Things to Do in Central Ohio in 2025

National Veterans Memorial and Museum featuring a memorial, a garden and heritage elements

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens which includes a garden and interior views as well as a couple

COSI which includes signage as well as a large group of people

Veterans Memorial showing a memorial and signage

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

What to do in Central Ohio

Discover the most popular places to visit in Central Ohio

Ohio State University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area around Ohio State University, a top college in Columbus. Experience the area's entertainment choices 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

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

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Have the African jungle, the Australian outback and the wildlife of the world at your fingertips at this acclaimed city zoo.

Nationwide Arena

Catch an event at Nationwide Arena during your trip to Columbus. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Ohio Stadium

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

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

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

COSI

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

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

Since its completion in 1924, Swasey Chapel has been Denison’s most iconic structure. The chapel seats 990 and plays host to notable campus events such as baccalaureate services, lectures, concerts, and academic award convocations.

Denison University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Denison University, during your trip to Granville. Take in the entertainment venues in this romantic area.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Central Ohio

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 The Shops at Worthington or McConnell Arts Center while you're exploring the area.

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.

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.

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.