What to do in Columbus, OH

Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Schiller Park showing a pond, a fountain and a park

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 {13 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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Columbus Attractions Information

Number of things to do
13
Things to do from
$6
Cheapest thing to do
Columbus Blue Jackets NHL Game Ticket at Nationwide Arena
Top 5 things to do
Top 5 things to do under $25
Top 5 things to do with kids

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!

 

 

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Columbus

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Frequently asked questions

What to do in Columbus on a rainy day?
With fantastic indoor activities like a LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Columbus to keep you entertained, there’s no need to let a few drops of rain stop you from having a blast.
What should I not miss in Columbus?
Don’t venture home without checking off the following inspiring attractions:

  • Ohio State University
  • COSI
  • Mapfre Stadium
  • Ohio Stadium

Are there cheap things to do in Columbus?
Keep more of your hard-earned pennies in your pocket with these fun and frugal things to do:


What can you do in Columbus for free?
Your trip to Columbus won’t cost a fortune with free attractions like these to keep you busy:

  • Easton Town Center
  • Polaris Fashion Place
  • Scioto Downs
  • Ohio State Medical Center

Popular places to visit

Image for 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
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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
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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
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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
Image for Historic Crew Stadium

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
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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
Image for Ohio State Fairgrounds

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
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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
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Palace Theatre

4.5/5(84 reviews)

Combine a French palace’s interior with a landmark art deco building and you have Columbus’ favorite historic vaudeville venue, transformed into a modern theater.

Palace Theatre

Areas of Columbus

Santa Maria showing a bay or harbor and heritage elements

Downtown Columbus

4.5/5(1,219 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Columbus. A stop by Ohio Stadium or Easton Town Center might round out your trip.

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 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Easton Town Center while in the area.

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

University District

4.5/5(126 area reviews)

Travelers come to University District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Ohio Stadium and Easton Town Center while you're in town.

University District
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 Ohio Stadium while you're in town.

Easton
Central Ohio showing a park

Worthington

Unique features of Worthington include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Easton Town Center or Ohio Stadium while you're exploring the area.

Worthington
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Short North

Short North is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Ohio Stadium and Easton Town Center while in the area.

Short North
See our Where To Stay guide

Day trip destinations from Columbus

Photo by throwingsofas

Reynoldsburg

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Pickerington

Dublin

Dublin

Delaware

Delaware

Photo by rikki cornett

Grove City

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium showing zoo animals and dangerous animals

Powell

Photo by Josh Mund

Groveport

Photo by throwingsofas

Galloway