Family friendly things to do in Columbus, Ohio

So far we have been writing about fun places to go and ways to get there for less. We are always looking for fun things to do on vacation and places we can travel to next. Well now we want to share the fun things we do in our own home town.  Maybe you can turn it into your next getaway. 

Columbus, Oh has so much to offer. The other day I was nagging Keith about how we never do anything, but looking back at scrap books we do a lot.

I can remember going to the zoo as a kid maybe a handful of times. But here in Columbus we are zoo members and go all the time! We have so many great exhibits, shows, and also a 4d theater. Attached to the zoo is also an awesome water park that we also try and visit at least once a summer. The zoo also offers a summer camp for kids. 

Columbus also has a minor league baseball team - The Columbus Clippers (Triple A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians). Our stadium is the 4 time minor league ball park of the year winner. Great food and drinks=fun family night out. 

During the fall and winter visitors can catch a Blue Jackets NHL game downtown surrounded by fun bars and restaurants in the arena district. 

Columbus has two theaters down town where we’ve caught a few plays. I’m looking forward to taking my daughters to some travel versions of Broadway shows that come through. Like beauty and the beast! 

The Marysville hot air balloon festival is another fun event we’ve been too. We’ve enjoyed the food truck, bounce houses and picnic dinner while watching them set off tons of fun hot air balloons. And don’t forget the suvioners available! 

One year as a fun trip before school started the kids and I took a tour of the Anthony Thomas chocolate factory just minutes from our house. I think I was more amazed during the tour than the kids. They may have been a little young. Luckily the admission price went towards a candy purchase at the end. Then of course the kids were having a blast! 

In the spring the memorial golf tournament visits Muirfield golf course in nearby Dublin. This is always an exciting time with lots of golf and busy bars in downtown Dublin. 

For the outdoorsy people, Hocking Hills is an hour drive from Columbus. There are a bunch of hiking trails and zip lines here. You can also rent cabins and camp. Great outdoor adventures. 

Buckeye Lake is also 45 min away and Indian Lake an hour away from Columbus. Both are awesome spots for camping and boating activities. We got lucky and have some friends with a house on Indian Lake and had a wonderful trip there this summer. 

We have an amazing science center, COSI. They have tons of great exhibits, a big play space with water area, a new outdoor play ground, fountain park and an Imax theater. We are also members here! 

There is also the only remaining metal whistle producing factory in the U.S. in central Ohio. They do tours as well. I planned to set up a neighbor group trip here this summer but never got around to it. Definitely on my list of things to do! I think I subconsciously didn’t set it up because they give each kid a whistle at the end of the tour and I really didn’t want three kids with loud metal whistles at my house. 

Franklin Park conservatory is home to tons of gardens and butterflies. They also have an amazing new kids area with water features. We have yet to go again since the renovations. 

We are also the home of the Buckeyes!! This means big football Saturdays and lots of tail gates! OSU

also has lots of other big sporting events to attend as well. 

And since we have such big indoor and out stadiums we are able to host lots of concerts! 

The more I think about it the more I think of! Needless to say when you can’t take a vacation check out what’s around you. And if you’re ever in Columbus hopefully you can try one of the things/places listed above.