Things to Do in Columbus!

Students often ask me what there is to do in Columbus.  I hope that this post will help you learn a little bit about Columbus and find some fun things to do!  Click on the gray text links in the lists and you'll find more information like how to get there and where to park.

My TOP 10 List of Things to Do in Columbus:



The Gallery Hop in the Short North

 
1.  Gallery Hop:  Located in the arts district, Gallery Hop happens on the first Saturday of every month.  It runs from 4 pm to 10 pm.  During Gallery Hop, people walk around the Short North area and look at local art in art galleries, shop, eat, and drink. 

2.  The North Market:  Historically, there used to be 4 markets around Columbus, but today there is only one left.  The North Market is a wonderful place to shop for food or grab a bite to eat.  They have wonderful restaurants and food shops, and on Saturday mornings there is a farmer's market in the parking lot where you can buy fresh food from local farmers! 

A Bonnethead Shark at the Columbus Zoo

3.  The Columbus Zoo:  The Columbus Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world.  The zoo is divided into regions:  African Forest, Asia Quest, Australia and the Islands, North America, and Shores.  In addition to these regions, there is also a beautiful aquarium, a petting zoo, a "dinosaur dig" for children, and lots of playgrounds for children to explore while their parents rest.  If you have children, the zoo offers many summer educational programs for kids of all ages.  Click here for directions to the zoo.

4.  Shadowbox Live:  For those of you who like live theater, check out Shadowbox Live.  They put on plays, musicals, comedies, etc all while you watch and enjoy dinner or drinks.  They recently moved into a new downtown location, and it's supposed to be better than ever!

5.  Arena Grand:  Voted the best movie theater in Columbus for 3 years in a row, the Arena Grand has wonderful seating, great sound, and a restaurant and full bar on the premises.  Located in the Arena District downtown, there are lots of restaurants and bars in the area for before and after your film!

A kid playing at a heart rate exhibit at COSI

6.  COSI:  COSI is hands-on science museum for kids.  There's lots of fun ways for kids to learn and play.  Kids get a chance to learn and explore and do experiments themselves.  In addition, they put on cool science shows where scientists demonstrate fun and crazy tricks.  Kids love it!  This place is a lot of fun for everyone.

7.  Zoombezi Bay:  Located right next to the Columbus Zoo, this outdoor waterpark has fun for people of all ages.  There are water playgrounds, slides, pools, and lazy rivers to float around.  A perfect way to spend a hot weekend.

8.  Columbus Crew Soccer:  If you like soccer, then head to the Columbus Crew Stadium to check out Columbus' Major League Soccer team.  If you're looking for a rowdy time, be sure to sit in the Hooligans section. 



A butterfly at the Conservatory

 9.  Franklin Park Conservatory:  If you love plants and gardens, you'll love the Franklin Park Conservatory.  They are currently running exhibits 2 exhibits:  "Hungry Planet:  Local Food, Global View," about food culture and gardening, and "Blooms and Butterflies," a showcase of tropical flowers and plants and beautiful butterflies.

10.  The Olentangy Greenway Trail:  If you like bicycling and walking, then this trail might be just your thing.  This trail runs through the Olentangy Greenway Corridor connecting Worthington, Columbus, and OSU along the Scioto River.  Spend an afternoon or evening walking or biking the trail.  There are many points around Columbus where you can find the trail.

Of course there are many other things to do in Columbus as well, like watching OSU football this fall, visiting Easton Town Center, or bar-hopping in the OSU campus area.  Downtown, around OSU campus, and in the Short North, there are lots of bars that feature live music and comedy, and you can find something to see almost any night of the week.  I hope this list brings you and your family and friends some fun and joy!