Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Tours

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens featuring interior views
Central Ohio showing a park
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens which includes a garden and interior views as well as a couple
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens which includes interior views and a garden
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens featuring a park and interior views


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 is a secluded oasis of natural beauty in the heart of Columbus. This dynamic attraction features a carefully curated selection of plants, trees, wildlife and artwork in a sprawling and lush garden park. Natural exhibitions change from season to season while exotic indoor plants can be seen year-round in the conservatory. Spot some of the feature sculptures dotted around the park or learn about the many different species living here through the informative garden displays.

This quiet, tree-lined area offers a relaxing refuge from the busy city beyond the Franklin Park gates. Explore the gardens by wandering along the 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) walking path that loops around this green space. Laze about on the carefully manicured lawns or sit by the pond and count lily pads. Visit the John F. Wolfe Palm House, a grand Victorian-style glass greenhouse with 43 species of palms from around the world.

Explore the conservatory to see rare and exotic tropical plants housed within the Himalayan, rainforest and desert-themed gardens. Two precocious macaws live in the Rainforest Biome, so make sure you’re willing to share your snacks! Beautiful ferns and tropical coconut and banana trees grow in the Pacific Island Water Garden. In spring, hundreds of tropical butterflies make this garden their home.

Take some time to relax in the rooftop Zen Terrace and Grove gardens. Stop by the Garden Café for lunch and a cup of coffee to get you ready for your return to busy city life.

Franklin Park Conservatory is located 2 miles (3 kilometers) east of downtown Columbus and is open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Tickets include admission to see a selection of temporary and permanent artworks on display in the gardens. Admission times are subject to change dependent on weather, so check ahead before planning your visit. Come in the spring and summer to see a full array of colorful blooms or visit in winter to escape from the cold and snow to the warm, tropical paradise inside.

Plan a trip to see Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

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Jungle Thyme
Jungle Dream- Nova
The Jungle Book

Reviews of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
80
5 - Excellent 74%
4 - Good
25
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Allow 3-4 hours for inside the conservatory. We did not view the outside grounds so can not advise on that part.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Well integrated Chihuly exhibit going on now.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This was so worth the trip. Excellent place to take the children, as they have an amazing outside play/education area. I was lucky enough to go when Dale Chihuly had an exhibit there. Fantastic!!!

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Exclusive, Luxury Retreat in Columbus, Hot Tub, Rooftop Deck, Sleeps 12

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Urban Elegance Getaway

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Urban Bohemian Chic - Heart of Columbus!

Urban Bohemian Chic - Heart of Columbus!

2 out of 5
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4BR Spacious Home Downtown, OSU, Franklin Park, and Nationwide Children’s

4BR Spacious Home Downtown, OSU, Franklin Park, and Nationwide Children’s

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Boho Chic Stay w/ Pool Table (Near Downtown!)

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

At Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, Ohio, visitors can explore stunning plant collections and themed gardens. The venue also hosts live music, theater performances, and seasonal festivals, making it a vibrant destination for entertainment. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while enjoying major attractions in the area, ensuring a memorable experience for all visitors.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots include North Market, a vibrant public market only 3 miles away, and Ohio Herb Center, a charming store 5 miles from the gardens. For a larger selection, Shops On Lane Avenue offers a fun shopping experience 6 miles away, featuring entertainment and family-friendly options.

Recreation

Explore Nationwide Arena for exhilarating sports events just 3 miles away, or unwind at Lou Berliner Sports Park, a serene recreational area that promotes wellness and relaxation. For some entertainment, enjoy a live concert at Newport Music Hall, located 4 miles from the conservatory.

Adventure

For an adrenaline rush, check out Grand Prix Karting, located 2 miles away, where you can race go-karts on thrilling tracks. For water fun, Zoombezi Bay Waterpark, 16 miles away, offers slides and attractions for the whole family. Dive into excitement at Aquatic Adventures Ohio, 10 miles away, for underwater sports.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers vibrant entertainment. Enjoy a show at the Ohio Theatre, just 2 miles away, or the historic Palace Theatre, 3 miles away. For a more intimate experience, check out the Lincoln Theatre, located only 1 mile from your destination.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

When visiting the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, Ohio, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore. Nearby, you can enjoy the beautiful Franklin Park, attend events at the conference venue, or visit a historic college or university. These points of interest cater to families and those seeking a cultural city experience, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature and local history.

  • Ohio State University: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of one of the largest universities in the U.S. Stroll through its historic campus, admire stunning architecture, and experience the rich culture through art, music, and sporting events.
  • Greater Columbus Convention Center: A hub for events and conferences, this venue offers a dynamic atmosphere where business meets innovation. Explore its impressive facilities, enjoy local dining options, and attend various events that showcase the city's entrepreneurial spirit.
  • COSI: Discover a world of science and fun at this interactive museum. Perfect for families, COSI features hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and an immersive planetarium, making learning exciting for visitors of all ages.

Best time to go to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The best time to visit Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January28.6°F (-1.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July74.7°F (23.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December35.4°F (1.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

To save money on your visit to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, consider traveling during the off-peak months from December to February, when hotel prices are lower. Booking a stay on a Monday can also help you find better rates compared to Saturday. Utilize Expedia to search for eco-friendly hotel options and combine your hotel, flight, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Look for special promotions and deals to maximize your budget during your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on your trip by combining your hotel stay at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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