25 Best Things to Do in Columbus (in 2023)

I’m an Ohio local who’s visited Columbus many times and I’m here to share my insight on the best things to do in Columbus.

Columbus is the capital city of Ohio and is best known for being home to the Ohio State Buckeyes. But the truth is, Columbus is more than just a lively sports town. 

Columbus is full of museums, gorgeous green spaces, and cultural centers, making it one of the top places to visit in Ohio. By knowing the right places to look, you’ll see that Columbus has a rich and fascinating history just waiting to be explored.

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25 Best Things to Do in Columbus

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Relax in a green haven with butterflies, rainbow glass, and more!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 715-8000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $23 for adults, $19 for seniors 60+, $15.50 for children under 13

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is located near downtown Columbus. Here, you can look at gorgeous greenery and radiant flowers from native and exotic plant species. The beautiful glass artwork of Dale Chihuly is also featured here.

One cool feature of Franklin Park Conservatory is the way they separate plants by native biome. Biomes include the Pacific Island Water Garden, the Himalayan Mountains, and more.

Another popular collection at Franklin Park Conservatory is the Palm House, a lovely Victorian greenhouse containing 43 species of palm trees. The Children’s Garden is also a worthwhile experience for kids and adults.

During my last visit, I really enjoyed the Blooms and Butterflies exhibit. Here, you can watch butterfly pupae emerge from their cocoons and even release them yourself!

👉 Read Next: Best Places to Stay in Columbus

Columbus Museum of Art

See artwork by renowned international artists and Columbus artists all in one place.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 221-6801 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tue, Wed, Fri – Sun, 10 am – 9 pm Thu, Closed Mon | Entrance: $18 for adults, $9 for students, seniors, and children ages 4-17, free for children under 4

The Columbus Museum of Art is home to a unique collection of local and international artwork including paintings, sculptures, and photos. The building housing the Columbus Museum of Art is also special, as it’s a work of Second Renaissance Revival architecture. 

One of the best museums in Columbus, it is known for its collection of European and American art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. You can see artwork by household names, such as Picasso and Van Gogh. The Columbus Museum of Art also has one of the largest collections in the world of work by Columbus artists. Displays rotate between permanent collections and new exhibitions. 

Lastly, kids will love the Think Outside the Brick Lego exhibit, which includes a scavenger hunt. They can build their own art as well!

👉 Pro Tip: The Columbus Museum of Art offers free admission on Sundays! 

Ohio Stadium

Watch the iconic Ohio State Buckeyes in action at this massive sports stadium.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 292-6330 | Website | Hours: event times vary | Entrance: $10

The Ohio Stadium is one of the most iconic locations for sports fans in the country. Football fans—you’ll definitely want to see the Ohio State Buckeyes play if you’re in Columbus between August and December.

Ohio Stadium, dubbed “The Horseshoe” due to its design, is typically packed when the Buckeyes play. The crowds can be even bigger than what you would see at NFL games! More than 100,000 people can fit into Ohio Stadium.

👉 Pro Tip: Crowds have been known to get a little bit unruly post-game. So, you may want to watch out for that if you attend a game. However, tailgating and cheering on the Buckeyes with other Columbus fans is a great way to immerse yourself in local sports culture.

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

Spend a day in the most exciting science museum you’ve ever seen!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 228-2674 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $25 for adults, $23 for seniors 60+, $20 for children ages 2-12, free for children under 2

The Center of Science and Industry, or “COSI,” is a beloved science museum located in downtown Columbus. COSI is a fantastic place for families and has been rated as America’s #1 Science Museum twice in USA Today’s 10-Best column. 

COSI is known for its ability to get kids interested in science with its over 300 interactive exhibits. There’s even a planetarium and 3D theater that give informative presentations. I recommend checking out the Big Science Park to do your own experiments. And the Dinosaur Gallery teaches you everything you ever wanted to know about dinosaurs!

One of my most vivid childhood memories is from visiting COSI. I remember touching the electrostatic generator with one hand, causing all my hair to stand up! Having visited as a child and an adult, I can say it’s enjoyable for all ages!

Kelton House Museum & Garden

Step into a piece of the Underground Railroad, and learn fascinating stories about Ohio’s history.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 464-2022 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 4 pm Thu – Sun, Closed Mon – Wed | Entrance: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors 55+, $3 for students 

The Kelton House Museum and Garden is an important historical Ohio landmark and one of the best things to do in Columbus. 

The Kelton House belonged to Fernando Cortez Kelton and his wife, who were passionate abolitionists. The Keltons helped many enslaved people escape to freedom, and so their house became part of the Underground Railroad.

You can learn about the role the Kelton House played in helping enslaved people, as well as what Columbus was like during the Victorian era. Most of the furniture on display in the Italian and Greek-style house was owned by the Keltons themselves.

The gardens at Kelton House are also a great place to reflect on the history that happened in the house.

Topiary Park

Become part of a real-life painting recreation.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 645-0197 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: free 

Topiary Park is a unique re-creation of “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” by post-impressionist painter Georges Seurat.

The hedges in this park have been expertly trimmed into the shapes of people, boats, and animals. The detail of the manicuring is so precise that some of the “people” are actually in formal wear.

There’s also a marker called the “As He Saw It” spot. Here, you can see the scene from Seurat’s point of view as he created the painting.

I recommend spending a couple of hours at Topiary Park. You can marvel over the skill and detail of the plant sculptures and utilize the paved walking paths. The green sculptures also make a great backdrop for a picnic.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Spend a day with animals from all over the globe.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 645-3400 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $29.99 for ages 10-59,  $27.99 for seniors 60+, $25.99 for children ages 3-9, free for children under 3

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the best zoos in America. Visiting the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Columbus.

More than 800 species and 7,000 animals call the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium home. This includes polar bears, Komodo dragons, elephants, and more. There are six areas with different themes from around the world. Some exhibits even allow you to interact with the animals! 

If you want even more to do, the Zoombezi Bay Water Park is right next door for you to cool off on hot summer days. The 18-hole Safari Golf Course is also next door. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is about 20 miles north of downtown Columbus.

Ohio Statehouse

Learn about Ohio law, past and present.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 752-9777 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Mon – Fri, 11 am – 5 pm Sat, Sun (closed on State Holidays) | Entrance: free

The Ohio Statehouse is an impressive, somewhat intimidating building. It’s a National Historic Landmark built in the mid-1800s. The architecture is Greek Revival style, with columns reminiscent of the Parthenon in Athens. Topping the Ohio Statehouse is a cupola from the 1860s, which is very distinctive amid the surrounding modern architecture.

There are guided tours available daily for both individuals and groups at the Ohio Statehouse. There’s also a fascinating museum inside that focuses on the political history of Ohio.

Lastly, know that the Ohio Statehouse is the meeting place of the Ohio General Assembly. You might even see assembly members as they go about important business that will affect the law.

Columbus Park of Roses

Stop and smell the roses in this beautifully landscaped garden.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 645-3391 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: free

The Columbus Park of Roses is a truly unique destination. It is situated in the larger Whetstone Park and contains more than 11,000 roses of over 350 varieties. It is also home to diverse wildlife.

Between May and September, the Columbus Park of Roses park bursts with color as the roses bloom. It’s a great backdrop for a stroll around the park, a game of frisbee, or a picnic.

The annual Spring Rose Show during Mother’s Day weekend is one of the most popular rose shows in the state. There are also regular tours and other activities available.

ZipZone Outdoor Adventures

Fly through the air and satisfy your inner thrill-seeker!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 847-9477 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm Mon, Thu, Fri, 9:30 am – 5 pm Sat, Sun; Closed Tue, Wed | Entrance: $59-$99

You should make a stop at ZipZone Outdoor Adventures if you’re looking for something family-friendly, fun, and interactive. There are ziplines and adventure courses for people of all ages and experience levels. There’s even a kids’ park. 

You should consider the guided multi-zipline tour if you want to enjoy the beautiful natural views of Columbus. It will have you flying high above the gorgeous greenery of the city.

The staff holds activities to the highest safety standards at ZipZone, so you don’t have to worry about getting hurt. ZipZone is definitely one of the most family-friendly things to do in Columbus.

Ohio Theatre

Watch a film in a theater that will transport you back to Columbus of the last century.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 469-0939 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Mon – Fri, 10 am – 2 pm Sat, Closed Sun | Entrance: ticket prices vary (average is about $321)

The Ohio Theatre in Capitol Square is an opulent, extravagant Spanish Baroque building reminiscent of the 1920s. 

Spending an evening watching a film here is truly one of the coolest things to do in Columbus, OH. The experience is charming and unlike what you’d get in any modern movie theater. 

This building is a popular performance venue in addition to film showings. Festivals, pop performances, and dance recitals all take place here. The Ohio Theatre’s Broadway Series is popular, which brings you live theater. You can also see the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, BalletMet, and Opera Columbus.

German Village

Step into the world of 19th-century immigrants from Germany.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 221-8888 | Website | Hours: Open 24/7, but hours business hours vary | Entrance: free

German Village is a great place to immerse yourself in a different culture. The brick buildings and cobbled streets will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another century. German Village is a great place to learn about German immigration into the United States in the 19th century.

You can walk around and admire the surroundings, or you can enjoy the small local businesses. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus is a great place to experience German fare like bratwursts. There are coffee shops and memorable breweries like Hofbrauhaus Columbus. If you want a great souvenir, make sure to stop at the Book Loft before you leave.

As far as events go, there are occasional performances in Schiller Park and Oktoberfest is a huge annual event here!

Scioto Mile

Enjoy one of the greatest outdoor havens in Columbus, Ohio!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 202-5197 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: free

The Scioto Mile is one of the most popular attractions in Columbus, Ohio. The Scioto Mile occupies the space between the Arena District and the Whittier Peninsula and runs alongside the Scioto River. There are many sculptures along the way, including three deer sculptures.

The Olentangy Trail and the Scioto Trail are great for going on a scenic walk. You can catch a free weekend concert at the Bicentennial Park or simply admire the sculptures and fountains. Try your hand at the climbing wall if you dare!

The Grange Insurance Audubon Center is a great place to go birdwatching. It is located within Scioto Audubon Metro Park. They even offer birdwatching programs for beginners. 

Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum

Learn everything you could ever want to know about cartoons.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 292-0538 | Website | Hours: 1 pm – 5 pm Tue – Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: free

The Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum and Library is an amazing place to go for cartoon enthusiasts. The world’s largest collection of comic and cartoon-related strips, magazines, graphic novels, and more can be found at this museum located on the Ohio State University campus.

There are over 300,000 original cartoons at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum and Library. It is devoted to the research, education, and preservation of these pieces of art. It’s also a great place of inspiration for up-and-coming cartoonists.

You can look at the artwork on your own, or you can take a guided tour of the permanent collection. It contains over a million comic strip clippings and thousands of comic books. Many special events take place here as well.

Ohio History Center

Learn all about Ohio through exhibits and unique hands-on activities!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 297-2300 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wed – Sun, Closed Mon, Tue | Entrance: $13 for adults, $11 for seniors 60+, $11 for students, $7 for children ages 4-12, free for children 3 and under

The Ohio History Center is one of the most educational things to do in Columbus if you’re interested in learning about Ohio. Whether you want to know about sports history, local Native American cultures, or important industrial events, you can learn a lot at the Ohio History Center.

The Ohio history exhibits go all the way back to the Ice Age. The replica of the Conway Mastodon skeleton is very impressive to see close up.

My favorite part of the Ohio History Center is the outdoor Ohio Village. Here, you have the chance to play a historical character in costume and do a variety of hands-on activities. There are even 19th-century scripts you can read!

Cultural Arts Center

Become an artist and enjoy the work of others.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 645-7047 | Website | Hours: vary Mon – Sat, Closed Sun | Entrance: $60-$68 per class

The Cultural Arts Center is home to two galleries that feature art and exhibitions from national and regional artists. The Loft Gallery in particular is dedicated to the work of local artists. This collection is fascinating and includes art from several mediums.

You can take a variety of long-term art classes at the Cultural Arts Center. Studio classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, and metalwork are all offered. If you’re short on time, the Cultural Arts Center offers one-day workshops where you can learn and have fun!

Central Ohio Fire Museum

Prepare to be amazed at this museum all about fire safety and history.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 464-4099 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tue – Sat, Closed Sun, Mon | Entrance: $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for children

The Central Ohio Fire Museum honors the history of firefighters in the Columbus area and educates the public. The building is an old firehouse from the 1800s with many pieces of old-style fire equipment, including horse-drawn fire trucks!

The equipment and old-fashioned fire helmets paint a cool picture of what firefighting was once like. Additionally, there are fire safety education classes for adults and kids. A 911 simulator shows you what it’s like to take an emergency call.

The guided tour is very informative, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The Burned Items Display, where you see exactly how much damage a fire can do to certain items, was particularly fascinating to me. This is one of the more unique things to do in Columbus.

Ohio Craft Museum

Admire or purchase one-of-a-kind crafts from local artists.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 486-4402 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon – Fri, 11 am – 4 pm Sat, Closed Sun | Entrance: free

Many would say the Ohio Craft Museum is less of a museum and more of a giant gift shop. Still, the Ohio Craft Museum is a great place to appreciate art in different mediums. You’ll see amazing metal, glass, fiber, wood, and ceramic crafts. Many artworks are on sale and make wonderful and unique gifts or souvenirs.

The permanent collections include clay sculptures, jewelry, and more. The Ohio Craft Museum presents five major exhibits each year, which are always new and exciting. There are also art workshops and classes in various mediums, including weaving and jewelry making. 

Overall, the Ohio Craft Museum is one of the more unique and local things to do in Columbus.

Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum

Learn all about vintage cars, license plates, and other auto memorabilia.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 271-0888 | Website | Hours: by appointment only | Entrance: free

Any car enthusiast is sure to appreciate the Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum. The owner and curator, Steve Wagner, is extremely passionate about cars and is happy to share his enthusiasm and knowledge with visitors. The museum is free to visit, but it’s only available by appointment. 

You can see 28 well-maintained vintage cars. These are mostly models from the 1920s and 1930s, like Packards and Dual-Cowls. Military enthusiasts will love the 1943 Ford GPW Jeep and weapons carrier.

There’s also a unique collection of license plates. These include Ohio license plates from every year and one 1906 Cincinnati plate. There are old-fashioned gas pumps and neon road signs, too.

National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Learn about American veterans’ struggles and stories at this memorial museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 987-6866 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Closed Tue | Entrance: $18 for adults, $16 for seniors 65+, $11 for children ages 5-17, free for children under 5

The National Veterans Memorial Museum is the only museum in the United States that honors all veterans—regardless of their time or branch of service. 

You can see both permanent and rotating exhibits at the National Veterans Memorial Museum. Exhibits come in the form of media, letters, and photos. You can see what veterans and their families went through, as well as the struggles of veterans suffering from PTSD. It can be a very emotional experience for visitors.

There is a rooftop sanctuary that honors fallen soldiers in addition to the serene Memorial Grove. The stunning, unique museum building is a relatively recent addition to the Columbus skyline.

Orton Geological Museum

See a wide range of natural history artifacts from around the world (and beyond!).

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 292-6896 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Mon – Fri, Closed Sat, Sun | Entrance: free

The Orton Geological Museum is a small museum on the Ohio State University campus, in The Oval. Here, you can explore fossils and rocks from Ohio as well as matter from outer space! 

You can marvel at more than 54,000 specimens at the Orton Geological Museum. From meteorites to real mastodon and mammoth teeth, to a variety of dinosaur relics. The collection of natural history artifacts here is unparalleled.

Close to the entrance, there is a 24-foot-long replica of an early Jurassic dinosaur called Cryolophosaurus Ellioti. It is incredible to see up close and will leave a memorable impression.

Huntington Park

Cheer on the Columbus Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 462-5250 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Mon – Fr, Closed Sat, Sun | Entrance: $6-$18 

Huntington Park is home to the Columbus Clippers baseball team. This is a minor league team, so game tickets aren’t as expensive. You can get caught up in the excitement here as Columbus locals cheer on their team. 

Enjoy food and cold drinks while you watch potential future baseball stars play their game! Afterward, you can take a look at the Huntington Park Hall of Fame and enjoy the stadium’s rooftop bar.

Huntington Park can seat up to 10,000 people at a time and is located in the Arena District. The Picnic Terrace is a great place to sit, and there’s a playground for kids as well.

👉 Pro Tip: Stadium food is cheap on promo days!

Nationwide Arena

Scream for the Columbus ice hockey team, and enjoy other special events!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 246-2000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily, Closed Sun | Entrance: ticket prices vary 

Nationwide Arena is home to the ice hockey team, the Columbus Blue Jackets. Nationwide Arena has hosted NHL games since 2000, has a capacity of 20,000, and is located in the Arena District.

Nationwide Arena has been the location for many performances in addition to hockey games. Musicians like Shawn Mendes and the Dave Matthews Band have performed here. 

Disney on Ice has also been held here multiple times. There have also been arena football games with the Columbus Destroyers and WWE events. There’s even an option for a guided stadium tour if you want to see what goes on behind the scenes.

👉 Pro Tip: If you want food during the game, it’s affordable. However, merchandise can be pretty expensive.

Short North Arts District 

Experience a welcoming community full of art and bohemian vibes.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 299-8050 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Mon – Fri, Closed Sat, Sun | Entrance: free 

The Short North Arts District is a trendy Columbus neighborhood north of downtown. It’s welcoming to those of diverse backgrounds. There are a variety of nightlife options specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Gallery Hop is one of the most popular events at Short North Arts District. On the first weekend of the month, people can walk around the area and view artwork from the many galleries. Short North Arts District often hosts other events too, such as live music events and dessert walking tours.

You can also browse the many shops while strolling by beautiful public murals and art installations. The whole Short North Arts District gives off a very friendly, bohemian vibe. Whether you want to buy vintage items or enjoy craft beer, there are options here.

Easton Town Center

Enjoy a buzzing shopping mall with activities for everyone.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (614) 337-2200 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm Mon – Sat, 12 pm – 6 pm Sun | Entrance: free | 👉 LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket

Some have called the Easton Town Center the “Rodeo Drive of the Midwest.” It’s home to nearly 300 stores, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Easton Town Center is just 15 minutes east of downtown Columbus.

From the outside, Easton Town Center looks like a charming little town, and it has a vibrant and welcoming feel.

AMC dine-in theaters and the Columbus Funny Bone are popular choices for those looking for entertainment. This mall is home to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center as well, which is extremely popular among children.

Many see Easton Town Center as more than just a shopping center. People can frolic in the fountains in summer, and take horse-drawn carriage rides in winter. There’s also live music on Thursday evenings for all to enjoy.

FAQs About What to Do in Columbus

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Thanks for reading my guide on the best things to do in Columbus! I hope these suggestions are useful while visiting Columbus. To learn even more about what makes Ohio’s capital so unique, check out my article on interesting Columbus facts!