Things to do in Columbus

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Columbus which includes a pond, a park and a city
Schiller Park showing a pond, autumn leaves and a park
Columbus featuring a garden as well as a couple
Columbus which includes skyline, a river or creek and a city
Photo provided by Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau

Columbus Attractions

Like to be kept busy while you're on vacation? If so, Columbus will be the perfect fit. This state capital has loads of opportunities when it comes to fine food, thrilling activities and big-name attractions. Start working on your travel itinerary now!

Discover the best sights in Columbus with some unique tours & day trips, or try out our list of {14 fun activities in Columbus fun activities in Columbus}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can rest easy and channel your energy into planning an unforgettable vacation.

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Most popular activities in Columbus

Tours & day trips

See all 11 activities
Columbus: Multiple Attractions Pass

Columbus: Multiple Attractions Pass

10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $55 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Columbus: 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative

Columbus: 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is $42 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Explore Columbus on The Trolley Pub

Explore Columbus on The Trolley Pub

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $35 per adult
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What to do in Columbus

Free Things to Do in Columbus

They say the best things in life are free. Make sure you visit the following around Columbus:

World's Largest Gavel - Satisfy your artistic and cultural cravings here and see talent and creativity at work.

Scioto Audubon Metro Park - Pencil in time to play and add some excitement to your trip here.

Rhodes State Office Tower - Stop by this local landmark and take in its unique design.

Ohio Statehouse - If you want to explore the history of the region through its landmarks, include this one on your sightseeing schedule.

Columbus Near East Side Historic District - Stop for a while in this thriving spot and imagine what life would be like as a local resident.

North Market - Well known among those who reside here, this site is worth checking out.

Columbus Commons - Revitalize your mind, body and soul by spending time in nature.

Things to Do in Columbus with Kids

You'll find plenty of fun things to do with your kids in and around Columbus. Keep the crew happy with our family friendly experiences.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Columbus? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Columbus

Cherry Blossoms! I must be in Washington D.C. Nope, just walking through the west campus of The Ohio State University.

Ohio State University

4.5/5(1,159 reviews)

Take a campus tour or just explore the area around Ohio State University, a top college in Columbus. Experience the area's entertainment choices or attend a sporting event.

Ohio State University
Behold, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in all its wiener-wonderment! There are currently eight Wienermobiles gallivanting across county commandeered by Hotdoggers passing out Wienerwhistles to wiener fanatics. The Wienermobile made a stop at the NHL All Star Fan Festival in Columbus. What's the connection between hockey and wieners? Well, Oscar Mayer is owned by Kraft and Kraft has a promotion called Hockeyville in which communities compete to demonstrate their commitment to the sport of ice hockey. The winning community gets a cash prize dedicated to upgrading their local home arena, as well as host an NHL preseason game.

Greater Columbus Convention Center

4.5/5(614 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening at Greater Columbus Convention Center, a top convention center in Columbus. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Greater Columbus Convention Center
On the north side of Ohio Stadium, also known as the Horse Shoe, there's a huge archway with a beautiful mosaic and pictures of iconic players. Though I've been to the 'Shoe many times, it was only recently that I discovered the flowers at the top of the arch. #UrbanJungle

Ohio Stadium

4.5/5(438 reviews)

Catch an event at Ohio Stadium during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Ohio Stadium
The Columbus Blue Jackets #CBJ and Nationwide Arena went all out as hosts of the 2014 NHL All-star Game. In addition to hosting the skills competition and the game itself, the NHL fan festival was held at the nearby convention center and the Arena District was turned into All Star Winter Park with a giant snow slide and an outdoor NHL regulation sized ice rink.

Nationwide Arena

4.5/5(595 reviews)

Catch an event at Nationwide Arena during your trip to Columbus. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Nationwide Arena
The Crazy Kiwi Duncan Dog! An absolutely enormous foot long hot dog slathered with grilled onions, cole slaw, bacon, cheese sauce and hot sauce! Go Crew!

Historic Crew Stadium

4/5(285 reviews)

Catch an event at Historic Crew Stadium during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Historic Crew Stadium
COSI showing interior views as well as an individual femail

COSI

4/5(479 reviews)

There’s always more to discover in this innovative science adventure center, complete with giant 3-D digital screen and hundreds of fun-filled activities.

COSI
It's time again for the Ohio State Fair, which means it's time for a deep fried fair food feast! A staple at the fair since 1965, Marshall Family French Waffles. Basically a branding iron is dipped in batter and dropped in a deep fryer to create the crunchy, flaky, sweet treats.

Ohio State Fairgrounds

4/5(113 reviews)

Enjoy a stop at Ohio State Fairgrounds, an entertaining place to visit in Columbus. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.

Ohio State Fairgrounds
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens featuring interior views

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

4.5/5(108 reviews)

Botanical wonders from around the world are exhibited alongside captivating contemporary artwork in this spacious and peaceful garden getaway.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Ohio Theater featuring signage, heritage elements and theater scenes

Ohio Theatre

4.5/5(275 reviews)

This theater is the gold-and-red velvet crown of Ohio, featuring exciting musicals and concerts on its lavish Baroque-style stage.

Ohio Theatre

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Columbus

Santa Maria showing a bay or harbor and heritage elements

Downtown Columbus

4.5/5(1,219 area reviews)

Enjoy entertainment options like theaters, concerts, and the Scioto Mile's riverfront parks in this central business district with towering buildings and various educational institutions.

Downtown Columbus
Bibibop Asian Grill is the Asian equivalent of the Chipotle style of dining. A bowl filled with wild purple rice, bean sprouts, sauteed potatoes, chicken, cucumber, lettuce, carrot, daikon, cheese, corn and egg topped with yum yum sauce.

Polaris

4.5/5(633 area reviews)

Polaris is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Polaris Fashion Place and Magic Mountain Fun Center while in the area.

Polaris
Santa Maria featuring a garden and signage

Worthington

Unique features of Worthington include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by McConnell Arts Center or The Candle Lab while you're exploring the area.

Worthington
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Short North

Colorful, offbeat, and trendy, this densely-populated district offers art galleries, specialty shops, pubs, nightclubs, and coffee shops. Stroll along High Street under its 17 lighted metal arches, and admire the vibrant murals on its brick buildings.

Short North
Alternating layers of chewy brownie and rich peanut butter, covered with dark chocolate ganache! I usually stuff myself on savory pizza pies and have no room for dessert pies. On this trip, I boxed up some pizza for a cold pizza breakfast the next morning so I could further indulge in this delight!

Easton

4.5/5(453 area reviews)

Easton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Easton Town Center and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center while you're in town.

Easton
Wexner Center for the Arts which includes signage and theater scenes

University District

4.5/5(126 area reviews)

Home to Ohio State University, the University District boasts a diverse range of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and the Gateway Film Center. Explore Ohio Stadium and Old North Columbus for a taste of local culture.

University District
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Columbus

Photo by throwingsofas

Reynoldsburg

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Pickerington

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Dublin

Delaware

Delaware

Photo by rikki cornett

Grove City

Photo by throwingsofas

Hilliard

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium showing zoo animals and dangerous animals

Powell

Photo by Josh Mund

Groveport

Frequently asked questions

Is Columbus worth visiting?
Known for its culture and history, discovering fun things to do in Columbus is easy. Don't forget to add COSI to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Columbus?
After you've checked off top attractions like COSI and Magic Mountain Fun Center East, spend the rest of your day enjoying Columbus's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Columbus?
The top tourist attraction in Columbus is COSI, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Columbus?
Three days in Columbus is more than enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. COSI, Columbus Museum of Art and Riffe Center Theatre Complex are highly rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Dublin.
Is Columbus a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to do and see in Columbus. Several key attractions, including COSI and Columbus Museum of Art, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Columbus's best neighborhoods, Downtown Columbus is 0.6 miles away from downtown, while Uptown District is 0.2 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Columbus with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Columbus with kids.

What to do in Columbus for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Columbus, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Schottenstein Center or Ohio Expo Center and State Fair.
Are there free things to do in Columbus?
From checking out parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Columbus. If you're in need of ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Schlee Brewery Historic District is a top spot for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing activities.