Best Attractions in Columbus, Ohio

Spanning over 800 acres and home to more than 400 species of flowers and plants from around the world, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular Columbus attractions for visitors and locals alike. Lush greenhouses, vibrant gardens, and a stunning collection of Victorian-style glass pieces make it a beautiful and memorable experience and a wonderful spot for photography.

Open for over 145 years and drawing more than a million visitors each year, North Market is a must-visit Columbus attraction for anyone who loves to shop, eat, and soak up local culture. Completely undercover and open on Saturdays, the market brings together independent merchants offering clothes, handcrafted products, locally produced cheeses, baked goods, and much more. Food trucks, iced coffee, and craft beers round out a great half-day outing.

A historic district with roots in the 19th century, German Village is one of Columbus's most charming and authentic neighborhoods, known for its traditional brick streets, vintage shops, and beloved German-style eateries like Schmidt's Sausage Haus. Highlights include the Scioto Audubon Center, summer Shakespeare performances at Schiller Park, and the beloved 32-room Book Loft.

A national landmark and architectural masterpiece built in 1928 and fully restored to its original Baroque grandeur, the Ohio Theater hosts symphonies, ballets, comedy shows, and Broadway productions, making it one of the most versatile and culturally rich Columbus attractions for a memorable night out.

Home to over 800 species of animals from across the globe, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the most celebrated Columbus attractions for families, couples, and groups alike. Spacious enclosures featuring animals from Asia, North America, Australia, and Africa, alongside the legacy of beloved former zoo director Jack Hanna, have made it a world-renowned destination.

One of the most iconic sports venues in the world, Ohio Stadium is a landmark horseshoe-shaped stadium as famous for its electric game-day atmosphere as it is for hosting major concerts featuring artists like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Pink Floyd. Checking out an event at Ohio Stadium is one of the most exciting fun things to do in Columbus for sports fans and music lovers alike.

For adventurers and thrill-seekers, ZipZone Canopy Tours offers exhilarating zipline experiences above the forest for anyone aged seven and over, with 1.5-hour and 2-hour tour options available. A tree obstacle course and ground-level kids park make it suitable for the whole family, and moonlight zipline tours are available on full moon nights.

An indoor playground spanning over 36,000 square feet, Legoland Columbus is one of the best Columbus attractions for families with children aged 3 to 10. Kids can play, build, and ride in a fully immersive experience, with the 4D Cinema offering special effects including wind, rain, and snow brought to life alongside their favorite Lego characters.

Named Best Art Gallery and celebrated nationwide for its impressive collection, the Columbus Museum of Art houses works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso alongside rotating interactive exhibits. The kid-friendly Wonder Room provides hands-on activities teaching children about art from a young age.

Fondly called the heart and soul of Columbus by locals, the Short North Arts District is centered around High Street and packed with unique cafes, hip eateries, vintage shops, and historic architecture. Colorful murals throughout the neighborhood add to its vibrant character, and the Short North Arts Trail offers a chance to get into nature as well.

One of the best Columbus attractions for families, COSI features planetarium shows, dinosaurs, a life-sized Marvel exhibit, and hands-on activities like parachute building. Regularly changing exhibits ensure there is always something new to discover, making it one of the most reliably enjoyable fun things to do in Columbus.

Known as the Park of Roses, Whetstone Park is a beautiful hidden gem featuring over 12,000 roses across 13 acres. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, catch a summer concert, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It is one of the most scenic and relaxing fun things to do in Columbus on a sunny day.

Spanning over 175 acres of scenic river views and greenery, the Scioto Mile offers a wide array of paths for walking, running, and cycling alongside a 15,000-square-foot fountain, outdoor summer concerts, chess boards, and a large free climbing wall. It is one of the most versatile and enjoyable outdoor Columbus attractions for visitors of all fitness levels.

Located on the Ohio State University campus, the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum houses the largest collection of cartoons and comics in the world, offering a unique deep dive into American cartoon history through original artwork. It is one of the most distinctive Columbus attractions for fans of animation and pop culture.

A peaceful natural escape from the city, Hayden Falls Park features a 35-foot cascading waterfall into a beautiful gorge surrounded by Columbus wildlife. The short and accessible walk to the falls makes it suitable for visitors of all fitness levels, and it is one of the most refreshing and fun things to do in Columbus for nature lovers.