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Columbus, Ohio, is a city that rewards those who step outside, with an abundance of green spaces, scenic promenades, and outdoor activities waiting around every corner. From the heart of downtown to the leafy outskirts of the city, Columbus activities span art and culture, wildlife encounters, retail and dining in the open air, and wide open parkland perfect for families and visitors of every kind. Red Roof® has gathered some staff favorites to help you make the most of your time outdoors during your stay.
Whether you are looking for outdoor things to do in Ohio that connect you with nature, keep the kids entertained, or simply give you a beautiful place to unwind, Columbus delivers at every turn.
Plan your stay at redroof.com and see where Columbus takes you.
The largest park in Columbus's downtown district, Columbus Commons is a beautifully maintained green space packed with year-round outdoor activities. Live concerts, festivals, and outdoor events bring the park to life throughout the year, while food vendors offer rich flavors and cool drinks for visitors before and after activities. With plenty of open space for families and a lively events calendar, it is one of the most central and versatile Columbus activities available.
Located in the northernmost reaches of Columbus where the city gives way to lush green landscapes, Ohio Wildlife Center is a non-profit rehabilitation and care facility for animals from around the world who are too old, frail, or removed from their instincts to return to the wild. Foxes, birds, rodents, and reptiles are among the many residents, and visitors should check the site's schedule in advance as it occasionally closes to the public to allow staff to focus on their work.
Linking over 175 acres of prime parkland along a scenic riverside avenue, the Scioto Mile Promenade offers city skyline views, scenic bridges, sweeping green spaces, and a tree-lined walkway connecting visitors to venues including Genoa Park and Bicentennial Park. Music, art, hidden eateries, and romantic waterside spots make it one of the most varied and enjoyable Columbus activities.
Styled like a small town community with old-fashioned storefronts, a central fountain, a miniature railway, and carefully manicured outdoor spaces, Easton Town Center is one of the most charming outdoor things to do in Ohio for those who enjoy combining retail and dining with open-air surroundings. Outdoor music events covering jazz, folk, blues, and rock are held regularly throughout the year.
An oversized outdoor toybox in the heart of Columbus's fashion district, The Yard at Polaris Fashion Place features giant LEGOs, a life-sized chess set, a large Connect Four game, and ping pong tables alongside a scenic fountain. It is one of the most playful and unexpected Columbus activities for families and visitors of all ages.
Offering outdoor activities that vary by season, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium provides educational talks from zookeepers, VIP tour bookings, and a remarkable variety of animals, including kangaroos, sea lions, polar bears, and cheetahs, alongside one of the best aquariums in the United States. It is one of the most complete outdoor things to do in Ohio for families and animal enthusiasts.
