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9 Fun Things to do in Columbus, Ohio with Kids<\/h3>\n

We love visiting Columbus! It is such a great city for families and offers a nice variety of fun things to do with kiddos. If you want to visit museums or get outside and enjoy nature and wildlife, you will find plenty to do in Columbus.<\/p>\n

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COSI<\/h3>\n

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COSI is The Center of Science and Industry and it is our favorite place to visit while in Columbus. My kiddos loved all of the exhibits, chemistry shows, and interactive demonstrations. This museum brings science to life and really makes learning fun for young ones.<\/p>\n

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Our favorite things to do at COSI:<\/p>\n

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• Ride a unicycle on a high wire<\/li>\n
• Visit the Planetarium<\/li>\n
• Energy Explorers Exhibit<\/li>\n
• Big Science Park<\/li>\n
• Gadgets Cafe – A BIG FAVORITE!<\/li>\n
• Ocean Exhibit (see above photo)<\/li>\n
• Progress Exhibit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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  Read more and see more photos from our trip to COSI HERE.<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

  Be sure to check the website before planning your trip because COSI closes for a few weeks (usually in September) for its annual cleaning.<\/p>\n

  COSI\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 333 West Broad Street – Columbus, Ohio 43215\u00a0 \/\/ 614.228.2974<\/em><\/p>\n

  WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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  Legoland Discovery Center<\/h3>\n

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  Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

  {{ Opening September 21, 2018 }}<\/em><\/p>\n

  We have visited the\u00a0LEGOLAND\u00ae Discovery Center in Atlanta, Georgia and we had so much fun. We can’t wait for the one in Columbus to open so we can enjoy it as well.<\/p>\n

  The\u00a0LEGOLAND\u00ae Discovery Center attractions:<\/p>\n

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  • 4-D theater – A 3-D movie with some wind, rain (a light sprinkling), and snow (bubbles). There are several movies that run throughout the day.<\/li>\n
  • Merlin’s Apprentice Ride – Pedal faster to make the cart fly higher. The ride spins in a big circle.<\/li>\n
  • Kingdom Quest Ride – Similar to the Buzz Lightyear Ride at Disney World and Lego Ninjago Ride at Legoland. Zap skeletons and trolls to save the princess.<\/li>\n
  • Earthquake Table – You can build a tower and see if it survives the shaky table\/earthquake.<\/li>\n
  • Lego City Play Area<\/li>\n
  • Miniland – This is a fascinating place! You get to see the local city built entirely of LEGO’s!<\/li>\n
  • Lego Car Racers – We build race cars and then raced them on the testing ramp.<\/li>\n
  • Duplo Farm<\/li>\n
  • Lego Friends<\/li>\n
  • Duplo Village<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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    Here are some pics from our trip to ATL so you can see the attractions.<\/p>\n

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    Above Merlin’s Apprentice Ride<\/p>\n

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    Above: Earthquake Tables<\/p>\n

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    Above photos LEGO Car Racers<\/p>\n

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    LEGOLAND\u00ae Discovery Center Columbus LLC\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 165 Easton Town Center – Columbus, OH 43219<\/em><\/p>\n

    WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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    Hocking Hills State Park<\/h3>\n

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    Above photo (Upper Falls) via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

    The whole family will enjoy the drive through Hocking Hills State Park. There are several hikes with some leading to waterfalls. The park offers a short trail and a longer trail for each sight you want to visit.<\/p>\n

    Beautiful Sights at Hocking Hills State Park:<\/p>\n

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    • Rockhouse Trail<\/li>\n
    • Cedar Falls Trail<\/li>\n
    • Old Man’s Cave<\/li>\n
    • Upper Falls<\/li>\n
    • Summer Outdoor Activities – Archery, Fishing, Camping and Picnicking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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      Hocking Hills State Park\u00a0 \/\/\u00a019852 State Route 664 S – Logan, Ohio 43138\u00a0 \/\/ 740.385.6842<\/em><\/p>\n

      WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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      Columbus Museum of Art<\/h3>\n

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      Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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      Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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      The Columbus Museum of Art is a wonderful place for a family to spend a few hours. In addition to its impressive art displays, the museum has a dedicated Kid’s area with a nice variety of hands-on activities for children.<\/p>\n

      The museum is free on Sundays and parking is always free.<\/p>\n

      Columbus Museum of Art\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 480 East Broad Street – Columbus, OH 43215 \/\/ 614.221.6801<\/em><\/p>\n

      WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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      Scioto Mile<\/h3>\n

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      Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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      Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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      Scioto Mile is located in the heart of downtown Columbus and is comprised of 175 acres along the Scioto River. The whole family will enjoy the walkways, bike paths, parks, and play areas.<\/p>\n

      Top Things to do at Scioto Mile:<\/p>\n

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      • Scioto Mile Fountain <\/strong><\/em><\/a>–\u00a015,000 square-foot water play area<\/li>\n
      • FREE Outdoor Climbing Wall<\/li>\n
      • Walk the 4 miles along the Scioto River<\/li>\n
      • Bring a bike or rent one for about $8.00 and bike the greenway trails (Bring your own helmet).<\/li>\n
      • Enjoy the view of downtown and take a picture with the deer on the Rich Street Bridge<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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        Above photo (Scioto Mile Fountain) via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

        Scioto Mile\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 233 Civic Center Drive – Columbus, Ohio 43215<\/em><\/p>\n

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        Columbus Zoo & Aquarium<\/h3>\n

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        Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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        The Columbus Zoo is a large and beautiful place. It is full of beautiful animal exhibits, play areas, and rides. There is plenty to do here to keep the whole family happy all day! The zoo allows outside food and drinks (no straws or alcohol).<\/p>\n

        \u00a0Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Attractions and Rides:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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        • Zoombezi Bay Water Park<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/li>\n
        • Dinosaur Island<\/strong><\/em><\/a> – See the Australian and Islands region of the zoo from this boat ride. The kiddos will love seeing the animals and 20 animatronic dinosaurs. \u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Carousel<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/li>\n
        • 4D Theatre<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/li>\n
        • Train Ride<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/li>\n
        • Pony Rides<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/li>\n
        • Playgrounds<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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          Above photo (Sea Dragon Roller Coaster at Columbus Zoo) via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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          Columbus Zoo\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 4850 Powell Road – Powell, OH 43065\u00a0 \/\/ 614.645.3400<\/em><\/p>\n

          WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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          The Wilds<\/h3>\n

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          Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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          The Wilds is one of the largest\u00a0wildlife conservation centers in the world covering over about 10,000 acres of reclaimed mine land. You can decide whether you want to take the\u00a0Safari Transport or the Open-Air Safari (most prefer the Open-Air Safari unless the weather isn’t so great). The tour lasts over 2 hours making a couple of stops along the way. You can get off of the bus at the stops if you like.<\/p>\n

          The kiddos will love seeing the camels, wild horses, bison, white rhinos, giraffes, and cheetahs. You can also feed the fish, but you will need to bring some quarters to buy the food. See all of the animals at The Wilds HERE.<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

          If you want to stay overnight, The Wilds offers three options:<\/p>\n

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          • Nomad Ridge<\/strong><\/em><\/a> – Yurts located on the property with viewing decks. NOTE: The Nomad Ridge yurts are for those 21 years or older only<\/li>\n
          • The Lodge<\/strong><\/em><\/a> – A private lake-side cabin that accommodates up to 12 people<\/li>\n
          • Cabins at Straker Lake<\/strong> <\/em><\/a>– Seven cabins with 3 bedrooms and two bathrooms (each). Sleeps up to 6 people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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            Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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            The Wilds\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 14000 International Road – Cumberland, OH 43732\u00a0 \/\/ 740.638.5030<\/em><\/p>\n

            WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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            The Book Loft<\/h3>\n

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            Above photo via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

            Imagine yourself in a maze, and the walls are made of shelves – full of books! This maze consists of 32 rooms and there are hundreds of books around every corner!\u00a0 Well, you can stop imagining and head over to The Book Loft in Columbus! This place is so big, you are even given a map when you enter the bookstore. It is a great place to get lost in and it is definitely a book lover’s dream.<\/span><\/p>\n

            The Book Loft is located in the German Village<\/strong><\/em><\/a> in Columbus. In addition to The Book Loft, the village has lots of shopping, restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and pubs. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon or even a whole day!<\/p>\n

            The Book Loft\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 631 South Third Street – Columbus, OH 43206\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 614.646.1774<\/em><\/p>\n

            WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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            Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens<\/h3>\n

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            Above photo (the Palm House) via<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

            The kiddos will love the gardens, especially the Children’s Garden and the Butterfly Garden.\u00a0In the Children’s Garden, there is a waterfall and there are some play pools so you might want to bring swimwear, towels, and a change of clothes. There is a nearby building with family restrooms where the kiddos can change. The garden also has a climbing net, a fairy garden, and a playhouse.<\/p>\n

            In June 2018, the conservatory opened a Farmers’ Market<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.\u00a0 The market is an outdoor market and is located in the main Conservatory parking lot. It’s a wonderful place to get some local produce from farmers and grab some snacks from food trucks.<\/p>\n

            Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 1777 East Broad Street – Columbus, OH 43203\u00a0 \/\/\u00a0 614.715.8000<\/em><\/p>\n

            WEBSITE<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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            Want to PIN this info for later? Just click on SAVE on the photo below!<\/p>\n

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