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Things to do in Columbus: 2 local trip ideas

2 ready-made day trips in Columbus, Ohio: family and foodie. Each one strings together a handful of stops in order.

FamilyFoodie
Family trip

Family Fun & Science in Columbus

5 stops · about 7 hr 15 min of stops · ~$165 per person

Enjoy a perfect family day in Columbus with delicious kid-approved meals, interactive science exhibits, and scenic riverfront play spaces starting in historic German Village and moving smoothly through Downtown.

  1. 1

    Fox In The Snow Cafe

    210 Thurman Ave, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
    Fox In The Snow Cafe, Columbus

    Try their famous souffled egg sandwich and treat the kids to oversized rustic pastries.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$35 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Schiller Park

    1069 Jaeger St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
    Schiller Park, Columbus

    A historic German Village park with an excellent, modern playground and a scenic duck pond.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · Free · Directions
  3. 3

    Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

    333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
    Center of Science and Industry (COSI), Columbus

    Explore hands-on science exhibits, the Dinosaur Gallery, and the dedicated Little Kidspace.

    ★ 4.4 on Google · about 3 hr · ~$90 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Bicentennial Park

    233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
    Bicentennial Park, Columbus

    Just across the river from COSI, perfect for letting the kids splash around the interactive jets.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr · Free · Directions
  5. 5

    Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace

    248 S 4th St #252, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
    Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace, Columbus

    A super casual, whimsical spot with dozens of fun, creative hot dog toppings kids will love.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$40 per person · Directions
Foodie trip

German Village Pastries to Columbus

5 stops · about 7 hr of stops · ~$127 per person

Taste your way through Columbus' most iconic culinary neighborhoods on this food-forward, completely walkable route from historic German Village to downtown's bustling food hall.

  1. 1

    Pistacia Vera

    541 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
    Pistacia Vera, Columbus

    Start your day with world-class, from-scratch Parisian macarons and a classic pain au chocolat.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$15 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    The Book Loft of German Village

    631 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
    The Book Loft of German Village, Columbus

    Walk just a few doors down to get lost in a massive, pre-Civil War era maze featuring 32 rooms of books.

    ★ 4.8 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$20 per person · Directions
  3. 3

    Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant

    240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
    Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant, Columbus

    Walk South through the brick streets for a lunch of legendary Bahama Mama sausages and a giant cream puff.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$22 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    North Market Downtown

    59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
    North Market Downtown, Columbus

    Head north to this historic 1876 public market to browse local specialty foods and artisan spices.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$15 per person · Directions
  5. 5

    Lindey's

    169 E Beck St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
    Lindey's, Columbus

    Conclude your day back in German Village with upscale-casual dining and premier cocktails on a gorgeous courtyard patio.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 2 hr · ~$55 per person · Directions

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