You’ve seen the sign. If you’ve spent any significant amount of time driving along the east side of the I-270 outerbelt, that giant, slightly weathered sign for Magic Mountain East Columbus has probably burned itself into your peripheral vision. It feels like a relic. For many of us who grew up in Central Ohio, it is a relic—a place of sticky arcade buttons, the smell of gasoline from the go-kart track, and the high-pitched squeals of kids realizing they just lost their last token on a rigged claw machine.
But things change. Honestly, if you show up there today expecting the exact same experience you had in 1998, you’re going to be a little confused. The landscape of family entertainment in Columbus has shifted drastically. With the rise of massive, shiny complexes like Scene75 or the high-tech gloss of Topgolf, the "old school" fun centers have had to fight for air. Magic Mountain East, located specifically at 5890 Scarborough Blvd, has navigated a weird, rocky road of ownership changes, renovations, and the general wear and tear that comes with being an outdoor-heavy attraction in a state where it rains or snows half the year.
The Reality of the Scarborough Boulevard Vibe
It’s gritty. Let’s just start there. Magic Mountain East Columbus doesn't have that "corporate sanitized" feel of a Disney park. It feels like Columbus. You’ve got the putt-putt courses—two 18-hole miniature golf courses, to be exact—that have seen a lot of birthday parties. Some people complain about the turf being worn or the occasional leaf in the water hazard, but there’s a certain charm to the weathered obstacles. It’s affordable. That’s the big draw. While other places in the city might charge you a week's grocery budget for a family of four to have a night out, you can still grab a multi-attraction pass here without crying when you see your bank statement.
The go-karts remain the undisputed king of the property. There’s something visceral about those engines. They aren't the quiet, electric karts you find at indoor tracks. These are loud. They smell like exhaust. When you're zooming around the "Thunderbolt" track, you feel every bump in the pavement. It’s fast enough to be fun but safe enough that you aren't worried about a catastrophic pileup. It’s basically the gateway drug for local kids who eventually want to spend their weekends at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
What happened to the "Mountain"?
People ask this a lot. The branding is "Magic Mountain," but if you're looking for a literal mountain, you’re in the wrong state, let alone the wrong park. The name is a carryover from a different era of amusement branding. What you actually get is a sprawling complex that focuses on variety rather than one "big" mountain-style coaster.
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You’ve got the Bumper Boats. These are a gamble. On a hot July day in Ohio, getting splashed by a stranger while you try to navigate a circular boat with a stubborn motor is peak summer. In May? It's a recipe for a cold. The water isn't exactly Caribbean blue, but hey, it's a bumper boat. You aren't there for the scenery; you're there to soak your cousin.
The Arcade Dilemma and the Evolution of Fun
The indoor section has seen the most "identity crisis" moments over the last decade. Back in the day, it was all about the tickets. You’d play Skee-Ball for three hours just to walk away with a plastic spider and a single Tootsie Roll. Now, the arcade at Magic Mountain East Columbus has tried to modernize. They’ve brought in more "adrenalin" games and redemption machines that use card swipes instead of the classic paper tickets.
It's better. It's objectively more efficient. But man, do people miss the sound of those tickets spitting out of the machine.
The "KidsGym" is another staple. It’s a massive multi-level play area. If you are a parent, this is either a godsend or a nightmare. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s where 100% of the energy in the building is concentrated. It’s specifically designed for the 12-and-under crowd, providing a sanctuary for parents who just want their kids to tire themselves out so they’ll actually sleep through the night.
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- Go-Karts: Height requirements are real. Don't promise your five-year-old they can drive solo. They can't. They’ll be a passenger in a double-seater.
- Batting Cages: These are some of the few remaining public cages on the East Side. Ranging from slow-pitch softball to fast baseball, they are used heavily by local Little League players during the spring.
- Mini-Golf: The lighting at night is surprisingly decent. It’s a popular spot for awkward first dates because if the conversation dies, you can just talk about the fiberglass castle.
Why Location Matters for the East Side
Columbus is growing, but the East Side—specifically the area around Reynoldsburg and Pickerington—has a different vibe than the booming North. Magic Mountain East serves a huge demographic that doesn't want to drive 40 minutes to Polaris for a bit of fun. It’s accessible. It’s right off the highway.
However, being an older facility comes with baggage. There have been numerous reports over the years regarding maintenance issues. Sometimes the misters on the golf course don't work. Sometimes a few arcade games are "Out of Order" for a week. This is the reality of a high-traffic, mid-tier entertainment center. The staff is usually composed of local high schoolers working their first jobs. They aren't "Amusement Park Professionals"; they’re kids trying to earn gas money. Pack a little patience. If a machine eats your credit, just talk to the front desk nicely. They usually just flip a switch or give you a refund without much fuss.
The Competition
It’s impossible to talk about Magic Mountain without mentioning its sister site, Magic Mountain West, or the larger competitors. The West side location often feels slightly more updated, but the East side has the loyalty of the Scarborough crowd. The rise of "Barcades" downtown has taken some of the adult crowd away, leaving Magic Mountain to double down on being a family-first destination. They aren't trying to be a trendy lounge. They want to be the place where you host a 10-year-old’s birthday party without losing your mind.
Is it worth the trip in 2026?
Honestly? It depends on what you want. If you’re looking for a high-end, immersive VR experience with gourmet catering, go elsewhere. You won't find it here. But if you want a nostalgic afternoon of hitting a bucket of balls in the cages and trying to beat your kid’s score on a neon-lit golf hole, it’s great.
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The value is in the "Fun Pack" deals. Buying individual tickets for every attraction is a rookie mistake. It’ll drain your wallet faster than the claw machine. Look for the timed passes—usually two or three hours of unlimited play. That’s where you actually get your money's worth. Also, check the weather. Since so much of the "Magic" is outdoors (karts, boats, golf), a rainy day turns this into a very small indoor arcade experience very quickly.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind:
- Safety First: The go-kart track has strict rules. Follow them. The operators will shut down the race if you start playing bumper cars on the track. It’s not a demolition derby.
- The Food: It’s standard fare. Pizza, hot dogs, pretzels. It’s "fair food" quality. It’s fine for a snack, but you’re literally surrounded by every fast-food chain known to man on the nearby streets if you want a real meal afterward.
- Group Events: This is their bread and butter. If you’re planning a corporate outing or a massive family reunion, call ahead. They have dedicated areas for this, and it’s significantly cheaper than trying to wing it with a group of 20 people.
Magic Mountain East Columbus is a survivor. It has outlived many other local attractions that folded during the 2010s. It persists because there is a fundamental need for "analog" fun. We spend all day staring at screens; there is something deeply satisfying about physically hitting a golf ball into a tiny hole or feeling the wind in your face on a go-kart. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s a little bit dated, but it’s a staple of the Columbus landscape for a reason.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Before you head out to the East Side, do these three things to ensure you don't waste time or money. First, check their official website for the "Daily Specials." They often have mid-week discounts that aren't advertised at the door. Second, wear closed-toe shoes. You can't drive the go-karts in flip-flops—safety regulations are annoying but mandatory. Third, bring sunscreen. The mini-golf courses have almost zero shade, and that Ohio sun reflects off the concrete and artificial turf like a mirror.
If you're looking for a low-stakes, high-energy afternoon, this is your spot. Just leave the expectations of a high-tech theme park at the gate and embrace the slightly chaotic, purely local energy of the place. It's a Columbus classic, warts and all.