How to Plan a Weekend With Kids in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, is right in the heart of the Midwest, and it should come as no surprise to anyone that this capital city has plenty of things for families to see and do. If you're visiting Columbus with children, there are lots of options available for kid-friendly entertainment.
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How to Plan a Weekend With Kids in Columbus, Ohio
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Visit the Columbus Zoo for a full day of fun and earth-friendly excitement. One of the premier zoos in the nation, the Columbus Zoo caters to kids of all ages, and has dozens of exhibits that are sure to keep your youngsters' attention. In addition to the animals, there are interactive activities, such as the delightful Habitat Hollow, in which children can learn about recycling and saving the environment, and Asia Adventure, which focuses on protecting animals from becoming extinct.
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After you've spent a day at the zoo, cool off at nearby Zoombezi Bay. This state-of-the-art outdoor water park features a lazy river, fifteen giant water slides, a toddler play area, and all kinds of fun. If you're visiting Columbus, Ohio, with kids during the colder months, don't worry, because there's still water play available. Fort Rapids, an indoor water park, features several slides, a game room, and a giant dump bucket that will keep your kids entertained all day long.
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Be sure to check out COSI, the Columbus Museum of Science and Industry. In addition to rotating exhibits and IMAX-style films, there are plenty of hands-on activities for kids. This is a museum where no one ever gets told "Don't touch!" and playing around is encouraged. The upstairs construction zone presents hours of fun for both older children and younger ones, and there are free-standing exhibits scattered throughout the museum for instant diversions. Give your kids a moment to play with the laser harp!
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Explore some of Columbus' outdoor trails for some of the best scenery in Ohio. Take the kids to one of the city's many metro parks, and you'll get a chance to see deer, red-tailed hawks, foxes, and a number of other animals. There are miles and miles of trails in the area, and nearly every park also features a naturalist's center, a playground, and plenty of green space for picnicking.
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If you're traveling to Columbus, Ohio, with children, enjoy some of the many sports activities. The Columbus Clippers minor league baseball team plays in an open-air stadium which offers the feel of an old-time game. If your kids prefer soccer, the Columbus Crew is a major league soccer team that calls Columbus home, and for hockey fans, the Bluejackets live at Nationwide Arena. Ohio State University teams play nearly all year round.
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Finally, be sure to check out some of Columbus, Ohio's historical attractions. The Ohio Historical Society hosts a number of events and is open all year long. Tours of the Ohio Statehouse are available, which is the state capital building. Last, but certainly not least, visit the Mayflower, a replica of Christopher Columbus' flagship, located downtown on the Scioto River. No matter what your children enjoy doing, there are plenty of great ways to keep them entertained in Columbus, Ohio!
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Tips & Warnings
Many of the hotels in Columbus offer family-friendly packages which include passes to COSI, the zoo and other attractions. Ask about these when you book your room--you may be able to get a discount!
If you're visiting Columbus, Ohio, in the spring or fall, remember that the weather can change a lot over the course of one day. Be sure to dress in layers - and have your kids do the same!
