Columbus is the heart of Ohio with tons of history, culture, and excitement. Whether you want to soak in some nature at Ohio State Parks, take in an art exhibit or play a round of golf on one of the best courses in the world – Columbus is worth exploring.
Who needs the world’s most famous monuments when they have all of these! From the Ohio Statehouse to the Scioto Mile, Columbus has a lot to offer. But don’t stop there!
The best is yet to come with many museums and amusement parks, like King’s Island and Zoombezi Bay. And that doesn’t even graze the surface when you take into account all the nature. Read on for more fun things Columbus has in store for you.
Fun Things to Do in Columbus Ohio
1. Ohio Theatre
Be entertained by a heart-pounding show or comedy at the Ohio Theatre.
The Ohio Theater is one of the top venues in Columbus for live theater, concerts, and shows that light up the stage with a dazzling lineup of creativity. From musicals to stand-up comedy routines, there is something for everyone at the historic Ohio Theatre. They produce various plays and musicals; all put on by national touring companies, such as the Chicago Shakespeare Festival.
They offer many performances throughout the year, and they are not limited to just live events. The Ohio Theatre hosts several exhibits throughout the year that feature artwork from local artists and other notable pieces worldwide. In addition, their calendar is always full of music, classes, comedy shows, dances, and more.
The Ohio Theatre is located at 423 N Front St.
2. German Village
Founded in 1807, German Village is the oldest and largest neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio. German Village has a rich history of fun, traditional activities. There are many side streets where you can stop for a drink or enjoy an authentic dish at one of the restaurants.
You can also visit Oktoberfest every year, held on Columbus Day weekend. This features traditional German food such as Wienerschnitzel served up with spaetzle noodles and creamy sauerbraten that you can wash down with refreshing Maerzen beer from Germany that’s brewed right here in America!
Take a stroll through the Village, and you’ll see various antique stores, boutiques, and cafes.
The German Village is located at 588 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215-5754, USA.
3. Columbus Museum of Art
It would be best to visit the Columbus Museum of Art because it is beautiful to see the artwork.
There are many types of art for people to explore. The artwork is often changed out and updated with contemporary pieces that the public can see.
Admission is free for the artwork at the museum for those who live in the state of Ohio. There are also a variety of events that this museum hosts. Some of these events include interactive workshops and lectures about art.
The Columbus Museum of Art is located at 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA.
4. ZipZone Canopy Tours
Visitors in Columbus, Ohio, would be interested in ZipZone Canopy Tours because it is an experience that a person can’t get anywhere else.
ZipZone Canopy Tours offers visitors one of the unique experiences they can have with zip lines. Visitors are treated to the beautiful scenery of hills and Dales, Valley and up-close views of wildlife from high above the ground.
The tours are entirely safe, and zip lines are designed to be used by everyone regardless of weight or fitness.
The ZipZone Canopy Tours is located at 7925 N High St, Columbus, OH 43235, USA
5. Topiary Park
The Topiary Park in Columbus, Ohio, has many features that make it enjoyable for visitors. The gardens are beautiful, and the park is full of different varieties of plants such as magnolias, azaleas, and dogwoods. In addition, the design of the plants in the gardens is diverse. Depending on what you enjoy about plants such as ferns or flowers, you will be able to see them at Topiary Park.
Topiary Park also offers educational opportunities for visitors with its arboretum and history center. Visitors can spend an afternoon learning about all sorts of plant life from gardeners who have spent decades perfecting their art form. There is also an area especially designed for children to learn more in a way they can understand.
Topiary Park offers a fun and educational getaway for interested individuals of all ages.
The Topiary Park is located at 480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
6. Whetstone Park of Roses
Whetstone Park of Roses one of the biggest Italian rose gardens in the United States, with over 4,000 roses and a 20-acre botanical garden.
You can expect to be hemmed in by beautiful floral arrangements that will bring out feelings of romance and delight. This will be a great place for couples on their honeymoon or anniversary.
The gardens have many water features, including an Italian fountain, a peaceful Japanese garden, bridges over fish ponds, and more.
The Whetstone Park of Roses is located at 3901 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214, USA
7. Columbus Architectural Salvage
Columbus Architectural Salvage is a unique company that provides treasures from bygone eras.
Visitors in Columbus can find treasures from the 18th century, such as a piano, an Aeolian harpsichord, and marble fireplace mantels. Visitors can also find items older than 200 years, such as a cast-iron engine block and an early 20th-century engine. Their inventory includes furniture that has been salvaged from estates of prestigious families across the country, including names like Tiffany’s estate and one belonging to John Paul Jones (the famous American Naval Officer).
More interesting about this site is its ability to de-construct an object with no damage to the original. All of their items can be found at auction or with individual owners, and the vast majority have been stored in a secure warehouse for years, sometimes decades, only to be sold and ready for re-use when needed.
Columbus Architectural Salvage is located at 1580 Clara St, Columbus, OH 43211, USA
8. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Your trip to Columbus, Ohio, will not be complete unless you visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. You can watch animals from all over the world. It is such a place where you will experience eco-consciousness and appreciation of wildlife.
Every season is a a great time to visit the zoo, especially during the summer when it is open late both days and nights. You can also enjoy high-current animal exhibits and various special exhibits. There is also an ice cream stand just beside the zoo entrance where you can grab a delicious cone while you enjoy your day at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Address: Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065-1293
9. Center of Science and Industry
The Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio, is a terrific place to visit. All kinds of people can enjoy the interactive science exhibits and activities. Of course, it’s the perfect place for your children to learn about science and the world around them, but it’s also a great place for the adult nerd to explore and learn as well.
The Center has many permanent exhibits, including an Energy Lab that teaches conservation and energy efficiency, an exhibit on wind problems, an exhibit on the Apollo Moon Mission, a Home Electronics Center with hands-on components for demonstrating how electronics work, a human body exhibit that illustrates how the body works in complete detail inside and out, a Kid Power exhibit showing kids how exercise can be fun and exciting, 3D film making station where you can create your own short films in 3D with professional 3D cameras and special effects equipment.
Center of Science and Industry is located at 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
10. Ohio Stadium
Ohio Stadium is the home of Ohio State football. It also houses one of the largest student sections in the country, filled with rowdy fans. Ohio Stadium has a giant video board and a real-life moose head that greets visitors at its main entrance. The stadium is also surrounded by dining options galore, from stands to sit-down restaurants to food trucks. A trip to Columbus doesn’t have to be centered around sports, but it can be.
Ohio Stadium is located at 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
11. Ohio Expo Center and State Fair
The Ohio Expo Center is an amazing venue for hosting a wide variety of different events and activities. At the state fair, attendees can find everything from educational exhibits for children to carnival rides, live music stages, and even fun new food! There is something for everyone here!
Ohio Expo Center and State Fair is located at 717 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211, USA
12. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden
A sprawling horticultural treasure, this is one of the largest conservatories in the country. There are dozens of indoor gardens to explore, from the steamy Tropical Rain Forest to the frost-free Desert House.
You can visit year-round and delight in seasonal floral displays that include orchids, bromeliads, begonias, staghorn ferns, and more. The Conservatory aglow display centers around tall pine tree and includes elaborately decorated pumpkins and Christmas trees.
Fun fact: The Franklin Park Conservatory was modeled after Chicago’s famed Grant Park Conservatory.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden is located at 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203, USA
13. The Dawes Arboretum
The Dawes Arboretum is more than 2000 acres of lush forest, hillsides, and ponds. Opened to the public in 1928, the Dawes Arboretum is an oasis for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
Explore the winding paths on foot or by bicycle. Discover a moss-draped hemlock forest, and an oak savanna with wildflowers in bloom year-round. Hike or bike more than fifteen miles of trails that wind around the meandering Big Walnut Creek.
The Dawes Arboretum is located at 7770 Jacksontown Rd, Newark, OH 43056, USA
14. Inniswood Metro Gardens
Inniswood Metro Gardens is a great place for any visitors to Columbus, Ohio. In particular, the Bicentennial Sculpture Trail provides a fun opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of America. Many other sights make Inniswood so enjoyable, like the outdoor amphitheater and sculpture garden.
For those who want to take in nature, there are also two secluded ponds in which one can find peace. The plants and scenery are very pleasing during all seasons of the year and beautiful year-round. One can enjoy a variety of habitats.
There is plenty on offer here at Inniswood Metro Gardens, and it’s not just with regards to what’s offered in nature and art. There is also a great zoo, particularly one with an assortment of exotic animals. Of course, we’re not just talking about animals native to America either, but there are numerous animals from all over the world.
Inniswood Metro Gardens are home to many native and non-native birds that have been brought here because of habitat loss. There is also a significant collection of House Finches and other woodpecker species here at the zoo. In addition, there are some beautiful butterflies and other insects on display in the gardens, too.
Inniswood Metro Gardens is located at 940 S Hempstead Rd, Westerville, OH 43081, USA
15. Manchester Hill Winery
Manchester Hill Winery is a wine-making business that operates in North America. Its wines are made with different grape varieties, and they are mainly made for consumption by consumers. You can also buy them at the winery’s location.
Visitors interested in doing some fun activities while visiting Manchester Hill Winery should make sure to swing by their tasting room during cellar tours. These visits allow visitors to taste wine at various times of the day and experience a unique way to interact with different people.
Manchester Hill Winery is located at 13160 Tarlton Rd, Circleville, OH 43113, USA
16. Polaris Fashion Place
Polaris Fashion Place is a perfect place to shop for the latest fashions. The stores in this mall are always stocked with the most up-to-date trends. It’s also a great place to get your hair cut, nails done, and for kids, there is an ice skating rink and amusement park. Plus, the mall has a wide variety of eating places to choose from.
There’s a burger joint, pizza place, sandwich shop, and a gourmet food court. This mall also has an arcade bar and a bowling alley.
Polaris Fashion Place is located at 1500 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, USA
17. Wexner Center for the Arts
This is a center that brings people together and fosters creativity. The arts are expressions of the human condition, and they transcend any cultural divides. The Wexner Center is a place where people come to reflect on their lives through an artistic lens.
Since its inception, the Wexner Center has been a springboard for emerging artists in Columbus, Ohio, offering many services for those who are beginning their artistic journeys. This includes providing opportunities to connect with other creators, develop new skills, participate in various programs and events, and have access to create public art.
Wexner Center of Arts is located at 1871 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
18. Glass Axis
Visit Glass Axis for an experience of art that is part of the same processes used in the world of luxury automobiles, aircraft engines, and spacecraft.
Glass Axis is a creative space where artists can experiment with new techniques and mediums to create anything from rolling sculpture to interactive installations. It’s a place where artists can share their creativity without being limited by traditional materials or modes of expression.
Glass Axis offers opportunities for artists to collaborate with other experts in glass art from around the country and around the world. You’ll have a chance to see what’s happening now in contemporary glass art as well as learn about what’s happening next, so you might even be able to make it happen yourself.
Glass Axis is located at 610 W Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
There are a plethora of exciting activities to do in Columbus, Ohio. The place is a mecca for arts, foods, and culture, for people of all ages to explore. Day and night, Columbus, Ohio, is a great place to visit if you’re searching for a fun place to spend a weekend in the Midwest. It’s a big city not only in terms of its geographical size but also in its heart, culture, and personality.
What’s your next vacation destination? Below are a few useful guides you might like to see before your next vacation. For a complete list of articles, please visit our website. You’ll love it and want to get your bag and go!