On Fridays, they host local, live music. German Village. There is a nice variety of pieces they have presented. Bring your walkin shoes! During the warmer months, the concerts are held outside in Topiary Park and are free to attend. Youll be within easy walking distance to several downtown attractions, including the Ohio Theater, the Columbus Museum of Art, and COSI. If youre looking to save some money, standing room only tickets can be purchased and there are lots of benches and picnic tables from which you can enjoy the game. The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is one of the parks most popular hiking trails. The Hilltop Bean Dinner is a family friendly festival that remembers the role of Westgate Park in the Civil War. The Ohio State Fair is a highlight of summer in Columbus with live entertainment, competitions, special events, rides, concessions, games, Ohio foods and so much more! The Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus, Ohio, is the city's version of Chicago's Riverwalk. So, Broad Street is divided into East Broad, and West Broad . Franklin County residents can visit for free on the first Sunday of each month! 2023, The Broke Backpacker. 10 Best Things to Do in Columbus What is Columbus Most Famous For? Pick up a Guidebook or print one online and visit each of the destinations listed. 1. Weve tested countless day packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the traveller-approved Osprey Daylite Plus. Touring the house is very insightful and a must when you visit the city. For family-fun, The Krohn Conservatory is filled with butterflies and botanic gardens. Hike Mt.Olympus highest peak (Mytikas 2918m) in 1 day! 1. For a fun group activity, family bonding experience, or couples date, make sure to check this place out. If youre looking for a Broadway show or your favorite band on tour, click the link to see whats coming to town next! Otherworld is a large immersive art installation filled with 40 scenes of large-scale art pieces. The former home of literary cartoonist and author James Thurber is renovated into a Thurber and literary museum. When deciding what to do first, you might be a little overwhelmed. Do you live for the thrill? We do not represent World Nomads. While there are actually many other beaches in Ohio, Alum Creek Beach is the largest inland beach in the Ohio State Park system! The North Market Farmers Market is the citys most popular farmers market. This garden is one of the largest public rose gardens in the United States and a very popular attraction in Columbus during the summer! If you bring a blanket and a couple of snacks, you can have a picnic on one of the benches and enjoy a calm and relaxed afternoon before you head off again to explore more of Columbus. Walk a beautiful stretch of the Scioto Mile with views of the Columbus skyline, swinging benches, bridges and more! While there is a small collection of impressionist art, I found the modern collection better and more interesting. Looking for a specific place to stay? 588 S 3rd St. Columbus, OH 43215-5754. To get your trip started, here are the top activities. Some events are even free for the public to attend! aceshot1 / Shutterstock.com View Art Collections at the Columbus Museum of Art Eric Glenn / Shutterstock.com This attraction is truly unique. Home to fountains for kids to jump in during the summer, a stage for concerts, host of the Columbus Food Truck Festival and a beautiful view of downtown Columbus! The green space in Columbus has improved very much over the past 10 years. 5. If you need to refuel, theres even a cafeteria/cafe to grab a bite to eat at. The best time to visit is mid-June to mid-September. Expect to see colorful and creative scenes featuring things like alien flora, abstract light and geometry, and much more. We have bike racks at virtually every block along High Street. There is also a communal rooftop deck that guests can enjoy and free parking on the premise. Columbus is a city that supports independent merchants and the farmers that are the heart of Ohio's agriculture industry. Home to Columbus own dinosaur, visit this museum on The Ohio State University Campus to see the modelCryolophosaurus found by an Ohio scientist. I would love to see this concept recreated in cities across America! Being in a midwest state, Columbus is also known for its four wonderful seasons that see the city landscape continuously changing. The John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons is a large park and urban space in downtown Columbus. The main branch of The Columbus Metropolitan Library is a sight to behold with its beautiful old and modern aspects, a cafe, a gift shop and of course thousands of books and audio visual materials for checking out. If youre backpacking the USA and you happen to visit Columbus, make sure you check out some unusual things. A celebration of Columbus LGBTQ community and allies. Up to 40% Off Mead Tour of Brothers Drake Meadery. Want to experience the amazing food scene in Columbus? The butterfly garden is one of the gardens top attractions. It is hard to imagine an outdoor adventure like ziplining in the heart of a busy city like Columbus, but ZipZone Outdoor Adventures has done it. Its also one of the oldest farmers markets in Ohio. Wander a path and admire the wildlife. Easton Town Center is an outdoor shopping center with a twist. A visit to The Center of Science and Industry is a must-do if youre traveling with kids. Share this Through education, compassion, and customer service, we will provide quality CBD . Theatres and live performance venues attract many visitors to Columbus each year! . Especially in the new Lower.com Field in the Arena District! Again, thank you! For something more leisurely, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad travels through the scenic valley. Many of the citys best attractions can be found in this area, including popular bars, restaurants, and shopping malls. There are free guided tours daily that provide the best overview of the history and design of the complex. Severe Weather AccuWeather Ready Winter Center. Youll be amazed at what you can find inside these parks! On Saturdays kids can feed the animals and participate in chores! The streets are very narrow and parking is difficult to find. From Kingmakers to the theater is about a five-minute drive (1.5 miles). One of the most enjoyable ways to experience the Columbus Museum of Art is during one of their regular programs or community events that use the galleries as a backdrop. "Great date night idea!". If you choose to tour on your own, be sure to observe the grand rotunda inside designed with thousands of pieces of marble, and visit the Museum Education Center. Visit for free on Sundays! This attraction, in particular, is great for kids. Bands and performers such as Metallica, The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, and Beyonce have all performed here. Columbus Commons is a great downtown park that offers live concerts, exercise classes, a carousel, two food vendors, festivals, Commons for Kids in the summer, and a beautiful green space in the middle of the city. Aside from the long walk axis that defines boundaries and acts as a separation between north and south campus, there are several notable points on the lawn that help organize the space. Things to Do in Columbus, Texas: See Tripadvisor's 2,645 traveler reviews and photos of Columbus tourist attractions. This is one of the more unique Columbus attractions. Address: 4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065. 8/16-8/19 - Pataskala Street Fair - Pataskala 8/18-8/19 - St. Andrew Parish Festival - Columbus 8/18-8/19 - North Market Wine Fest at Bridge Park - Dublin Address: 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio. Located on Capitol Square in downtown Columbus, it is one of the oldest working statehouses in the United States and has been described as a supreme example of Greek Revival style. In the Short North Arts District, walk along High Street, stopping in eclectic boutiques and art galleries, then enjoy drinks and dinner at one of the acclaimed restaurants . World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. You will want to walk the outdoor complex around the statehouse to observe statues, memorials, and tributes to important dignitaries and historic moments in Ohio. Next, pop into a downtown cafe or restaurant for breakfast. However, other times of the year still provide visitors with wonderful park scenery. Address: 641 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215-2059. What are the top attractions to visit in Columbus? Enjoy some time to wander around. Large outfield area for milling around. The show has been taking place for over 20 years and it also supports local charities and organizations! Groups of up to 8 can work together to solve a mystery and complete your mission within 60 minutes! Enjoy Easton (named best retail experience in the nation), Polaris Fashion Place or Tanger Outlets, or scale things down to the local level explore local boutiques and shops in places like the Short North Arts District (and dont miss the Short Norths monthly Gallery Hop), Grandview Heights, or German Village. Take a tour of this candy factory and watch candy being made. Spend some time checking out this unique park and taking pictures of the topiary statues. Outside, take some of the walking paths through the Botanical Gardens and Garden Campus. The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show 120 W Goodale St, Columbus, OH 43215-2357, 201 W Hubbard Ave, Columbus, OH 43215-1317, 459 N High St Suite 2, Columbus, OH 43215-2007, 400 N High St Columbus Convention Centrer, Columbus, OH 43215-2096, 200 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215-2561, 330 Huntington Park Ln, Columbus, OH 43215-2316, 771 N High St Unit B, Columbus, OH 43215-6440, 848 North Pearl Street, Columbus, OH 43215, 233 Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215-4194, Hotels near Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Hotels near COSI Center of Science and Industry, Hotels near The Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, Hotels near (CMH) Port Columbus Intl Airport, Finest Punta Cana By The Excellence Collection All Inclusive, Things to do near Port Columbus Intl Airport, Things to do near The Ohio State University, Things to do near North Market Farmer's Market, Things to do near Greater Columbus Convention Center, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, COSI Center of Science and Industry: Tickets & Tours, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus: Tickets & Tours, Kelton House Museum & Garden: Tickets & Tours, Columbus Metropolitan Library: Tickets & Tours, Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in Columbus, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Columbus, Conference & Convention Centers in Columbus, Things to do near AC Hotel Columbus Downtown, Things to do near Hilton Columbus Downtown, Things to do near Moxy Columbus Short North, Grand Bahama Round-Trip Ferry Ride from Fort Lauderdale, Pig Island Day Trip from Koh Samui by Speedboat, Miami to Key West Day Trip with Activity Options, Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour, Boston Whale Watching Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran, The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show, Things to do near Short North Arts District. Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park has one of the best Nature Centers with a living stream inside where you can get up close to, touch and feed the animals and fish in the stream. Since 1876, farmers and vendors have sold fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods and artisanal products here. Its a recreational trail that follows the historic route of the Ohio and Erie Canal. Theres always something fun going on and the atmosphere will make you feel like youre right at home. If youre traveling on a budget, youll find a great range of attractions that wont break the bank. Check it out in the summer for a film series from Hollywoods Golden Era! You cant visit Columbus without visiting the North Market! Visit for free after 4:00 PM on Thursdays and the first Sunday of each month. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Home of the Columbus Clippers baseball team, Huntington Park is an exciting way to enjoy one of the city's premier attractions in the heart of the Arena District. Columbus is home to several trails: from food to fairies. The market has dozens of local vendors selling everything from homemade bread and fresh flowers to an array of small eateries serving up Italian, Indian, Vietnamese, Pizza, German, Sushi . Use Experience Columbus experience trailsto explore the citys coffee, distilleries, pizza and outdoor adventures, or head to family favorite attractions like the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium or Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. 7. For lunch or dinner, select from cuisines like Indian, sushi, and Vietnamese. This museum in the Grandview Heights neighborhood features permanent and temporary exhibitions. Guests can tour the home at their own pace with a self-guided audio tour. To get your trip started, here are the top activities. What Should We Do This Weekend? The Ohio History Connection is a local museum that showcases the state of Ohios history. Catch a bus to S High St & E Broad St, and another one to N High St & E 1st Ave. Start off your morning at The Ohio History Connection. Receive a discounted rate on admission to the Zoo, Art Museum, and popular city tours. There is also a nature center with information on the local wildlife as well as historical information about the park. Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE. This festival lasts 2 days and features food trucks and live music! 56. For instance the Arena District, as well as The Ohio State University area, are. Learn about the history of fire fighting and visit a collection of fire fighting equipment used throughout the years. The festivities - an ongoing event since the . The zoo showcases animals from all over the world, including the American Bison, the African Lion, and the Vietnamese Wood Turtle. Slate Run Metro Park and Living Historical Farm is home to a living farm where families can visit, ask questions and participate in chores on the farm! Take a visit to another world where you can have a one of a kind experience! Browse this list of 100 things to do in Columbus, Ohio for a little inspiration! With local fun like new rooftop bars and restaurants, miles of trails, pro sports in every season, top-rated family attractions, experiential activities and more, you'll never be short of fun things to do in Columbus, whether you're planning a date night or a family outing. There are regular changing exhibitions, like Blooms & Butterflies in the spring, and visitor events like glassblowing and gardening that you can experience. Learn About Science and Technology at COSI This is the overall best thing to do in Columbus Ohio - you can bring the whole family too! It covers all the history in the borders of the state of Ohio. Visit 4 coffee shops on the trail to receive a free t-shirt or visit all of them for a collectors coffee mug! This museum, also on the campus of The Ohio State University, is home to the worlds largest collection of cartoon and comic related art, books, materials, newspaper clippings and more! Here are the best things to do in Columbus that are completely free. Galleries, shops and restaurants stay open late for shopping and art showings, often there are street performers and special events! Really interesting place to go to for a variety of dining options (mostly take out, so you have to go somewhere else to sit down and eat it) old quaint building that is basically a "Food court" and offers some small shopping items like: greeting cards, spices, flowers, etc. This midwest city has no shortage of entertaining attractions. This event takes place several times throughout the summer and features vendors, food, live music and more on Grandview Avenue! The statehouse is where the official Ohio business takes place. If you have the time and want to spend a little extra money, you can book a one-of-a-kind experience, like bathing an elephant or taking a private, guided behind-the-scenes tour in a golf cart. A fun area to explore in Columbus. For example, the two-story cupola, measuring 70 feet tall and 64 feet wide, which acts as an observation deck for viewing the surrounding city, shows direct influence by the Tholos of Delphi, a circular temple built in 360 BC. Or maybe you live here and you just need a push to try something new! Give yourself time to get lost! If you happen to visit Columbus on dime-a-dog night at Huntington Park, no doubt you will feel like a local. Youll find lots of options to choose from. The prominent architecture of the Ohio Statehouse, which was constructed from 1839 to 1861, has earned the state capitol building several landmark designations, including the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and National Historic Landmark in 1977. Pins Mechanical Co. has three Columbus area locations, Bridge Park in Dublin, Easton Town Center and Downtown Columbus. It combines nature with art and features 54 life-size figures of humans, animals, and boats. Dinner in the Dark l Blind Ninja Dinner Challenge. There are also horse trails and bike paths. We went on a Saturday and it was very busy, however it did not stop us from having fun. Also there are a plethora of events and activities within the Metro Parks that offer kids and adults alike the chance to get out into Nature. The top attractions to visit in Columbus are: The best outdoor activities in Columbus according to Tripadvisor travelers are: The most popular things to do in Columbus with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Things to Do in Columbus, OH - Columbus Attractions. Get Directions. Hear their stories, visit exhibitions, and participate in events held at the museum. High Street CBD Shopping, Malls & Outlets in Columbus, Ohio. Exploring downtown is the best thing to do in Colombus to see the Scioto Mile Promenade, the Columbus Museum of Art and Topiary Park to name a few. What a treasure this place is! This park is just outside of COSI. I don't think so. The Highbanks Metro Park is a large green outdoor haven in Columbus. If youre planning a couples trip to Columbus, here are some activities that are sure to stir up some romance. Enjoy a drink and a board game at this local board game club. From snowy winters to comfortable summers, each month brings something new. 1025 . Things to Do in Columbus, OH - Columbus Attractions. This event takes place on the second Saturday morning of each month in the Hilltop neighborhood and features art shows, live music, snacks, art projects and more! An exciting tourist attraction in Columbus is the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Interact with the works of art that fill the walls, floor to ceiling. There is also a cafe that features street food and an ice cream shop. This Victorian home is a piece of Columbus history. Get What Should We Do This Weekend? With a large seating capacity of 104 944, its the third-largest football stadium in the US. If youre visiting for the first time, and/or with kids, these well known attractions in Columbus are going to be some of your cant miss stops! Contact Details. Gallery Hop is centered around the galleries and exhibition spaces located within the Short North Arts District along High Street. The house contains many of the original furnishings and artifacts. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. Things to Do in Columbus. Consistently rated as one of the best Zoos in the country and one of the best family-friendly attractions in Columbus, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers the chance to see animals up close and personal! This is a great activity for all ages. See more reviews. Stop in for wine tastings from Tuesday to Saturday, no appointment is needed. There are also covered parking and bike repair stations at Goodale Street and Park Street and at the North Market on Spruce Street. Stop to eat lunch or dinner at the renowned Milestone 229 restaurant, an architectural icon, state-of-the-art, glass enclosed venue overlooking Bicentennial Park with rooftop solar panels and a one-of-a-kind covered outdoor dining terrace. Round-Trip Ferry Ride from Copenhagen All Inclusive Kecak Dance and Uluwatu Temple Admission Ticket The Valletta Street Food and Culture Walking Tour Private or Shared Mayan Temazcal Ritual from Tulum Historic Annapolis Food . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). It contains exhibits that detail several layers of the states past. If you park in the small North Market lot, be sure to get your ticket validated by a merchant for a discounted parking rate. Perhaps best known as a college football town, Columbus is also home to other professional and semi-professional sports teams! Read ourtips for traveling safelybefore you fly and always get travel insurance. Columbus Community Festival features local bands, food, performances and more with a focus on grassroots community partners! In summer, this area turns into one of the most popular places in Columbus, Ohio. If youre looking for a fun night out, head to Pins Mechanical Co. As well as serving food and drinks, this bar offers a lot of entertainment, like duckpin bowling, pinball, and ping pong tables. Learn the local history of the city on topics including Native American and sports history. Get information on things to do and great stories about Columbus all summer long and throughout the year: Sign up for the Life in the 614 email newsletter Worthington Concerts on the Green When . The special events they hold throughout the year (like Night at the Museum) and are super fun for families! Nice arena, good sight lines, plenty of affordable food choices, ample and varied costs of parking available. Like any major city, Columbus is made up of smaller neighborhoods and surrounded by vibrant suburbs. All are free and open to the public year-round, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Scioto Mile is also host to a myriad of events, including the Jazz and Rib Fest, Rhythm on the River Music Festival, Columbus Arts Festival, Columbus Caribbean Festival and Columbus Food Truck Festival. If shopping is your jam, you will find nearly every store known to man within the Central Ohio area! 4.6. Hoof Hearted Brewing Sample your way through local and international beers It doesn't seem like that long ago (it wasn't) that Columbus had just seven breweries. Walk through the rainforest, desert, orchid collection, and the grand Palm House, where you might spot a wedding in progress on the weekend. Phone: 614-295-4700. Its filled with interactive exhibits and fun activities, many of which rotate on a regular basis. We had an extraordinary experience at ShadowboxLive last week in Columbus, OH. Make sure to check out the butterfly area when you visit. Make sure to check out my list of some of the best coffee shops in Columbus to get started! Packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for thereal adventurers these babies are a travellers best kept secret. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Romantic Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an 88-acre botanical landmark two miles east of downtown Columbus. With over 30 vendors selling hot food, grocery items, flowers, coffee, pastries and more! . They include musicals, ballets, operas, plays, and symphonies. 0.6 miles from Hyatt Regency Columbus. This park has all the required components for some classic kid fun in Columbus, Ohio! Escape the city for a while and explore the natural beauty of Ohio. The museum is set up into two parts: the science/technology part and the natural history part. Plan Your Visit: Join the Delta SkyMiles Program for free to earn miles toward travel, upgrades and more. 169 ratings. Park is very open with good sight lines from any seat. Downtown is the best area of the city to stay in. Old North Arcade features a great selection of games that you can play for free when you purchase a drink. Scioto Mile is a wonderful outdoor area of the city. The citys historic movie palace was then restored to its former glory in the 1980s. Both host performances, from comedy to music, inside the original and restored theater space. Afterward, hop on the 11 bus and hop off at Brydon Rd & Morrison Ave to explore the Kelton House Museum and Garden. Address: 480 E. Town Street, Columbus, Ohio. They also serve a menu of small plates and pizza. Your email address will not be published. in your email box! Explore your artistic side at the Columbus Museum of Art, where exhibitions and galleries showcase the best in paintings, photography, glass, and sculpture. Meander Around North Market The North Market is a wonderful microcosm of the culturally diverse city that Columbus truly is. Check out our roundup ofthe best travel insurance. Beyond the Metro Parks there are several other options for outdoor exploring and learning about the animals found in Ohio. Its possible to drive just 20 minutes from downtown and find yourself in the middle of the forest, canoeing on a lake or hiking off trail. Columbus has its fair share of museums and educational centers! Featuring indoor and outdoor concerts, check the link for upcoming musical acts at various venues around the city! 4. All ages are welcome! these are sanitized daily by the Short North Ambassadors.