Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus is the capital of Ohio, with an estimated population of 900,000 as of 2015. The initial inhabitants were tribes known as the Mound Builders, who over 5,000 years constructed various earthen mounds for religious, ceremonial, and burial purposes. The first permanent European settlers arrived in the Midwest around the 1700s and aptly named the capital after the renowned explorer Christopher Columbus.

Columbus is notable for various reasons; foremost among them is its status as home to one of the largest universities and esteemed football programs in North America, alongside hosting one of the nation’s premier zoos. Furthermore, it boasts one of the most excellent municipal park systems across the country, encompassing 16 parks across an area of 24,000 acres.

There is much more to discover about this fascinating city, so let us delve into the top attractions in Columbus!

1. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The personnel of these vibrant gardens and stunning conservatory diligently strive to maintain its 88 acres of landscaped grounds. They are particularly splendid during spring, as various vividly colored bulbs begin to emerge and display their beauty.

Each season brings its own unique appeal; in winter, visitors can enjoy a display of evergreen trees and lush winter foliage. This serene environment is perfect for family strolls.

Children will delight in observing the charming resident butterflies and the pond filled with fish. There is also a quaint café on-site, along with a gift shop where you can purchase a souvenir of your visit.

2. North Market Farmer’s Market

This market is one of the largest farmers’ markets in Central Ohio and also ranks among its oldest.

The assortment of fresh produce presented by local growers is truly impressive, with over 20 farmers offering their delectable homegrown fruits and vegetables, plants, flowers, honey, and aromatic herbs.

A range of exceptional culinary options is also available for families seeking a meal, featuring dishes from various global cuisines, all of which are delicious!

3. Ohio Theatre

This splendid historic theatre, constructed in 1928, was fortunate to be saved from demolition and fully restored to its former glory during the 1980s. The theater’s stage has been modernized to accommodate a diverse array of performances, including musicals, ballet, opera, lectures, and entertaining presentations like the annual summer Movie Series and Broadway Series.

Whether your family enjoys the symphony (with concerts by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra), festive Nutcracker performances during Christmas, or a relaxed evening watching classic films, a visit to this venue will meet everyone’s expectations!

4. Ohio Stadium

Ohio Stadium, affectionately referred to as The Horseshoe, or “The House that Harley built,” serves as the football stadium for Ohio State University and is home to the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, as well as the Ohio State University Marching Band.

Additionally, this venue acts as a popular concert location, hosting renowned bands like Metallica and The Rolling Stones, attracting large crowds with their lively performances. With a seating capacity just under 105,000, it stands as the third-largest football stadium in the United States.

The Stadium is a landmark worth visiting simply to soak in the ambiance! The food and beverage offerings are also commendable.

5. Short North Arts District

This neighborhood is an engaging area to visit, offering opportunities for leisurely strolls, enjoying coffee, or dining. Owing to the university’s influence, the area is often characterized as unconventional and slightly eccentric, featuring numerous quirky specialty shops, taverns, art galleries, and cafés waiting to be discovered.

The architectural landscape of the district is noteworthy, with most brick structures dating back to the early 20th century, harmonizing beautifully with the vibrant murals adorning their walls.

The area is conveniently walkable and located near downtown, making it an excellent way to spend an afternoon!

6. German Village

German Village is aptly named due to the considerable number of German immigrants who settled in the area during the mid-19th century, seemingly bringing a part of their homeland with them. At one point, this community constituted a third of the city’s population.

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974, the village attracts numerous visitors who savor the taste of authentic European-style fare offered by the local coffee shops, confectionaries, groceries, and restaurants, such as Sausage Haus and Katz’s Deli.

As you wander through the narrow, cobblestone-like streets, you’ll feel as though you have transported to a unique and distant destination!

7. ZipZone Canopy Tours

This offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the city, featuring two tour options, one lasting an hour and a half and the other two hours.

The newest, shorter tour includes two zip lines and two sky bridges, with the option of a free fall jump experience or a rappel. The longer tour accommodates smaller groups, allowing for exhilarating views of wildlife, flowers, and foliage.

The company prioritizes safety, ensuring you are thoroughly attended to by skilled guides who manage your safety equipment, provide essential instructions, and operate the braking system throughout the experience.

8. Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

COSI is particularly popular among families, featuring interactive exhibits, captivating planetarium shows, and various activities designed to inspire children’s interest in science and technology.

Regularly rotated exhibits ensure there is always something new and intriguing to explore. The entire top floor is dedicated to children in the “Birth to First Grade” age group, providing ample room for play.

Further, older children will also find numerous engaging hands-on activities aimed at various learning levels.

9. Whetstone Park / Park of Roses

This notable park has existed for over 60 years, hosting a fragrant 13-acre Park of Roses, which showcases over 11,000 roses and highlights an impressive array of 350 different varieties.

The optimal time to appreciate these exquisite flowers is from mid-June to mid-September, when the roses are in full bloom. However, there is still much to appreciate throughout the year; numerous trails for walking and running are available, along with ample space for children to play soccer and a lovely playground for younger ones.

A lovely feature includes the numerous benches situated throughout the park in memory of departed loved ones.

10. Easton Town Center

This shopping venue is a unique mix of modern and historical styles, designed to resemble early 20th-century American cities and towns. The layout features beautiful fountains and a continuous loop of streets, making navigation easy for shoppers.

In addition to retail shops, the center hosts a cinema complex with dine-in options and myriad stores catering to the entire family, from Macy’s for mothers, Golf Galaxy for fathers, to American Girl, Lego Store, and Justice for the children.

Moreover, it offers a variety of excellent dining establishments and cafes, such as the ever-popular Cheesecake Factory, revealing why Easton attracts over 25 million visitors each year!

11. Scioto Mile

Scioto Mile encompasses 145 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland, popular among both locals and tourists for leisurely walks or bike rides, connecting seamlessly to the Scioto River.

A delightful opportunity for family enjoyment, visitors can explore the city’s grand 15,000 sq ft interactive fountain where children can have fun splashing around, the country’s largest outdoor climbing wall, and the 120-acre Scioto Audubon, a haven for observing diverse shorebirds.

Additionally, there are events throughout the summer, including free concerts, making this a wonderful spot for family picnics!

12. Kelton House Museum & Garden

A visit to the Kelton House offers an intriguing glimpse into history as you traverse this exquisite mansion, built by Ferdinand Cortez Kelton, a successful pharmaceutical and dry goods wholesaler. His family resided continuously in the house for approximately 120 years during the Victorian period.

The architectural design of the house itself holds interest, with knowledgeable docents sharing insights into the family’s participation in the abolitionist movement. The basement contains valuable information regarding the Underground Railroad.

The gardens feature exceptional beauty with meticulously maintained hedges, latticework, and intriguing plants. During the holiday season, the museum is festively adorned with traditional Victorian décor.

13. Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum

This intriguing and unique attraction guarantees to captivate visitors of all ages! Formerly known as the Cartoon Research Library and Museum, it has been renamed in honor of the esteemed cartoonist Billy Ireland.

The Museum houses the world’s most extensive academic research facility dedicated to printed and original comic strips, cartoon art, and editorial cartoons.

Spanning a variety of formats, including daily and Sunday strips, comic books, magazine cartoons, and sports cartoons, the venue contains at least 450,000 original cartoons, along with 51,000 serial titles and 36,000 books, ensuring something for everyone to enjoy. Expect particular delight for dads with the WWII comic collection.

14. Columbus Museum of Art

The Columbus Museum of Art serves as an excellent destination for family enjoyment. It features a delightful area specifically designed for children, and offers free admission on Sundays. Children can engage with Lego exhibits and other toys created for imaginative play, while the rest of the family can appreciate the remarkable art displayed throughout the museum.

In addition, there is a wide variety of locally crafted objects, along with unique treasures from around the globe. The café is particularly popular, making it an ideal spot to share a meal after your explorations!

15. Topiary Park

This charming park uniquely embodies the intersection of nature and art, creating a captivating visit! It represents a living sculptural interpretation of Georges Seurat’s Post-Impressionist painting, ‘A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grand Jatte’, and is the only existing topiary rendition of a painting.

As you traverse the garden, you will encounter 54 human figures, eight boats, a monkey, three dogs, and a cat, each standing 12 feet tall, crafted from yew. In addition to the stunning topiary creations, the park is adorned with over 220 trees and meticulously maintained flowerbeds. Children can also delight in feeding the many ducks inhabiting the area!

16. Graeter’s Ice Cream

It is hard to imagine anyone lacking an interest in ice cream, whether in tasting it, preparing it, or simply counting the choices of flavors available!

Graeter’s Ice Cream Factory initiated its ice cream journey in 1868 in Cincinnati, renowned for its delectable ice cream. It is noteworthy for being the only commercial ice cream maker globally utilizing French Pot freezers, producing two-gallon batches, the smallest in the industry.

Although the factory tours have concluded, the ice cream remains exceptional. When you visit, make sure to try one of their delicious offerings; the black raspberry chocolate chip flavor continues to be a major favorite.

17. American Whistle Corp

Enjoy a family-oriented tour that offers a distinct experience: a whistle tour. (While I could have used the pun ‘whistle stop tour,’ that could be considered overly corny!).

Often overlooked, whistles are utilized in numerous aspects of daily life, from police officers to sports coaches. By participating in a tour of the American Whistle Corp, you will discover how and why whistles were created centuries ago and learn about the medieval versions used to signal impending attacks during the Crusades.

The contemporary use of whistles began in 1878, and knowledgeable guides will provide comprehensive insights during your tour. The duration of the tours is approximately 45 minutes.

18. Huntington Park

If you are more inclined towards baseball than football, consider visiting Huntington Park, home to the Columbus Clippers, the Triple-A minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.

This charming ballpark offers a welcoming atmosphere, providing free admission on Wednesdays and complimentary memberships for children. The games are engaging enough to keep little ones entertained.

You can picnic on the lawns or, while your kids enjoy playing ball, take some time to unwind in the lively upstairs bar area.

19. The Southern Theatre

This historic theater, which opened in September 1896, is the oldest surviving theater in Central Ohio and one of the most ancient in the state. Since its restoration in 1998, it has transformed into one of the city’s most cherished venues.

The Southern Theatre exudes warmth and intimacy for its audience, characterized by its exquisite architecture and decor.

The theater presents a variety of performances, from jazz concerts to dramatic plays, and is certainly worth a visit. If you opt for seating in the mezzanine, you’ll be afforded a spectacular view of the entire theater.

20. Glass Axis

Glass Axis is an engaging glass art studio with over 100 members committed to teaching and expanding knowledge in the field. This studio serves as a perfect outlet for teenagers interested in creating lovely glass ornaments and learning the fascinating art of glass blowing.

Enroll in a beginner’s class and watch as your children learn from skilled instructors who prioritize safety while working with molten glass and furnaces.

21. Hayden Falls Park

This picturesque location invites you to enjoy the stunning 35-foot waterfall and the surrounding protected plant life. Access is greatly improved with steps, a boardwalk, and an overlook. Picnic tables are also provided on the upper level.

Situated just 100 yards from the Scioto River, this location offers a fantastic opportunity for memorable photographs! Exploring the park typically requires only about 15 minutes, but the experience is undeniably worthwhile. Please note that there are many steps to ascend.

22. The Book Loft

When visiting German Village or simply seeking a new read, a stop at this bookstore is essential! With 32 rooms filled with books at excellent prices, alongside posters, greeting cards, music CDs, DVDs, and puzzles, it has something for everyone.

This space was originally a house before its conversion to a bookstore, now rendering it a haven for readers! Additionally, the store offers intriguing book-themed T-shirts, perfect as memorable souvenirs.

The surrounding gardens are equally delightful, featuring numerous benches in the courtyard to reflect upon your purchases!