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Things to Do in Columbus

Things to Do in Columbus

Columbus Ohio, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Columbus and the surrounding region offer ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from tranquil trails to thrilling activities.

Hiking & Cycling

Scioto Audubon Metro Park

Easy walking trails along the Scioto River, suitable for every ability level. It additionally has a large climbing wall.

Highbanks Metro Park

North of Columbus, offers trails with moderate difficulty winding through woodlands and along bluffs.

Olentangy Trail & Scioto Greenway Trail

Paved multi-use trails perfect for easy walking, running, or road cycling. Alum Creek State Park for biking on mountains.

Water & Adventure Sports

  • Kayaking/Canoeing/SUP: Available on Scioto and Olentangy Rivers. Rentals and guided trips offer a unique city perspective.
  • Boating/Fishing: Nearby state parks like Alum Creek and Delaware State Park offer large lakes for motorboating, sailing, and fishing.
  • Indoor Rock Climbing: Vertical Adventures offers indoor walls. Scioto Audubon Metro Park features a 35-foot outdoor climbing wall (seasonal).
  • Paintball/Laser Tag: Various hubs in the greater Columbus area offer these recreational group activities.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: World-renowned zoo for conservation and diverse species.
  • Ohio Wildlife Center: Education center for native Ohio wildlife.
  • Scioto Audubon Metro Park: Urban oasis for birdwatching, especially during migration.

Day Trip: Hocking Hills

  • About an hour southeast of Columbus.
  • Extensive network of trails, from easy to strenuous.
  • Features caves, cliffs, and waterfalls.
  • A must-visit for serious hikers and nature lovers.

Affiliate Link: GetYourGuide

  • Book your outdoor activities and adventure tours.
  • Wide selection of experiences.
  • Convenient online booking for your excursions.
  • Find Adventures on GetYourGuide

Safety Notice for Outdoor Activities

Always check weather conditions and trail statuses before venturing outdoors. Bring appropriate gear and water, and inform someone of your plans, especially for longer rambles or water sports.

Cultural Immersion

Discover the rich cultural fabric of Columbus through workshops, performances, and community programs.

Workshops & Performances

  • Art Studios: Workshops in painting, pottery, drawing at Columbus Cultural Arts Center.
  • Glassblowing: Glass Axis offers introductory courses to create your own glass art.
  • Cooking Classes: The Kitchen provides hands-on classes for various cuisines.
  • Historic Theaters: Ohio, Palace, Lincoln, plus Southern Theatres host Broadway, opera, ballet, classical, jazz, and gospel.

Community & Festivals

Franklinton Arts District

Visit artist studios, attend gallery openings during Franklinton Fridays, and get involved with the local creative community.

German Village Exploration

Stroll historic streets, chat with shopkeepers, and experience the living history of this preserved neighborhood.

Wexner Center for the Arts

Features contemporary performances, including dance, music, and experimental theater.

Spring/Summer Festivals

Arnold Sports Festival (March), Asian Festival (May), Columbus Arts Festival (June), Pride Festival (June), Jazz & Rib Fest (July).

Late Summer/Fall Festivals

Ohio State Fair (July/August), Festival Latino (August), Columbus Oktoberfest (September), Highball Halloween (October).

Language Learning

Local universities and community centers offer language classes for those seeking longer immersion experiences.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities to unwind and rejuvenate in Columbus, from spas to natural retreats.

Spa & Wellness

  • Day Spas: Numerous day spas and massage centers throughout the city (e.g., The Woodhouse Day Spa, Hand & Stone).
  • Hotel Spas: Many luxury hotels feature on-site spa services for guests.
  • Yoga & Meditation: Various yoga studios offer daily classes and workshops. Check online for drop-in classes.
  • Natural Therapy: No natural hot springs in the immediate area.

Water Relaxation

Zoombezi Bay

A large water park next to Columbus Zoo, offering slides, wave pools, and a lazy river (seasonal operation).

Alum Creek State Park Beach

A public beach for swimming and sunbathing at Alum Creek Lake (seasonal).

Hotel Pools

Many hotels are part ofdoor or outdoor pools, a convenient way to relax after sightseeing.

Mindfulness & Outdoors

Park Strolls

Enjoy peaceful walks in parks like Franklin Park Conservatory, Schiller Park, or Goodale Park for a calm escape.

Scioto Mile Views

The urban riverside setting of the Scioto Mile offers calming views and pathways for gentle exercise.

Nature Immersion

For nature experiences, consider a day trip to Highbanks Metro Park or Hocking Hills State Park.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Columbus offers diverse entertainment, from pulsating live music venues to historic theaters and lively bar districts.

Live Music & Performance Spaces

  • Concert Venues: Newport Music Hall, Express Live!, A&R Music Bar host various genres and national touring acts.
  • The Bluestone: A historic church converted into a unique venue for live music and events.
  • Natalie's Music Hall & Kitchen: Intimate setting for jazz, folk, and blues performances.
  • Theaters: Ohio, Palace, Southern, Lincoln Theatres host Broadway, opera, ballet, concerts.

Nightclubs & Bar Districts

Short North Arts District

The premier bar district with upscale bars, craft cocktail lounges, and breweries. Axis Nightclub is a prominent LGBTQ+ friendly dance club.

Arena District

Concentration of sports bars and casual pubs, especially busy during sporting events and live music.

Park Street/High Street OSU Area

A cluster of college bars, popular with the student population.

Historic Pubs

  • German Village has historic pubs and taverns.
  • Olde Gahanna Sanctuary for a cozier atmosphere.
  • Enjoy local craft beers.
  • Relaxed settings for an evening out.

Late-Night Fun

  • Many bars and restaurants open until 2 AM on weekends.
  • Hollywood Casino Columbus for gaming, dining, and live acts.
  • Explore speakeasy bars.
  • Nightlife caters to various preferences.

User Advice

  • Plan transportation in advance, especially for late nights.
  • Consider ride-sharing or designated drivers.
  • Check venue schedules for certain events.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings.

Bar & Brewery Tours

Craft Beer Scene
  • Columbus has a thriving craft brewery scene.
  • Many breweries offer taprooms for sampling a wide range of styles.
  • Consider a self-guided brewery tour using the Columbus Ale Trail.
Cocktail Lounges
  • The Short North is known for its upscale cocktail lounges.
  • Seek out "secret" speakeasy bars for an unique experience.
  • Ask locals for recommendations to discover hidden gems.

Affiliate Link: GetYourGuide

For booking unique local experiences, pub crawls, or specialized tours, GetYourGuide offers a convenient platform to discover and book activities that fit your interests.

Shopping & Markets

Columbus provides diverse shopping opportunities, from traditional markets to upscale boutiques.

Traditional & Artisan Markets

  • North Market Downtown & Bridge Park: Centers for local food, artisan goods, and specialty items, great for unique gifts.
  • Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds: Hosts expos, antique markets, craft fairs, and trade shows throughout the year.
  • Artisan Workshops: Short North Arts District galleries and boutiques concentrate on local art and handmade items.
  • German Village Shops: Independent shops offer unique gifts, books (The Book Loft), and artisanal products.

Souvenir Recommendations

Ohio State Buckeyes Merchandise

Found around The Ohio State University campus, department stores, and dedicated sports shops.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Merchandise

T-shirts, pint cozies, and gift cards from this local favorite.

Local Craft Beer & Art

Purchase bottles/cans from Columbus breweries or art from Quick North galleries.

The Book Loft

  • Unique souvenir from an one-of-a-kind bookstore.
  • Massive independent bookstore.
  • Sprawling across 32 rooms.
  • Perfect for book lovers.

Buckeye Candy

  • The iconic Ohio treat.
  • Peanut butter fudge partially dipped in chocolate.
  • Resembles the buckeye nut.
  • Perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Luxury & Boutiques

  • Short North Arts District: Upscale boutiques for clothing, accessories, home decor.
  • Easton Town Center: Outdoor shopping complex with high-end brands and department stores.
  • Polaris Fashion Place: Large indoor mall with national retailers.

Ethical Shopping & Logistics

Ethical Shopping Guidelines
  • Support Local: Prioritize locally owned stores, especially in Short North and German Village.
  • "Made in Ohio/USA": Seek products with lower carbon footprint, helping local craftspeople.
  • Fair Trade: Look for stores carrying fair trade certified products.
Shipping & Customs Information
  • International Visitors: Be aware of your home country's customs regulations. Keep receipts.
  • Shipping Services: Major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS have service centers for shipping purchases home.
  • Tax-Free Shopping: Ohio does not offer sales tax refunds for travelers from other countries.

Shop Local

Supporting local businesses contributes directly to the unique character plus finance of Columbus.

Activity Planning Summary

Columbus Adventure Checklist

  • Visit iconic landmarks like the Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
  • Explore diverse museums like COSI and the Columbus Museum of Art.
  • Savor local culinary delights, including Buckeye Candy and Jeni's Ice Creams.
  • Engage in outdoor activities, from city trails to a day trip to Hocking Hills.

Practical Tips for Experiences

  • Check event calendars for festivals and depending on the time of year happenings before your visit.
  • Consider combining activities in the same neighborhood for efficient exploration.
  • Utilize COTA public transport or ride-sharing for moving between districts.
  • Keep an eye out for unique photo opportunities in every corner of the city.
Things to Do in Columbus. Activities, Experiences, Adventures