Have you done the Columbus coffee trail? Visit at least four stops along the trail, and you will receive a free (and cute) Columbus coffee T-shirt.
Coffee for you. Park for them. Top it off with a sweet treat. That, my friends, is the recipe for a fun outing with your children.
Here are four locations on the Columbus coffee trail that are kid-friendly and do not involve parallel parking that minivan on busy downtown streets. Each location listed is nearby an awesome park as well as a tasty dessert shop. Happy Coffee-ing!
Columbus Coffee Trail
Red Velvet Cafe + Columbus Commons
The first stop on the Columbus coffee trail is the adorable Red Velvet Cafe. This quaint cafe sells espresso and bubble tea drinks as well as beautifully decorated cupcakes. If your kids will last (unlike mine), you could even order off of the Filipino inspired brunch menu. For easy and cheap parking, head to the Columbus Commons main parking garage on Rich St. and walk a few blocks to the cafe. Afterwards, check out the Columbus Commons, a large, outdoor green space in the middle of downtown. My kids love riding on the carousel and building with the huge foam blocks. During the summer season, Fridays are dedicated to fun and free kids programming including crafts, games, bounce houses, and carousel rides.
Sweeten the trail: Try a scoop of Jeni’s at the Columbus Commons shop.
Crimson Cup in Upper Arlington + Northam Park
The second stop along the Columbus coffee trail is also the easiest and most convenient for parking (Thank you, suburbia). Pick up your hot cup of joe from the kid-friendly Crimson Cup in Upper Arlington. Just a few minutes drive away is Northam Park. Your kids will love the new, rubber-surfaced playground with fun climbing structures as well as mature trees for shade. Stop in for a program or check out books at the Upper Arlington Public Library which is adjacent to the park. During the summer season, take a swim at the park’s new zero-entry pool which includes a climbing wall, a rope net, and diving boards.
Sweeten the trail: From Northam Park, walk over to the Original Goodie Shop, and try an amazing donut or cookie!
Stauf’s in Grandview + Wyman Woods Park
Next up on the Columbus coffee trail is the incredibly popular Stauf’s Coffee in Grandview. Since the cafe is nestled in the heart of Grandview, parking can be tricky but spots can certainly be found on Grandview Ave. or a side street. The spacious coffee shop has a wonderful aroma from the bulk coffee beans that line the wall. After getting your coffee fix, head over to Wyman Woods Park which has a newer playground as well as picnic tables and a sand volleyball court. My kids cannot get enough of the “elevator” lift on the playground. Also, the park has a fun wintertime sledding hill.
Sweeten the trail: Since Jeni’s is two doors down from Stauf’s, why not hop over for some ice cream?
Pistacia Vera in German Village + Scioto Audobon Metro Park
The fourth stop on our coffee trail is Pistacia Vera in German village. Besides the delicious coffee, this pastry shop sells amazing macarons. Try the honey lavender or the vanilla bean flavors. Take your coffee and desserts to go, and head to the nearby Scioto Audobon Metro Park. This park has it all including a nature center with an indoor play area, a boardwalk over a pond, a fully accessible playground, and a rock climbing wall. Check out this article for exploring the metro park.
Sweeten the trail: If macarons aren’t enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, try some delectable chocolates at Winans Chocolates & Coffee in German village.
Last stop on the coffee trail: Pick up your free T-shirt!
Congrats, you completed four stops on the Columbus coffee trail with your kids! Take your stamped coffee passport to the Columbus Visitor Center, and pick up your free T-shirt. Tip: The T-shirt sizes run small so choose one or two sizes larger than you normally would wear unless you would like to pass it along to your kids. And why not? They earned it, too!
What other coffee shops do you love on the Columbus coffee trail? Check out more awesome Columbus coffee spots here: local coffee shops.
