28 Best & Fun Things To Do In Columbus (Ohio)

Named after the famous explorer, Columbus, the capital and largest city of Ohio, is a great place for discovery.

People who come to this city are amazed by all of the awesome things there are to do and see.

Whether you’re coming with your family, spouse, friends, or by yourself, you’re bound to find something awesome.

These are 28 of the best things to do in Columbus, Ohio.

1. North Market

One of the most fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio is to go to the North Market.

This might be among the largest farmer’s markets you’ve ever come across.

North Market is open on Saturdays and Sundays, starting in June and ending in October.

This isn’t just a place to pick up some produce.

It’s also an outstanding place for congregating with locals and seeing a proud tradition at work.

If you’ve looking for a community in top form, you should come to North Market.

This market goes back more than 140 years, and it should definitely be sticking around for hundreds of more years.

Address: 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

2. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place near downtown Columbus.

It was founded in 1895 and remains one of the greatest Columbus attractions today.

Not only are there magnificent plants, but there’s also terrific artwork.

Some of the best exhibitions include “Blooms & Butterflies” and “Harvest Blooms.”

There’s more than a century of history behind this place, and we can only hope there will be centuries more to come.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is opened every day, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Address: 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203, USA

3. Ohio Stadium

If you love football, you should come to Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

Seeing a weekend game with the beloved Ohio State Buckeyes is a real treat.

The fondness that people have for Ohio Stadium is reflected by nicknames such as “The House that Harley built” and “The Horseshoe.”

This facility holds more than 100,000 people, making it one of the top three biggest football stadiums in the whole country.

On a game day, every deck is highlighted in red, with cheering fans wearing their favorite team’s color.

Even if you don’t love football, you should be able to have a great experience at Ohio Stadium.

Address: 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH 43210, USA

4. Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is a place that views learning and entertainment as things that can exist together.

At COSI, fun can be had by exploring different attractions.

These include a planetarium, a dinosaur gallery, and the exhilarating Big Science Park.

Many of these are also tons of fun for children who might have a budding interest in science.

Awesome temporary exhibitions are also hosted at COSI, such as “Jim Henson: Imagination Unlimited.”

You can feel yourself getting closer to your inner child and the whimsy that comes with it thanks to how fantastic these different exhibits are.

COSI is opened from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Sunday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday.

Address: 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

5. Ohio Theatre

If you’re looking for what to do in Columbus, you should see what’s happening at the Ohio Theatre.

This 2,700-plus seat theater was founded nearly 100 years ago.

You can see fantastic live theater productions through their Broadway Series.

There are also classic films shown here, as well as ballet and performances from the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

Some of the artists who have performed here include The Beach Boys, Harry Connick Jr. and Johnny Mathis.

Address: 39 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

6. Short North Arts District

Visiting the Short North Arts District is one of the most cool things to do in Columbus, Ohio.

An area that was revitalized after an extended period of decay, Short North has become one of the great draws in all of Columbus.

Visitors love checking out art galleries, restaurants and other fantastic parts of the Short North Arts District.

If you’re looking for an excuse to splurge when visiting Columbus, this is definitely the place to do it.

Address: 120 W Goodale St, Columbus, OH 43215-2357, USA

7. German Village

Coming to the German Village is one of the top things to do in Columbus today.

You can learn all about the rich German heritage in Columbus, Ohio.

There are also lots of fun places to visit in the German Village.

The German population of Columbus, Ohio grew exponentially during the mid-19th century.

German Village remains a thriving part of the city.

Some of the top places to check out in the German Village include Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Book Loft.

Address: 588 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215-5754, USA

8. Columbus Museum of Art

Columbus has some of the best cultures in all of the midwest today, thanks to places like the Columbus Museum of Art.

Pieces at this museum span the globe, and the design of the facility is truly inspired.

Some of the greatest works in this Ohio museum include ones by artists such as Rodin and Evan Gruzis.

Coming to the Columbus Museum of Art should be on the bucket list of any art aficionado touring the United States.

It’s open from Tuesdays to Sundays, and admission is free on Sundays.

Address: 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

9. ZipZone Canopy Tours

ZipZone Canopy Tours provide you with experiences that you can’t replicate just anywhere.

If you’re someone who’s always looking for something new to do, then you owe it to yourself to come to this Columbus attraction.

After all, you never forget the first time you went ziplining.

There are different courses you can try at ZipZone, including Adventure Park and Kids Park.

Address: 7925 N High St, Columbus, OH 43235, USA

10. Topiary Park

The Topiary Park is one of the top Columbus attractions for those who love botany and creativity.

The shapes that these plants are formed into are true works of art.

Among the amazing shapes at Topiary Park are animals like cats and dogs as well as people in formal wear.

All of these are rendered with total care and nuance.

Sculptures look quite lifelike while also retaining their plant-based origin.

This park is open every day, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Address: 480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

11. Park of Roses

Another one of the best places to visit in Columbus, the Park of Roses is a horticulturist’s dream.

Part of the 136-acre Whetstone Park, this place is great for all kinds of activities and seeing all kinds of attractions, namely some beautiful flowers.

You don’t need to be a flower obsessive in order to get something out of this experience.

When people say “stop and smell the roses,” they usually don’t mean it literally.

However, Park of Roses is an excellent place to do exactly that.

You can come to Park of Roses every day, between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Address: 3901 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214, USA

12. Easton Town Center

Easton Town Center opened in 1999 and has since become one of the coolest places to go shopping in all of the midwest.

The design of Easton Town Center makes it unlike many shopping complexes.

It’s made to look like old-fashioned cities, which gives it a distinct sense of charm.

If you’re planning a date with your spouse or another loved one, check out Easton Town Center.

Address: 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219, USA

13. Schiller Park

Schiller Park is one of the best places to visit if you want to see just how much community pride matters to Columbus.

Friedrick von Schiller, a German poet, is the namesake, and he’s honored with a remarkable statue.

Walking around Schiller Park, you get the sense that he would be proud of this legacy.

Be sure to come to Schiller Park if you want to let the hours fly by.

Address: 1069 Jaeger St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA

14. Kingmakers Board Game Parlour

Kingmakers Board Game Parlour is a great place to come to in Columbus, Ohio when you just want to hang out and have some fun.

On a weekend night, it’s awesome to pair some friendly competition with some awesome refreshments.

It definitely won’t be a risky roll of the dice to come here.

Kingmakers Board Game Parlour is opened on Tuesday to Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., on Friday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., and on Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Every age group is welcomed, but minors need to be with an adult.

Address: 17 Buttles Ave, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

15. Nationwide Arena

When you want to see some of the biggest draws in the world in Columbus, Ohio, come to Nationwide Arena.

It’s in downtown Columbus and is a great place to see entertainment events, such as concerts and live sports.

Hockey fans will want to come to Nationwide Arena to see the Columbus Blue Jackets play.

Music fans can see huge acts like Queen and Shawn Mendes perform.

Up to 20,000 fans are able to pack this venue.

Address: 200 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

16. Scioto Mile

There are more than 175 acres worth of wonders to be found in Scioto Mile.

It’s one of the best outdoor tourist attractions in all of Ohio.

Summer days in Ohio are rarely spent better than they are at Scioto Mile.

Address: 233 Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215-4194, USA

17. Ohio Statehouse

You don’t have to know a whole lot about Ohio state politics in order to get something out of the Ohio Statehouse.

This building is where the Ohio General Assembly meets.

It also has a great Greek Revival architectural design.

You might also get a glimpse of lawmakers on their way to important votes.

The Ohio Statehouse provides you with an engrossing education on state politics.

There are hourly tours available every Monday through Friday, from 10 until 3.

Address: 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

18. Ohio State University

One of the largest and most impressive campuses in all of the United States, Ohio State University is a true educational gem.

The Ohio State University was founded in 1870.

It’s a public research university that has boasted alumni such as athlete Jesse Owens, Senator Sherrod Brown, and author R.L. Stine.

You can also schedule a tour so that you can get the most thorough education about it as possible.

Address: 281 W. Lane Ave., Columbus, OH 43210, USA

19. Kelton House Museum & Garden

The legacy of Fernando Cortez Kelton, an affluent businessperson, reigned for more than a century.

If you plan a trip to Kelton House Museum & Garden, you can see why its preservation has been so important.

Something that makes this Columbus site so important is its role in the Underground Railroad.

Runaway slaves needing a place to hide found refuge at the Kelton House.

The Kelton House Museum & Garden is open on Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Address: 586 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

20. Columbus Architectural Salvage

At the Columbus Architectural Salvage, you can find all kinds of impressive home items dating back long ago.

This can be a great window into the past, as you can imagine how families in Columbus from decades or centuries ago might’ve used this old-fashioned furniture and other goods.

Plus, lots of it just looks really cool.

Whether or not you find something to take home with you, you’ll definitely have an incredible experience to talk about.

The Columbus Architectural Salvage is opened from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m by appointment only.

Address: 1580 Clara St, Columbus, OH 43211, USA

21. The Candle Lab

Here at The Candle Lab,   you can check out all kinds of awesome candles, each with their own unique scents.

You’ll be sure to enjoy every minute of examining different candles as well as making ones of your own.

You can also take home a candle that you make yourself.

The Candle Lab is opened from Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: 751 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

22. Huntington Park

Huntington Park is where the Columbus Clippers, the local baseball team plays.

Up to 10,000 people can be hosted at this park at a time.

There are also unique seating options, such as an expansive area for families on the lawn.

Going to see a baseball game is one of the greatest American traditions, and Huntington Park keeps that tradition proudly alive.

Address: 330 Huntington Park Ln, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

23. Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum

Those who love cartoons will find the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum to be one of the greatest points of interest in Columbus, Ohio.

Cartoons from all sorts of mediums can be found here.

These include those in newspapers, comic books and more.

The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum is part of The Ohio State University and is opened from Tuesday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: 1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210, USA

24. Arena District

All kinds of great venues can be explored at the Arena District

These include Express Live!, Nationwide Arena, Huntington Park, A&R Music Bar, and The Basement.

These are all some of the best places to visit in Ohio for live entertainment.

If there’s a great live act coming to Columbus, odds are they’ll be performing in the Arena District.

Some of the biggest names in music come to Columbus, and the Arena District is a major landing spot.

It’s sure to be an experience you won’t forget.

25. Grand Prix Karting

Awesome entertainment in Columbus, Ohio can be had at Grand Prix Karting.

It’s not just go-karting either, as there other fun activities, such as laser tag.

Those who are looking for delightful activities in Columbus will be in good hands here.

Other activities include putt-putt golf and visiting the PLAYZone for younger guests.

For anyone looking for an experience that will bring out their inner child, come to Grand Prix Karting.

It’s opened from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, from 10 am to 10 pm on Saturdays, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.

Address: 1300 Alum Creek Dr, Columbus, OH 43209, USA

26. Sherrie Gallerie

Sherrie Gallerie was founded more than a decade ago by the influential Sherrie Riley Hawk.

Today, Sherrie Gallerie remains a hallmark of culture in Columbus, Ohio.

Some of the artists who’ve been showcased here include Ingrid Bathe and Yong Joo Kim.

Showcases at Sherrie Gallerie are changed in four-to-six weeks intervals.

Sherrie Gallerie is opened on Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Address: 694 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA

27. American Whistle Corp

You know the sound of a whistle, but do you know the history of it?

The American Whistle Corp. in Columbus, Ohio is one of the best points of interest for learning its history.

Whistles go much further back than you might realize.

You’ll learn that the use of whistles goes back as far as Crusade times.

You can also get a glimpse of how these whistles are made and leave with one of your very own as a souvenir.

American Whistle Corp is opened from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address: 6540 Huntley Rd, Columbus, OH 43229, USA

28. Mapfre Stadium

Mapfre Stadium is the home of the Columbus Crew SC.

If you love soccer, you’ll love watching this team compete.

It’s 15 acres and can hold more than 22,000 spectators.

Address: One Black and Gold Blvd, Columbus, OH 43211, USA

Start Planning Your Trip To Columbus

Whether you’re in downtown Columbus, Short North, or somewhere else, you can count on excitement.

There are so many fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio.

Day or night, there are cool activities for people of all ages and interests.

If you’re looking for somewhere to spend a weekend in the midwest, you should definitely come to Columbus, Ohio.

It’s a city that’s big not only in terms of its size but also in terms of its heart.