Experience · Columbus
Columbus Family Fun Afternoon
Spend an engaging afternoon at kidscommons, where children can explore and learn through playful, interactive exhibits. Refuel with a casual and kid-friendly pizza dinner. Afterwards, let the kids burn off some energy at a nearby park.
A 3.5-hour Columbus afternoon plan for families — kidscommons Columbus’ Community Children's Museum, Papa's Grill, Clifty Park.
- Duration
- 3h 30m
- Cost
- $50–$90
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Walking
- Light walking · Total 6.9-mile driving route
- Best time
- 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Families · Kids · Friends
The plan
The plan
- 1kidscommons Columbus’ Community Children's Museum(2 hrs)→
- 2Papa's Grill(1 hr)→
- 3Clifty Park(30 min)
Why this plan works
The stops span roughly 6.9 miles across Columbus, so plan on driving — the order below keeps that driving in one direction. kidscommons Columbus’ Community Children's Museum is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Clifty Park — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families, families with kids, and friends who want a planned Columbus outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Spend an engaging afternoon at kidscommons, where children can explore and learn through playful, interactive exhibits. Refuel with a casual and kid-friendly pizza dinner. Afterwards, let the kids burn off some energy at a nearby park.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 12 hrskidscommons Columbus’ Community Children's Museum
Arts & Culture
Hands-on museum aimed at teaching children through fun interactive exhibits.
What to do — Dive into the kidscommons Columbus’ Community Children's Museum. Let the kids enjoy the hands-on exhibits like the ExploraZone, climbing wall, and water play area.
Scout Side QuestPick the exhibit you think would be the most chaotic to sleep in overnight. Vote on a winner.
2.4 mi · 8 min drive
Then A quick and easy drive will take you to your next stop for a family-friendly meal.
21 hrPapa's GrillFood & Drink
Local outpost of a family-owned chain of bars known for burgers & handmade desserts.
What to do — Head to Papa's Grill for a casual family dinner. Their menu offers a variety of burgers and comfort fare that kids and adults will enjoy.
4.5 mi · 13 min drive
Then Conclude your family day with a short drive to a park for some outdoor fun.
3Optional 30 minClifty ParkOutdoors
Multisport facility with baseball, softball & football fields, plus a playground & skate park.
What to do — Make a quick stop at Clifty Park. Let the kids burn off any remaining energy on the playground or by running around in the open fields before heading home.
Scout Side QuestFind a stick on the ground that looks like a magic wand or tool and assign it a ridiculous superpower.
Scout Stories
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The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Columbus itinerary for families?
- Yes. It's built for families, families with kids, and friends and runs about 3 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at kidscommons Columbus’ Community Children's Museum.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 3 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Columbus itinerary cost?
- Roughly $50–$90 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Not entirely. The stops cover about 6.9 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.