From food halls to botanical gardens, we’ve put together ideas for the perfect spring date in Columbus. Whether you’re building a bouquet, catching a baseball game, exploring local trails, or heading to the zoo, here’s how to make the most of a springtime date in the city.
Grab flowers from Market Blooms at the North Market Downtown.
Food Halls & Fresh Finds
A date is the perfect time to try a food hall, where you’ll have a wide range of options to choose from. Plan a breakfast date at North Market Downtown with vendors like Buckeye Donuts or Fox’s Bagel & Deli. Plus, surprise your date with a bouquet of flowers from Market Blooms.
If you’re looking for a dinner date, try The Little Grand Market in Grandview. There’s a variety of options—from Vietnamese dishes at Common Rice and Lan Viet to Italian meals and pizza from Gants Pizza and Frascati Market, and Mexican favorites from Los Agavez Taqueria. And you can’t go wrong with cookies from For the Love of Dough for dessert.
Watch the wild bison roam at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Fresh Air & Springtime Strolls
As the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to explore a local metro park or trail. See wild bison roaming at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park or head to Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville, home to more than 2,000 species of plants, woodlands, wildflowers, and themed gardens.
If you want to take the activity level up a notch, Trapper John’s Canoe Livery in Grove City opens for the season in spring. Rent a kayak or canoe and spend the day on the river with your date.
Cheer for the Crew at Lower.com Field.
Game On: A Spring Sports Date
Spring in the Arena District is the perfect season for a date night. For baseball fans, the Columbus Clippers season begins in late March, with plenty of home games throughout the spring. Try a 10-cent hot dog every Tuesday home game for Dime-A-Dog Night or drink specials on Thirsty Thursdays.
The Columbus Crew season is also in full swing in the spring. Plan a night at Lower.com Field, complete with a meal inside the stadium from Schmidt’s, Hard Hat Haus, or Sideline Cantina.
If you’re looking for pre- or post-game entertainment, there are plenty of Arena District bars and restaurants to try. Plus, DORA is activated three hours before the start of every game.
A Wildly Fun Zoo Date
Spring is one of the best seasons for a trip to the Columbus Zoo. Kangaroos begin basking in the sun, and bonobos, orangutans, and apes become more active, offering more chances for up-close viewing.
If you want to make it extra special, book an animal experience. Many experiences reopen for the season in spring, with opportunities to feed giraffes, pet stingrays, or get a behind-the-scenes look at the sea lions.
Springtime is beautiful at the Conservatory.
Blooming with Romance
There’s nothing more romantic than strolling through greenhouses and gardens together. Plan an afternoon at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for a plant-filled date.
The Conservatory features outdoor gardens with perennial beds, daylilies, and coniferous plants across the 88 acres of Franklin Park. If it’s a rainy or chilly spring day, you can head inside and see more than 400 plants in the glass greenhouses.
Artsy & Inspired
If you’re in the mood for something creative, plan a date at the Columbus Museum of Art. Wander through rotating exhibitions, explore the museum’s permanent collection, and spark conversation over everything from contemporary works to classic masterpieces. Plus, admission is free on Sundays, making it an easy and affordable date idea.
For a more hands-on experience, check the events calendar for open studio hours, creative happy hours, and more chances to create something side by side.
Take in skyline views at Lincoln Social after an afternoon at Blossom Flower Bar.
Petals & Pretty Views
Nothing says spring quite like fresh florals. Spend an afternoon at Blossom Flower Bar in the Short North building your own bouquet. Browse a wall of seasonally vibrant flowers and design your arrangement however you’d like, whether wrapped as a bouquet or styled in a vase. Flowers are priced per stem, and no appointment is necessary.
If you want to keep the date going, head down High Street to grab a bite at Arch City Tavern or take in skyline views from Lincoln Social Rooftop.
Enjoy these spring date ideas in Columbus and share the love with us using #yesColumbus. Find more inspiration here.
