Best Spring Break Ideas for Kids Near Columbus, Ohio
Spring break is the perfect time to get outside, explore, and make memories with your kids! Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, hands-on learning, or family-friendly fun, Central Ohio has plenty of amazing destinations to keep your little ones entertained.
If you're planning a spring break staycation in Ohio, check out these 12 great attractions—starting with Olentangy Caverns, where adventure awaits!
1. Olentangy Caverns – Underground Adventure & Outdoor Fun
📍 Location: Delaware, OH
🌐 Website: www.olentangycaverns.com
Take your kids on an underground adventure at Olentangy Caverns! Explore the ancient caverns once used by the Wyandot tribe, dig for treasure in the gem mining sluice, visit adorable animals at the petting zoo, and let the kids burn off energy in the outdoor maze and playground. This is the perfect outdoor family adventure for spring break!
2. COSI – Hands-On Science Fun
📍 Location: Columbus, OH
🌐 Website: www.cosi.org
COSI (Center of Science and Industry) is a must-visit for STEM-loving kids. With interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and live science shows, kids can learn while having a blast. Be sure to check out the Dinosaur Galleryand the Little Kidspace for younger visitors.
3. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium – Meet Amazing Animals
📍 Location: Powell, OH
🌐 Website: www.columbuszoo.org
Home to thousands of animals, the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is a top-rated zoo in the U.S. Kids will love seeing the tigers, giraffes, polar bears, and more. Don’t forget to stop by Adventure Cove, home to sea lions and a fun splash zone if the weather is warm!
4. Legoland Discovery Center & Shopping at Easton
📍 Location: Columbus, OH
🌐 Website: www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/columbus
Got a LEGO fan in the family? Visit Legoland Discovery Center for interactive LEGO builds, a 4D movie theater, and creative play zones. Afterward, explore Easton Town Center, a premier shopping and dining destination with kid-friendly stores and play areas.
5. Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
📍 Location: Columbus, OH
🌐 Website: www.fpconservatory.org
This stunning botanical garden is a great place to introduce kids to nature. Check out the butterfly exhibit, the interactive Children’s Garden, and the seasonal plant displays.
6. Slate Run Living Historical Farm
📍 Location: Canal Winchester, OH
🌐 Website: www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/slate-run/
Step back in time at this working 1880s farm. Kids can meet farm animals, see historical reenactments, and even help with old-fashioned farm chores.
7. Columbus Metro Parks – Outdoor Adventure for Families
📍 Location: Multiple locations in Central Ohio
🌐 Website: www.metroparks.net
Explore some of Columbus’s best Metro Parks, including Battelle Darby Creek (bison viewing and incredible nature center!), Highbanks (hiking and nature center), and Blendon Woods in Westerville, home to the incredible ropes bridge. These parks offer scenic trails, playgrounds, and wildlife encounters perfect for a spring break outing.
8. Young’s Jersey Dairy
📍 Location: Yellow Springs, OH
🌐 Website: www.youngsdairy.com
Enjoy homemade ice cream, mini-golf, batting cages, and a chance to feed friendly farm animals at this beloved Ohio dairy farm.
9. AHA! A Hands-On Adventure Children's Museum
📍 Location: Lancaster, OH
🌐 Website: www.aha4kids.org
This interactive children's museum is perfect for younger kids (ages 3-8). Hands-on exhibits encourage learning through play, from science experiments to imaginative play areas.
10. Homestead Metro Park – Nature & Outdoor Fun
📍 Location: Hilliard, OH
🌐 Website: www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/homestead
Let the kids run, climb, and explore this nature-filled park featuring playgrounds, trails, and a covered bridge. Bring a picnic and enjoy a relaxing spring day outdoors.
11. The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology
📍 Location: Newark, OH
🌐 Website: www.attheworks.org
A hidden gem where kids can learn about science, engineering, and history through interactive exhibits and even watch live glassblowing demonstrations.
12. Ohio Wildlife Center
📍 Location: Powell, OH
🌐 Website: www.ohiowildlifecenter.org
Take a wildlife rescue tour and learn about Ohio’s native animals. Kids can see rehabilitated owls, foxes, and other wildlife up close.
Plan your central Ohio spring break adventure!
Spring break in Ohio is full of family-friendly fun, whether you're exploring underground caves at Olentangy Caverns, meeting animals at the Columbus Zoo, or enjoying hands-on play at COSI. No need to travel far—Central Ohio has everything you need for an unforgettable spring break!