There is oh so much to do in Columbus! A quick Google search of outdoor activities in Columbus Ohio for children & families will show you that there is no shortage of fun adventures to go on! I know that when the bitter cold of winter has finally left, my family is always searching for ways to spend time outdoors. There is nothing quite like enjoying nature and the fresh air of spring. But, it can feel daunting to plan a family activity! You’ll be wondering if the kids will like it and whether or not they’ll be entertained. But, above all, how much it will cost for an outdoor day of fun in Columbus! I’ve rounded up 8 of my favorite outdoor activities in Columbus. I’m excited to share them with you in the blog below!
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
As a family, one of our personal favorite outdoor activities in Columbus is spending a day at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium! And believe it or not, they are open 363 days of the year, come rain or shine. Pretty awesome right?! But, be prepared and plan ahead before you go, because you could easily spend 8 hours here exploring the exhibits! Check their calendar for special events like “Boo at the Zoo” or “Wildlights”, here!
ZipZone Outdoor Adventures
Zip Zone is an outdoor, tree-top experience! An adventure at ZipZone can be a personally guided zip line canopy tour, the self-guided treetop adventure park, or the ground-level kid’s park (recommended for children aged 4-7). All zip tours are fully guided by well-trained staff and safety is their mission in having a great time exploring. Additionally, the ZipZone park has a total of 5 trails and 60 different challenges. ZipZone is such a wildly fun zip line adventure for first-time zipliners that you’ll leave feeling fully exhilarated! For pricing and booking information, you can find them online, here!
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
If you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll to take in art and nature, I highly recommend Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens! Franklin Park sits on over 40 sprawling acres, including a historic conservatory with over 83,00 square feet of glasshouses. Walking through the botanical gardens feels as though you’ve stepped out of Columbus and into a Tuscan Villa, it’s that beautiful! The Conservatory has several ongoing exhibitions to visit and their calendar also includes seasonal events like “Harvest Blooms” and “Pumpkins Aglow”! Lastly, you’ll find a full calendar of classes offered with everything from cooking sustainably, to gardening, and also creating your own art! For more information on planning your visit, you can follow this link!
Ohio State University Football Game
Can you even call yourself a true Buckeyes fan if you haven’t attended a game in person?! College football season is roughly 13 weeks long so you’ll have to plan your attendance at a Buckeyes game carefully. But oh boy, what an experience it is to be sitting in the Ohio State University stadium on game day! It all kicks off with tailgating before you step inside the stadium which erupts with the energy of the fans and the crowd! For info on seating, tickets, and parking, this link has it all!
Inniswood Metro Gardens
Ok, I know that I talk about Inniswood so much on the blog, so naturally, I had to give it a spot in the list of outdoor activities for children & families in Columbus. It’s no secret that I love to bring families here for their portrait sessions! That’s because the landscape is so gorgeous and picturesque that it makes an amazing backdrop. Coincidentally, it’s also great if you want to head out for the day, and enjoy the spring (or summer)! weather while taking some time to stop and smell the flowers. The park is open daily from 7 am until dark and there is no fee for admission. If you want to bring your furbaby along on your next family hike at Inniswood Metro Gardens, Dogs are permitted on the “Chipmunk Chatter” trail! For more information on Inniswood, visit their website here!
Attend a Columbus Clippers Game at Huntington Park
The Columbus Clippers are the locally loved minor league baseball team. Taking in a game at Huntington Park is a wonderful experience for the entire family. The areas inside the stadium vary. Depending on your preference you can sit by the bar, on one of the six open patios, or in the open-air bleachers. There’s also a picnic terrace in the left field where fans can relax, and a porch on the right that overlooks a 22-foot wall 318 feet down the line. If you are a family of sports fans, you can’t go wrong with a day spent enjoying America’s favorite pastime!
Olentangy Caverns
Spend the day exploring naturally created formations of caves and caverns underground! This intricate underground chamber of caves is 105 feet below the surface of the earth and remains a cool 54 degrees, all year round. You can expect that a complete tour of the Olentangy Caverns, with a stop at each of the 7 stations to last around 30 minutes. If you plan on taking a family day trip to the Olentangy Caverns, it’s important to know that strollers are not allowed in the caves or in the petting zoo. However, baby carriers are permitted, but might be a tight squeeze in some spots when exploring the caves. For more information on cavern tours, as well as additional activities on-site, you can visit this link!
Alum Creek State Park
If your family loves boating and camping and all things outdoorsy, then Alum Creek State Park is the place to plan some family-friendly fun! There are cabins on site, or, you can choose to “rough it”, in an RV, Tent, or even just a backpack! Alum Creek offers a full range of outdoor activities for lovers of the great outdoors. Hiking Trails, swimming, water sports, picnicking, and mountain biking are just a few of the amazing activities inside its borders! For a comprehensive list of rules and regulations, and to plan your trip, you can visit their website here!
While You’re here, I’d love to capture your family’s next great big adventure!
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