Columbus is Ohio’s largest city — and the 14th largest city in the country. It’s one of the few places that has never declined in population and for good reason. Aptly nicknamed “the Discovery City,” Columbus is full of adventures, from its unique neighborhoods to its 400 recreational parks strewn across the city and its suburbs.
As locals, our Columbus Roofing & Restoration team lives and loves all that the city has to offer, so even if you don’t need contracting or restoration services, we’ve put a list together of fun things to do so that you can love it, too.
Whether you’re new to the city or are looking for something new to discover there, here are 9 fun and different activities in Columbus to try out:
1. The North Market Farmers Market
Columbus’s North Market Farmers Market is one of the premier attractions of central Ohio. For more than 150 years, this farmers market has been serving up authentic and inventive foods, artisan crafts, and much more. It’s open seven days a week and is also within walking distance of some of the city’s major attractions and parks.
It’s a great place to come shop for one-of-a-kind trinkets, sample mouthwatering foods, or just walk around and people-watch!
2. Ohio Stadium Football Games
Even if you’re not much of a football fan, watching an Ohio State football game at the Ohio State University campus is an excellent way to spend a cool afternoon. For starters, Ohio State is home to one of the most iconic college stadiums in America, and between tailgating and halftime, the energy of the crowd is quite the enigmatic phenomenon.
Best of all, Ohio State games are fun for the whole family!
3. Otherworld
Calling ALL kid and adult sci-fi universe lovers: Step into Otherworld, part art exhibition, part interactive playground, and part virtual reality universe.
Otherworld is essentially the psychedelic brainchild of more than 40 artists with the goal of creating an immersive space (or, 40 immersive spaces spread across 32,000 square feet) where you can roam and get lost in so many different and fascinating worlds. It’s the perfect place to pass the time on those dreadfully rainy days that Columbus sees.
There’s no way to explain this extraordinary activity in Columbus other than to encourage everyone to buy a ticket and see for themselves
4. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Spring and summer are great for a lot of outdoor things to do in Columbus — but the best is arguably a warm afternoon spent at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Here you’ll find thousands of plant species to observe and photograph set in a relaxing oasis.
You’ll even find the famous glasswork of Dale Chihuly lining the pathways of the gardens. Plus, there are plenty of interactive workshops you and a significant other or children can participate in, as well as regular in-store activities. There’s even a children’s garden (that’s fun for any age) and the Paul Busse Garden Railway — an adorable mini-train that will take you through themed areas such as the Wild West, Fairytales, and Europe!
5. Brewery Tours
Believe it or not, Columbus has quite a microbrewery scene that’s been steadily growing over the years. As of right now, in 2023, there are over a dozen breweries operating within the city’s Brewery District. (Yes, there is an official Brewery District in Downtown Columbus).
You can take the dedicated tours offered by each brewery, which include a look into the boiler rooms where the brews are made, or you and a few friends can get together and brewery hop until you’ve had enough. After all, is there a wrong way to drink craft beers and support local businesses?
6. The Topiary Park Gardens
The Topiary Park isn’t your typical park, although that can be said about a lot of the parks in Columbus (which is a good thing!) However, Topiary Garden is a unique little green space that’s home to a whole bunch of interesting sculptures, including a scene from the famous post-Impressionist painting ‘A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte’ by the artist Georges Seurat.
Aside from getting the opportunity to feel as if you’re stepping into a painting (one that took two years to create), you’ll find tons of hedges expertly manicured into different objects, people, animals, and scenes. It’s a magical little park that’s perfect for wandering and picnicking with a significant other and kids!
7. ZipZone Outdoor Adventures
If you’re in the mood to swing, ZipZone Outdoor Adventures is perfect, as it hosts a range of zipline courses for all ages. Throughout the parklands, you’ll find that there are over 60 different challenging courses and elements for all levels of thrill seekers as well as a kid’s park for your youngest.
The best part? There’s a guided multi-zipline tour that soars above the Ohio treetops to give you a unique view of Columbus!
8. Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum
Whether you’re a gearhead or not, the Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum offers a portal through time right between the Schumacher Place neighborhood and the German Village. Here you’ll find dozens of vintage cars, mostly from the 1920s and 1930s, and all in perfect, mint condition.
They also have a beautiful collection of license plates and memorabilia. Visiting this museum is one of the most underrated activities in Columbus — and it’s budget-friendly!
9. Zoombezi Bay Waterpark
If you have an affinity for zombies and other haunted themes and need a place to cool off in the Columbus heat, the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark is the ideal place to go. It’s located right next to the Columbus Zoo (another worthwhile attraction) and offers four haunted houses, two dedicated scare zones, a sea dragon roller coaster, and non-water rides when you need to dry off.
The waterpark also provides tons of fun food and drink options — including jello shots served up in a 60cc syringe!
Never-Ending Fun in Columbus
The fun and exciting adventures in Columbus never stop. There will always be something new to try out, and there are also plenty of things you’ll want to do on repeat. This is arguably the best part of living in the city, especially when you’re having home renovations or a roof replacement done — which can be noisy and time-consuming.Speaking of renovations and repairs, AllPhase Restorations is Columbus’s favorite 24-hour roofing restoration company. Give us a call today for a free inspection of your roof damage.
