Travel guide for planning a family vacation or trip to Columbus city, focusing on fun tourist attractions for kids and children.
Parents with children in Columbus are full of options when it comes to entertainment activities. There are a number of unique options abound for those looking to fill a day or the odd hour here and there. Parents needn't fear that entertaining kids in Columbus will cost them an arm and a leg, either. Numerous activities are available at little or no charge at all.
One such activity is story time at the Library. Children of all ages love to be read to, and what better way to indulge them in some television-free time than a trip to the library. The library offers a variety of story times nearly everyday in a variety of age groups. Children enjoy stories, songs and general fun at the library amongst their peers. With over twenty locations throughout the city, there is probably a branch closer than you think!
Another brain-stimulating activity is a trip to the Columbus Museum of Art. Typically, you may not think of an art museum as a place appropriate for young children, but the Columbus Museum of Art has programs specifically tailored for children age six and older. Many activities are free, although some classes require pre-registration and a nominal fee. The programs offered by the museum are a great way to expose children to art at an early age in a fun environment.
In addition to the art museum, the Center for Science and Industry (COSI) is also a perennial favorite amongst the underage set. Here, through a series of hands-on exhibits and movies, youngsters learn about the world around them. At the outdoor Big Science Park kids can let their minds wander as they lift a car with a giant lever or take a spin in the Centripetal Generator. At the Space exhibit, children can drive a rover and pretend they're helping to man a lunar mission. Even infants and toddlers can get in on the fun in the Little Kidspace. Age appropriate experiments in textures and colors will expand their little minds. The IMAX movie theater is also a huge hit, with revolving features on varying topics.
If your kids like animals, have a "wild" time at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The home zoo of Jay Leno's animal man Jack Hannah, the Columbus Zoo is open year round for your enjoyment. With over 650 different species of animals, there will be lots of opportunities to learn about our furred, feathered, and finned friends. Children under the age of two are free when accompanied by an adult.
No matter what their age, all kids love stuffed animals. Why not let you children "make" a new friend at one of the two Build-A-Bear Workshops around the city. At the workshops, kids (and kids at heat) choose the stuffing, stitching, fluff, clothing and name of their creations. The bears also get a heart, which is placed inside the animal with a special wish from the child. The result is a one-of-a-kind stuffed animal and many fond memories that will last for years to come.
