Things to Do in Columbus Ohio

Things to Do in Columbus Ohio include museums, gardens, parks, professional sports, performing arts, historic sites, and family attractions.

Downtown holds several major destinations. Meanwhile, additional attractions sit near Ohio State University and throughout Franklin County.

The Columbus Zoo is outside the city in nearby Powell. However, it remains a practical regional attraction for Columbus visitors.

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Explore COSI

COSI offers interactive science exhibits, demonstrations, planetarium programs, and traveling displays. Its riverfront location also provides easy access to downtown.

Visit Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The conservatory features indoor plant collections, seasonal gardens, art installations, and family programming. Additionally, Franklin Park surrounds the attraction.

See the Columbus Museum of Art

The Columbus Museum of Art presents permanent collections, changing exhibitions, creative spaces, and educational programs. Check the official calendar for current displays.

Tour the National Veterans Memorial and Museum

This downtown museum examines military service through personal stories and exhibits. Also, its riverfront setting connects with nearby walking routes.

Explore the Ohio History Center and Ohio Village

The Ohio History Center covers archaeology, transportation, natural history, and statewide stories. Meanwhile, Ohio Village interprets an earlier community setting.

Walk Through the Topiary Garden

The Topiary Garden recreates figures from a famous Georges Seurat painting. Because admission is generally simple, it fits a shorter downtown outing.

Enjoy the Scioto Mile

The Scioto Mile links downtown parks, riverfront paths, fountains, overlooks, and bridges. It works well for walking, cycling, photography, or a quiet break.

Explore Columbus Parks and Trails

Columbus Recreation and Parks manages hundreds of parks and extensive regional trails. Visitors can search official listings by location and available amenities.

Visit the Wexner Center for the Arts

The Wexner Center presents visual art, film, theater, dance, and music. Its Ohio State University location makes it useful during a campus visit.

See the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum

This Ohio State museum explores comics and cartoon art through exhibitions and archival collections. Current gallery information appears on its official website.

Attend a Performance at the Ohio Theatre

The historic Ohio Theatre hosts Broadway productions, concerts, dance, and Columbus Symphony performances. Therefore, checking the calendar early is sensible.

Tour the Kelton House Museum and Garden

Kelton House interprets nineteenth-century Columbus life and the Underground Railroad. Guided access and scheduled programs may vary during the year.

Discover German Village

German Village offers historic streets, architecture, public spaces, and self-guided exploration. Visitors should respect residential areas while walking through the neighborhood.

Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Nearby

The Columbus Zoo in nearby Powell presents wildlife habitats, conservation programs, and animal experiences. Seasonal hours and attraction availability should be confirmed.

Attend a Columbus Crew Match

Lower.com Field hosts Major League Soccer matches near downtown. Additionally, the stadium sits close to the Arena District and riverfront paths.

Watch the Columbus Clippers

The Columbus Clippers play baseball at Huntington Park. Its downtown location makes games convenient for visitors staying near the convention center.

See the Columbus Blue Jackets

Nationwide Arena hosts Columbus Blue Jackets hockey and other major events. Check the official schedule for games and venue policies.

Explore Metro Parks

Central Ohio Metro Parks provide trails, nature centers, waterways, forests, and wildlife areas. However, travel distance varies considerably by park.

Plan a Simple Columbus Day

Begin with COSI, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, or the Ohio Statehouse. After that, walk along the Scioto Mile.

Later, explore German Village or Franklin Park Conservatory. Finally, add a performance or sporting event after confirming its schedule.