10 Ways to Wear Out Your Kids This Summer in Columbus

Summer fun is here! From interactive museums and old-fashioned ice cream parlors to aquatic centers, climbing gyms, and scenic paddles.

Whether you’re planning a weekend visit or looking to entertain the kids all season long, here are 10 kid friendly adventures in Columbus:

1. Explore the Giant Indoor Playground at The Commons

300 Washington St,

Columbus, IN 47201

Smack in the heart of downtown, The Commons offers a free indoor playground with towering climbers, age-specific play zones, and a mesmerizing kinetic sculpture by Jean Tinguely. Perfect for any weather, it’s a kid-favorite and parent-approved hangout.

2. Get Flushed at Kidscommons Children’s Museum

309 Washington St,

Columbus, IN 47201

(812) 378-3046

This imaginative children’s museum is jam-packed with fun, hands-on learning. Explore science exhibits, creative play areas, and the famous world’s largest toilet! Ideal for curious kids ages 1–12 looking to play and learn at the same time.

3. Step Back in Time at Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor

329 Washington St,

Columbus, IN 47201

(812) 378-1900

This iconic 1900s ice cream parlor is a Columbus gem. Inside Zaharakos, you’ll find an old-world soda fountain, player organs, and homemade waffle cones. The towering sundaes are perfect for sharing, if you’re feeling generous.

4. Chill Out at Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena

2501 Lincoln Park Dr,

Columbus, IN 47201

(812) 376-2686

Do you need to beat the summer heat? Head indoors to Hamilton Ice Arena for open skate sessions that keep the whole family cool and active. It’s a great twist on summer fun and perfect for both beginner and seasoned skaters. Plus, the building has some interesting architecture if you want to learn more!

Public times from May – August are Friday and Saturday only, please check here for public hours.

5. Make a splash!

3989 525 W.

Columbus, IN 47203

(812) 377-5849

CERAland is your family’s summer HQ: with a kids-only play pool, complete with fun water features designed just for them, mini golf, playgrounds, and ball courts, all in one sprawling location. It’s a full-day destination your kids won’t want to leave.

Or spend the day at the Donner Aquatic Center, where you can enjoy an 8-lane, 50-meter lap pool, a thrilling 20-foot-tall waterslide that stretches 160 feet, and a diving well featuring two 1-meter diving boards. For more relaxed fun, check out the leisure pool complete with a playful structure and refreshing fountains.

Both are open to the public for a small fee.

6. Climb to New Heights at Columbus Rock Gym

1551 Cottage Ave,

Columbus, IN 47201

(443) 841-5905

Take your summer to new levels at Columbus Rock Gym, where families can try bouldering, rock climbing, and special event nights like “Glow Climb.” It’s a fun and active indoor adventure for climbers of all ages.

Credit: Kayla Rodriguez

7. Discover WWII History at Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum

1551 Cottage Ave,

Columbus, IN 47201

(443) 841-5905

For older kids and parents who love history, this free aviation museum is a hidden gem. Learn about the Tuskegee Airmen, check out vintage planes, and explore detailed exhibits on Columbus’s WWII-era air base.

8. Try FootGolf at Par 3 Golf Course

3362 Fairlawn Drive

Columbus, IN 47201

(812) 376-2684

If your family likes both soccer and goofy fun, FootGolf is a must. Played with a soccer ball and oversized holes, this mashup of soccer and golf is easy to learn and a blast for all ages. Head to the Par 3 Golf Course and get kicking!

9. Paddle & Picnic at Blue’s Canoe Livery

4220 W 700 N,

Edinburgh, IN 46124

(812) 526-9851

Round out your summer with a float down the Driftwood River via Blue’s Canoe Livery Rentals. Paddle through a secluded wildlife preserve and the Camp Atterbury wilderness, where you might spot deer, herons, and even wild turkeys. Mild rapids add a touch of excitement, and camping is available for those seeking a true nature adventure.

*Children must be over the age of 4

10. Be a Downtowner for the Day

3362 Fairlawn Drive

Columbus, IN 47201

(812) 376-2684

Spend a full day soaking up the charm of downtown Columbus. Start your morning at the Columbus Farmers Market (Saturday mornings), where you can grab breakfast and a coffee while admiring the “parade” of dogs, and the occasional cat, bunny, or goat!

From there, wander through local boutiques, explore public art installations, or pick up a new book for some park side reading. Head into nearby Mill Race Park to relax by the water, climb the observation tower, or let the kids explore the playground. Grab lunch or ice cream downtown, and if you’re lucky, stick around for live music or an outdoor movie in the park. It’s the perfect mix of local flavor, laid-back fun, and memorable family moments.

Bonus Items!

Hunt for Treasure at Exit 76 Antique Mall

2359 State Road 46 East

Nashville, IN 47448

(812) 988-7888

Turn a trip to the Exit 76 Antique Mall into a family adventure! With over 600 booths to explore, each packed with vintage toys, quirky collectibles, and unexpected treasures, it’s the perfect place to spark curiosity across generations. Make it a friendly competition—who can find the coolest, weirdest, or oldest item? The winner gets an extra scoop of ice cream or their favorite treat afterward. It’s bargain hunting meets memory-making, and everyone walks away with a story.

Find Some Bugs & Take a Hike

If your kids love to roam, dig, and discover, a summer hike is the perfect mini adventure. Head to the Brown County trails for shady, wooded paths full of buzzing cicadas, fluttering butterflies, and maybe even a friendly toad. Don’t miss the look out spots and view the scenic forest for miles!

For something a little wilder, Anderson Falls offers a rugged trail with a stunning waterfall, shallow creekbeds, and plenty of rocks to climb and bugs to examine. Bring water shoes, a net, and a container, you never know what curious critters you’ll spot!

Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators

18300 E County Road 200 N,

Hope, Indiana 47246

(812) 546-6318

Get up close with Indiana’s wildest residents at Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators! Every Tuesday in June at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM, they offer guided tours where families can meet rescued owls, hawks, foxes, turtles, and more. Kids will love learning about these amazing animals and the work that goes into their care and rehabilitation. Plan to bring water and a good pair of walking shoes, paths are gravel and the terrain can be uneven. Tickets are a $10 donation per person, and children 5 and under are free. It’s educational, inspiring, and a perfect summer outing for animal lovers of all ages.