Columbus, Ohio

Romantic Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an 88-acre botanical landmark two miles east of downtown Columbus. Visitors are invited to partake in the conservatory’s education, cultural, and social events or to simply walk around and appreciate the exceptional plant collection, garden, seasonal art, and nature-based exhibitions that the conservatory hosts.

A premier botanical landmark and one of the top Columbus OH attractions, the indoor gardens are filled with exotic plant life and artwork by national and international artists, while the outdoors take visitors on a one-mile walking loop through the botanical gardens, the open green space, and art sculptures. There are many special events and activities throughout the year at the conservatory, and visitors can partake in one of the many classes or workshops on cooking, gardening, wellness, or the fine arts.

1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203, 614-715-8000

Downtown Columbus is an open, vibrant and friendly town where living, working, and playing are only a walking distance away. The downtown core has urban alleyways filled with markets such as the Pearl Market, and it boasts the Columbus Commons, a great place to relax during summer concerts. If you are wondering what to do in Columbus, Ohio today, this is a great place to start exploring.

If you are a nature lover, then travel down the Scioto Mile where you can bird watch along the shoreline, dine at world-class restaurants, and even play in the fountains. The downtown core is home to the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Columbus Clippers, so whether you like hockey or baseball, there is always a game going on. In addition to this, there are always live concerts, theatre shows during the summer, sand volleyball, and even downtown kickball. Getting to know the community and finding something to do is never hard in downtown Columbus.

23 North Fourth Street, Columbus, OH 43215, 614-228-5718

Since 1964 the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), has been inspiring people through science and innovation. The 320,000 square foot science center is a great place for visitors of all ages to explore the odd, the crazy, and the unique. If you are looking for fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio with kids, this is a great place to visit.

Hundreds of events are held throughout the year, and visitors can partake in special activities such as breakfast with superheroes, a planetarium experience like no other, and even an adult slumber party with a bar and access to the center’s many exhibits, including the Nerf Blaster Battle Arena. An educational and fun experience, a visit to COSI will be memorable for everyone no matter how old they are.

333 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215, 614-228-2674

Visitors to the Short North Arts District will get a look at Ohio’s most vibrant neighborhood filled with amazing art, fashion, unique gifts, home décor, dining, and nightlife. It is known as the “art and soul of Columbus” and is home to over 300 businesses, many of which are locally owned or headquartered. A pioneer in the urban revitalization of Central Ohio, the Short North Arts District was a deserted area filled with mostly derelict buildings and boarded up windows until 1984.

Gallery owners then began exhibiting art once a month – an event referred to as the Gallery Hop – which led to what is visible today. Visitors will enjoy the many unique galleries, shops, and restaurants that can now be found in the national accolade-winning neighborhood. A visit to Short North also allows visitors to experience the 17 lighted steel arches, an identifying feature of the district.

21 E. 5th Avenue, Suite 103, Columbus, OH 43201, 614-299-8050

In the mid-1800s, a third of Columbus’ population was largely German immigrants who settled just south of downtown Columbus in an area that is now German Village . The simple neighborhood soon became distinctive to German culture – people spoke German in shops and schools, the buildings, churches, and houses built all reflected German culture, and slowly German Village grew into an amazing space whose history is now preserved for visitors to enjoy.

From amazing architecture to delicious dining, the area allows visitors to learn about the traditions and culture of German Village, ensuring an experience like no other in a neighborhood like no other.

588 S. Third Street, Columbus, OH 43215, 614-221-8888

Every year, over a million visitors go to the North Market – a farmer’s market frequented by foodies, entrepreneurs, artisans, and everyone else under the sun. North Market offers visitors a chance to buy something special, whether it be handmade jewelry, homemade preserves, or a breathtaking painting.

Since 1876, Ohio merchants and farmers have served the community and the visitors who come to the market from all over. They can get an authentic look into Ohio’s diversity and vibrancy while taking a little bit of Ohio with them. Many times throughout the year, North Market will have live music, entertainment, festivals, open houses, and activities like cooking classes and demonstrations for visitors to partake in.

North Market, 59 Spruce Street, Columbus, OH 43215, 614-463-9664

The Columbus Museum of Artencourages curiosity about art and its connection to culture. The mission of the Columbus Museum of Art is to create amazing experiences for those who have an interest in art, whether it is through visiting the exhibitions on display, or through art-making activities. The idea is to connect people to art and nurture the connection the meeting creates. The museum has a large community hub where individuals can come together to discuss creative conversation about their experiences with the art.

The museum sports a late nineteenth and early twentieth century collection of modern American and European works, including beloved works of local artists. What makes the museum an amazing place to visit is the fact that many of the works within the gallery are traceable to members of the community, as the art museum was built for the community by the community.

480 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215, 614-221-4848

Topiary Park was dedicated to the city in 1992, but was first envisioned by James and Elaine Mason who dreamed of having a topiary garden for the Ohio School for the Deaf. The Topiary Park is known historically as the Old Deaf School Park, a name coined early in the 19th century. The Topiary Park is popular among tourists who are attracted to many of the topiaries scattered throughout the garden.

The garden is non-profit and has many volunteers who take care of it to ensure that the stories thrive among the beautiful living sculptures. The garden also has educational resources that are used to enhance the experience of those who may not know the history behind the park or for those who are interested in learning more about the significance of the history.

480 East Town St, Columbus, OH 43215, 614-645-0197

Built in 1928, the Ohio Theater was originally a movie house. Now, the theater hosts over a hundred performances annually, including examples such as CAPA performances and performances by Broadway Across America, the BalletMet, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and many other national and international touring artists. If you are looking for romantic date ideas in Columbus, watch a performance at the Ohio Theater.

From lively concerts to classical music, visitors can enjoy the show in one of the Ohio Theater’s 2,791 seats and appreciate not only the performance but also the surrounding Spanish-Baroque architecture, lush interior, excellent acoustics, state-of-the-art stage facilities, and a breathtaking 21-foot high chandelier. Visitors can view the original furnishings that were brought in from all over the world and cost more than it took to construct the building.

Ohio Theater, 55 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215-4264, 614-469-1045

Built in 1922 at a cost of $1.3 million and refurbished to meet quality and safety standards in 2001 for $194 million, the Ohio Stadium is one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of sports history. Visitors may find themselves intimidated by the double-decker horseshoe design, which is a monument to college football, and people flock from far and wide to enjoy the gala atmosphere and pageantry that surrounds each and every game. The stadium seats 104,944 people, and it is the fourth largest on-campus facility in the nation. More than 36 million fans have visited the stadium.

411 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, 614-292-6330