Things To Do In Columbus Ohio

Find something exciting for everyone to do in Columbus Ohio – from family-friendly adventures to unique entertainment – whatever your interests. Discover its picturesque riverfront area along The Scioto Mile or dive deep into its rich local culture at specific attractions.

Start your day right by exploring German Village, home to classic German architecture and cobblestone streets. After that, head into Short North Gallery Hop for some artistic exploration!

The Thurber House

Columbus offers something exciting for every taste in Columbus – from rooftop bars and restaurants to miles of trails for hiking and biking. Home of 36 Division I sports teams including Ohio State’s Buckeyes, there is always something new to experience here; don’t forget a visit to their campus!

Are you looking for something fun to do with kids in Ohio? Take a tour of Olentangy Caverns – one of Ohio’s most captivating caves. Over millions of years, water eroded limestone rock into stunning caverns featuring echo chambers and stalactites.

The North Market is one of Columbus’ coolest spots for shopping and dining. Boasting more than 30 independently-owned vendors selling produce, meats, specialty foods and prepared meals – try Pho at Lan Viet’s, pierogies from Hubert’s Polish Kitchen or Nashville-style fried chicken from Hot Chicken Takeover for something unforgettable!

Columbus Museum of Art features American and European paintings in its downtown museum district, while also boasting the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum for motor enthusiasts.

ZipZone Outdoor Adventures

ZipZone Outdoor Adventures in Columbus Ohio is one of the top attractions. They provide professionally guided zip line tours and an adventure course, all suitable for all skill levels and with various options that allow guests to discover something new about themselves while testing their limits and seeing things differently. ZipZone Outdoor Adventures makes for a thrilling way to test yourself while learning something about life from an entirely new viewpoint!

Hiking at Glacier Ridge Metro Park and kayaking down the Scioto and Olentangy Rivers with Olentangy Paddle are great activities to do together; each provide breathtaking views of Columbus from their own point of view.

German Village is an idyllic neighborhood in Chicago, featuring cobblestone streets and charming brick buildings. Here you can discover some of the city’s best food, like Lindy’s or Pistacia Vera.

The Central Ohio Fire Museum is an exciting way to learn about fire fighting history in Columbus. Housed in the original No. 16 Engine House, this museum contains artifacts dating back 125 years! Additionally, Columbus Zoo offers unique experiences like feeding giraffes or touring their animal health center behind-the-scenes.

The King Art Complex

One of the top attractions in Columbus is Bicentennial Park with its popular deer sculpture. Additionally, this riverside park features the spectacular Scioto Mile Fountain for added enjoyment.

Easton Town Center offers visitors a unique open-air mall featuring top retailers and dining establishments, in addition to hosting community events like free concerts and outdoor fitness classes.

If you love music, The Ohio Theatre is one of the finest venues for touring acts. Additionally, attend one of the Columbus Arts Festival events – complete with delicious food, art installations, and exciting live performances!

The Short North Area of Downtown Columbus boasts boutique shops, tasty restaurants, and stunning art galleries. Additionally, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream’s headquarters can be found here – one of Columbus’ best spots for artisanal ice cream! Additionally, Columbus Metropolitan Library stands as another must-visit in this neighborhood.

Zoombezi Bay

Visit the Wexner Center for the Arts is one of Columbus’s best attractions, from its captivating building design to dazzling exhibits that span from classic films to documentaries – there’s sure to be something there for every art enthusiast!

Zoombezi Bay, owned and managed by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, features 22.7 acres of water park fun that will have something fun for people of all ages to do – making this one of the top things to do in Columbus for families! There are various areas designed specifically to appeal to different age groups within Zoombezi Bay that make for great family memories!

For outdoor adventure seekers, Olentangy Paddle provides kayaking on the Olentangy River or hiking at Glacier Ridge Metro Park; hike Glacier Ridge Metro Park to challenge yourself or climb Olentangy Trails’ 10-acre wood climbing course to test yourself.

Shopping is another favorite activity in Columbus. The city offers every retail experience possible, including Easton (voted best shopping destination in America), Polaris Fashion Place, Tanger Outlets, boutiques/galleries in Short North Arts District/Grandview Heights/German Village etc.

The Ohio Theatre

Visit the 2,791-seat Ohio Theatre is one of the most breathtaking experiences in Columbus, with its exquisite Spanish-Baroque details and 21-foot chandelier. This venue hosts performances ranging from classical music performances, family traditions, and popular concerts – and more!

Downtown Grand Forks offers visitors an urban oasis, with numerous parks and restaurants. Visitors can indulge in Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams before dining on fresh, local cuisine from one of many restaurants featuring classic Midwestern fare, international fare or modern creative cuisine.

Columbus is an energetic sports town, offering many opportunities to cheer on its beloved OSU Buckeyes and Blue Jackets. Fall afternoons spent at Columbus stadium are filled with tailgate action and post-game festivities; for winter visitors looking for family entertainment check out Columbus Zoo’s Wildlights display; while adults may appreciate exploring Ohio’s best beers on Columbus Ale Trail!

COSI

COSI has been offering science learning and fun since 1964, making it one of the top things to do in Columbus for families. Offering over 300 interactive experiences across nine galleries and a giant planetarium – not forgetting its Giant Screen Theater! – this hands-on science center makes for an amazing family day trip!

COSI offers so much fun activities, it is wise to plan ahead. A full day may be needed in order to experience everything the institute offers – including its new American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery and Ohio’s largest planetarium!

Little KidSpace at COSI is an engaging space designed for young visitors from birth through first grade, exploring humanity in terms of mind, body and spirit. The Mind section includes optical illusions such as posable zoetropes and holographic mirrors while Body examines weight, flexibility and heart rate.

Families will also love Big Science Park’s outdoor exhibits and restaurant, retail shop and retail shop. And don’t forget the Short North Gallery Hop every first Saturday of each month – an exclusive celebration of its artistic side in this neighborhood!

North Market

Columbus’ North Market is one of the city’s most distinctive points of interest, not only as a food shopping venue but as an iconic cultural gathering space where locals come together to share their passions and witness a proud tradition at work. You’ll find everything from fresh produce to handmade jewelry at this popular downtown attraction.

If you love antiques, Columbus Architectural Salvage provides an exciting opportunity for history enthusiasts. Recovered from landfills, their historic home furnishings will leave you amazed. Visiting will reveal many unexpected gems.

If you’re up for something more active, kayak or paddleboard on the gorgeous Scioto River in downtown Columbus. Take in breathtaking city skyline views while breathing fresh air – this activity makes a wonderful activity for couples, friends and families. Furthermore, Windrose Outdoor provides tours where beginners and experienced paddlers alike can learn the proper use of their vessel; their courses cater to beginners as well as experienced paddlers alike!

The German Village

One of the best things to do in Columbus is stroll through German Village and admire its lovely brick houses. This laid-back neighborhood is known for its 19th-century homes lining Beck, Mohawk and Deshler Streets; many still look as they did when first constructed thanks to an admirable historic preservation effort. You’ll also find bookstores, traditional fudge shops and artisan jewelry stores; don’t miss Schmidt’s Sausage Haus for a taste of local cuisine and one of Columbus’ many art galleries!

Windrose Outdoor offers paddle board rentals to take a tour of downtown Columbus from the Scioto River. This activity gives visitors an exciting way to see Columbus from another perspective and experience city skylines from an alternative vantage point.

Retail enthusiasts should visit Easton Town Center (named America’s premier shopping destination), Polaris Fashion Place or Tanger Outlets; for something closer to home try exploring boutiques in Short North Arts District (or participating in their monthly Gallery Hop), Grandview Heights or surrounding neighborhoods like Cloister Heights.