9 Things to Do with Kids in Columbus Ohio

Columbus has Museums to fit every taste and age-group. The two major art museums -- the Columbus Art Museum and the Wexner Center -- are kid-friendly, with interactive activities and classes geared toward kids ages pre-school-age 18. There are also museums for the very young, and military, motorcycle and "living history" museums that spark interest in some very cool stuff past and present.

You have to love it when Columbus gets bragging rights for science! But it's no surprise that Parent's Magazine named Columbus' Center of Science and Industry (COSI) as the #1 Science Center in the country. COSI takes you on a hands-on exploration of the wonders of the universe -- from ancient civilizations to outer space, the deepest oceans, and the tiny crevices in your skin, COSI gets you there, up close and personal.

Location: 333 W. Broad St, Columbus
Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun: noon-6 p.m.
Family Friday Nights: last Friday of Every Month: 5-9 p.m.;
Closed Sept 8-18
Cost: COSI Members: free entrance to general exhibitions; IMAX and special exhibitions extra. Non-member prices vary. parking: about $4.

There's something magical about live theater. Gathering in a crowd, the house lights dim, the stage lights go up and you're carried to another place and time. No matter how many shows are shown, it will never happen exactly this way again.

Columbus is rich with chances to share this magic with your chilren. The Phoenix Theatre for Children, Broadway Across America, and CATCO all offer shows that children and teens can enjoy and discuss. (See links below for schedules. Not all Broadway shows are suitable for young children.) In addition to the professional theaters, many area colleges and high schools put on plays that are open to the public for very reasonable ticket prices.

Columbus has so many fall festivals and fairs that it's tough to choose which ones to go to. These events celebrate the cultures, foods, history and people that make central Ohio such a vibrant place to be. Teach your kids to polka at a German Oktoberfest. Or, listen to stories at a Native American Pow-Wow, ride the rides at the Delaware County Fair, and read at a poetry slam. There's a lot to do, and manmy of the festivals are free.

Don't forget to check out the special Labor Day and Halloween event listings for more festivals and fairs.

It's surprising how many major horse events happen in central Ohio. Three of the largest are coming up.

• The Delaware County Fair has world-famous harness racing and competitions for riders of all ages.
• The New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix and Family Day combines championship riding with family activities. Founded by Abigail S. Wexner, the Classic benefits the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence. See the September Events Calendar and links below for more info.
• October belongs to the All American Quarter Horse Congress. More than 8,500 registered American Quarter Horses will prance, trot and side-step across the Ohio Expo Center's show rings. The cost for non-exhibitors is $25 per vehicle, per day, or $70 for the entire event.

If you're looking for professional sports, there's Columbus Clippers baseball, Blue Jackets hockey, and Columbus' championship soccer team, The Crew. There are also seven colleges in or around town, and you can usually get tickets for their men's and women's games and meets easily. Scoring Buckeyes football tickets may not be possible at a reasonable price, but you can get into Capital or Ohio Wesleyan football games pretty easily.

If you squint and look sideways at a manatee, it kind of looks like a mermaid. At least, that's what sailors used to think long ago. I'm not sure I agree, but you can judge for yourself at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

The Columbus Zoo goes wa-ay beyond lions and tigers and bears. In addition to the manatees, there's a new baby elephant, bonobos and a host of scaly, crawly, creepy critters. Visit them all and more at our internationally-honored zoo -- it's the cheapest exotic vacation you'll ever take.

Despite severe budget cuts, many of the Ohio Historical Society's site are continuing their entertaining, educational programming. There's the Fort Recovery Archaeological Festival for Families, The Mystery of the Disappearing Wash Tub and the Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival

There's also All Hallow's Eve, a fall tradition for many families in central Ohio. Held at Ohio Village, it's a family-style, 19th-century Halloween celebration. Look for a kid's activity area, a Museum of Oddities, games and crafts. The grand finale is the reading by the bonfire of Washington Irving's Legend of Sleepy Hollow and an appearance by the dreaded Headless Horseman.

History becomes a little more "real" on the Santa Maria. Costumed volunteers lead 45-minute hands-on tours through this floating replica of Christopher Columbus' flagship. You'll use the types of the tools Columbus and his men used, and play games that they used to play. You'll also get a gut feel for the courage it took to make the trip.

October Special Events

• Oct 3: Dueling at the Dock: Free and open to the public.
• Oct 9-12: Special "Discover Columbus Days" pricing and activities.
• Oct 29-31: "The Haunted Ship" Bwa-ha-ha! (You really have to say that aloud in a creepy Vincent Price voice for full effect.)