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Spring Break Fun for Families in NE Columbus

Sponsored by Sharkey's Kids' Cuts Gahanna

By Kelly Rostorfer. Publisher Mom, NE Columbus Macaroni Kid March 6, 2024

Can you feel it? That warm breeze, the blooming flowers, and yes, the buzz of excitement in the air – spring is finally here! And with it comes that special time we've all been counting down to... spring break! It's the perfect pause in our busy lives for some unforgettable family fun. 

Lucky for us, NE Columbus is just bursting at the seams with activities, camps, and attractions tailor-made for families on break.

Whether you're on the hunt for engaging spring break camps to spark your little ones' imaginations, on the lookout for fun (and free!) things to do, or eager to explore the best family-friendly spots around NE Columbus, you've hit the jackpot. Welcome to your ultimate guide to making this spring break in NE Columbus the best one yet for your family!

All your Spring Break Fun is Sponsored by:

Spring Break Camps in NE Columbus

NE Columbus is home to a variety of spring break camps that not only keep your children engaged but also foster learning and creativity:



Each fully-immersive, 3-hour / multi-day camp experience will include:

  • All new recipes, techniques and subject matter every week!
  • The art of cooking AND the science of baking.
  • Fun challenges and competitions.
  • Basic & NEW Culinary techniques, tips and tricks.
  • Curriculum developed and tested by our YCA team of expert chefs.
  • Lessons that are created to encourage creative expression and discoveries.
  • Something for all skill levels from beginner to the experienced chef!
  • Our young chefs will be introduced to some of the latest trends in the culinary world, taking their creativity to new heights! Join us for delicious fun, only at Young Chefs Academy!

Culinary Camp At Young Chefs® Academy Is So Much More Than Cooking!
Young Chefs Academy seasonal cooking experiences deliver an immersive culinary adventure for the young chefs within our community, empowering budding chefs to grow in their knowledge of the culinary arts and self-confidence. Each day is filled with fun, hands-on adventures as we build upon new culinary skills and techniques. Our experienced staff is ready to deliver a well-rounded experience filled with culinary knowledge and fun! Seasonal camp adventures available year round...when school's out, we're open!


Oleksandr P | Canva

  Spring Break Fun in NE Columbus  

Parks and Playgrounds

NE Columbus boasts an array of beautiful parks and playgrounds where families can enjoy picnics, leisurely walks, and playtime. Here are a few of our favorites:

Explore Nature with Kids

Gahanna Top 5

Westerville Top 5

Blendon Woods Metro Park

Pingree Park Worthington

McNamara Park



  Community Events in NE Columbus  

Looking for family fun events happening during spring break? Here are a few standout events to make the week special:

  March 9-17 Events  

Blooms and Butterflies 

Space and the Solar System

St. Patrick’s Day Party

World of Discovery

Amphibian Search

Photos with the Easter Bunny

Changing the Story One Outfit at a Time

Pie Iron Pi Day

Worthington Bunny Hop

Family Storytime with Twinkle the Service Dog

Macy's Prom Fashion Show

Drop In: Leprechaun Trail for Families

  March 17-24 Events  

Blooms and Butterflies

Photos with the Easter Bunny

Mushroom March Madness

Starting Seeds

Rainbow Crafts

Book Kit: New Kid

Preschool: The Toad

LEGOLAND: FUN FOR PRESCHOOLERS

Eclipse Storytime

Visit with Columbus Astronomy

Blooms and Butterflies Sand Art

You’re Invited: A Family Fun Day with Bierman Autism Centers

  March 24- April 1  

Zoo Quiet Hours

Blooms and Butterflies

Photos with the Easter Bunny

2024 Spring Columbus Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show

Leprechaun vs. Easter Bunny Escape Trail

Strange Serpents

Ohio Falconry School

Forts, Fire & Fun

Make a Frog Fly Catcher

LEGO Club

Science Time

Day-off School: Wetlands

Dinosaur Dance Party

Sensory Friendly Open Gym

Want more? Make sure to check out our full Macaroni KID NE Columbus calendar   


Indoor Activities in NE Columbus for Yucky Days

Spring weather can be unpredictable, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop. NE Columbus has several indoor attractions that are ideal for keeping the little ones entertained on rainy days:

At home:

Scratch Art

Rain in a Jar

Rainy Day Dessert

Crawling Rainbow

Rainbow Fun

Rainbow noodles

Dancing popcorn

Bird Craft

Spring Craft

Puffy Slime

Indoor Fun Around NE Columbus

 Gymboree Play and Music Columbus

 COSI: 

  Creatures of Light from fireflies found in backyards across the Northeast to the deep-sea fishes that illuminate the perpetually dark ocean depths, discover how light is used to attract a mate, lure unsuspecting prey, or defend against predators.

  Titanic: Experience the wonder and tragedy of the world's most famous ocean-liner, Titanic. Viewed by more than 30 million people worldwide, this Exhibition is one of the highest attended in history. With more than 200 authentic artifacts recovered from the Titanic wreck site on display with full-scale room recreations, TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition is an educational and intriguing experience for all ages.

  Franklin Park Conservatory:

Blooms and Butterflies

Ohio Falconry School

Blooms and Butterflies Sand Art

  Momi Land Indoor Playis on a mission to provide a fun, safe, and clean play environment for toddlers. Its unique play experience encourages socialization, physical activity, and creativity for children while creating lasting memories. 

  LEGOLAND COLUMBUS

  National Veteran's Museum

  Big Air Columbus

  Columbus Museum of Art

  Columbus Metropolitan Libraries

  Bexley Library

  Westerville Library

  Polaris Indoor Play Area

  Glow Putt

  Rockin' Jump the Ultimate Trampoline Park


Kid-Friendly Day Trips from NE Columbus

Looking for a quick getaway? Here are a few spots that make for a good day trip this time of year:

North: Mansfield

About 1hr- 1hr 20mins depending on your location in NE Columbus

   Buckeye Imagination Museum

  Richland Carrousel

  The Mansfield Fire Museum

  Gorman Nature Center

  Kingwood Gardens

  Biblewalk

  Ohio Bird Sanctuary

North Cleveland

About 1.5hr- 2hrs depending on your location in NE Columbus

  Cleveland Zoo

  Cleveland Museum of Art

  Westside Market

  Cleveland Museum of Natural History

  Cleveland Aquarium

  Cleveland Botanical Gardens

  Great Lakes Science Center

  House from a Christmas Story

  Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

  Children's Museum of Cleveland

East: Newark area

About 45min-1hr depending on your location in NE Columbus

  The Works

  Dawes Arboretum 

  Buckeye Lake State Park and Museum

  Drip Dreams Ice Cream Shop

East: Zansville

About 1.5hsr depending on your location in NE Columbus

  Visit the Wilds for a winter tour or cabin stay

South: 

  Portsmouth Flood Wall Murals- About 2 hours

Cincinnati: About 2 hours

  Cincinnati Zoo

  Newport Aquarium

  Cincinnati Fire Museum

  Ark Encounter

  Cincinnati Children's Museum

  EnterTRAINment Junction

West: Dayton

About 1hr-1.25 hours depending on your location in NE Columbus

  National Museum of the US Air Force

  Dayton Art Institute

  Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

  Sun Watch Indian Village

  Wegerzyn Gardens

  Young's Jersey Dairy

One of our Favorite Day trips is to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer opens March 9th.


Making the Most of Spring Break in NE Columbus

Whether it's outdoor adventures, cool camps, or local fun you're after, NE Columbus is ready to make this spring break unforgettable for you and your kids. Here's to making memories! Happy Spring Break!