a large-scale space exhibit that lets visitors explore the wonders of the universe.
EcoStation: Houses live animals and plants, allowing families to learn about local ecosystems.

17 parks with hiking trails, picnic areas, and recreational facilities, offering opportunities for outdoor activities.

Outdoor Activities: Provides a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
Picnic Areas: Offers picnic areas for families to enjoy meals together while enjoying the outdoors.
Nature Preserves: Protects various ecosystems, allowing families to learn about and appreciate nature.

A series of parks along the Scioto River featuring walking paths, bike rentals, and riverboat cruises.

Riverboat Cruises: Offers scenic boat tours that allow families to enjoy views of the city from the water.
Bike Rentals: Provides bike rentals for families to explore the Scioto Mile's extensive trail system.
Events and Festivals: Hosts events and festivals throughout the year, providing additional entertainment for families.

Annual fair featuring rides, food, exhibits, and live entertainment, held during summer.

Amusement Rides: Offers a variety of amusement park rides for thrill-seeking families.
Food Vendors: Features unique and delicious food options from local vendors.
Live Entertainment: Hosts concerts, shows, and other live performances throughout the fairgrounds.

Entertainment district with restaurants, bars, and a concert venue, perfect for families looking for nightlife.

Restaurants: Hosts a variety of family-friendly dining options to suit different tastes.
Nationwide Arena: Home to the Columbus Blue Jackets and host of concerts, offering entertainment for families.
Sports Bars: Features sports bars for families to enjoy watching live games while dining.

Tropical greenhouses showcasing exotic plants, plus outdoor gardens and a sculpture garden.

Exotic Plants: Features rare and exotic plant species from around the world.
Outdoor Gardens: Offers outdoor gardens that change with the seasons, providing a different experience each time.
Sculpture Garden: Features sculptures by renowned artists throughout its beautiful gardens.

Museum exploring Ohio's history, including exhibits on culture, industry, and natural history.

Cultural Exhibits: Offers exhibits showcasing the diverse cultures that make up Ohio's history.
Industrial History: Explores the role of industry in shaping Ohio and its development over time.
Natural History Exhibits: Provides insights into Ohio's natural history, including its geology, wildlife, and ecosystems.

Nature preserve with hiking trails, a boat launch, fishing spots, and picnic areas.

Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails for families to explore the natural beauty of Ohio.
Boat Launch: Allows families to launch their own boats onto Darby Creek for a day on the water.
Fishing Spots: Provides opportunities for families to fish in various areas of the park.

Art museum featuring a diverse collection spanning centuries and cultures, with educational programs for families.

Diverse Collection: Offers an extensive collection of artworks from various periods and cultures.
Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for families to learn about different art forms and techniques.
Temporary Exhibitions: Hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase the works of renowned artists or specific themes.

Petting zoo and picnic area with a variety of farm animals for families to interact with.

Petting Zoo: Allows children to interact with and learn about various farm animals.
Picnic Area: Offers a picturesque setting for families to enjoy a picnic together.
Farm Activities: Features farm-related activities, such as wagon rides and pumpkin patches during certain seasons.

Minor league baseball stadium where families can enjoy a game while enjoying food and drinks.

Baseball Games: Offers the excitement of watching professional baseball games.
Food Vendors: Features a variety of food and drink options, including local favorites.
Promotional Nights: Hosts themed nights, such as firework shows or special player appearances.

Nature preserve with a variety of birdwatching spots, hiking trails, and picnic areas.

Birdwatching Spots: Offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching due to its diverse ecosystems.
Hiking Trails: Provides a network of hiking trails that allow families to explore the park.
Picnic Areas: Offers scenic picnic areas for families to enjoy meals together while enjoying nature.

Guided bike tours through the picturesque town of Canal Winchester and its historic canal system.

Biking Tours: Provides guided tours for families to explore Canal Winchester's scenic bike trails.
Historic Canals: Allows families to learn about the town's rich history through its historic canal system.
Local Restaurants: Includes stops at local restaurants for lunch or refreshments during the tour.

Living history farm with historic buildings, animals, and demonstrations of 19th-century farming techniques.

Historic Buildings: Offers a glimpse into life during the 19th century through restored farm buildings.
Animals: Features various farm animals that children can interact with and learn about.
Farming Techniques: Provides demonstrations of traditional farming techniques used in the 19th century.