Santa Maria, Columbus
Address 25 Marconi Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215 Map, Tel 614.645.8760 Call, Website
This is a full-scale replica of Christopher Columbus's ship moored in the river that runs through downtown Columbus. Climb aboard and let knowledgeable guides tell you all about life on a 15th-century ship.
Small children won't really understand the historical implications of the ship, but they will fully believe they are looking at a pirate ship. (Occasional dueling contests and Talk-Like-a-Pirate Day celebrations add fuel to that fire.)
Older kids can even spend the night on board the ship and (with special climbing gear) climb the rigging and get the 9-mile view from the crow's nest.
The ship held our group of 3-4yos attention for about an hour, after which they played for another hour at the Children's Park at the top of the hill. The ship is within easy walking distance of COSI science center and the Ohio Statehouse.