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Things to do in Columbus

Not Just Any Hotel – Only the Best Things to do in Columbus, Selected for You!

Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025
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Good (126)

Central Ohio Fire Museum
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Museum
260 N 4th St Columbus
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Central Ohio Fire Museum in Columbus showcases horse-drawn and motorized fire trucks, fire safety classes, and a dedicated children's play area.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions or events may require a paid ticket.

Good (6)

Arch Park
6:00 AM–9:00 PM
Park
218 West St
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Arch Park in Columbus, United States features unique architectural designs, green spaces, and walking trails. A tranquil escape for residents and visitors alike.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some workshops or special events may charge a fee.

Good (18200)

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Aquarium
4850 West Powell Road
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Columbus Zoo and Aquarium hosts over 11,000 animals from nearly 600 species. It's a leader in conservation and offers recreational activities like a water park and golf course.

Duration: More than 4 hours.

Paid. $21.99 for adults, $14.99 for children (ages 2-9), discounts for seniors and military.

Southern Theater
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Theater
21 E Main St
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Southern Theater in Columbus, Ohio, is the oldest surviving theater in Central Ohio, hosting live concerts, plays, and opera since 1896.

Duration: 2-3 hours for events and guided tours.

Varies by event; check the official website for specifics.

Ohio Theatre
12:00 PM–5:00 PM
Theater
39 E State St
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Ohio Theatre in Columbus, Ohio, is a historic performing arts center, featuring a blend of theater performances and cultural events in an elegantly restored venue.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Adult: $10-$100. Child: $5-$50 depending on the show. Discounts may apply for students and seniors.

BalletMet
10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Theater
322 Mount Vernon Ave
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BalletMet, located in Columbus, Ohio, offers exceptional ballet performances and educational programs, making it a cultural hub for dance enthusiasts.

Duration: 2-3 hours for a performance.

Prices vary by performance. Adult tickets typically range from $25 to $85, while children's tickets are usually discounted.

Franklin Park Conservatory
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
1777 E Broad St
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Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio features diverse plant collections, educational exhibits, and seasonal floral displays, making it a must-visit botanical garden.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Adults: $10, Children (3-12): $5, Free for under 3. Certain events may incur additional fees.

Good (1623)

Goodale Park
6:00 AM–10:00 PM
Park
120 West Goodale Street
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Goodale Park in Columbus, Ohio offers scenic skyline views, surrounded by Victorian homes, and features playgrounds and tennis facilities.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. No admission fee required.

Champions Golf Course
7:00 AM–8:00 PM
Golf Course
3900 Westerville Rd
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Champions Golf Course in Columbus, United States, offers exceptional golfing experiences with well-maintained greens and beautiful landscapes.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Green fees apply, typically ranging from $30 to $50 depending on the day and season.

Hollywood Casino Columbus
10:00 AM–2:00 AM
Casino
200 Georgesville Rd
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Hollywood Casino Columbus, located in Columbus, Ohio, features over 2,000 slot machines, table games, and a vibrant dining scene, providing entertainment to all ages.

Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours.

Free entry. Some events and dining experiences may require additional costs.

Good (1631)

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
1777 East Broad Street
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Franklin Park Conservatory Botanical Garden in Columbus offers a vast array of plant collections, seasonal exhibitions, and 28 acres of outdoor gardens for all ages.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Adults: $12, Seniors (60+): $10, Children (3-12): $7, Under 3: Free. Some exhibitions may require an additional fee.

Raintree Shopping Center
10:00 AM–9:00 PM
Mall
Columbus
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Raintree Shopping Center in Columbus offers a variety of retail options, dining choices, and community events, appealing to diverse visitors year-round.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free to enter. Individual stores may have separate charges.

Good (1909)

Columbus Museum of Art
10:00 AM–7:00 PM
Museum
480 East Broad Street
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The Columbus Museum of Art features diverse permanent and traveling art collections, an American cafe, and a gift shop, located in Columbus, Ohio.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Good (526)

Ohio Statehouse
8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Architectural Building
1 Capitol Sq (N High St)
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The Ohio Statehouse in Columbus is the grand Greek Revival capitol building of Ohio, showcasing historical art and offering self-guided audio tours.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Good (462)

Ohio State University
Open 24 hours
University
N High St between 11th and Lane Aves.
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Ohio State University, a leading public research university located in Columbus, Ohio, offers a robust education and vibrant campus life.

Duration: 2-3 hours for a campus walk.

Free to visit the campus. Some cultural events may have fees.

Good (243)

Mapfre Stadium
Varies based on events.
Stadium
1 Black and Gold Blvd (Silver Dr)
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Historic Crew Stadium is the first soccer-specific stadium in the U.S., opened in 1999, located in Columbus, Ohio. It hosts the Columbus Crew SC games.

Duration: 2–4 hours, depending on events.

Varies by event. Check the official website for specific match pricing and discounts.

Good (314)

Greater Columbus Convention Center
10:00 AM–9:00 PM
Business Center
400 N High St (Vine St)
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The Greater Columbus Convention Center in Ohio features 1.8M sq ft of customizable space, surrounded by vibrant entertainment options for events and gatherings.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Varies by event. General access to the building is free; specific exhibitions may require tickets.

Good (3305)

Easton Town Center
Mo-Th 10:00-21:00; Fr,Sa 10:00-22:00; Su 12:00-18:00
Mall
160 Easton Town Center
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Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio features modern architecture, diverse shopping, restaurants, and entertainment options for visitors of all ages.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free. Some special events may require tickets for entry.

Good (930)

Ohio Stadium
Event-dependent hours
Stadium
410 Woody Hayes Dr
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Ohio Stadium in Columbus is the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes, hosting up to 105,000 fans during fall football games, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere.

Duration: Expect to spend at least 3 hours for a game day experience.

Tickets are often sold out. Prices vary based on the game and seating, typically ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars.

Good (577)

Nationwide Arena
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Stadium
200 W Nationwide Blvd
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Nationwide Arena is the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets, hosting major sports events and concerts in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Varies by event. Check with the venue for details.

Good (72)

Ohio Craft Museum
11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
1665 W 5th Ave
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Ohio Designer Craftsmen in Columbus showcases contemporary craft through rotating exhibitions and a year-round gift shop featuring handmade American artistry.

Duration: More than 1 hour.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Good (15)

Express Live
12:00 PM–11:00 PM
Theater
405 Neil Ave (at Broadbelt Ln)
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LC Pavilion is a premier concert venue in Columbus, Ohio, offering year-round indoor and outdoor music experiences with state-of-the-art facilities.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

Varies by event. Standard prices typically range from $30 to $100, with some events offering discounted tickets for children.

Good (33)

National Veterans Memorial and Museum
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
300 W Broad St
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Veterans Memorial Center in Columbus, Ohio, honors military veterans with exhibits, memorials, and historical artifacts, providing insights into their sacrifices and stories.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Capital University
8:00 AM–5:00 PM
University
1 College and Main
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Capital University, founded in 1830 in Bexley, Ohio, is the oldest university in Central Ohio and offers diverse undergraduate, graduate, and law programs.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Mershon Auditorium
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Theater
1871 N High St (The Ohio State University)
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Mershon Auditorium in Columbus, United States, hosts diverse performances and lectures, with a capacity of over 1,700 seats and notable acoustic design.

Duration: 2-3 hours depending on the event.

Varies by event. Some performances are free for students.

Pierce Field
6:00 AM–10:00 PM
Park
1080 W. 1st Ave. (at Oxley)
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Pierce Field in Columbus, Ohio, is a public park offering recreational space with green fields, walking trails, and playground areas for families and local residents.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No admission fee required.

Good (973)

Cosi
10:00 AM–9:00 PM
Museum
333 W Broad St (Belle St)
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COSI, the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio, features over 300 interactive exhibits, labs, and a planetarium, serving as an educational hub for visitors of all ages.

Duration: 3–4 hours.

Adults: $24.00, Children (2-12): $16.00, Seniors (60+): $20.00. Discounts available for groups.

Good (183)

Kelton House Museum and Garden
1:00 PM–5:00 PM
Museum
586 E Town St
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Kelton House Museum in Columbus, Ohio, showcases 19th-century life through the lens of the Kelton family and served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Christian Assembly
6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Church
4099 Karl Rd
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Christian Assembly in Columbus, United States, serves as a community hub for services, events, and outreach. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and rich history.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Special events may have a small donation or ticket fee.

Polaris Mall Play Place
10:00 AM–9:00 PM
Amusement Park
1500 Polaris Pkwy
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Polaris Mall in Columbus, Ohio features over 150 stores, dining options, and entertainment venues, making it a key shopping destination in the region.

Duration: 2–4 hours.

Free. No entry fee; costs apply for dining and entertainment.

Good (1514)

Schiller Park
6:00 AM–11:00 PM
Park
1069 Jaeger St
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Schiller Park in Columbus is a spacious recreation area featuring a fishing pond, playground, tennis courts, and an open-air stage for performances.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Ohio State University – Columbus
Open 24 hours
University
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Ohio State University in Columbus, founded in 1870, is a leading public research university with a campus featuring diverse architecture and extensive green spaces.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Good (5)

John Glenn Columbus International Airport
4:00 AM–11:00 PM
Airport
4600 International Gateway
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Port Columbus International Airport (CMH) serves Columbus, Ohio, providing domestic and limited international flights across several airlines.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours for check-in and security.

No entry fee. Ticket prices vary by airline and destination.

Derby Hill
7:00 AM–9:00 PM
Park
4201 Clime Rd
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Big Run Park in Grove City offers 400+ acres of recreational space, featuring trails, sports facilities, and lush landscapes for outdoor activities.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some events may require a fee.

Celeste Center
10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Event hall
717 E 17th Ave (at The Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds)
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The Celeste Center in Columbus, Ohio, is a premier event venue known for hosting a variety of gatherings, from concerts to trade shows, with a seating capacity of 2,600.

Duration: 2-3 hours depending on the event.

Prices vary by event. Check the official website for specifics.

Good (339)

Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs
Open 24 hours
Casino
6000 South High Street
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Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs, Ohio's first Racino, features 2200+ games, live harness racing, and diverse dining options in a 120,000 sq ft facility that never closes.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free admission. Wagering on races requires buy-in.

Good (36)

Supreme Court of Ohio
8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Public Building
65 S Front St (E State Street)
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The Supreme Court of Ohio in Columbus, a historic Art Deco building, invites public exploration of its remarkable architecture and significant cultural heritage.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Good (30)

Statue of Arnold Schwarzenegger
Open 24 hours
Monument
300 W Broad St Franklin County Veteran's Memorial
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The Statue of Arnold Schwarzenegger in Columbus, USA, celebrates the actor and former governor's contributions to film and fitness, standing 8 feet tall in a vibrant public park.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free. No charges to view the statue.

Good (23)

Chadwick Arboretum
8:00 AM–7:00 PM
Garden
2120 Fyffe Rd Ohio State University
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Chadwick Arboretum in Columbus, Ohio features diverse gardens and plant collections, serving as a green reserve for education and relaxation.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Special events may require ticket purchase.

Good (2)

Schwartz Castle
9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Castle
492 S 3rd St
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Schwartz Castle, built in 1920, is located in German Village, Columbus, featuring turreted architecture and a rich historical significance.

Duration: Around 1-2 hours.

Free.

Good (10)

Ohio Herb Education Center
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Garden
110 Mill St
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Ohio Herb Education Center in Columbus offers a vast selection of herbs, classes on herbalism, and a community garden promoting sustainable practices.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Some workshops may require a paid ticket.

Good (73)

Pizzuti Collection
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Museum
632 North Park St
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Pizzuti Collection, located in Columbus, Ohio, showcases a diverse range of contemporary artwork and offers educational programs to foster cultural understanding.

Duration: 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Good (7)

Shrum Mound
Open 24 hours
Park
3141 McKinley Ave
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Shrum Mound is a Native American burial mound in Columbus, Ohio, known for its historical significance and archaeological importance.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free.

Good (7)

The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Church
555 N High St
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The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbus, OH, features exquisite Byzantine architecture and serves as a cultural and spiritual hub for the Greek Orthodox community.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for special events and restorations.

Good (2)

Griswold Center
9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Public Building
777 High St (Dublin-Granville)
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Griswold Center in Columbus offers diverse programs for seniors, including fitness, arts, and social activities, fostering community engagement and well-being.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid fee.

Good (4)

Worthington Village Green
6:00 AM–10:00 PM
Park
OH-161 & High St
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Worthington Village Green is a public park in Franklin County, Ohio, featuring a scenic landscape, walking paths, and a community gathering space.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may have separate fees.

Good (12)

Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington
10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Gallery
777 Evening St
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Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington in Columbus, USA, features local artwork, community events, and performance spaces. A hub for arts and culture.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free admission to exhibits. Some events may require ticket purchases.

Good (17)

Prairie Oaks Metropark
7:00 AM–9:00 PM
Park
3225 Plain City Georgesville Rd NE
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Prairie Oaks Metropark in Columbus features diverse ecosystems, trail systems, and family-friendly amenities. Engage in nature, recreation, and wildlife viewing.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free. Some programs may require registration fees.