(This article may or may not contain affiliate links. What does that mean?)
Some of our favorite spring break trips have been close to home. As long-time Ohio residents, Columbus is a familiar and reliable destination for our family, whether visiting for the day or staying overnight to explore more of central Ohio. With a mix of hands-on museums, outdoor parks, and one of the best zoos in the country, there are plenty of things to do in Columbus, Ohio, with kids. It’s also an easy spring break option for out-of-state families looking for a drivable city packed with kid-friendly activities. Here are some of the best places to stop.
NO TIME TO READ THIS ARTICLE NOW? PIN IT OR BOOKMARK IT FOR LATER!
The Weather: What to Expect During Ohio’s Spring
Spring break in Columbus usually falls between March and April, when the city is transitioning out of winter. March can still feel cool, with average daytime highs in the 40s and low 50s, while April warms up into the 60s and low 70s on sunny days. Rain showers are possible, especially in April, but they’re usually brief. This mix of weather makes Columbus ideal for a combination of indoor attractions and outdoor exploring. Just plan to layer up and keep a light jacket on hand.
What to Do in Columbus with Kids on Spring Break
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Families need at least a full day to experience the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. It’s one of the biggest zoos in the United States, sitting on 580 acres with 10,000 animals and 600 species. We made it through the whole zoo, after lots of coaxing and more “my feet hurt!” than I could count.
I managed to get some real smiles out of my kids when they were up close and personal with this cutie!
Photo Credit: Samantha Davis
We’ve visited the Columbus Zoo as a day trip and part of a weekend trip, and each visit feels different depending on the season. We love visiting during spring break, when the animals are active and before summer crowds roll in. Comfortable shoes and a loose plan will help families enjoy the day without burning out too easily. The polar bears were especially active when we last visited. We lingered a while, watching them swim and pop up in front of the glass.
Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is a welcome change of pace from higher-energy attractions. They have beautiful indoor gardens, perfect for Ohio’s unpredictable spring weather. As families walk through tropical plants and seasonal displays, it’s like stepping into a different climate altogether.
I always love the pop of colorful flowers!
Photo Credit: Samantha Davis
Beyond the beautiful displays, the conservatory offers rotating events and workshops, like stained glass projects, gardening programs, cooking classes, and birdwatching walks.
DON’T MISS! Spring Break in California: 8+ Places for Family Fun!
The conservatory is next to Franklin Park, making it easy to pair indoor gardens with outdoor exploration if the weather cooperates. Families with younger kids should be sure to stop by the children’s garden, where the hands-on features make the visit really engaging.
The Scioto Mile
After museums and indoor attractions, the Scioto Mile was great to let the kids burn off some energy. The downtown riverfront area has walking paths, open green space, and scenic views. The flat paths are perfect for biking, scooting, or just roaming a bit. We’ve used it as a transition spot between activities, especially when our boys needed space after a busy morning.
The Scioto Mile runs along Columbus’s beautiful waterfront.
Photo by Jordan Griffith on Unsplash
Columbus Commons is another great downtown stop for families. Located just a short walk from the Scioto Mile, families will appreciate the open green space and seasonal programming.
Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
COSI is a must during spring break, especially if the weather turns cold or rainy. My oldest son’s favorite subject is science, and my youngest loves learning how the world works. It was very easy to lose track of time, and the interactive exhibits have kept them busy for hours.
My kids loved the chance to get wet in the Ocean Center.
Photo Credit: COSI
Columbus Museum of Art
Art museums aren’t always kid-friendly, but the Columbus Museum of Art is different. Interactive spaces encourage creativity, so it’s a good balance to more fast-paced attractions. Kids who enjoy drawing, building, or creating will enjoy it most.
DON’T MISS! 12 Awesome and Affordable Places to Go for Spring Break
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a solid choice for younger kids or as a weather-proof option. With rides, building stations, and themed play areas, families can easily spend a few hours here. When our kids were in elementary school, this was always a real crowd-pleaser.
LEGOLAND was always a hit with my boys when they were younger!
Photo by Irsyad Rifqi on Unsplash
Momiland
Momiland is another great pick for families with younger children. It’s a colorful, indoor play space designed for climbing, sliding, and imaginative play. If you’re traveling with toddlers or preschoolers, it’s a great way to let them burn energy safely.
What kid doesn’t love slides?
Photo by Ana Klipper on Unsplash
Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory
What kid doesn’t love candy? Visiting Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory is a fun way to wrap up a Columbus trip. Kids love learning how chocolate is made, and the factory store is hard to resist. It’s one of those uniquely Columbus stops that feels like a treat without requiring a full afternoon.
Learning how chocolate is made was such a sweet treat!
Photo by Walter Otto on Unsplash
Columbus Metro Parks
Columbus is a “city”, but the 20+ parks that make up the Columbus Metro Parks system feel very removed from urban life. The parks offer playgrounds, trails, and nature areas, making them perfect for outdoor adventures. Here are some of our favorites.
Quarry Trails
Between the 25-foot waterfall, lake views, and outdoor activities, Quarry Trails feels like pure adventure for kids without being overwhelming. This is a great pick for younger kids because all of the hiking trails are easy and less than a mile long. More adventurous families will enjoy activities like canoeing and mountain biking.
More adventurous families will love canoeing here!
Photo by Will Dutton on Unsplash
Glacier Ridge Metro Park
Glacier Ridge Metro Park is perfect for burning energy, with a fun playground and outdoor obstacle course. After, take a walk on the boardwalk through the wetlands and climb the 25-foot observation tower. See who can spot the most waterfowl!
My oldest son always seems to spot the most waterfowl!
Photo by cecile mousist on Unsplash
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park is a great place to see bison. Start at the nature center and visit each interactive exhibit, or watch staff feed fish and reptiles before exploring the hiking trails. There’s a camera in the nature center that helps visitors find the roaming bison.
The 53-foot living stream flowing through Battelle Darby Creek is a great opportunity for learning!
Photo Credit: Metro Parks
Inniswood Metro Gardens
Inniswood Metro Gardens are full of aromatic herbs and beautiful blooms, plus a rock garden with a waterfall! My boys loved getting soaked at the water wheel and playhouse in the Sisters’ Garden. Then, we took a walk around the pond where they tried to catch croaking frogs and spot sunbathing turtles.
If there’s a frog to catch, my oldest will find it!
Photo Credit: Samantha Davis
Scioto Audubon Metro Park
For rainy spring days, Scioto Audubon Metro Park has an indoor nature center with a climbing structure, costumes, and a puppet theater. Kids will also appreciate the reptiles and the skyline view from the library windows.
The towering buildings make Columbus’ skyline impressive.
Photo by Joe Deptowicz on Unsplash
Outdoors, my boys love the 35’ climbing wall, and there’s also a red water tower with the same view of the Columbus skyline. The boardwalk trails between the nature center and playground are great for spotting turtles and frogs.
Where to Eat in Columbus, OH with Kids
Spaghetti Warehouse is a great place to grab dinner if your family enjoys Italian like ours does. The portions are huge, the food delicious, and it has a real family-friendly vibe. The Thurman Cafe is great for lunch or dinner. The burgers are huge, and the menu is sure to please even picky eaters with kid-friendly appetizers like mozzarella sticks and mini corn dogs, sandwiches, subs, chicken, and pizza thins. Can your family never decide on what to eat? North Market is perfect for spring break lunches when everyone wants something different. Be sure to check out the other local vendors, too! Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream is a family favorite for dessert.
When You Go
Where to Stay in Columbus with Kids
During our last visit, we stayed at Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The rooms were clean, and it had two of the amenities our family values most – a complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool. There’s also a small waterpark (and waterslide) open on weekends. The Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus Easton is near several restaurants and less than 10 miles from several Columbus attractions. Some amenities include an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, fitness area, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi Fi. Hotel Leveque doesn’t have a pool, but there are kid-friendly amenities like star projectors and coloring books. It’s also really close to downtown Columbus and several of the fun things to do we mentioned on this list.
Getting To Columbus, Ohio From Los Angeles
Families traveling from Los Angeles will want to fly into John Glenn Columbus National Airport. Nonstop flights take around 4.5 hours. American, Spirit, Southwest, and Delta all make the flight.
An excellent discount site for rental cars and flights is Booking! We literally save hundreds using it.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE CONSIDER PINNING IT OR SHARING IT!
