Shop at the North Market's more than 30 merchants and the Short North Arts District's galleries and boutiques. Tour the beautifully restored Ohio Statehouse and explore the shops in historic German Village. Hang out in the Heart of Africa at “Jungle” Jack Hanna’s home zoo, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium or get hands-on at COSI, a top-rated science center featuring more than 300 interactive exhibits, including the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery. Check out Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, displaying the world's largest collection of Dale Chihuly's glass artwork in a botanical garden, then hit Easton, the Midwest's premier shopping destination and home to LEGOLAND Discovery Center, billed as the ultimate indoor LEGO playground. Visit the one-of-a-kind National Veterans Memorial and Museum on downtown's Scioto Mile. Let loose a little at Eldorado Scioto Downs or Hollywood Casino Columbus.
The Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus features miles of multi-use trails stretching from Bicentennial Plaza in the south to North Bank Park in the North and is a great spot to take a stroll and enjoy both the city and nature. Bicentennial Park hosts free concerts on summer weekends, and a huge set of fountains create a fun environment for kids to play in during the daylight hours. By night, sip a local cocktail or grab a burger at Milestone 229 and watch the fountain displays change through the evening. A trail leading south from Bicentennial Plaza leads you to the largest free climbing wall in the nation and the Grange Insurance Audubon Center, an important birding area with a nature center and lots of natural areas to explore. Even though it's in the heart of downtown, the Scioto Mile is a great place to enjoy nature. Waterfowl abound, and paddling is encouraged.
COLUMBUS' NEWEST ATTRACTIONS
In July 2020, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium opened a 4-acre, $40 million new exhibit, Adventure Cove. The exhibit features three tanks, totaling 375,000 gallons of water and houses California sea lions and harbor seals, the first time the Zoo has had these animals on display since the 1970s. Check out the 60-foot-long acrylic tunnel offering 360-degree views taking visitors underwater as the playful pinnipeds swim above and below and head to the 250-seat amphitheater showing demonstrations with aquatic animals.
Play: CBUS is a 53,000 square foot indoor active entertainment facility for all groups and ages, located in Worthington, Ohio! From a two-story ropes course to a kids’ area, a Via Ferrata, ninja courses, climbing walls, and a full bar and restaurant — there is truly something for everyone! Enjoy a Buckeyes game from our carabiner-shaped bar while the kids play or have a fun-filled day with your significant other or family at Play: CBUS.
See below for an entire list of Columbus attractions!
