Looking for something to do on the West Side of Columbus? Pick one from each of these categories and you’ll have a full day of fun!
Entertainment:
Address: 13 N. Westmoor Ave., Columbus, OH 43204
All ages are welcome to stop in and paint your own pottery at Clay Street Ceramics. All sorts of options are available for painting and local, handmade items like home decor and jewelry are also for sale in the shop!
Address: 1777 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228
Tours of the Anthony Thomas Candy Factory take place on Tuesday and Thursdays during the school year and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the summer from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. No appointment is necessary. On the tour you can see the whole candy making process and your admission fee ($1 for ages 3-18 and $2 for over 18) may be used towards a purchase!
Address: 500 Georgesville Rd., Columbus, OH 43228
Game of Western Columbus is a fun family spot with bowling and laser tag complete with a bar and restaurant! This is a participating location for the Kids Bowl Free program during the summer!
Food:
Address: 4233 Shoppers Ln., Columbus, OH 43228
La Plaza Tapatia is a one stop shop for a Mexican market, a Mexican restaurant and Mexican ice cream treats! There are three separate shops under one roof. Don’t miss the pastry section inside the market!
Address: 2836 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43204
Dirty Franks West is a family favorite on the West Side! All kinds of unique, gourmet hot dogs are on the menu, as well as a “plain old wiener” (named The Glen Beck 😉 ) so kids don’t need to fear! Pair your hot dog with some of your favorite sides: tater tots, fries, mac and cheese, soft pretzels, etc. for a meal your kids are guaranteed to eat!
Address: 4201 West Broad St. Columbus, Ohio 43228
When it comes to dessert, you can’t miss Dulce Vida West, a Mexican ice cream shop with paletas (popsicles), hand dipped ice cream, aguas frescas and more! So many options, it’s tough to decide!
Shopping:
Address: 11 N. Westmoor Ave., Columbus, OH 43204
Gypsy Soul is a unique spot for gifts, apparel and home decor! There is a fun collection of vintage and handmade items for sale, many with a nod to the West Side of Columbus!
Address: 15 N. Westmoor Ave., Columbus, OH 43204
ME and the MOON is an upscale children’s boutique and consignment shop featuring new and used clothing, handmade items, gifts and baby gear! The shop also hosts a story time and special events.
Address: 4599 Fisher Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
The front of the store is your typical Eddie Bauer Outlet, but in the back, you can find even better deals in the Warehouse shopping area. On Fridays and Saturdays only you can enter the Salvage Store for ultra clearance on overstock items or items that may be seconds.
Parks:
Address: 3141 McKinley Ave., Columbus, OH 43204
Shrum Mound is an ancient burial mound built by the Adena people around 2,000 years ago. It is 20 feet high and one of the last remaining burial mounds in Columbus! This site is part of the Ohio History Connection.
Address: 455 S. Westgate Ave., Columbus, OH 43204
If you need a place for the kids to burn off some energy, Westgate Park is a large greenspace in the middle of the West Side with two playground areas, a pond, shelter house and rec center. (Not to mention the famous A, B & C!) During the summer the park is home to several festivals including Summer Jam West and the Hilltop Bean Dinner.
Address: 1775 Darby Creek Dr. Galloway, OH 43119
Technically, this is a bit further outside of Columbus, but it’s worth a visit if you’re on the West Side of Columbus! Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park is one of the fabulous Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks! This park features bison, an amazing Nature Center with a living stream inside, playgrounds and some beautiful walking trails! Check the schedule for programs for families!
What are your West Side favorites?
