Things to Do in Columbus in 2025

Columbus which includes a pond, a park and a city

Schiller Park showing a pond, autumn leaves and a park

Columbus featuring a garden as well as a couple

Columbus which includes skyline, a river or creek and a city

Photo provided by Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Most popular activities in Columbus

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What to do in Columbus

Discover the most popular places to visit in Columbus

Ohio State University

4.5/5(1,159 reviews)

Take a campus tour or just explore the area around Ohio State University, a top college in Columbus. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Behold, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in all its wiener-wonderment!

There are currently eight Wienermobiles gallivanting across county commandeered by Hotdoggers passing out Wienerwhistles to wiener fanatics.

The Wienermobile made a stop at the NHL All Star Fan Festival in Columbus. What's the connection between hockey and wieners? Well, Oscar Mayer is owned by Kraft and Kraft has a promotion called Hockeyville in which communities compete to demonstrate their commitment to the sport of ice hockey. The winning community gets a cash prize dedicated to upgrading their local home arena, as well as host an NHL preseason game.

Greater Columbus Convention Center

4.5/5(614 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening at Greater Columbus Convention Center, a top convention center in Columbus. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Ohio Stadium

4.5/5(438 reviews)

Catch an event at Ohio Stadium during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Nationwide Arena

4.5/5(595 reviews)

You can take time to visit Nationwide Arena during your travels to Columbus. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

The Crazy Kiwi Duncan Dog! An absolutely enormous foot long hot dog slathered with grilled onions, cole slaw, bacon, cheese sauce and hot sauce! Go Crew!

Historic Crew Stadium

4/5(285 reviews)

Catch an event at Historic Crew Stadium during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's entertainment choices or attend a sporting event.

COSI

4/5(479 reviews)

There’s always more to discover in this innovative science adventure center, complete with giant 3-D digital screen and hundreds of fun-filled activities.

It's time again for the Ohio State Fair, which means it's time for a deep fried fair food feast!

A staple at the fair since 1965, Marshall Family French Waffles.

Basically a branding iron is dipped in batter and dropped in a deep fryer to create the crunchy, flaky, sweet treats.

Ohio State Fairgrounds

4/5(113 reviews)

Enjoy a stop at Ohio State Fairgrounds, an entertaining place to visit in Columbus. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.

Ohio Theater featuring signage, heritage elements and theater scenes

Ohio Theatre

4.5/5(275 reviews)

This theater is the gold-and-red velvet crown of Ohio, featuring exciting musicals and concerts on its lavish Baroque-style stage.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

4.5/5(108 reviews)

Botanical wonders from around the world are exhibited alongside captivating contemporary artwork in this spacious and peaceful garden getaway.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Columbus

Santa Maria showing a bay or harbor and heritage elements

Downtown Columbus

4.5/5(1,219 area reviews)

Enjoy entertainment options like theaters, concerts, and the Scioto Mile's riverfront parks in this central business district with towering buildings and various educational institutions.

Bibibop Asian Grill is the Asian equivalent of the Chipotle style of dining.

A bowl filled with wild purple rice, bean sprouts, sauteed potatoes, chicken, cucumber, lettuce, carrot, daikon, cheese, corn and egg topped with yum yum sauce.

Polaris

4.5/5(633 area reviews)

Polaris is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Polaris Fashion Place and Topgolf while in the area.

Santa Maria featuring a garden and signage

Worthington

Unique features of Worthington include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by McConnell Arts Center or The Candle Lab while you're exploring the area.

Alternating layers of chewy brownie and rich peanut butter, covered with dark chocolate ganache!

I usually stuff myself on savory pizza pies and have no room for dessert pies. On this trip, I boxed up some pizza for a cold pizza breakfast the next morning so I could further indulge in this delight!

Easton

4.5/5(453 area reviews)

Easton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Easton Town Center and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center while you're in town.

Short North

Colorful, offbeat, and trendy, this densely-populated district offers art galleries, specialty shops, pubs, nightclubs, and coffee shops. Stroll along High Street under its 17 lighted metal arches, and admire the vibrant murals on its brick buildings.

Wexner Center for the Arts which includes signage and theater scenes

University District

4.5/5(126 area reviews)

Home to Ohio State University, the University District boasts a diverse range of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and the Gateway Film Center. Explore Ohio Stadium and Old North Columbus for a taste of local culture.