Family Activities Guide
Discover 182 family-friendly activities, venues, and restaurants in Columbus.
168 upcoming events →
🎭 TheaterShadowbox Live brings dinner theater to life for families with original musical comedies, rock shows, and sketch comedy performances that entertain all ages. This Columbus institution combines live entertainment with a full dining experience, creating an interactive theatrical atmosphere where kids can enjoy professional performances while munching on kid-friendly meals.
🎮 EntertainmentTrue Spec Golf in Dublin offers a fantastic combination of activities that keep kids of all ages entertained while introducing them to sports in a low-pressure environment. With mini golf, a driving range, batting cages, and arcade games all under one roof, families can easily spend hours rotating through different activities, making it perfect for both budding athletes and kids who just want to have fun.
🌿 NatureSunrise Sanctuary offers families a peaceful escape into nature with easy, stroller-friendly trails perfect for little explorers. Kids will love spotting wildlife like birds, butterflies, and small woodland creatures while learning about local ecosystems in this beautifully maintained sanctuary. The gentle terrain and tranquil setting make it an ideal spot for introducing children to the joys of nature walks without overwhelming them.
🌳 ParkI cannot recommend this location for family activities with children. Despite the description provided, Schoedinger Norris Grove City is actually a funeral home, not a park or recreational facility. This appears to be an error in the venue categorization.
🌳 ParkFranklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers a stunning escape into nature right in the heart of Columbus. Kids will be mesmerized by the exotic butterflies in the Pacific Island Water Garden, towering palm trees in the Palm House, and interactive children's garden featuring hands-on nature activities. With both climate-controlled indoor conservatories and beautiful outdoor gardens, it's a perfect destination rain or shine.
🌿 NatureHighbanks Metro Park offers families over 1,200 acres of natural beauty with gentle, well-maintained trails perfect for little legs, a fascinating nature center with hands-on exhibits, and a historic 1850s farm where kids can glimpse pioneer life. The park's diverse habitats mean you might spot deer, woodpeckers, and other wildlife, making every visit an exciting nature adventure right in the Columbus area.
🌳 ParkInniswood Metro Gardens offers 123 acres of botanical beauty where kids can run free on meandering trails, discover fairy garden installations, and explore themed garden spaces from herb gardens to rock gardens. The wide-open lawns are perfect for picnics and letting little ones burn energy while parents enjoy the peaceful surroundings and stunning seasonal blooms.
⚽ SportsScottsMiracle-Gro Field, home to the Columbus Crew, delivers an electrifying soccer experience perfect for introducing kids to professional sports. With its intimate stadium setting, family-friendly atmosphere, and energetic crowd, even first-time young fans feel swept up in the excitement. Beyond match days, the venue hosts special family events and activities that make soccer accessible and fun for all ages.
🎭 TheaterGrandview Theater and Drafthouse offers a refreshing alternative to big-chain cinemas with its cozy, independent vibe and family-friendly film selections. Parents love that they can enjoy food and drinks delivered right to their seats while kids watch the latest family movies in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. The combination of great service, reasonable prices, and community feel makes this a local favorite for family movie nights.
🌳 ParkFancyburg Park is a beloved Upper Arlington gem that hits the sweet spot for families with young children. This well-maintained neighborhood park features quality playground equipment sized perfectly for little ones, plus generous open green spaces where kids can run freely, play ball games, or enjoy a family picnic without feeling crowded.
🌿 NatureShale Hollow Park is a hidden gem nature preserve in Delaware that offers families an authentic outdoor experience with kid-friendly hiking trails, creek exploration, and wildlife spotting opportunities. With its well-maintained paths and accessible creek areas, this scenic park provides the perfect setting for hands-on nature learning and adventure that keeps children engaged for hours.
🌳 ParkWhetstone Park is a Clintonville gem that offers something for every family member across its expansive grounds. From well-equipped playgrounds to open athletic fields perfect for impromptu soccer games, kids have plenty of space to run and explore. The crown jewel is the stunning 13-acre Park of Roses, where families can wander among thousands of colorful rose bushes,creating a beautiful backdrop for photos and nature walks.
via Westerville Library
via Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
via Westerville Library
via CATCO Kids (Contemporary American Theatre Company)