Jessica lives in Columbus with her husband and five kids who range in age from 11 years to 11 months. We asked Jessica to share her favorite places to go in the Buckeye capital.
Whether it’s your final destination or a stop on a roadtrip, there are lots of things to do in Columbus. Columbus Commons and Scioto Mile offer outdoor activities that include concerts, a splash pad, carousel, and much more. The neighborhoods of German Village and The Short North offer unique opportunities for dining, shopping, and cultural events. Just be careful with your maize and blue because Columbus is home to The Ohio State University.
Northstar
This is our absolute favorite place to eat in Columbus. Northstar is a café style restaurant, so ordering is quick and easy with kids. The food is simply delicious and the service is fantastic. Our breakfast favorites are the Standard Egg Sandwich, the Cloud Nine Pancakes, and the Mushroom Frittata. For lunch and dinner, we LOVE the Northstar Burger – arguably the best burger you will ever eat (a favorite of vegetarians and meat eaters alike). Oh, and their house made Ginger Ale is a must!
Bicentennial Park
Bicentennial Park is located in the heart of downtown in The Scioto Mile. This really is a place for kids of all ages. When the weather is warm, my kids beg me to take them to the fountains here, which is 15,000 square feet and has over 1,000 jets of water for hours of fun. We try to coordinate our visits here with some of the countless music, dance, and theatrical performances at the outdoor performance pavilion. We also love spend some time on the climbing wall. Here’s the bonus… all the events and activities at Bicentennial Park are FREE.
The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
We love seeing all the different animals, playing in the play zone, going to the petting zoo, riding the train and the merry-go-round, and watching the animal shows. If you happen to be here around Christmas time, then stay after dark for the magic of the Wild Lights. We recommend planning an entire day for the zoo because there is just SO much to see and do.
Easton Town Center
I recommend staying at the Hilton Columbus in the heart of Easton Town Center. There is a great pool that is fun for the whole family and there is often live music in the lobby. You’ll be walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment for both kids and parents.
More Attractions:
- See dinosaurs, the stars and more at the Center of Science and Industry
- Get a scoop (or two) at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
- Have a coffee and a cookie at Fox in the Snow
- Check out the butchers, bakers and candy makers and more at North Market
- Travel through time and explore the Ohio History Center and Village
- Take a walk in the Inniswood Metro Gardens
- Experience the art and soul of Columbus in the culturally rich Short North Arts District
- Shop the Worthington Farmers Market
- Explore the galleries of the Columbus Museum of Art
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