1. Learning Is Actually Fun In Columbus
Home to COSI, the Center of Science and Industry, this popular
Columbus museum is known for their large variety of hands-on activities based on providing an educational experience. Exhibits at COSI change on a regular basis, covering topics like espionage, electricity, and the solar system, so this attraction is always new and exciting for the whole family is sure to enjoy.
2. Columbus Schools Are Great, Especially For A Big City
Not only does Columbus boast a favorable 18:1 student to teacher ratio, the graduation rate in this city is also around 85 percent, which is great for a population center of its size.
According to GreatSchools, a few of the highest rated schools in the area include two public schools, Worthington Hills Elementary school and Grandview Heights Middle School, as well as the private school, the Columbus Preparatory Academy. It’s easy to find a neighborhood with great educational opportunities here.
3. This Parks System Is On Point
Aside from having over 200 parks spread throughout the city, with over 51 miles of trails, Columbus is also home to the metro parks system, which protects over 24,500 acres of land throughout 16 parks.
A couple of the most popular places to spend a sunny day include Battelle Darby Creek, a 7,000-acre park with a restored prairie that houses bison and the Scioto Audubon, located in the Brewery District and noteworthy for playing a key role in bird migration, complete with a climbing wall and an overlook deck.
4. The Sports Addicts In Your Family Will Definitely Be Fans Of Columbus
Home to the Ohio State Buckeyes, college sports in Columbus are some of best in the nation, especially when it comes to football or basketball. The whole family is sure to develop a passion for this team after only a short while of being in town thanks to how Buckeye crazy this city is.
Columbus is also home to the Crew soccer team, the Blue Jackets hockey squad, and Clippers minor league baseball, making it easy to plan a night at the ballgame that the kids will love.
5. But People Here Aren’t Just Watching Sports, They’re Playing Them Too
Sports are a big deal in Columbus and it doesn’t just stop at going to the games. Tons of sports get hosted by the city’s parks and recreation department on a seasonal basis, with games and competitions held in parks around town including flag football, fishing, disc golf, basketball, and swimming.
Not only are these sports offered for the kids, the city also offers adult leagues, a great social and physical activity that parents can enjoy.
6. Making Art Is Easy In Columbus
Known for hosting classes and workshops covering a variety of arts and hobbies for all ages, the Cultural Arts Center is a great local community center for families to take advantage of when they want to flex their creative muscles.
There’s also another really cool art-based company called Art with Anna that hosts a variety of programs, camps, and parties based around getting artsy throughout the year. Finding a place to pretend you’re Michelangelo is a cinch in Columbus.
7. Beetles, Butterflies, And More
Another really cool must-see family attraction in Columbus is the Franklin Park Conservatory. Featuring a rotating variety of exhibits throughout the year based in art and nature, Franklin Park Conservatory has a reputation for bringing really cool family programs to town, like a presentation by “the Bugman,” an insect expert who provides an up-close and personal look at some of the strangest creatures you’ll ever see.
8. Columbus Delivers A Great Bang For Your Buck
On the national cost of living index that scores the national average at 100, Columbus gets a low score of 89. Not only is this extremely impressive for a city of its size, it’s also 4 percent lower than Ohio’s average.
The low cost of living is partially due to the cheaper housing market in the local area, with homes costing around $134,999, a far cry from the national average of $180,000. If you move to Columbus, you’ll probably be able to pay off that home a little quicker and start saving a good chunk of your income for future costs, like college tuition.
9. Columbus Is One Of The Safest Big Cities Around
While crimes rates in Columbus are roughly 25 percent higher than the national average at 3,877 reported crimes per 100,000 residents, that’s typical for a big city. It’s a little more comforting to break down the statistics, revealing that only 5 percent of crime is violent.
It’s also important to mention that these numbers make Columbus the safest big city in Ohio by far, with Cleveland and Cincinnati having 7,431 and 6,750 reported criminal acts per 100,000 residents, respectively.
10. This Farmers’ Market Is Always A Blast
A trip to North Market Farmer’s Market can turn a boring afternoon into a memorable time any day of the week. It’s a little less of the typical farmers’ market you’d expect and a little more like a deli with different food and craft booths, making it an easy way to grab lunch and a few groceries without having to drag the family around the store aisles. Plus, with the wide variety of stands and vendors, it’s an experience just to see what new things are being offered every week.
11. Business Is Booming In Columbus
Columbus has a 6.6 percent unemployment rate, which is a little higher than the national average but not surprising in a city of Columbus’ size. What’s more important to mention is how awesome the local business environment is in Columbus.
The Columbus economy is known for being notably strong and diverse, home to business sectors like education, insurance, banking, energy, steel, medical research, and technology. This diversity actually even helped the city place seventh on a recent MarketWatch list of the best cities in the country to operate a business.
12. There Are Four Seasons For You To Fall In Love With
Columbus isn’t all sunshine and warm weather, but that’s part of its charm. With a full four seasons, you don’t miss out on spring, winter, and fall like you might in a city further south. Summer temperatures are warm and humid with an average temperature of 73 degrees, while winters drop to a still tolerable 35.
The most you really have to worry about here will be a few thunderstorms and maybe one or two big snowfalls each year.
13. Columbus Makes Fine Arts Fun
Dragging the kids to a long fine arts performance might sound like a potential disaster waiting to happen, but with shows like “The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet” and “Disney Live!” coming to town, your children are sure to develop a love for the performing arts at a young age.
Columbus is great about bringing in family-friendly shows filled with exciting musical and dance scenes, as well as plenty of interaction with the audience.
14. Take A Journey Around The World, Right In Your Own Backyard
Located in nearby Powell, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the finest facilities of its type in the country, featuring more than 7,000 animals and over 800 species. It’s no surprise that over two million people visit this place annually. A few of the special exhibits here include the Africa-themed “Congo Expedition” and a closer look at the arctic in the “Polar Frontier.”
15. No One’s Complaining About Eating Their Veggies Here
Only 25 miles east of Columbus, a trip to the annual Sweet Corn Festival in Millersport makes for a great day trip. Featuring free concerts, a tractor pull, a parade, and plenty of food, both in the deep-fried and sweet corn variety, this is one family-friendly local event that can’t be skipped.
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