Maya RichardsonI started looking for daycare options because I wanted to make sure my child would be in a safe, caring environment while I’m away. But with so many choices, it quickly felt overwhelming to figure out which ones were actually worth considering.
So I focused on centers that parents consistently recommend, especially those known for safety and clear communication with families. I also looked for places that balance structure with play, and those that make parents feel involved.
Whether you’re looking for full-time childcare or preschool preparation, these Columbus daycare centers stood out to me for the way they help children learn and grow every day.
How much do daycare services cost in Columbus?
Daycare services in Columbus generally cost from $180 to $450 per week, depending on the child’s age, program type, and schedule. Part-time care, extended hours, and specialized learning programs can also affect pricing.
1. Clever Bee Academy
Address: 660 Harrisburg Pike, OH 43223
Contact: +1 614 227 0652
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Clever Bee Academy is the kind of daycare that really leans into the educational side of childcare. After looking into them, I saw that they were serious about helping kids learn early while keeping activities age-appropriate and engaging.
They have been around since 2001 and now operate 15 academies across Ohio, which already says a lot about how established they are.
I also like that many of their teachers and managers have backgrounds in early childhood education. On top of that, staff members continue receiving professional training. Some of the programs here are constantly improving.
Another feature parents would probably appreciate is the meal program. Their menus are planned by nutritionists and prepared under hygienic conditions. This takes one more thing off a parent’s plate.
The biggest issue I came across was communication during enrollment. Some parents mentioned needing to visit in person because details over the phone felt unclear.
The staff has always had my daughter’s best interests at heart
“My daughter has been enrolled since August of 2018. It’s the only center I have ever taken her to. I was terrified at the time, being a newly single mom transition from stay at home mom to full time work. The staff has always, ALWAYS, had my daughters best interest at heart, and I cannot see anybody else taking care of or loving her like I do other than these ladies. Thank you for all you do!”
- Andrianna Moore, Google Review
Love the kids like their own
“My child attends here , he was having a rough time at other centers and they welcomed him in and he’s been having better days ! He gets excited every morning to go to school and comes home happy daily , and he asks about Krystal the director everyday ! It’s a great center where they are welcoming and love the kids as there own !”
- Brie Nichole, Google Review
2. City Kids Daycare
Address: 274 Marconi Blvd # 190, OH 43215
Contact: +1 614 464 1411
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
City Kids Daycare honestly sounds perfect for parents working in the city who want their kids close by. The whole setup is designed around busy families with hectic schedules.
The facility itself is pretty impressive too. They have 7,200 square feet of space for children ranging from 6 weeks to 6 years old. So, it isn’t cramped the way most daycares are.
What really shines, though, is the indoor atrium playground. They have climbing equipment, bikes, and water play. It feels like kids have plenty of ways to stay active regardless of the weather.
Their summer program also goes way beyond basic childcare. Children have trips to COSI, the zoo, and Metro Parks, among many others.
If you want other activities, there are swimming pools for practicing and even ice skating lessons to make it more interactive and fun for older kids.
The downside is that the daycare’s summer camp spots seem to disappear quickly. This is due to limited availability, so it’s best to book early.
The staff is just amazing
“Both of my children have been at City Kids since they were 3 months old, one is now 3.5 and the other 1.5 yrs old. The staff at City Kids is just amazing and lead by their awesome director Ms Juliet. I have 150% confidence and trust in them and feel like they love my children as much as I do. My son literally runs into their arms every morning at drop off. Other centers boast high tech and state of the art facilities, but when it comes to caring for my child I look at the people watching over them, and this group is THE BEST. Thank you City Kids!
Positive: Responsiveness, Reliability, Quality, Professionalism, Value”
The staff is professional and courteous
“City Kids daycare is an amazing place to send your kids. The staff is professional and courteous. Unlike a few bad reviews on here probably from former employees, parents who didn’t handle their business correctly and friends of those people who have never heard of City Kids…this daycare center has been around a long time and has such a great reputation. There are so many former “City Kids” who are now sending their own kids there with some of the same staff. If you’re looking for a great daycare to send you children…city kids is it.”
- Danielle B., Google Review
3. Balanced Family Academy of Grandview
Address: 707 Grandview Xing Wy, OH 43215
Contact: +1 614 372 5074
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Balanced Family Academy of Grandview is for parents who want convenience without sacrificing quality. Many daycares still expect families to pack a lot for children, but this place handles many of the everyday essentials for you.
They put so much thought into meals and supplies. Food here doesn’t have GMOs, artificial dyes, or common allergens while still accommodating specific dietary needs.
The daycare also provides diapers, wipes, and bedding. They even handle the laundry, which honestly sounds like a huge relief for busy parents.
Classrooms here are also more supported than average. They exceed state staffing requirements by adding extra teachers, especially in infant rooms. So, children likely receive more individual attention throughout the day.
The only thing that might disappoint some families is the outdoor space. Several parents mentioned that it feels smaller than expected.
Always professional and friendly
“Does my almost 1 year old like BFA more than home? Probably! I have such a sense of relief taking my girl to BFA everyday. The teachers are top notch caregivers. They go above and beyond with photo shoots, hands on activities and extra snuggles when a baby is having a hard day. The CareDay app makes it easy to communicate and receive updates throughout the day. The coordinators are always professional and friendly too. BFA isn’t the most affordable daycare but you get what you pay for. I have peace of mind leaving my babe everyday in their hands.”
- Amy Densborn, Google Review
The communication with parents has been great
“My daughter has absolutely loved her experience at this summer camp! The staff is so kind, welcoming, and full of energy — you can tell they genuinely care about the kids and put a lot of thought into the activities. Every day she comes home excited to tell me about the fun games, crafts, and new friends she’s made. The communication with parents has also been great, and I really appreciate how organized everything is. We’re so grateful for a safe, fun, and memorable summer — highly recommend this program to other families!”
- Katie Roberts, Google Review
4. Kare-A-Lot Preschool
Address: 1030 King Ave, OH 43212
Contact: +1 614 295 9593
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Kare-A-Lot Preschool has been around since 1984, and it’s clear they have become a familiar part of the Grandview Heights community over the years.
What I like most is that their approach doesn’t sound overly rigid or academic-heavy for young kids. They focus on play-based learning. This helps children build creativity, social skills, and confidence more naturally.
They also cover a pretty wide range of care options, including infant care, toddler programs, pre-K, and school-age services. This makes things easier for families with siblings in different age groups.
Their healthy meal program is another plus because meals are prepared carefully and designed to support children’s growth throughout the day.
One issue some families mentioned, though, involved payment concerns. They noted continued charges after their children transferred elsewhere.
You get updates and photos throughout the day
“My son has been at Kare a lot since about 6 months old and has been there for over 2 years so far. I was very nervous about choosing the right daycare but I definitely feel like I made the best choice. We love it, the teachers are great and my son loves it so much he doesn’t want to leave at the end of the day. They have a great curriculum and feel as if they actually care. You get updates and photos all throughout the day too. Knowing my son is well taken care of at his school makes a world of difference. Would Def recommend.”
- Devan Stonebraker, Google Review
The app is updated frequently
“We are so happy with our experience with Kare A Lot so far. As first time parents, we were nervous about leaving our baby in the care of others, but after the first day, we were completely put at ease by the wonderful staff! The director responds promptly to emails, the procedures are straightforward, and we love his teachers and the care they are providing our son. The app is updated frequently throughout the day and eases all of our anxiety about how he is doing. We have really been impressed with that aspect as we know the teachers are busy throughout the day and taking the time to update us is so valuable. We are so thankful we chose Kare A Lot!”
- Erin Napier, Google Review
5. La Petite Academy
Address: 909 Polaris Pkwy, OH 43240
Contact: +1 877 271 6466
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
La Petite Academy is many parents’ favorite. From infants to school-age children, the programs seem designed to grow alongside kids as their needs change over time.
The center’s Learn as We Grow® philosophy also stood out because it doesn’t sound overly formal or strict. The focus is more on hands-on activities, confidence-building, and helping children think independently through everyday experiences.
I also appreciate how much emphasis the daycare places on inclusion and support. Their parent company, Learning Care, promotes diversity throughout both staff culture and classrooms.
On the other hand, the iCare Foundation provides financial assistance to employees going through difficult situations. That level of support behind the scenes gives the company a more compassionate feel overall.
The 10% military family discount is another through bonus that helps include all children from different backgrounds.
The only consistent complaints I noticed were slower communication when parents tried scheduling tours or requesting information about them.
I always know my kids are getting the best care
“We’ve been sending our kids here almost 10 yrs now and I can’t say enough good things about the teachers and administrative staff. From baby room to pre-school and summer camps, I always know my kids are getting the best care. They have cameras, take pictures frequently throughout the day, have fun enrichment opportunities like kinder-dance, soccer-shots, etc, and always let you know if something happened (kid fell down, needed a bandaid, etc). A++ all around!”
- Tatiana SH, Google Review
The facility is well-maintained, clean, and organized
“We’ve had a wonderful experience with this daycare, and I’m truly happy with the care my daughter is receiving. The facility is well-maintained, clean, and organized. They also provide healthy food options to the kids.
My 3 year old daughter genuinely loves going to daycare now. She adores her teachers (Malika, Raji, and Sandhya) they are caring, patient and always responsive whenever i have questions or concerns. The management (Usha and her team) is also very helpful.
I would highly recommend this daycare, especially for parents enrolling their kids for the first time. You will be in a safe and supportive environment.”
- Mounika Reddy, Google Review
