16 Top-Rated Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio

There are so many fun things to do in Columbus that it can be tough to figure out where to start. If your visit is only a day or a weekend, you might want to target the top attractions in the city, like museums and events or festivals that are taking place during your stay.

Downtown Columbus has sporting events, like Columbus Clippers baseball and National Hockey League games, and more leisurely options, like walking or biking along the Scioto Mile and sampling the local fare at the North Market. If you are in Columbus for several days or are looking for specific activities that are romantic, themed, or things to do with kids then you can explore more broadly beyond the downtown metro area.

Most of Columbus' suburbs have developed quaint districts that reflect the history and vibe of that area. New Albany, Westerville, Clintonville, Dublin, Powell, Grove City, Grandview Heights, Gahanna, and Bexley are just some of the suburban areas where you can spend a day or evening taking in another side of city life. For ideas on how to make the most of your time in Ohio's capital city, see our list of the top things to do in Columbus, Ohio.

Walk along the Scioto Mile

No matter how long you plan to stay in Columbus, you should make walking or taking a bike ride on the Scioto Mile in downtown a priority. The Scioto Mile is one of the most spectacular points of interest because it stretches along the downtown riverfront, giving you the best view of the skyline and a refreshing opportunity to be outdoors during your stay.

This multi-use trail is for bikers and walkers or those who want to relax on a bench to watch the sunset. You can rent a bike from one of the CoGo Bike stations located through the downtown area and pedal for as long as you like. You can even rent a kayak and paddle along the Scioto during the spring, summer, and fall.

On any given day, you will find activities happening in the parks along the Scioto Mile, from outdoor music to performing arts. Bicentennial Park is one of the most popular spots, with Milestone 229, a glass-front restaurant overlooking the river, and a 15,000-square-foot fountain with 1,000 jets of water that spray into the air accompanied by lighting effects. Genoa Park, North Bank Park, and McFerson Commons are other top parks to visit along the Scioto Mile.

Official site: www.sciotomile.com

Peruse the Short North Gallery Hop

If your visit to Columbus coincides with the first Saturday of the month then the Short North Gallery Hop should be on your agenda. The Gallery Hop is one of the most enjoyable free things to in Columbus. During "the hop," as locals refer to it, art galleries and boutique shops in the Short North arts district stay open late. It is a fun evening activity for friends or couples even if you are just window shopping. High Street comes alive with street musicians and some of the best people-watching in the city.

Beyond the changing art exhibitions throughout the local galleries, some of the best arts entertainment is found on the sidewalks and side streets of the Short North, where emerging artists entertain passers-by. Musicians, stilt walkers, and improv performers will easily catch your attention for 10 to 15 minutes as you walk along the streets, and add to the relaxing ambience of the district.

Location: High Street in the Short North, Columbus, Ohio

Official site: https://shortnorth.org/arts-galleries/gallery-hop/

Travel the World at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

One of the top tourist attractions in the city is the highly acclaimed Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Kids and adults can get a full day of fun while exploring the different regions of the zoo, from the Congo and Asia to North America and Africa.

There are many public demonstrations throughout the day at the zoo and seasonal events that make visits extra exciting. There are interactive experiences to take in at the zoo, like giraffe and stingray feedings and a revolving schedule of zookeeper talks, where you can learn about the habitats and care for animals like the polar bears, lions, and penguins.

The annual winter Wildlights feature at the zoo around the holiday season is a highlight to see, when the entire zoo grounds are covered in millions of LED lights, and special exhibits are open to the public.

Address: 4850 Powell Road, Powell, Ohio

Official site: www.columbuszoo.org

Cheer on the Hometown Teams

Columbus is upping its game when it comes to sports, with two major professional teams and a minor-league baseball team that call the city home. Take in a Columbus Blue Jackets National Hockey League game at Nationwide Arena. For added fun, show up early to catch the pregame warm-up skate a half hour before the puck drops.

You can also sport black and gold attire to cheer on the Columbus Crew, the city's Major League Soccer Team, which has a huge fan following and a new stadium in the downtown area. You can round out your sports-themed visit to Huntington Park to catch a Columbus Clippers minor-league baseball game. Some of the best games to catch are during dime-a-dog night.

Enjoy a Symphony under the Stars

Summer evenings are meant to enjoy under the stars with an open-air concert at Picnic with the Pops in downtown Columbus. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra has regular seasonal evening concerts at the Columbus Commons. Pack a picnic dinner and find a lawn seat or buy a table ticket and grab food from the concession area on-site and relax as you listen to the music.

Each concert is themed, and the symphony generally teams up with a pop star or musician of another genre like rap or the OSU Marching Band. The musical collaborations make for a pleasant evening of music.

Address: 160 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio

Official site: www.columbussymphony.com

Zipline in the Dark

The thrill of tackling a zipline course during the day is exciting, but what about trying one at night? The ZipZone Outdoor Adventures is one of the best things to do near Columbus. It is located just north of the metro area at Camp Mary Orton, which has been transformed into an outdoor adventure park.

Adrenaline junkies and adventurers looking to try something new can take a guided moonlight zipline tour through the treetops during the full moon every month. There are several regular daytime tours available also. The company is conservation-minded, so all of the zipline courses are constructed to be mindful of the environment and the trees in the camp.

Address: 7925 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio

Official site: www.zipzonetours.com

Get Nostalgic with a Double Feature at a Drive-in Theater

There are few drive-in theaters left in the United States, and one of them is located in south Columbus. The South Drive-in Theatre is a nostalgic throwback and a fun evening doing something a little different.

The old-school theater looks much the way it did in its heyday of the 1950s, with a tiny concession facility and metal speakers that clip onto your car windows. The South Drive-in has double features of first-run movies on two different screens. Bring your own snacks or fire up a portable grill to cookout before the movie starts.

Address: 3050 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio

Official site: www.drive-inmovies.com

Honor the Nation's Veterans at the National Veterans Memorial & Museum

The newest museum in Columbus has a national designation and a stunning presence to go with it. The National Veterans Memorial and Museum is a unique museum in downtown Columbus that honors veterans from all branches of the military.

The museum exhibits show war from a personal perspective by sharing letters, photos, and memorabilia from veterans and their families. It even takes visitors to the front line of combat in some of the exhibits. To make the most of your visit to the museum, take one of the daily guided tours where you can get more detailed information on the artifacts and exhibits.

Be sure to visit Memorial Grove outside, which honors service members, and take a quiet stroll to the rooftop sanctuary that memorializes those who died while serving.

Address: 300 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio

Official site: www.nationalvmm.org

Take a Tour of Columbus

If you want a comprehensive look at Columbus or want to experience a specific element of the city, like its ethnic food scene, then taking a tour may be the best way to experience multiple things at once. Columbus City Adventures is a tour company with several ways to experience Columbus.

You can take a city tour that covers some of the main attractions, like the Ohio Statehouse and the surrounding districts; a History and Haunts tour of Ft. Hayes historic military arsenal and training center; tours of German Village and the Arena District; a Secret Columbus tour based on hidden finds in the city uncovered in the book Secret Columbus; or one of the Columbus Food Adventures tours, which explores the Short North, local food trucks, and ethnic restaurants around Columbus.

Official site: www.columbuscityadventures.com

Stop to Smell the Roses

Hidden in the middle of a residential neighborhood in Columbus is the Park of Roses, a treasure that is impressive to anyone who visits. The Park of Roses in Whetstone Park features more than 12,000 roses of every variety and color.

The 13-acre park is the largest rose garden park in the world owned by a city. It is maintained by volunteers who tend to the sectioned areas featuring hybrid roses, herb gardens, and varieties grown without the use of fertilizer.

Take a seat on one of the many benches in the park to enjoy a spring wedding in progress or attend a summer concert in the park. The best time to see the roses in bloom is from mid-June through mid-September.

Address: 3901 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio

Official site: www.parkofroses.org

Visit the 'Burbs

The suburbs surrounding downtown Columbus are exciting jaunts if you have several days to fill. The Bridge Street District in Dublin is a thriving suburban district with food and entertainment concepts that embrace both indoor and outdoor social scenes.

Rooftop gathering spaces, arcade restaurants, and quiet spots along River Park for picnics are just some of the things to do that do not require any pre-planning. The highlight of the district is the 760-foot pedestrian bridge over the Scioto Mile, which crosses into old Dublin where you can have an after-dinner dessert or peruse boutique shops.

Grandview Heights is another active suburb known for its unique eateries, upscale second-hand shops, and pedestrian-friendly streets that are nice for a stroll, especially when the flowering trees are in full bloom.

Main Street in Bexley is another recommended suburb, home to the historic Drexel Theatre and small shops. Bexley's real charm is the walkable neighborhood streets that surround Capital University, and several beautifully landscaped parks, including Jeffrey Park behind Jeffrey Mansion, which has walking paths surrounded by fragrant plants and flowers.

Hit the Mall for some Shopping

Columbus has two major shopping complexes: Polaris Fashion Place to the north and Easton Town Center to the east. If you need retail therapy, these are the places to visit. Both malls encompass a multi-level indoor mall and an expansive complex of additional shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The stores range from premier retailers like Tiffany & Co. and Apple to Ohio-made products. Each mall has several hundred retailers with more stores located in outdoor shopping areas and additional shopping complexes around the malls. These are fun places to go even if there is nothing that you "need" to buy.

Hike in a Metro Park

Though Columbus is a growing metropolitan city, it is nice to enjoy a respite in nature in one of the 19 Metro Parks that surround it. Metro Parks are located throughout Columbus and serve as small natural retreats from city life. Each park is unique, with activities that range from hiking and rock climbing to fishing.

Take part in one of the many free daily programs at a park close to where you are staying during your visit and enjoy the fresh air, or pack a frisbee and a picnic and enjoy an afternoon lying on a blanket in the grass. Columbus is developing a 20th Metro Park at Quarry Trails, which will have outdoor walking and hiking trails along with more adventurous activities like paddleboarding and climbing areas.

Official site: www.metroparks.net

Tap into Your Inner Artist at the Columbus Museum of Art

Columbus supports the arts and artists, from visual arts and music to the performing arts. Take an art appreciation day during your time in Columbus to visit the Columbus Museum of Art. The museum is a centerpiece of Columbus culture and features American and European works from the 19^th and 20^th centuries and various mediums, such as paintings, sculpture, textiles, and photography.

It also houses collections of works from Elijah Pierce, George Bellows, and Aminah Robinson, who are all from Columbus. Round out your art immersion with side visits to the Wexner Center for the Arts and the Pizzuti Collection in Columbus.

Address: 480 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio

Official site: www.columbusmuseum.org

Take in a Show at a Restored Theater

Columbus is fortunate to have several restored historic theaters, including the grand Ohio Theatre, which attracts Broadway shows throughout the year. The 1928 Ohio Theatre is a Columbus treasure, with Spanish-Baroque architecture and crushed velvet seating.

The Palace Theatre is another theater to consider if you want to take in a performance. It was a vaudeville house in the city in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, with elegant French décor. The Southern Theatre and the Lincoln Theatre are two smaller restored theaters that feature entertainment and performances almost every night of the week.

Build a Terrarium at the Franklin Park Conservatory

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a top destination in Columbus for their impressive greenhouses and more than 400 species of plants and flowers, but why not get more out of your visit by taking a class?

Classes at the conservatory are offered on a regular basis and cover skills like building a terrarium for your home, glass blowing, creating an herb garden, and even yoga and Zumba instruction. Your backdrop is the 88-acre conservatory complex, with an inspiring environment.

If you do not have time for a class, you can visit the conservatory on a regular day to explore the environments of the desert, tropical rain forest, and Pacific Islands.

Address: 1777 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio

Official site: www.fpconservatory.org

Map of Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio

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