As you might expect, parents prefer to stay in the hospital with their children. Sometimes, though, it's just not possible. Sometimes transportation from another city, state, or country is an issue. Sometimes caring for the brothers or sisters of the hospitalized child is a worry. And the expenses of an extended stay in a hotel is typically out of reach for these families. The Ronald McDonald House gives families a home-away-from-home, a place where they can break away from the hospital, yet be available at a moment's notice.

Located accross from Nationwide Children's Hospital campus, near the Livingston Avenue and Parsons Avenue intersection, the House has 80 family bedrooms, ten of which are continuing care suites. In addition to comfortable bedrooms with private bathrooms, the House has fully-equipped kitchens with dining areas, play rooms, laundry facilities, a meditation room, an exercise room and gathering areas. Linens and a limited food pantry are provided. For families who arrive via the emergency room, personal care items are available upon request. Continuing care suites, isolated from the rest of the House, are available to families of transplant recipients and other specified conditions.

The Columbus Ronald McDonald House is open 365 days a year. A guest's stay may range from one night to several months.