If you and your team are headed to Berliner Sports Park in Columbus, Ohio, then you will be playing at one of the nation’s largest softball complexes. It is also used by flag football leagues and even families, since it features picnic areas, trails, a playground, and other outdoor amenities.

Once your games are over at Berliner Sports Park, you will need some activities for the team and families nearby, in addition to restaurants that are kid-friendly. We have put together some suggestions that should fit right into your team’s schedule and travel budget.

 

Things to Do

German Village

German Village is a neighborhood rich in both history and culture that’s located just south of downtown Columbus and Berliner Sports Park. Originally established in the early 1800s in the South End of Columbus, the German Village area began to flourish between 1840 and 1914.

Today, German Village is a vibrant area with shopping, restaurants, parks, and more. It’s definitely worth the time to stroll the streets of German Village to see what’s right around the next corner. 588 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215

 

Scioto Mile

In the heart of downtown Columbus is the Scioto Mile, an urban oasis on 175 acres of park land. Get a gander at flocks of shore birds and birds of prey in their natural habitat at the Scioto Audubon; spend some time splashing around in the 15,000-square foot interactive fountain. Climb the country’s largest free outdoor climbing wall and run or walk along the Lower River Walk for breathtaking views of the city skyline and the river.

You’ll encounter lots of public art, statues, fountains, and other points of interest and you might catch a public concert, be entertained by street musicians, or stumble onto other cultural events that make Columbus a hub for the arts. 233 Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215

 

Center of Science and Industry

Over 30 million people have strolled through the doors of the Center of Science and Industry, or COSI, since 1964. Take the team there during your visit to Berliner Sports Park to see what all of the fuss is about. Recently named the nation’s number one science center for families by Parents Magazine, COSI makes science and technology interactive and fun for everybody.

In the themed exhibition areas like Progress, Big Science Park, Ocean, Space, Gadgets, and Life they present over 300 interactive exhibits. See the only High-Wire Unicycle in the country. Watch exciting films in the seven-story Extreme Screen Theater. Watch your kids’ hair rise in the Electrostatic Generator Show. The new, largest-in-Ohio COSI Planetarium allows an unparalleled view of the universe with its Digistar 5 projection system and 60-foot dome. The brainteasers and “interactive challenges” in the Mindbender Mansion & Amazing Mazes are sure to test your team’s brain power. 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

 

Trapper John’s Canoe Livery

Another attraction near Berliner Sports Park just south in Grove City is Trapper John’s Canoe Livery. There you can take a scenic canoe ride on the Big Darby Creek. The shortest trip available to you begins right at the canoe livery and gently flows downstream. The trip ends just upstream from where the twin bridges of I-71 cross overhead.

Perfect for an early evening recreation and also ideal for children six years and over or inexperienced paddlers, it lasts just one to two hours. There are also longer trips for more experienced paddlers. 7141 London Groveport Rd, Grove City, OH 43123

 

Putt N Play

Putt N Play, also in Grove City, offers an 18-hole goofy mini golf course, batting cages, soccer cages, and an arcade with racing games, sport games, strategic games, and prizes. There is also a snack bar that serves pizza and more. 4021 Thistlewood Dr, Grove City, OH 43123

 

Magic Mountain Fun Center East

Magic Mountain Fun Center East is a year-round, indoor and outdoor amusement park located just 20 minutes east of Berliner Sports Park. It offers family fun like no other! It features an arcade, batting cages, go-karts, bumper cars, and mini golf all in one place.

Your kids will shout when they see the new Lazer Frenzy arcade-style laser maze attraction. They’ll love the high-tech special effects, haze, mirrors, and most of all, lasers, to challenge them. They’ve got Rookie Karts and the KidsGym Climbing Playland for the wee ones. The miniature golf attraction has two exceptional 18-hole courses. Your kids can compete with up to 15 other drivers on the Magic Track Go-Karts. 5890 Scarborough Blvd, Columbus, OH 43232

 

Places to Eat

Tee Jaye’s Country Place Restaurant

Tee Jaye’s Country Place Restaurant is a family-owned and operated eatery near Berliner Sports Park. They believe that every great business starts by following a few basic principles: a belief in who they are; what they represent; how they conduct business; and how they feel about their customers and employees.

When Tee Jaye’s founders Jules and Nita Sokol opened their first establishment in September 1970, they intended for it to be an extension of their family and home, both in its atmosphere and the food they serve. So during your team’s visit to Berliner Sports Park, enjoy a meal at Tee Jaye’s and be part of the family! 4048 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43228

 

Dan’s Drive In

Dan’s Drive In has all of the nostalgia of the 1950s with a menu that will suit everyone’s appetite. Dan’s offers a solid diner menu and plenty of classic car and rock and roll memorabilia but without the traditional car side drive-in service. The expansive, family-friendly menu focuses equally on breakfast, burgers, and other delicious diner fare. 1881 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207

 

Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace

Voted Best Cheap Eats three years running, Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace is a wonderland of fun food. What child wouldn’t want to try the Octodog, a hot dog octopus served over mac and cheese? While you’re chowing down on the corn dogs with tater tots, order some cherry slushies for the table. 248 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215

 

Milestone 229

Milestone 229 serves scratch-kitchen menu items made from the finest ingredients. Weekend brunch is the best time for kids in this “airy, modern American spot.” Pick from the kid’s menu while playing locally-themed games! 229 Civic Center Drive, Columbus, OH 43215

 

Your team will have lots of fun visiting Columbus, thanks to these and other activities that offer unique experiences and an opportunity to bond. No matter what you end up doing near Berliner Sports Park, as long as you’re doing it together, you’ll all come away a stronger team and a new appreciation for the great Midwestern city of Columbus.