Things to do in Columbus

I have lived in Columbus for a while and thought I would compile a list of fun things to do in the summer for families, or really anyone who likes these kinds of things (especially OSU students who get discounts on admission - check out http://www.explorecolumbus.com/).

First of all, I would like to recommend the Topiary Garden. Number one reason: its free! It is essentially just a pretty park at the old Columbus Deaf School in downtown Columbus. It is a topiary garden shaped to look like Georges Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon at the Grand Jatte, and if you go to the top of the little hill and look at it from the perfect angle, it is truly impressive (National Geographic for Kids a couple months ago recommended it). Also, the little pond has weird fish and cute duckies in it, and children can run all around the garden. Information about the park can be found at http://www.topiarygarden.org/
Note: it is located in a neighborhood that is a little hit or miss, so I would recommend going when the sun is up.

Other great options:

The Columbus Zoo. What I believe is the best zoo in the country (sorry San Diego - but the votes are in), is located right north of the city. They have a vast array of animals including manatees, elephants (I think there is a baby right now), monkeys and [new!] polar bears. It has a great set-up and lacks that nasty zoo smell. Normal admission is $12.99 , children 2-9 and seniors over $60 are $7.99; parking is $5. I also think that if you show your AAA card, you get $1 off each admission (not verified). OSU students can buy their tickets at the Ohio Union with a valid student ID for $5 each. If you plan on visiting the zoo several times this year, becoming a member would be more financially prudent. More information is available at http://www.colszoo.org/

COSI (Center of Science and Industry). A great interactive children's museum (but really interesting for adults as well), COSI spans a giant space that includes their regular exhibits such as Space, Ocean and Time, as well as an IMAX theater and rotating exhibits (right now is the return of the Titanic exhibit). Admission is not cheap - for regular exhibits only (no IMAX, no visiting exhibits), it is $13.75, ages 2-12 are $8.75, ages 60+ are $12.75. Membership is a deal if you have a several person family and plan on visiting more than once. I probably saved over $150 with my membership last year. OSU students can get tickets at the Ohio Union for $5. More information available at http://www.cosi.org/

The Columbus Museum of Art is housed in a beautiful building on East Broad Street. They have a fairly good regular collection, and get in some very interesting exhibits. Admission is affordable at $10, students with ID and seniors over 60 $8, kids 6-17 $5, under 5 is free. OSU students can get free passes at the Ohio Union. Best deal: I believe the entire museum is free for everyone on Sundays. More information can be found at http://www.columbusmuseum.org/

The Franklin Park Conservatory is also located on East Broad Street- just much farther east. It is a lovely set up of different climate zones and the different plants that live in each. Additionally, there is a giant Palm House where some people have events, and a cafe and gift shop. I would recommend going when they have the Butterflies and Blooms exhibit in the spring, but it is lovely year round. Admission is $11/$9 for students and seniors/ $6 for children age 3-17. OSU students can get $3 passes at the Ohio Union. Parking is plentiful. More information can be found at http://www.fpconservatory.org/

Those are my summer recommendations. There is also Zoobezi Bay, which is adjacent to the zoo and looks extremely fun, but I have not been so I can not say from personal experience. Additionally, it is very expensive. But if you are looking for a water park, this has to be the best in Columbus and their pricing and more information is at http://www.zoombezibay.com/

Email me if you have other recommendations and I will post them.