Itineraries

Columbus Family Fun Horticulture Itinerary

Columbus is filled with family-friendly horticultural sites, where nature literally comes alive before your children’s eyes.

Day One

Walk amid hundreds of butterflies during “Blooms & Butterflies,” now through Sept. 4 at Franklin Park Conservatory. Witness the magic of metamorphosis at the Emergence Center, then watch as newly emerged butterflies are released at 1 p.m. daily. Take part in interactive activities that let children—and adults—inspect butterfly wings up-close. Children also will be fascinated by “Garden Railways, on display through Oct. 29. Model trains zip past five miniature Ohio landscapes.

Bring your sweet tooth to Graeter’s Ice Cream. The Bethel Road location on Columbus’ north side offers free tours, so you can witness first-hand how Graeter’s makes its creamy flavors just two gallons at a time. Taste the results—yummy flavors like raspberry chocolate chip—and you’ll understand why Oprah calls it her favorite ice cream.

Explore a child-sized garden at Inniswood Metro Gardens in the northern suburb of Westerville. Once the 37-acre estate of sisters Grace and Mary Innis, the park now contains miles of walking paths, well-manicured gardens and the Sisters’ Garden, dedicated to the child in everyone. Frogs, birds and other wildlife can be found throughout the park—much to the delight of children.

Stay the night downtown at the Drury Inn & Suites. Enjoy a relaxed dinner across the street at Max & Erma’s, a family-friendly chain based in Columbus. You don’t want to forget dessert here. Among the options: a make-your-own sundae bar and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.

Day Two

After breakfast in your hotel, explore nearby North Market, Central Ohio’s only public market. Meet more than 20 farmers every Saturday morning May through October. Listen to live music as you browse fruits, vegetables, honey and flowers. Head inside the market for more fresh foods and unique eateries. Time your visit right and you could see chocolates being handmade at Pure Imagination Chocolatier.

Next, travel about an hour west of Columbus to Cumberland where you’ll go on a guided safari through the Wilds. Get up-close looks at giraffes and rhinos—just some of the 24-plus species of endangered Asian, African and North American wildlife who room free. Go on foot to explore wetlands teeming with birds, reptiles and amphibians.

For more family fun happenings in Columbus visit www.experiencecolumbus.com.

For a downloadable version of this itinerary in .pdf format, click here.