Visiting the Ohio State University Airport

Watching planes take off and land at the Ohio State University Airport is a fun (and free) activity for kids in Columbus!

Fun for Families at Ohio State University Airport

The Ohio State University Airport was one of our favorite places to visit! The observation deck was a great place to watch planes take off and land! The Airport recently went under a major renovation and the tower was closed for several months in 2018.

We recently revisited the OSU Airport to see what was new! I’ve updated this post with details about the newly remodeled observation deck so you know what to expect when you visit with your kids!

*PLEASE NOTE: AS OF DECEMBER 2022 JACK AND BENNY’S HAS PERMANENTLY CLOSED*

BEFORE:

AFTER:

The remodel is stunning! The observation tower is now an entire floor in the building and it’s beautiful!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Here are a few highlights:

Snap a pic with Brutus!

Update from 2022:

Pick up a free coloring book! The coloring books were on display in the NetJets Observation Deck. If you don’t see them, it might be a good idea to ask at the front desk!

Watch for planes, of course:

Identify planes using the pictures posted along the windows!

Hang out in the lobby and relax!

Visit the timeline of the Ohio State University Airport to learn some fun facts about the history of the airport:

A few fun facts: the Columbus Zoo has used the airport when transporting manatees and panda bears and Barbara Bush landed at the airport in Air Force Two while President George H.W. Bush was in office.

We used to love to visit Jack & Benny’s Barnstormer Diner on the airport grounds, but it closed in 2022. In case you’re wondering what took it’s place, it’s now a Market C where you can stop in to purchase self-serve snacks and drinks.

You can find this snack shop to your left when you’re facing the front doors of the airport entrance. It’s in a separate building with a sign overhead. I definitely miss the restaurant but there are a few artifacts on the walls and you can still look into the adjacent hangar to see planes!

Visiting the OSU airport is such a great free indoor activity in Columbus to help pass a rainy or winter day!

Know Before You Go:

Ohio State University Airport
2160 W. Case Road, Columbus, OH 43235
Observation Tower Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
1-800-777-5488

Tips:

• The best times to see planes landing and taking off are Monday and Friday mornings when the weather is clear!
• There is ample, free parking right in front of the terminal.

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ICYMI: 25 Free Things to do with Your Kids this Winter in Columbus, Ohio

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