30+ Must-Visit Places in Columbus, Ohio for Families, Foodies & Explorers

Columbus, Ohio is a city full of fun attractions and places to visit. Whether you’re visiting the city, or if you want to be like a tourist in your own town, make sure you check out these top 30 places to visit around Columbus.

Whether you’re interested in history, nature, art, or dining, Columbus has something for everyone to enjoy.

🌿 Parks & Nature

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
Enjoy a stunning display of gardens, seasonal exhibits, and a glasshouse featuring exotic plants and biomes from around the world at Franklin Park Conservatory. 

This botanical garden in Columbus features dozens of indoor and outdoor gardens, and huge Children’s Garden with water feature the kids can play in (bring a towel!), as well as evening events perfect for date nights. 

Discounts include Free Community Day, free library passes, Museums for All discounts, and more. Read more about it here. 

Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: Events, Discounts & Must-See Exhibits

Columbus Park of Roses

3901 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Over 12,000 rose bushes, plus formal and heritage gardens, walking trails, and open green spaces.

A serene public park with over 12,000 roses and beautifully manicured gardens. Photos and more details here.

Columbus Park of Roses features 13 acres of blooms in the middle of Columbus

Scioto Mile

233 Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215
This urban park stretches along the Scioto River in downtown Columbus. Explore miles of multi-use trails and relax on the swings overlooking the river. Don’t forget to grab a photo with the deer statues located in the area!

In summer months, The Scioto Mile Fountain, an interactive water feature, is a major attractions. The holiday season features include Winterfest and a dazzling Christmas lights display.

The area also hosts various festivals, concerts, and outdoor events throughout the year. With nearby attractions like Bicentennial Park, Genoa Park, and the COSI science center, there’s always something to do on the Mile. Read more here. 

Olentangy Trail/Olentangy Greenway

Trailhead: 2295 Riverside Dr, Columbus, OH 43221
Popular multi-use trail spans from Worthington to downtown Columbus, along the scenic Olentangy River for 14 miles. The trail connects parks, neighborhoods, Downtown Columbus, The Ohio State University campus, the Whetstone Park of Roses, Antrim Park, the Olentangy River State Wildlife Area, and more.

Read more here, which includes 22 trailheads with parking along the trail. There is some construction going on along the trail through Fall 2025, but detour routes are marked when needed.

Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks

A collection of 22 beautiful parks like Highbanks, Blendon Woods, Quarry Trails, and Scioto Audubon, offering hiking, wall climbing, birdwatching, and outdoor recreation. 

Franklin County Metro Parks offers dozens of free events, guided hikes, and programs each month.

My favorites: 
Highbanks: 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Blendon Woods: 4265 E Dublin Granville Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
Inniswood Metro Gardens: 940 S Hempstead Rd Westerville, OH 43081
Quarry Trails: 2600 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43228 (my current favorite, with waterfall, lakes, boardwalk and more

Read our Guide to the Metro Parks

Guide to all the free fun at the Columbus Metro Parks

Grange Insurance Audubon Center

505 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215
A nature center in Scioto Audubon Metro Park that offers interactive exhibits, birdwatching, and beautiful views of the city skyline. See Grange Audubon Center website. 

Birding, Adventures, and more at Grange Insurance Audubon Center

🐾 Animal Attractions

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Known for its expansive habitats, interactive exhibits, and conservation efforts, the Columbus Zoo is one of the best in the nation. With constant improvements, additions, and new babies at the Zoo, there’s always something new to see!

The Zoo hosts seasonal events through the year, including Eggs, Paws and Claws Easter event, Earth Day Celebration, Military Family Days, Lantern Festival, Boo at the Zoo, and Wildlights. 

There are a variety of ways to get discounted tickets for the Zoo, including library passes, Zoo/Zoombezi Bay 2 day ticket, COTA rider passes, Access Family memberships, and more. Put the Zoo on your must-do list! Read more here. 

Columbus Zoo tickets, discounts, and special events

The Wilds

14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732
While its a little bit of a drive from Columbus (about 90 minutes), The Wilds is a safari-style park lets visitors see endangered animals in expansive natural habitats. The Wilds is managed by the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, and Zoo members get discounts for select activities. It’s definitely worth a side trip if you’re visiting Central Ohio, or a day trip for the locals. 

Safari in Ohio: Take a Wilds Tour, including Safaris, Horseback, Zipline, Sunset, and more!

🏛️ Museums & Historic Sites

COSI (Center of Science and Industry)

333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
The interactive science museum in Downtown Columbus has exhibits for all ages, from dinosaurs to space exploration. Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits, catch a live show (rat basketball, anyone?), and tons of hands-on fun. 

COSI features attractions like the Planetarium, the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery, Ocean (my fav) and the dynamic Big Science Park. We didn’t even know about the Science Park until the 2nd or 3rd time we visited, so go outside and check it out!

If you have little ones, the Little Kidspace is worth the trip alone! They’ll play in there for hours if you let them! In warmer months, don’t forget the playground and splashpad at Dorrian Green in front of COSI – it’s as much fun as the inside!

No kids, but love science? Or just want to escape the kids? Get tickets to the monthly COSI After Dark! It’s a science-y theme party for adults only!

Allow a whole day, or plan to go back and explore another time. Read more here.

COSI After Dark: Fun for adults only! Game Night

Columbus Museum of Art

480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
An art museum for ALL ages! CMA features a mix of classic and contemporary art, interactive exhibits, and a beautiful sculpture garden. They have a great area for kids of all ages to explore art and creativity. It’s also home to the popular Think Outside the Brick LEGO® Exhibition, typically held mid-November through mid-March.

There are lots of opportunity for free admission and discounts, and well as after-hours events every week!

Guide to Columbus Museum of Art Free Sundays, $5 Thursdays, and More

Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum

1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210
Located on The Ohio State University campus, this library and museum is a must-see for comic and cartoon lovers. It holds the world’s largest collection of materials related to comics and cartoons

Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum exhibitions

Thurber House

77 Jefferson Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
The former home of author and cartoonist James Thurber, this museum and literary center is an educational gathering place for readers, writers, and artists. They host writing workshops for all ages, author events, and more. Visitors can spend time in the Dog Garden, or ask about rumored resident ghosts while they visit the living museum.

Thurber House Tours, Book Bar Mixer, and more

Ohio History Center and Ohio Village

800 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211
A museum and outdoor historical re-creation of a 19th-century village, showcasing Ohio’s history through engaging exhibits and events. Ohio History Center features interactive exhibits exploring everything from life in the 1950s to extinct and endangered Ohio species to an exquisite collection of restored Civil War battle flags.

Note: Ohio Village is closed for renovations until 2026 – but it’s going to be amazing when it reopens! Visit Ohio History Center in the meantime!

Ohio History Center features interactive historical displays and more

Ohio Statehouse

1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215
A historic and architectural landmark with guided and self-guided tours, and historical events and exhibits that provide insights into Ohio’s government and history. This is the People’s House – visitors are welcome anytime the building is open. 

Tours and historical events at at Ohio Statehouse and Museum

🎨 Arts & Culture

Topiary Park

 

480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215
Part part/part art exhibit, you’ll find Topiary Park in Downtown Columbus, right by the Columbus Metropolitan Main Library. It features unique topiary recreations of Georges Seurat’s famous painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.

It’s also the location of Summer events, such as movies in the park, PBJ & Jazz kids concerts, festivals, and more. 

Discover the Enchanting Topiary Park in the Discovery District | Free Events this Summer

The King Arts Complex

867 Mt Vernon Ave, Columbus, OH 43203
A cultural center celebrating African American art, culture, and history with exhibits, performances, and events. The King Arts Complex hosts seasonal events, youth programming, and a popular Summer music series. 

Teas, music, and cultural programming at King Arts Complex

The Wexner Center for the Arts

1871 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210
A contemporary art center at The Ohio State University, featuring cutting-edge exhibitions, performances, and film screenings.

Wexner Center for the Arts discounts and programming

Shadowbox Live

503 S Front St #260, Columbus, OH 43215
Shadowbox is such a fun night out! They offer dynamic live performances, from musicals to comedy shows. They are the largest resident ensemble theater company in America, and you will definitely be entertained with the original sketch comedy rock-n-roll shows. It’s a GREAT date night, or night out with friends. Tickets and shows here.

⚽ Sports & Entertainment

Nationwide Arena

200 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215
Home to the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team, and lots of concerts and events throughout the year. The district around the arena has a ton of dining and entertainment.

Theme nights and discounted tickets for Columbus Blue Jackets

Huntington Park

330 Huntington Park Ln, Columbus, OH 43215
Home of the Columbus Clippers, the minor league baseball stadium offers a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. The Columbus Clippers are a Triple-A minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. The games are super fun and affordable – tickets start at just $6. Check out all the promotions offered throughout the season, like the fan-favorite, Dime-a-Dog nights!

Columbus Clippers Games and Promotions for the 2025 season

Lower.com Field – Columbus Crew games

96 Columbus Crew Way, Columbus, OH 43215
Watching a Columbus Crew game at Lower.com field is definitely something to go on your Columbus to-do list. There’s nothing like the energy at a Crew game. 

Columbus Crew promotions, watch parties and more at Lower.com field

Columbus Commons

160 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
This park right in the middle of downtown hosts concerts, fitness classes, food truck events, and family-friendly activities. There’s ALWAYS something going on at Columbus Commons in the warmer months, and in the winter season, you’ll find the park light up with Wonderlights. Just want to stretch your legs or have a picnic? It’s PERFECT for that too! And kids love taking a spin on the carousel! 

200+ events for Summer fun at Columbus Commons

Otherworld

5819 Chantry Dr, Columbus, OH 43232
This immersive art experience includes large-scale installations with interactive storytelling in an otherworldly environment. The exhibits change, so if you’ve gone before, it may be time to go back! This is fun for ALL ages! It’s also super fun for photo ops! Details here.

Zoombezi Bay Waterpark at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Zoombezi Bay Waterpark is one of the top fun spots during summertime in Central Ohio! Take on thrilling water slides, roaring rapids, lazy river, wave pool, and so much more, there’s something for everyone! There’s even an adults-only section, where you can enjoy the hot temps, cool drinks, and fun atmosphere, sans kids. There are some GREAT new slides coming this Summer that you can’t find anywhere else in the WORLD!

Note: Admission to Zoombezi Bay ALSO includes Columbus Zoo admission, so make it a 2-1 stop (and there’s also a 2-day ticket option in case you want a whole day for the Zoo).

Visit Zoombezi Bay Waterpark; discounts, special days, and NEW ATTRACTIONS

The Ohio State University Campus

281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
OSU has a huge campus with tons green spaces, historic buildings, and attractions – no need to be a student to visit! With so many things to see on campus, we’re giving it a whole category with lots of spots to check out. 

Wexner Center for the Arts: A contemporary art museum featuring a wide range of exhibitions, performances, and film screenings. 

The Oval: The heart of the campus, this park is a communal gathering space for students and visitors.

Buckeye Grove: A lush grove of over 1,000 Buckeye trees, a tradition-rich spot for students and visitors alike. 

Mirror Lake: A tranquil lake with a reflective surface, a popular spot for photography and relaxation. 

Thompson Library: The university’s main library, known for its architecture and study spaces. Head to the 11th floor for panoramic views from the picture windows.

Orton Geological Museum: A museum dedicated to the study of geology, showcasing fossils, rocks, and minerals. 

Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum: One of the largest collections of cartoons and comics in the world. 

Brutus statues: Look for over 30 Brutus statues on campus. Note: some are in buildings that may not always be accessible to the public.

Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens: A 62-acre arboretum offering a variety of plant collections and educational opportunities. 

OSU Sports: Okay, Ohio State football tickets may not be cheap or easy to get, but that’s just one sport! There are SO MANY sporting events to watch at OSU, and most are free or cheap! Favorites include basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, track & field, baseball, softball, hockey soccer, lacrosse…it’s kind of unlimited! The games always have a great student section, which makes them even more fun! Follow your favorite OSU sport on social media or the website for special discounts and theme nights! 

Ohio State Airport: (2160 West Case Road, Columbus). Take a self-guided tour showcasing the artwork, history and educational features of the terminal Find them in the NetJets Lobby and NetJets Observation Deck. Don’t forget a selfie with Barnstormer Brutus!

Shopping & Dining

German Village

S 3rd St & surrounding, Columbus, OH 43206
Stroll along the brick-lined streets and admire the beautifully preserved 19th-century homes. Stop by The Book Loft, a sprawling 32-room independent bookstore (don’t miss this gem!!), or grab a coffee at Stauf’s Coffee Roasters.

Schmidt’s Sausage Haus is a perfect stop for lunch or dinner, with authentic German fare, including, bratwurst, schnitzel and HUGE cream puffs. Other favorites include Katzinger’s Deli for NY-style deli, over-the top burgers at The Thurman Café, upscale dining and wine at Lindey’s, or brunch and macarons at Pistacia Vera.

Take a walk through Schiller Park to view the suspended sculptures, the The Umbrella Girl Fountain with the rain continuously dripping from her umbrella (my favorite!), or catch outdoor plays with The Actors’ Theatre, Thursdays – Sundays at a 8 pm all summer long.

Short North Arts District

N High St, Columbus, OH 43201

While the Short North has changed immensely over the last 2 decades, it’s still a shopping and dining destination in Columbus. Located near the Greater Columbus Convention Center, and within walking distance of Downtown, Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Clippers, and Columbus Crew games, many Cbus visitors find themselves in the Short North. 

The North Market is a top destination at the southern edge of Short North. This historical public market is a must-stop for dining in Columbus. Order from one of the many food vendors, and sit at one of the tables outside or upstairs to eat. 

Multiple festivals are held throughout the Summer in the Short North, and Gallery Hop is always the 1st Saturday of the month. Stroll through Goodale Park, check out the many murals in the district, grab food at one of the MANY restaurants (Forno is one of my favorites!), and shop the galleries, clothing stores, and other local businesses. 

(Postponed until May 10) Hops on High for May Short North Gallery Hop

Bridge Park District – Dublin, Ohio

Bridge Park Ave & Riverside Dr, Dublin, OH 43017
A lively walkable district combining modern living with dining, shopping, entertainment, and riverfront views.

Visitors can explore North Market Bridge Park, rooftop dining at VASO, seasonal events like The Dublin Market and Fore!Fest, as well as fun spots like 16-Bit Arcade and Pins Mechanical Co. The scenic Dublin Link Pedestrian Bridge connects to Historic Dublin and Riverside Crossing Park, making it a great destination for day trips.

Easton Town Center

160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
This constantly-growing shopping, dining, and entertainment destination with an upscale yet family-friendly atmosphere. There are things to enjoy at Easton for ALL AGES, including festivals, seasonal events, experiences, restaurants, shopping, outdoor music, and more. It’s fun to walk around and check out the murals and art installations too.

Easton Town Center Spring events, new retailers, and more

Food Halls in Columbus

Food halls are the best places to dine when visiting Columbus! Whether you’re with a group or by yourself, you can pick from many varieties of local food vendors, and then grab a table to dine. It’s an approachable way to try new cuisines, or enjoy a variety of options together! 

No matter where you are in Columbus, you aren’t far from a food hall!

North Market Downtown, 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215
Established in 1876, this historic market features around 35 vendors offering everything from ready-to-eat meals to specialty goods and fresh produce. 

North Market Bridge Park, 6750 Longshore St, Dublin, OH 43017
Opened in 2020, this modern extension of the original North Market hosts 15 vendors, providing a mix of dining options in a contemporary setting.

Budd Dairy Food Hall, 1086 N. 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201
Located in the Italian Village, this chef-driven food hall offers ten foodservice locations, three bars, and various seating options, including a rooftop patio.

East Market, 212 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205
Situated in the historic Trolley District, East Market features a variety of vendors and is part of a larger redevelopment project aimed at revitalizing the area. They host bike nights, movies, and other special events throughout the year. Read more here. 

The Little Grand Market, 710 Grandview Crossing Way, Columbus, OH 43215
This food hall boasts ten local restaurants, two full bars, and lots of indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a great place to gather with friends, and I think the expansive patio/outdoor area is going to be a top gathering spot during nice weather!

Bubbly Hall, 6065 Central College Rd, New Albany, OH 43054
Located in New Albany, Bubbly Hall offers a selection of food vendors in a modern setting, catering to a variety of tastes.

Center Street Market, 5354 Center St, Hilliard, OH 43026
This market in Hilliard provides a communal space with diverse food options. The large patio area is a popular place to hang out and enjoy a DORA drink during nice weather.

Suggestions welcome!

From sports and outdoor adventures to cultural and artistic events, there’s so much to do and see in Columbus. What are your favorite spots in Columbus? Leave them in the comments!

See map here!