The North Market in Columbus features some of the best local venders and independent businesses in Columbus under one roof and serves over one million guests each year.

Local venders at this historic food hall serve up everything from international bites to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream – which started right here in Columbus! (Try the brown butter almond brittle flavored ice cream!)

The North Market is the perfect stop for lunch or a casual dinner before or after exploring downtown.

The Columbus Zoo is world-famous and it’s easy to see why. It’s HUGE! Even with your comfiest shoes you might not be able to explore the whole place in one day.

The zoo is split into themed regions or continents. To beat the crowds, get there when it opens, book it all the way to the back by the Polar Bears (there’s an underground viewing area), then work your way back toward the entrance.

Bonus:
Zoomezi Bay: Ohio’s largest waterpark shares a parking lot with the Columbus Zoo. Perfect for when your trip from Michigan is anytime in the summer.

The Wilds: For some extra special animal encounters, plan a side trip to this safari park an hour away. You can even stay overnight in a luxury yurt or cabin overlooking the animals. There are so many cool things to do in Columbus!

You’ll find galleries, street art, boutique shopping, and incredible restaurants in Columbus’ Historic Arts District.

The Short North is a vibrant and walkable neighborhood spanning 14 city blocks along High Street.

Short North connects Downtown Columbus with The Ohio State University campus. where you can brunch, browse shops and galleries, or hop between bars and dessert spots.

Otherworld is a must-see, fun thing to do in Columbus, OH. It’s trippy, creative, and unlike anything else in the Midwest.

This 32,000-square-foot immersive art installation is like walking into a dream. It’s got glowing tunnels, hidden doors, and over 40 rooms to explore.

Otherworld is a playground for your imagination – a perfect adventure for anyone who likes anything outside of the ordinary.

Just south of downtown Columbus, German Village is like walking onto the pages of a storybook. The brick streets, old homes, and cozy restaurants tucked around every corner will make you want to stay longer.

Grab lunch at Schmidt’s Sausage House or Katzinger’s Delicatessen, wander through the Book Loft (it’s like a maze with 32 rooms of books), or shop at any of the corner shops.

You can easily spend a whole day just walking and eating your way through the neighborhood.

No matter where your road trip takes you in Columbus or Franklin County, there’s a Metro Park nearby. The Metro Parks system has 20 natural area parks with over 230 miles of trails for hiking, biking, or just unwinding in the great outdoors.

Some of our favorites include:

• Highbanks Metro Park: Great for wooded trails and wildlife spotting.

• Scioto Audubon Metro Park: Rock climbing, skyline views, and easy access from downtown.

• Millikin Falls: A tucked-away waterfall minutes from downtown, just a quick walk down a set of stairs to a great view.

• Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk: A family favorite with a treetop trail and nature center.

Want even more hikes and waterfalls? Hocking Hills is just over an hour from Columbus and it’s full of fun things to do outdoors.

If you’ve been to museums in Chicago, this one is just as incredible, but feels more approachable. It’s a guaranteed good time for your whole family so add it to your list of things to do in Columbus.

In addition to a full-size cast of a T-Rex, every corner of COSI has something interactive and focuses on STEM and STEAM learning.

You’ll find over 300 rotating and permanent exhibits, a planetarium, and themed areas including the Ocean, Energy Explorers, Space, Progress, Gadgets, Life, and the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery.

There’s even a zip-line across the main lobby if your crew likes some adrenaline.

Just northwest of Columbus, Dublin, Ohio has a charming downtown, river views, and fun dining spots. Dublin is close to some of our favorite Metro Parks including some with hidden waterfalls and beautiful hiking trails.

For a super-cute experience, grab a fairy trail passport and follow the Irish Fairy Door Trail to find 12 hidden fairy doors tucked inside 12 local businesses in Dublin. Write down the names of each fairy, turn it into the Visitor Center, and receive a fun shirt!

Dublin is also home to the Bridge Park & Market area. You’ll find farmers, bakers, makers, plus live entertainment and activities every Saturday May – September.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is packed with plants, greenhouses, and incredible Chihuly glass sculptures.

It’s a great thing to do in Columbus no matter the weather. Best of all, it’s a member of the American Horticultural Society reciprocal membership program so you may be able to get in free with your Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park membership.