Located between NYC and Chicago, Columbus, OH has the unique distinction of being located within 500 miles of 50% of the US population. It’s also one of the largest cities along I-70, which stretches between Maryland and Utah. As such, you may find yourself passing through the area and deciding to stop for the night. If you’re looking for local attractions to keep yourself and your family entertained while in Columbus, here are just a few of our favorites:
COSI — The Center of Science and Industry
The Center of Science and Industry — known as COSI — is a science center that has been delighting schoolchildren and families in Central Ohio for over five decades. Located just west of downtown Columbus in a state-of-the-art complex on the banks of the Scioto River, COSI features dozens of hands-on science exhibits, a Giant Screen Theater sponsored by National Geographic, and a number of live shows and demonstrations that are educational fun for the whole family.
For those who’d prefer to visit without the kiddos, COSI After Dark is a special bi-monthly event at which nobody under the age of 21 is permitted. Each COSI After Dark features events and activities based around a specific theme that cannot be found during COSI’s normal hours. If you choose to enjoy alcoholic beverages during your COSI After Dark visit, please drink responsibly and ensure that you have a designated driver to get you back to your hotel or Airbnb safely.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Located just north of the city in the suburb of Powell, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is widely considered one of the best zoos in the United States, having been named the #1 zoo in America by multiple publications over the years. This is in large part thanks to the efforts of famed zoo director Jack Hanna, who served the zoo for over 40 years before retiring from public life in 2020.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium features over 7,000 animals of over 800 different species, ensuring that every member of the family is likely to see their favorite animal during their visit. If you’re in the area during the warm weather months between May and September, you can also visit Zoombezi Bay, one of the Midwest’s most popular waterparks that is owned and operated by the zoo.
Easton Town Center
One of the most innovative open-air shopping centers in the United States when it opened in 1999, Easton Town Center is one of the premier malls in the Midwest, attracting over 30 million visitors per year. Part of what makes Easton such a popular shopping destination is its unique layout which makes the complex feel like a town of its own, with its own streets, alleys, neighborhoods, and landmarks.
Easton also features around 300 different stores and restaurants, making it the largest shopping center in Central Ohio and a great place to spend a lazy afternoon.
As you can see, even if your stay in Columbus is short, there are a number of attractions in the area to keep you entertained, so go ahead and load the kids into your fully-loaded 2022 GMC Terrain or Cadillac XT5 and explore the best of what Central Ohio has to offer!
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