Spring break is a popular travel time for Metro Detroit families, and it’s coming up quickly. Catching a flight might be hard for families with little ones, but a road trip to Columbus, Ohio, offers an easy getaway that still feels like a true spring break destination.
The walkable neighborhoods of Columbus let families stroll at their own pace while they soak up the warming spring weather, admiring the blooming cherry blossoms along the way. For more active fun, there are a handful of spring festivals, sports games and engaging museums to explore.
Columbus is just over 200 miles away from Detroit via I-75 south and US-23 south. The roads in this segment of Ohio are well-maintained and finding your way is an easy task, especially when you use Ford’s SYNC 4 technology. Drive down in around three hours, or make a pit stop in Toledo to take in the city’s renowned performing arts scene before arriving in Columbus.
For a not-too-distant spring break destination with some really family-friendly experiences to offer, think Columbus.
What families love about Columbus, Ohio
There are plenty of outdoor events for the family in Columbus, especially in the city’s downtown area. Other than downtown Columbus’s walkable nature, the city has a robust public transportation system to get visitors to each attraction in no time.
Our first stop was the Topiary Garden Park, a 7-acre space that’s perfect for wandering. Situated on what used to be the early-19th century Old Deaf School Park, this space is pretty unique. Called “the only public park of its kind, not only in Ohio, but in the world as well,” by the City of Columbus site, this is a garden that recreates — in shaped hedges — A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, the famous impressionist painting by Georges Seurat that visitors to the Art Institute of Chicago may well be familiar with.
Directly across from the Topiary Garden Park is the main branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, which could easily be mistaken for an art museum for its grand size and imposing facade. Linger in the outdoor Kaufman Plaza when the weather is nice, then head inside and prepare to be amazed.
In all, there are three levels to explore. Young children will love to enter the children’s library through the kid-sized portal, then wander through the areas that are dedicated to what kids love best: Lego, trains, dinos and a lot more.
Columbus is full of parks! Visit Columbus Commons, a 6-acre green space that celebrates downtown with great views and seasonal events. Franklin Park is also holding its fifth annual Cherry Blossom Festival from March 25–April 25, celebrating the area’s new blooms. Special events are held on select days throughout the festival, found on the festival’s website.
We walked through Washington Gladden Social Justice Park, named for the Columbus community leader and father of the Social Gospel Movement. We loved looking at the park’s sculpture, Our Single Garment of Destiny, which looks different from different angles, even nearly disappearing from one perspective.
For great skyline views, visit Scioto Mile, a nine-park area with a promenade that connects Battelle Riverfront Park and Bicentennial Park — where there’s an interactive fountain with a nighttime light show. The promenade also features benches, swings and a place to play card games, chess or checkers.
Across the Scioto River from Bicentennial Park is the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). This place makes science, tech, space, dinosaur and natural history lovers of all ages giddy. Most families have a kid (or adult!) who will go crazy over COSI, and this museum itself is worth the trip to Columbus. Don’t miss the COSI Science Festival from April 29–May 2, packing four days with interactive science demonstrations and other hands-on experiments.
Columbus is a big sporting city, with many seasons starting this spring. After some downtime in the outdoors, venture to ScottsMiracle-Gro Field to watch the early season of the city’s Major League Soccer team, the Columbus Crew. The Minor League Baseball season opens after soccer, with the Columbus Clippers showcasing their opening day on March 31.
NCAA Basketball’s March Madness will also be in full swing as spring kicks off in Columbus. Head to one of the many family friendly restaurants to watch the games over a meal.
What to eat in Columbus, Ohio
It’s fun and convenient when an eatery’s name is also its location. 4th and State is a family-owned local diner that serves plant-based diner fare in a friendly atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to land when you crave breakfast at any time of the day.
The kids menu has standard fare, and the standard menu is overwhelming in a good way. We started with the cinnabun pancake bites, which were sweet and gooey and just the right size for sharing. Teens will love the Vrunchwrap, which our server compared to “a plant-based version of the Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme,” an appropriate comparison. She also said that this particular dish has won citywide competitions. Add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze to make this dish extra special.
In addition to pancakes, French toast and patty melts, the menu features burgers (try the Big Brunchy for a bit of everything), sandwiches, salads and pizza. You won’t have room for dessert.
German Village and nearby Brewery District are hotspots for dining and shopping, too. German Village, in particular, is a unique find, with cobbled streets and loads of historic charm. Visit Stauf’s Coffee Roasters for an independently-owned coffeehouse vibe and plenty of space to sit, inside and out.
While you’re there, stop in the Book Loft, a nearly indescribable collection of books and bookstore merch spread over 32 rooms. Other fun stops in the area include Schmidt’s Fudge Haus and Gifts for something sweet, and a show Shadowbox Live, the nation’s largest resident theater ensemble.
Where to stay in Columbus, Ohio
There are plenty of hotels in Columbus that are easily accessible from US-23.
We landed at the Home2 Suites by Hilton, right on Main Street downtown. It was affordable, the room adequate, and in a good location for exploring. The hotel itself had a family-friendly vibe, with an expansive “living room” area with toys and games that are just right for little kids. The breakfast was plentiful and there was a right-sized area where children could select their own dishes and flatware.
We noticed that at this hotel — and in Columbus, in general — dogs are welcome pretty much everywhere.
For families looking for a poolside stay that rings in the spring feeling, the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Columbus has a great pool perched on one of the hotel’s rooftops and is located beside the Scioto River. The Hilton Columbus Downtown has an indoor pool and is a short ways away from the city’s Italian Village, known for its vast history and delicious Italian eats.
Each hotel, restaurant, activity and outdoor attraction adds to what’s drawing Metro Detroit families to Columbus for an easy family getaway. From spring to seasons beyond, Columbus brings break-time adventures for everyone in the family.
Content sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Visit buyfordnow.com. Find more content like this in our Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.
