Spring Break begins in Columbus, Ohio where you and your family will enjoy luxury accommodations, world class entertainment, shopping, and fun in our great state’s capitol. It is not too late to plan a last-minute Spring Break that your family will enjoy close to home! Below is our top things to do on Spring Break in Columbus, Ohio. Enjoy!
I received tickets and accommodations to facilitate this post.
Spring Break Entertainment in Columbus, Ohio
There are so many family-friendly Spring Break entertainment options in Columbus, Ohio. Below are a few of our favorites!
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Add the Columbus Zoo to your Spring Break in Columbus list! We are so fortunate to have a zoo rated #1 Zoo in America by USA Travel Guide close-by.
The zoo is well laid out by regions – visit the Congo, Australia, Asia, and more with animals grouped accordingly. The enclosures and viewing area are well designed to get a close view of the animals in natural-looking habitats.
The Columbus Zoo Aquarium is a must-see as you can get up close to manatees, sea turtles, sting rays, and a variety of exotic fish.
My kids love the animal statues that are throughout the zoo – they are prime picture taking spots!
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
4850 West Powell Rd.
Powell, OH 43065
800-MONKEYS
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
It is always feels like Summer at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which makes it the perfect addition to any Spring Break in Columbus, Ohio. The gardens are separated into regions where you will explore a large variety of plants from each region. It is like a must-needed breath of fresh air any time of year, but especially after the long, brutal Winter we have experienced.
One of our favorite exhibits at the the Pacific Island Water Garden where it feels like we are on an island in the Pacific. It’s warm, tropical, and there are even Koi to spy on in the pond! There are even butterflies that fly and flutter around! It is so exciting when they land on you too! My son is also fascinated with cactus, so the Desert Biome is another family favorite.
We could all use the warmth of the desert after this Winter, right? I was surprised at how many cacti blooms with beautiful hot colors as well.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1777 E Broad St
Columbus, Oh 43203
614-715-8000
COSI
COSI is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year of delivering science and fun for the entire family. Walk through the past 50 years of memories when you first walk through the doors. It is amazing where they started, where they are today, and the future ahead. COSI is always changing and engaging!
Where else can you ride a unicycle 2 stories up, lift a car, ride a space capsule, play in Poseidon’s mythical playground, get submerged in a submarine, or take a walk down the streets of 1898?
Our favorite destination is always the Oceans exhibit with Poseidon’s playground where kids can explore everything about water – from shooting enormous squirt guns at Poseidon to balancing balls on top of shooting water.
Don’t miss the COSI’s Extreme Screen Theater – the biggest digital screen in Ohio! The current feature movies are Penguins 3D and Rocky Mountain Express. It is a movie experience like no other.
Sherlock Holmes fans won’t want to miss the International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes – plan at least 1-1/2 hours for this exhibit!
It is incredible experience that allows you to follow in the footsteps of the master detective. You’ll have the advantage of using current technology, not just the 19th century techniques of forensic science to solve the case.
“Come at once if convenient. If inconvenient, come all the same.” Don’t worry, you will want to go!
COSI
333 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
614-228-2674
Where to Stay During Spring Break in Columbus, Ohio
Make Hilton Columbus at Easton your home away from home during your Spring Break in Columbus, Ohio. This luxurious, family-friendly hotel is within walking distance of hundreds of shops, restaurants, spas, and entertainment options at Easton Town Center. It is located on the NE side of Columbus that is just minutes from downtown Columbus.
They are very accommodating and welcoming to families. Our room was impeccably clean and spacious with comfortable beds for rest at the end of the day.
Of course my children enjoyed the pool and whirlpool for many hours during out visit. They made plenty of new friends with kids that were also on Spring Break!
My husband wasn’t able to join us for our Spring Break trip this year. As a mom with two children, I felt safe and secure my entire stay at Hilton at Easton. I enjoyed chatting with other moms from Solon, Cleveland, and even Arkansas traveling solo with their kids for Spring Break.
It is the perfect place to call home during your Spring Break in Columbus, Ohio.
Hilton Columbus at Easton
3900 Chagrin Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43219
614-414-5000
Spring Break Shopping at Easton Town Center
My kids don’t like shopping in general but when they learned we were staying at the Hilton at Easton Town Center, they asked to go shopping! Easton Town Center offers something for everyone with a mix of more than 200 stores from Nordstrom to Bath and Body Works to a variety of kid-favorite stores! Learn more about this shopping district with my recent Easton Town Center review.
Easton is all about families! Be sure to check out the MomEscape where you will find information on everything family-related and fun going on at Easton.
During our Spring Break visit, we enjoyed exploring American Girl Store & Bistro, LEGO store, Build-a-Bear Workshop, Candy Factory, Gymboree, Children’s Place, Stride-Rite, and more.
Easton Town Center
160 Easton Town Center
Columbus, Ohio 43219
614-416-7000
American Girl Store and Bistro
The American Girl Store and Bistro in Columbus is the only American Girl Store in the state with the second closest in Chicago. Get a complete American Girl Store tour here. Plan at least 1-2 hours at this store as you explore the collection of American Girl dolls, including the girl of the year, Isabelle. Bring your American Girl doll for a visit at the doll salon and lunch at the Bistro.
This was our first visit at the American Girl Bistro and we loved it. The service is impeccable as they make your girl feel like the princess she is – if you are celebrating a birthday, tell them for extra special treatment including a decorated cake!
The food and drinks were delicious as well. Even my son enjoyed lunch at the all-girly bistro when his gigantic Bistro Burger arrived!
We had a lovely lunch and fun time together. It is a special way to experience American Girl with your daughter. Believe me, she’ll love it! Be sure to make a reservation as soon as possible as the bistro is very popular. You can make a RSVP on their website.
American Girl Store & Bistro
4040 The Strand East
Columbus, Ohio 43219
The LEGO Store at Easton
The LEGO store is just around the corner from American Girl and tons of fun for both girls and boys. We loaded up on the Ala-cart wall of bricks for all the specialty pieces kids can’t live without. My kids also spied hard-to-find Disney themed and Minecraft LEGO sets!
Shop for Spring Clothes at Easton
It is also the perfect place to pick up new Spring clothing for your kids with all the kids clothing stores all together at one location. You know your kids’ feet have grown, so get them sized at Stride-Rite for Spring shoes – don’t forget Easter dress shoes!
Movies at Easton
While at Easton Town Center, make plans to take in a movie or two at AMC. They have an IMAX with real 3D theater for an amazing movie experience. During Spring Break, some great family movies include Muppets Most Wanted, LEGO, and Mr. Peabody and Sherman.
Where to Eat During Spring Break in Columbus, Ohio
A new city is fun to explore, especially when it comes to dining. For the best and truly authentic experience, check out the locally owned and operated independent restaurants. Dining Originals Columbus offers a compiled list of the best restaurants that provide unique dining experiences your family will enjoy.
One restaurant that is on the list is Dirty Franks. We visited a couple years ago and can’t wait to go back. My kids LOVED it and so did my husband and I.
It is a fun restaurant located very close to downtown Columbus entertainment. Dining Originals Columbus is the best way to experience the culture and culinary diversity of Columbus, Ohio.
There is no reason not to have a fantastic, memorable Spring Break this year with your family. Whether you stay for the week or just overnight, there is so much to see and do in Columbus, Ohio for Spring Break. Have fun with your family!
