Columbus (often referred to as Cbus by locals) is the capital city of Ohio. With top-rated attractions such as the Columbus Zoo, COSI, a nationally recognized public library system, an amazing recreation and parks department, and lots of free events it’s easy to see why visiting Columbus is a great idea.
How to use this guide:
Use the tab feature to find information sorted into categories. Click on each image to be taken to a post about that topic.
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Without a doubt, the number one experience is a stop at the Columbus Zoo. There’s so much to see and do, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time. An absolute must is the Heart of Africa area where you will truly feel like you are visiting an African Savannah. The Polar Bear exhibit in North America has an underwater viewing area. Currently there are 3 baby polar bears so hopefully at least one of them will be out on your visit.
In addition to the various animal regions, you’ll find Jungle Jack’s Landing (open spring to fall) with rides and Zoombezi Bay waterpark. Both of these sections require an additional admission price.
Printable Zoo Scavenger Hunt
Quick Trip to the Zoo
COSI
COSI (Center of Science and Industry) has been voted one of the best science centers in the country. If you are visiting with little ones, be sure to head to the top floor and check out little kidspace.
Columbus Landmarks, Statues and Art
These Columbus sights and spots are worth checking out!
Franklin Park Conservatory
Franklin Park Conservatory is a beautiful setting to observe plants, flowers and nature. There are often events geared towards children and seasonally Blooms & Butterflies is a popular exhibit. Currently, through October 29 the exhibit Topiaries at the Conservatory can be seen.
Places to see Animals
There are a lot of places besides the zoo to see animals. This list has a mix of nature centers, sanctuaries, parks, and farms around the Columbus area and beyond.
The Ohio State University Campus
It won’t take you long to realize that Columbus residents are crazy for The Ohio State Buckeyes. If you yell out O-H, you’ll most definitely hear an I-O in return. There’s a lot of Ohio pride.
Ohio State is one of the biggest campuses in the nation and there’s a lot to see and do. A top attraction would be watching the football team play at the Ohio Stadium (often referred to as The Horseshoe.)
Other places of interest are Wexner Center for the Arts, Orton Hall and visit the Orton Geological Museum (free to the public-check days and times), Mirror Lake and Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum.
Popular Family-Friendly Dining Options
101 Beer Kitchen (locations: Dublin, Gahanna, Westerville)
Cap City Diner (locations: Grandview, Gahanna and opening soon in Dublin)
Harvest Pizzeria (locations: German Village, Clintonville and Dublin)
North Market (location: downtown)
Northstar (locations: Short North, Easton, Westerville, Beechwold)
Schmidt’s (location: German Village)
The Thurman Cafe (location: German Village)
This list of Kids Eat Free Nights will help you save money!
These affordable dining options are great for kids too!
Here’s a roundup of one mom’s favorite Columbus spots with options for all budgets.
Start the morning off with a tasty doughnut from one the places listed here.
These spots are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
Here are a few favorite local ice cream shops!
One thing to keep you going on vacation is….COFFEE!!
Shopping Malls
Easton Town Center
Easton Town Center is just a few miles from the airport. There’s an indoor shopping space, but most of the shops are lined along the streets in this open air shopping concept. There are wonderful restaurants, a comedy club- Funny Bone, a huge restaurant/game center at KDB, American Girl store and more!
Polaris Fashion Place
Polaris Fashion Place is a two-level mall with a zoo themed play area, lots of retail stores and many restaurants.
The Mall at Tuttle Crossing
The Mall at Tuttle Crossing contains over 100 stores and a newly renovated children’s play area.
Tanger Outlets
Tanger Outlets is just north of Polaris Fashion Place and Ikea.
Shopping Areas
Short North
The streets of Short North are lined with boutiques, delicious food options, and great people watching! Check out these kid-friendly places.
Suburbs
Many of the communities in the Columbus have cute downtown areas with unique shops and great restaurants.
Delaware (Here’s where to shop and here’s where to eat.)
Dublin (Here’s where to shop and here’s where to eat.)
Gahanna (Stroll the boardwalk area along the creek, eat on one on the many patios and fit in some shopping time.)
Powell (Here’s where to shop.)
Westerville (Here’s where to shop and here’s where to eat.)
If you are planning a weekend getaway, this post has a sampling of places to stay, eat and things to do in Columbus. Plus, it’s broken down by price range!
Besides the hotels mentioned in the post above, here are other popular options:
Columbus Marriott Northwest (Check out our review of the newly renovated hotel.)
If you want to head to other parts of Ohio, here are some cool adults-only and fun kid-friendly options. From tree houses to yurts, below is a list of the top glampgrounds in Ohio.
This is the go-to resource for summer fun in Columbus!
Professional
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a hockey team that play at Nationwide Arena. There are a lot of bars and restaurants in the Arena District area.
Columbus Crew
The Columbus Crew are a soccer team that play at Mapfre Stadium. This stadium is located outside of downtown and is near the Ohio Expo Center and Ohio History Center.
Ohio Machine
The Ohio Machine are a lacrosse team that play at Fortress Obetz.
College
The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is one of the biggest colleges in the country and has top-notch sporting teams. Read more about Ohio State Athletics.
Minor League
Columbus Clippers
The Columbus Clippers are a baseball team that play at Huntington Park. There are a lot of bars and restaurants in the Arena District area.
These indoor play areas are located on the West Side of Columbus.
Try out these 5 kid-friendly venues in the Short North!
Here are five places in Worthington perfect for toddlers.
Here are a few ideas in Grandview geared towards the younger age group.
10 of the BEST parks to check out in Columbus!
The parks on this list involve some combination of nature and opportunities for creative/dramatic play. In short, these parks all spark imagination in ways that are slightly different from your typical playground.
Rain can often leave playgrounds muddy. These 6 parks all offer an alternative surface besides mulch to keep everyone as clean as possible.
These outdoor spots in Delaware County are a perfect way to spend the day!
Put a new spin on a normal hike by searching for treasures!
We hope you enjoy your visit to Columbus!
Hello. Your blog is awesome. I’m so hesitant to make the move to Ohio.
I’ve been looking into what the best places/ neighborhoods are to live in. We don’t want to be downtown but want to live within an hour of downtown.
Do you have any recommendations where I should look? I’m emphasizing on good schools, low property taxes, great neighborhood, mom groups, parks and things to do.
I would really appreciate your input.
Thank you.
Lena
Hi, Lena! We are so glad you are enjoying Columbus Moms Blog. There are so many wonderful neighborhoods in the Columbus area. I’ll email you some information. 🙂
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