Things to Do in Columbus

Say "yes" to new things and new places in Columbus. With local fun like new rooftop bars and restaurants, miles of trails, pro sports in every season, top-rated family attractions, experiential activities and more, you'll never be short of fun things to do in Columbus, whether you're planning a date night or a family outing.

Columbus has been named a Top 10 Best Big City in the U.S. and One of the Best Food Cities in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards

Jump to: Top Attractions & Events | Adventure | Sports | Shopping

Top Attractions & Events

Use Experience Columbus’ experience trails to explore the city’s coffee, distilleries, pizza and outdoor adventures, or head to family favorite attractions like the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium or Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Don’t miss the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, the only museum of its kind, COSI, voted best science museum in the nation three times by USA Today’s 10Best awards, and the Columbus Museum of Art.

Franklin Park Conservatory

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

COSI

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Columbus Museum Of Art

National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Science experiment performance during COSI Science Festival

Columbus Festivals

Singer entertaining guests at a live concert

Concerts and Live Music

Studios on High Gallery in the Short North Arts District

Events this Weekend

AB Variation:

Adventure

Seeking your next thrill? Check out some of our city's top adventure attractions and get your adrenaline going.

Topgolf

Vertical Adventures

ZipZone Outdoor Adventures

Sports

The Arena District is home to the Columbus Crew (MLS), the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), the Columbus Fury (PVF) and the Columbus Clippers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians (MLB). Early for a game? Grab a drink from designated restaurants in the neighborhood’s DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area). Over in the University District, you’ll find that The Ohio State Buckeyes’ 36 Division I sports attract impassioned crowds from around the state and the country.

Columbus Clippers

Columbus Crew

Columbus Blue Jackets

Shopping

No matter if your style is local or luxe, Columbus has every shopping experience you could dream up. Enjoy Easton (named best retail experience in the nation), Polaris Fashion Place or Tanger Outlets, or scale things down to the local level — explore local boutiques and shops in places like the Short North Arts District (and don’t miss the Short North’s monthly Gallery Hop), Grandview Heights, or German Village.