Things To Do in Columbus, Ohio

A visit to this historic area is like a trip back in time. The restored community, originally settled by German immigrants in the mid-1800s, is filled with antique shops, Queen Anne style houses, brick-laden sidewalks and fine cuisine.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden

Experience different climates around the world at this 90-acre park and conservatory. A stroll through various greenhouses immerses you in the coolness of the Himalayan Mountains, the dry heat of an arid desert or the steaminess of a tropical rain forest.

Short North

Columbus's version of New York's artsy Soho district, this historic urban neighborhood is filled with boutiques, art galleries, coffee houses, restaurants and theaters.

Center of Science and Industry

Known as "COSI," this enormously popular attraction offers all sorts of hands-on exhibits, from conducting your own water experiments to creating a newscast to watching yourself age. Three movie theaters provide enough entertainment variety for the whole family.

Ohio Historical Center

The history of Ohio from the Ice Age to the present is chronicled inside this architecturally interesting concrete and glass structure, housing a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits on everything from ancient Indian cultures to industrial progress and archives documenting early settlers' daily lives.

Whetstone Park of Roses

One of the largest municipal rose gardens in the U.S., this 13-acre park features more than 11,000 gorgeous rose bushes and specialized gardens for herbs, daffodils and perennials.

Statehouse

Capitol building of Ohio.

North Market Farmer's Market

Central Ohio's only public market has been serving the community since 1876.

Performing arts center features films, art and other activities throughout the year.

Thurber House

The childhood home of James Thurber.

Ohio Craft Museum

Free museum features five major exhibitions each year, plus art exhibits in the Criterion Gallery and the Craft Research Library & Media Center, which stages events for all ages.

Nationwide Arena

The new home of the Columbus Blue Jackets ice hockey team.

Columbus Santa Maria

Visitors experience life at sea while exploring a working 15th-century tall ship.

Book Loft

One of the largest bookstores in the country, it has expanded to 32 rooms and now contains nearly 750,000 books.

Ohio Theater

Broadway shows are performed in this historic theater.

Magic Mountain

Two locations, North and East, offer loads of outdoor and indoor fun for all ages including Adventure Golf, KidsGym Playland and Bumper Boats.

Sega GameWorks

This popular game center features over 200 video and virtual reality games, including action-packed motion simulation games. The center is divided into five different game zones for kids of all ages: Adventure, Racing, Sports, Carnival and Classics.

Topiary Garden

Georges Seurat's "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" is recreated in a sculptured evergreen garden featuring larger-than-life human figures, animals and boats.