Kid-Friendly Columbus Tours: Education Meets Adventure

Exploring Columbus with your family becomes an exciting adventure with plenty of kid-friendly tours. As you uncover the mysteries of popcorn-making or venture into ancient caverns, these tours seamlessly blend fun and learning for children of all ages. Check out some of the coolest options below, complete with admission prices and addresses to make planning easier.

Al’s Delicious Popcorn Tours/Tastings

Al’s Delicious Popcorn is not just a snack stop; it’s an experience steeped in history and flavor. Families can embark on a journey through the art of popcorn making at their Bethel Road and Pickerington locations. The tour kicks off with an exciting introduction video to popcorn’s origins and Al’s Delicious Popcorn’s humble beginnings. Participants then don hair nets and dive into an interactive session in the kitchen, where they witness firsthand the popping and coating processes. From custom bag orders to handcrafted delights, every step is a delight for the senses. The tour ends with a popcorn tasting, where you can savor 2-3 flavors for larger groups or an assortment for smaller ones. Best of all, there’s no cost for the tour, making it an accessible adventure for all.

• Admission: FREE
• Website
• They offer scheduled factory tours for groups every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00am and 2:00pm.
• Bethel Road Location:
  • Address: 1500 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220
• Pickerington Location:
  • Address: 1211 Hill Rd N, Pickerington, OH 43147

Anthony Thomas Chocolate Factory

For those with a sweet tooth, a visit to the Anthony Thomas Chocolate Factory is a must. Guided tours offer a behind-the-scenes look into the magic of chocolate making. Stroll along their inviting, glass-enclosed suspended “Cat-Walk” and witness nine production lines in action, churning out an impressive 30,000 pounds of delectable chocolates per shift. Their knowledgeable tour guides will lead you through each stage of the process, from the bustling kitchens where it all begins to the meticulous packaging of the final product. You’ll get to see colossal copper kettles where the flavorful centers of some candies are concocted, and their distinctive silver-wrapped pipes transporting liquid chocolate throughout the facility. The tour ends in their charming 2,500 square-foot retail shoppe, where you can browse an array of tempting treats and, best of all, leave with a complimentary sample of our delicious chocolates.

• Admission:
  • 18 years and older: $4.00 per person
  • 2-17 years old: $2.00 per person
• They offer scheduled factory tours for groups every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 10:00am and 2:00pm.
• Website
• 1777 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, OH 43228

American Whistle Corporation

Did you know The American Whistle Corporation is the ONLY manufacturer of metal whistles in the United States and it is right here in Central Ohio? During your 45-minute kid-friendly tour, they will take you through a thriving, small, American manufacturing plant and entertain you with interesting information about whistles and fascinating machinery—some state of the art, some dating back to the beginning of the company.All ages are welcome on our tour – from preschoolers to senior citizens. Tours are tailored to suit any & all age groups.  

• Admission: $10.00 per person
• Tours are scheduled in advance online. Book your tour HERE.
• Website
• 6540 Huntley Rd., Columbus, OH

Central Ohio Fire Museum

Young firefighters-in-training will love a visit to the Central Ohio Fire Museum. Fun Fact: The museum was founded in 1983 by a group of Columbus firefighters who wanted to preserve firefighting history.

Once inside the museum, all guests are offered a kid-friendly tour of the museum led by a retired or active firefighter. On the tour, you will learn what it was like to be a firefighter during the early hand-pulled cart and horse-drawn steam engine era and how the fire service has evolved to the present service that their communities have today. They answer TONS of questions about the not-so-well-known things like how the service operates. Our favorite part is getting to ring the 500lb station bell in the bell tower and learning about early communications (before 9-1-1). They even have a play area for younger kids that features the cab and tiller seat from a real fire truck and a fire pole from an old Columbus fire station that kids can slide down.

Note: If interested, they offer a chance to participate in age-appropriate fire safety education. They have programs from pre-K to senior citizens. Guests can learn how to make their homes fire safe, visit their fire safety kitchen and practice what to do if there is a fire in their home. You can learn more here.

• Admission:
  • Adults $8
  • Seniors $7
  • Children $6
• 260 N. Fourth St., Columbus, Ohio 43215

You can read about our visit years ago here. Use this more as a visual to see pictures because I am sure the information is a bit outdated. I will update after our next visit.

Columbus Zoo – Behind the Scenes Tours

This might just be one of the best tour opportunities in Central Ohio! I mean, what could be better than a personalized tour at the Columbus Zoo that grants you exclusive access to some of the most exciting creatures on the planet? It’s such a fun and unique way to experience the Zoo just like the keepers do. Keep in mind that each tour has different age requirements, so be sure to read through them carefully to make sure they are kid-friendly.

Years ago, when the tours were only $15, I had the chance to do the Discovery Reef tour, and it was absolutely amazing. We entered through the door behind the touch tide pool, and I was blown away by everything that awaited us there. We got to see where the tide pool animals live, learn about the projects they were working on, and discover where the fish come from and how they arrived there. It was all truly fascinating. And the cherry on top? Climbing up for a top view of the 90,000-gallon tank! The view was absolutely incredible. Along the rail, there were pictures of each fish that lives in the tank, along with a few interesting facts. Our tour guide was fantastic; she answered every single question my nanny kids had, leaving us all with unforgettable memories.”

Types of Tours:

• Playdate with Frankie Experience
• Animal Wellness Experience
• Capybara Experience
• Cheetah Experience
• Elephant Bath Experience
• Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village Experience
• Red Panda Experience
• Reindeer Experience
• Seal and Sea Lion Experience
• Stingray Feeding Experience
• VIP Zoo Tour
• Wild Encounters Experience
• Winter Giraffe Feeding

• Admission: Varies on Tour, but typically around $99/person
• Website
• 4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH | (614) 645-3550

Read This: A Day in the Life of a Columbus Zoo Tour Guide

Giant Eagle 

For almost two decades, Giant Eagle® has partnered with the Field Trip Factory to educate local students on healthy living and nutrition by way of a kid-friendly tour. The Be A Smart Shopper! program, conducted through field trips to your nearby Giant Eagle store, aims to instill a passion for healthy diets and lifestyles in children by teaching them:

• Smart choices for grocery shopping
• Planning well-balanced meals with food groups
• Reading nutrition labels and understanding portion sizes
• The benefits of vitamins, minerals, and basic food safety
• The importance of exercise and staying active

Students engage in interactive, real-life learning experiences, including hands-on activities and discussions, to grasp essential nutrition life skills. Tailored for Preschoolers to Middle Schoolers aged 5 to 12, the Be A Smart Shopper! tour offers two programs: one for Pre-K to Grade 3 (about 60 minutes) and another for Grades 4 to 6 (about 90 minutes). Best of all, these programs are FREE!

Ideal for teachers, homeschoolers, and aligned with STEM standards, the Be A Smart Shopper program complements health and nutrition lessons. Additionally, Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops can fulfill merit badge requirements through this program.

• Admission: Free
• Address: Multiple locations in Central Ohio
• To schedule a field trip, contact 1.800.987.6409 in advance. Field trips are available at multiple Giant Eagle locations across Central Ohio, with a limit of 30 participants per tour.

Hanby House

Located in Westerville Ohio, Hanby House is the former home of William and Ann (Miller) Hanby. Built in 1846 at the corner of Main and Grove Streets, the Hanby family occupied the house from 1853-1870. William Hanby was the 15th Bishop of the United Brethren in Christ Church. He was an abolitionist and opened his home as a station on the Underground Railroad. Bishop Hanby was co-founder of Otterbein University. You can find out more about the Hanby’s story here.

Hanby House will be closed for the winter from December 20, 2023 through March 15, 2024.

• Hanby House is open by appointment only. Please schedule at least one week in advance of your desired tour date so that we can arrange for a guide to be available.
  • To schedule a tour, contact themby email at WHSpres@westervillehistory.org or by phone at 614-891-6289.
• 160 W Main St., Westerville, OH 43081

The Kelton House

The Kelton House offers a fascinating peek into Victorian life, blending Greek Revival and Italianate architectural styles. Its lush garden, adorned with hedges, statues, and a variety of plants, showcases the Kelton family’s rich 120-year history. During our recent visit, we chose the self-guided tour, which was ideal for our family with young children and made it more kid-friendly. Equipped with individual recorded devices, we explored the house and garden at our own pace, completing the tour in under an hour. However, as our girls grow older, we look forward to spending more time there. Learning about the house’s connections to the Underground Railroad added an extra layer of depth to our visit, making it an educational and rewarding experience for everyone.

• Admission:
  • Adults: $10
  • Seniors (55+): $7
  • Students: $5
• Website
• 586 East Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

Olentangy Indian Caverns

Embark on an underground adventure at the Olentangy Indian Caverns. These ancient caverns, formed millions of years ago, offer a journey through time and nature. Families can opt for self-guided tours, armed with maps and audio guides, to explore winding passages and spacious rooms. With additional attractions like mini-golf and gem mining, it’s a day of excitement and discovery for young explorers.

How Self-Guided Tours work:

1. You buy admission in the gift shop.
2. We give you instructions and a map.
3. You explore the caverns at your leisure while listening to our 7 information audio stations.

• The tour takes 20 – 30 minutes, depending on your pace. If you stop at all 7 stations and listen to the entire audio tour.
• Admission:
  • Adults (13+): $11.95
  • Ages 3-12: $8.95
• 1779 Home Rd, Delaware, OH 43015

Best Value: All Access Pass that includes a cavern tour, petting zoo, minature golf, treasure hutn maze and a bag of paydirt gem mining – $27.99/adults, $24.99/Ages 3-12. Note: They open for the season March 23, 2024.

Orange Johnson House

When you visit the Orange Johnson House Museum, you’ll step back into nineteenth-century Worthington and enter into one of the oldest residences standing in its original location in central Ohio! Tours last approximately one hour.Find out more of the history on the house here.

• Admission:
  • $5 for an adult
  • $3 for children age 6 – 16
  • Under 6 are Free with paid adult admission
• The Orange Johnson House is open for tours with advanced reservation on Wednesdays and Sundays (24 Hour Minimum Advanced Reservation). You can book here.
  • For groups larger than 8 people, or to book a tour for Society members, please call the Society at 614-885-1247 or email info@worthingtonhistory.org. 
• 956 High St., Worthington, OH 43085

Phoenix Bats Factory 

During this hour long tour, you’ll learn about how the business got started, working with pros, and the process in creating a great bat (including wood selection, computer-aided design, and a trip out on the shop floor for an up-close view of the bat making and finishing process). At the end of the tour, you get to take home an engraved mini bat to commemorate your visit!

Note: February 1, 2024: At this time, they are not conducting shop tours due to minimal staffing. Please note that their showroom IS open. You can read about our visit/tour way back in 2016 as an idea of what they’re like!

• Website
• 7801 Corporate Blvd. Suite E Plain City, Ohio 43064

So, there you have it! Exploring Columbus is a blast with these awesome tours. Whether you’re into popcorn adventures at Al’s Delicious Popcorn, sweet treats at Anthony Thomas Chocolate Factory, or diving into history at places like the Central Ohio Fire Museum, there’s something cool for everyone. So grab your crew, double check the details for updates and get ready for some epic adventures in Central Ohio!