Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Columbus, Ohio. #Top Attractions

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Deciding to travel to Columbus, Ohio? For the best things to do in Columbus, Ohio, and the coolest places to visit in Columbus, Ohio. Scroll down for our top travel recommendations in Columbus, Ohio. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3.0 startup in the tourism industry that aims to disrupt the industry as a whole by utilizing Web 3.0 technologies.

Arena District

Arena District Columbus, Ohio
Arena District Columbus, Ohio / Eric Fredericks / Flickr

Searching for a place that has a little bit of everything?

The Arena District is the place you’re looking for!

The Arena District in Columbus, Ohio, is a famous hangout for visitors and residents due to its wide range of attractions and things to do.

The Columbus Clippers and the Columbus Blue Jackets are both situated in the area, making it a wonderful location for baseball and hockey fans.

In addition to the L.C. Pavilion’s daily performances, the town’s six separate venues provide live music performances at all hours of the day and night, making it possible for visitors to be entertained while strolling around the neighborhood.

The area is filled with excellent restaurants, lively pubs and clubs, a huge movie theater, and fitness facilities.

Events include World’s Toughest Rodeo, Disney on Ice, and a wide variety of independent musicians.

If you’re going to be in Columbus, don’t forget to stop by this district!

Address: 375 Front St, Suite 200, Columbus, OH 43215

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

Center of Science and Industry (COSI) Columbus, Ohio
Center of Science and Industry (COSI) Columbus, Ohio / Dan Keck / Flickr

Make your trip to Columbus fun and educational by visiting the Center of Science and Industry!

Every year since its founding in 1964, the Center of Science and Industry has served as a catalyst for the advancement of humanity’s understanding of science and technology.

Guests of all ages will enjoy exploring the strange, bizarre, and unusual at the scientific center over 300,000 square feet of space.

This is a fantastic location to check out with your children if you are searching for activities to do in Columbus, Ohio, entertaining and educational.

More than a thousand events are hosted year-round, featuring a dome spectacle unlike anything else, brunch with characters, and a grownup sleep party with cocktail bar availability to the center’s numerous attractions.

A trip to the Center of Science and Industry will surely be an unforgettable encounter for everybody, regardless of age.

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

Columbus Architectural Salvage

 Columbus Architectural Salvage Columbus, Ohio
Columbus Architectural Salvage is one of the best places to go in Columbus, Ohio

Fond of collecting antiquities?

Find the rarest one in Columbus Architectural Salvage!

The 10,000-square-foot location of Columbus Architectural Salvage, which is situated close to the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus, makes it a one-of-a-kind source for house components and structural aspects.

Chris Sauer, the owner of the shop, launched it in 2011 as an extension of a Grandview company and is recognized for its unique assortment of antiques and vintage items, most of which have been rescued from dumps in the surrounding area.

Tiny components such as hinges, doorknobs, keys, a large room layout, and features such as old bathtubs and vintage iron garden furniture are available in the store’s extensive inventory.

The store has a lot of rare and unusual vintage goods on sale, so it’s a terrific place for antique and home décor collectors.

If you are an avid collector of rare items, this place is a must-visit in Columbus!

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

Wondering where to go this holiday? Try Ohio. Come over and check out our best travel guides for Dayton and Sandusky. See through the fascinating things to do in Dayton, Ohio and the best things to do in Sandusky, Ohio!

Columbus Museum of Art

Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Ohio
Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Ohio / Larry Wentzel / Flickr

The Columbus Museum of Art is one of the top attractions in Ohio.

Columbus Museum of Art should be the number one destination for art buffs visiting Columbus!

For anyone with a passion for art, the Columbus Museum of Art aims to provide unforgettable encounters, whether it’s via gallery visits or hands-on workshops.

The objective is to introduce individuals to art and foster the bond formed due to the encounter.

Guests can gather at the museum’s social center to share their thoughts and ideas about personal encounters with art.

Late 19th and early 20th century contemporary European and American art are displayed in the exhibit, featuring pieces by well-known regional artists.

This institution has a lot to see and do because it was established by and for the people. Hence, several of the pieces in the exhibit can be traced to local residents.

A visit to this museum will pique your interest in art and how it relates to the civilization we live in. 

If you’re in Columbus, check the Museum of Art out!

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

Easton Town Center

Easton Town Center Columbus, Ohio
Easton Town Center Columbus, Ohio / Dr Bob Hall / Flickr

If you want to enjoy a city experience, Easton Town Center is the spot for you!

Families have enjoyed the almost 2 million square feet of Easton Town Center’s unique retail, eating, amusement, and leisure options since it opened in 1999.

The fact that it was designed to seem like a traditional city contributed to the overall allure of the place.

From Apple to Louis Vuitton to Barnes & Noble to Tiffany & Co., there are more than 150 businesses that offer year-round deals.

From The Cheesecake Factory to the exotic Café Istanbul, the varied array of eateries offers a little bit for everyone’s taste buds.

In addition to art fairs and live comedy shows, the Easton Town Center sponsors a variety of other activities every year.

Easton Town Center in Columbus is among the city’s most popular destinations because of the variety of wonders it has.

This charming marketplace welcomes shoppers and entertains them all day long.

Visit the center if Columbus is your destination this weekend!

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

Discover Ohio on your next vacation! Cincinnati and Cleveland are places you should not miss when in this state! Look out for fun-filled things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio and interesting things to do in Cleveland, Ohio.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Columbus, Ohio
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Columbus, Ohio / Steven Miller / Flickr

Sick of the noises in the city?

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens provide peace and serenity!

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a tourist attraction that spans nearly 90 acres and is located 2 miles east of the central business district of Columbus.

A wide variety of activities are held at the greenhouses to teach guests about its plant library and gardens and to showcase its periodic artwork and environment displays.

Rare plants and artworks by international and national artists occupy the inside grounds of this outstanding botanical monument, which is among the best Columbus, Ohio destinations. 

Guests may also stroll a mile-long circle around the open green space, art statues on the grounds, and outside gardens.

The conservatory hosts several activities and programs every year, and guests may take part in seminars or courses on a variety of topics, including culinary, horticulture, arts, and health.

Be sure to visit the gardens if you are visiting Columbus this weekend!

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

German Village

German Village Columbus, Ohio
German Village Columbus, Ohio / VasenkaPhotography / Flickr

Have a taste of German culture and cuisine in the German Village!

The German nationals who moved into what is now known as German Village, located south of central Columbus, made up about a quarter of the city’s demographic in the 1850s.

German Village expanded from a small residential area to a thriving tourist destination, thanks to the preservation of the area’s rich heritage and the widespread usage of German in local businesses and institutions.

Guests may immerse themselves in the history and heritage of German Village through everything from the town’s stunning architecture to its mouthwatering cuisine.

It’s also a wonderful location to test your communication skills if you’re studying German.

Book Loft and Schmidt’s Sausage Haus are two of the best locations to visit in the German Village.

You can satisfy your cravings here if you are craving some German dishes!

Be sure to visit the German Village if you’re in Columbus!

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

Huntington Park

Huntington Park Columbus, Ohio
Huntington Park Columbus, Ohio / Dr Bob Hall / Flickr

Baseball fans can watch an exciting game while being surrounded by beautiful nature and architecture!

The baseball team known as the Columbus Clippers calls Huntington Park, which is situated in the Arena District in the heart of central Columbus, their home field.

There are two AAA National Champion victories to its name, and it’s linked to the Cleveland Indians.

More than 11,000 people may be accommodated at one time on the park’s three floors, which total more than 220,000 square feet.

It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family in Columbus while showing your support for the Columbus Clippers baseball team!

The patio, homerun terraces, rooftop bar, and club bar on the club level are all available at this baseball complex.

This stadium park is distinguished from others in that it provides over 1,000 distinct types of seating, including a primary walkway terraced by trees, grass seating, and a family garden equipped with a fountain.

Baseball fans visiting Columbus shouldn’t miss out on Huntington Park!

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

Nationwide Arena

Nationwide Arena Columbus, Ohio
Nationwide Arena Columbus, Ohio / Paul Sableman / Flickr

The Nationwide Arena is one of the best things to do in Ohio.

Big fan of Columbus Blue Jackets?

Watch them play in Nationwide Arena!

The Columbus Blue Jackets, the professional ice hockey team in Ohio and an NHL affiliate, have called the Nationwide Arena home since 2000.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s yearly Arnold Classic training conference is only one of the numerous events in the stadium each year.

Guests go to the stadium for various events and enjoy the many pubs, cafés, and cinemas in the nearby Arena District.

In addition to serving as a home to the Blue Jackets, the stadium also hosts junior hockey tournaments and free public skating sessions. 

It is the first NHL stadium to provide an on-site training rink.

Check out the schedule for future events at the Nationwide Arena and secure your tickets.

This is one of the top attractions in Columbus!

If you’re a hockey fan visiting Columbus, there’s no other place to go but the Nationwide Arena!

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

North Market

North Market Columbus, Ohio
North Market Columbus, Ohio / Sheila Scarborough / Flickr

Souvenir collectors visiting Columbus, Ohio, should check out North Market!

More than thousands of people attend the North Market each year, a farmer’s market popular with crafters, businesspeople, foodies, and just about everyone else.

As a tourist attraction, North Market provides tourists with an opportunity to purchase something unique, from handcrafted jewelry to homemade jams to stunning paintings.

Ohio business people and producers have been serving the neighborhood and marketplace goers worldwide since the 18th century.

Guests can receive a firsthand glimpse at Ohio’s variety and energy while also bringing a small piece of the state back with them.

Every year, North Market has a variety of events and programs for guests to participate in.

If you want to participate in the seasonal events, make sure to time your visit!

This is one of the go-to places in Columbus, Ohio.

If you are in Columbus this weekend, North Market should be on your list of destinations!

Address: 59 Spruce Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Ohio Stadium

Ohio Stadium Columbus, Ohio
Ohio Stadium Columbus, Ohio / Drew Tarvin / Flickr

Baseball fans visiting Columbus this weekend shouldn’t skip the Ohio Stadium!

Originally constructed in 1922 for 1.3 million U.S. dollars, the Ohio Stadium was renovated in 2001 for almost 200 million U.S. dollars to match current security and safety requirements.

Fans from all over the world travel to see their favorite teams play in front of the iconic double-decker circular stadium that is a tribute to college football.

With a capacity of nearly 105,000 spectators, it ranks as the state’s 4th-biggest on-campus arena. The stadium has welcomed around 35 million people.

It’s always a delight to catch an Ohio State Buckeyes game on a Saturday.

Regardless if you’re not a fan of the sport, a visit to Ohio Stadium will surely be memorable.

This is one of the go-to stadiums in Columbus!

If you want to watch a game in the stadium, try visiting during weekends!

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

Ohio Statehouse

Ohio Statehouse Columbus, Ohio
Ohio Statehouse Columbus, Ohio / Jim Bowen / Flickr

The Ohio State house is one of the best places to visit in Ohio.

Looking for an attraction that is filled with significance?

Look no further. The Ohio Statehouse is the attraction for you!

The Ohio Statehouse is a magnificent structure that sits on the ground, extends to a depth of nearly 20 feet, and encompasses more than 10 acres.

It’s not necessary to be well-versed in politics to gain something from this trip.

Those interested in design will appreciate the gorgeous interior and external elements of the home, such as a dome and a recessed porch, which are both examples of Greek Renaissance architecture.

Visitors to the statehouse will see various arts, including paintings of lieutenant governors and governors.

Several artworks honor Ohioans who have made major contributions to the state’s culture.

Ohio’s Capitol Square, which includes the Senate Building, the Atrium, and the Statehouse, is a great site to take the whole family for a fun day!

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

Ohio State University

Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio / marada / Flickr

Ever been to a university that is filled with exhibits?

The Ohio State University has a plethora of displays waiting to get visited!

In 1870, the Ohio State University was created. It began as small agriculture and technical school. Still, over time it has expanded to be the 3rd biggest university institution in the country.

There are more than 250 graduate and doctoral degree options and more than 200 undergraduate degrees to choose from.

In addition to the club, recreational, and intercollegiate sports, the university offers media groups, fraternal and sorority groups, three student administrations, and various clubs and organizations for students to participate in.

Oncology and infectious diseases studies are among the campus’s most notable accomplishments.

Additionally, it houses several galleries and exhibitions, including the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library, Hopkins Hall Gallery, Historic Costume and Textiles Collection, and Jack Nicklaus Museum.

If you’re in Columbus this weekend, check out the Ohio State University!

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

Ohio Theater

Ohio Theater, Columbus, Ohio
Ohio Theater, Columbus, Ohio / David Mark / Flickr

Looking to spend a romantic date night in Columbus?

Bring your partner to the Ohio Theater!

The Ohio Theater, constructed in the 1920s, was initially a cinema theater.

It now holds over 100 performances annually, featuring highlights such as Broadway Across America performances, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the BalletMet, and many other international and national traveling performers.

A play at the Ohio Theater is a great date option in Columbus if you’re searching for something special.

At the Ohio Theater’s nearly 3000-seat capacity, guests may experience various performances from jazz to orchestral music.

The setting includes a Spanish-Baroque-style design, luxurious interiors, great audio, and a spectacular 21-foot elevated chandelier.

Authentic furniture that was imported from throughout the world and worth more than the construction of the building is on display for tourists to admire

Visit this theater if you’re going to Columbus this weekend!

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

Park of Roses

Park of Roses Columbus, Ohio
Park of Roses is one of the best places to go in Columbus, Ohio

Garden lovers will surely be entertained for hours in Park of Roses!

13 acres of concrete paths, wooden chairs, and over 10,000 roses make up the Park of Roses.

Additionally, the site features perennial and herb gardens, which are dispersed between the rose bushes. Each garden is exceptional in its own particular way.

The Formal Rose Garden, for example, features uniform rose gardens with an observation platform and a big fountain in a classic Italian style.

Shrub Rose, Floribundas, Grandiflora, and Hybrid Tea are all examples of contemporary roses.

Located at the facility’s eastern edge, the Heritage Rose Garden exhibits what is referred to as ancient roses.

Everyone is welcome to the Park of Roses, which is accessible to guests with disabilities and strollers.

The garden is among the most beautiful attractions in Columbus, Ohio.

If you’re going to be in Columbus this weekend, make sure to stop by the Park of Roses!

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

Schiller Park

Schiller Park Columbus, Ohio
Schiller Park Columbus, Ohio / Dr Bob Hall / Flickr

History buffs will definitely be fascinated by the origins of the Schiller Park!

Early inhabitants in Columbus, Ohio, referred to Schiller Park as Stewart’s Grove when they first came.

Schiller Park was acquired by the city of Columbus in the 1860s via a deal that resulted in all 23 acres of land being handed over to City Park.

Due to the presence of a sculpture of the German author Friedrick von Schiller in the middle of the place, it was dubbed Schiller Park.

During WWII, the town’s street names and parks were altered owing to strong anti-German prejudice.

Nevertheless, once the conflict was over, the names were altered once more. 

There is a fishing pond, a stage in the park, and picnic spaces, which depicts rural German life.

The stage is utilized by Actor’s Summer Theatre, and the public is welcome to use the nearby softball fields.

Additional features include a basketball court, a playground with slides and swings, and several flower arrangements.

History lovers visiting Columbus this weekend should check out this park!

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

Scioto Mile

Scioto Mile Columbus, Ohio
Scioto Mile Columbus, Ohio / marada / Flickr

A place where the kids can have fun while the adults relax?

The Scioto Mile is the place you’re looking for!

More than 150 acres of beautiful grassland make up the Scioto Mile, which stretches from the riverside stadium area to the Whittier Peninsula. It passes across central Columbus.

The Scioto Mile’s network of bike paths, paths, plazas, and playgrounds allows commuters, visitors, and residents alike to make use of the riverside region.

It is widely considered to be among the state of Ohio’s most popular natural destinations for tourists.

Various activities may be enjoyed by those who like traveling along Scioto Mile. 

Some of the activities include an amphitheater, a Scioto Audubon that is 120 acres in size that draws coastal birds, an interactive fountain that is 15,000 feet long, and a free outdoor climbing wall.

Many different activities occur every year, some of which include a music event and a barbecue fair.

If you want to experience these events, be sure to time your visit to Columbus!

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

Sherrie Gallerie

Sherrie Gallerie Columbus, Ohio
Sherrie Gallerie is one of the best places to go in Columbus, Ohio

Art buffs will definitely appreciate the artworks displayed in Sherrie Gallerie!

Located in the Short North Arts District in Columbus, Sherrie Gallerie is a stunning art museum founded in 2004 by gallery director Sherrie Riley Hawk, a staple of the neighborhood’s gallery culture since the 1980s.

Sherrie Gallerie is home to several of the most experimental artworks that can be discovered anywhere in the Columbus area.

Masterpieces made of mixed media, glass, jewelry, porcelain, and wood are all on display at the museum specializing in modern 3D works of art.

The artworks of artists like Zemer Peled, Yong Joo Kim, Katarzyna Karbownik, Ingrid Bathe, and Laine Bachman are included in displays that change every three to five weeks.

You have a high chance of seeing something amazing whenever you visit, so it doesn’t matter when you go.

Visitors can visit the museum from Tuesday to Sunday in the afternoon, excluding significant major holidays.

Check out the displays at Sherrie Gallerie if you’re going to be in Columbus!

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

Short North Arts District

Short North Arts District Columbus, Ohio
Short North Arts District Columbus, Ohio / Sheila Scarborough / Flickr

Art lovers would want to take their time strolling around the Short North Arts District!

The Short North Arts District in Columbus, Ohio, is dedicated to some of the best art, clothing, home decoration, restaurants, and entertainment in the whole state.

It is renowned as the art and soul of Columbus and houses more than 250 enterprises, the majority of which are either owned locally or have their headquarters located there.

It was only in 1984 that the Short North Arts District, one of Central Ohio’s first successful attempts at urban renewal, began to emerge from the shadows of its former state of neglect.

The Gallery Hop, a monthly exhibition of art by exhibition operators, developed into today’s current scene of art galleries.

Guests to the award-winning area may now experience a plethora of exhibits, boutiques, and eateries that were previously only available to residents.

As part of a tour of the Short North neighborhood, guests may also see the state’s distinctive 17-light metal archway.

Art lovers visiting Columbus should not miss out on the Short North Arts District!

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

Topiary Park

Topiary Park Columbus, Ohio
Topiary Park Columbus, Ohio / TheSharpShooter / Flickr

Want to see a garden full of beautifully-shaped shrubs and bushes?

Topiary Park is the place to go!

James and Elaine Mason came up with the idea for the Topiary Park. They wanted to make a shrubbery garden for the Ohio School for the Deaf. 

In the 1990s, when the park was officially opened, they gave the idea to the town.

Originally, the area that is today called Topiary Park was formerly referred to as the Old Deaf School Park.

The Topiary Park is a favorite destination for vacationers, who are drawn to the numerous decorative trim moldings that are dispersed all over the area.

The garden is maintained by a large number of participants and operates on a non-profit basis. 

This helps to guarantee that the tales are kept alive among the stunning living artworks.

As part of the garden’s instructional tools, visitors may understand more about the park’s origins and its importance.

If you are in Columbus this weekend, stop by Topiary Park!

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

Volunteer At Animal Shelters

Animal Shelters in Columbus, Ohio
Animal Shelters in Columbus, Ohio

Volunteering at an animal shelter is one of the most satisfying things to do. Most animals are content with having a clean, dry place to call home, along with enough to eat, drink, and play with. You’ll receive their undying devotion, steadfast friendship, and companionship in exchange.

Volunteering for animal causes enables people to have a good, animal-friendly impact on their communities. It gives them a chance to personally observe the beneficial effects they can have on their neighborhood and on deprived animals.

If you’re short on time, donate old towels and bedding to rescue groups or the humane society. Animal shelters are always short of warm bedding. If your kids don’t utilize their baby blankets, a puppy or cat could. Humane societies and rescue groups can always use cat and dog food, litter, leashes, and toys.

One of the most meaningful things is volunteering at an animal shelter locally and giving back to the community. Check out the list of animal shelters in Columbus, Ohio.

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