Ready or not, summer is just around the corner! Two things are certain: soon enough the weather will be warm and the kids will be home from school. If you haven’t already made plans, don’t worry—you still have time to plan a fun and easy family getaway right here in Dublin.

Our city was founded upon Midwestern values, so almost every activity in our community is centered on spending quality time with family. From nature parks to water parks, and bowling lanes to fairy trails, you’ll be surprised by all the adventure that’s waiting right outside your door!

Enjoy these family-friendly activities right here in Dublin:

Take the whole clan bowling at PINS Mechanical Company in Bridge Park

A mother, father and daughter walking out the front of PINS Mechanical with the daughter on the shoulders of the father.

Don’t just do the same old thing, try your hand at a new skill! At PINS Mechanical Company in Bridge Park, they offer 10 lanes of duckpin bowling, which uses smaller balls and smaller pins to really test your game. If bowling’s not your game, you can also play ping pong and pinball indoors or bocce ball and giant Jenga on their outdoor patio.

Introduce your family to 10,000 animals at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

A mother and her two daughters arm in arm looking out at the savanna at the Heart of Africa at the Columbus Zoo.

Venture to far-away worlds in the time it takes to go for a short drive. At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, you and your family can say hello to 10,000 animals from all over the globe! Walk between six regional experiences, including the Heart of Africa, the Polar Frontier, Southeast Asia, Australia & the Islands and others, to learn about native species and travel the world as a family.

Zoom around the wet and dry rides at the Zoombezi Bay Water Park

Two young girls tubing down slide at Zoombezi Bay.

When the temperature rises, cool off the cool way by splashing around in Zoombezi Bay. With 17 water slides, including a 30-foot drop on Big Boa Falls, Wild Tides wave pool, the Baboon Lagoon for little ones, and dry rides at Jungle Jack's Landing, there’s something for everyone at the 22.7-acre park—and your entry comes with admission to the Columbus Zoo!

Experience science-based, hands-on learning exhibits at COSI

A young girl and her mother playing in a hands on water activity at COSI.

Complete with hands-on exhibits, live shows, an extreme theater, and outdoor courtyard, COSI, the Center of Science and Industry, was named America's #1 science center for families by Parent Magazine. Just a short drive from Dublin, it’s an entertaining and educational space where you can spend the day learning about rocket launches, ocean waves, and dinosaurs!

Follow the Irish-inspired Fairy Door Trail through Downtown Dublin

Little girl holding ice cream cone in front of her smile while pointing at a blue fairy door on the fairy door trail.

Credit: @loufamfun

Get a passport to a whimsical world without ever leaving downtown Dublin! By following the Irish Fairy Door Trail, you and your family can travel through Historic Dublin and Bridge  Park to discover a magical land on the other side of 10 tiny fairy doors. Spread out across our local businesses, each location is home to a resident fairy with a unique name, just waiting for you to stop by for a visit!

Explore the ancestry and architecture of our past at the Ohio History Center

A young boy and girl looking through the glass at an exhibit at the Ohio History Center.

Credit: @alexjcorwin

Add an extra layer to your adventures by making them educational! At the Ohio History Center, you can make learning fun with the interactive play areas and kid-friendly exhibits throughout the building. It’s a special opportunity to explore the evolution of the architecture, the landscape, and the genealogy of Ohio. Plus, you can live like our ancestors at the nearby Ohio Village, where the mid-19th century comes to life!

Remember, these are just a few of the fun, family-friendly activities waiting for you right here in Dublin:

1. Go bowling at Pins Mechanical Company in Bridge Park

2. See 10,000 animals at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

3. Enjoy wet and dry rides at the Zoombezi Bay water park

4. Experience hands-on learning exhibits at COSI

5. Follow the Fairy Door Trail through Downtown Dublin

6. Explore our history at the Ohio History Center

If your family is itching for a getaway, take comfort in knowing you don’t have to go far to have fun. Hassle-free, family-friendly adventure is waiting for you right here in Dublin. And don’t forget to share your photos with us on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #SoDublin!