10 Top Rated Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

#1 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Columbus

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a renowned botanical garden located in Columbus, Ohio, USA. It's a premier horticultural and educational institution that features a wide variety of plant collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.

The conservatory occupies 88 acres of land and includes various biomes such as tropical rainforests, desert landscapes, and bonsai gardens. Visitors can explore different ecosystems and plant species from around the world, including rare and exotic plants.

In addition to its extensive plant collections, the conservatory also hosts art exhibitions, educational workshops, and special events throughout the year. It serves as a popular destination for tourists, nature enthusiasts, and families looking to enjoy the beauty of nature and learn about conservation and sustainability.

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

#2 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Columbus

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is a popular science museum located in Columbus, Ohio. It is one of the largest modern-built science centers in the United States, covering approximately 320,000 square feet of space.

COSI offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities designed to educate and entertain visitors of all ages. Its exhibits cover various scientific topics, including biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, technology, and more. Visitors can explore themed areas such as the Ocean, Space, Energy, Gadgets, and Life.

The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions, live demonstrations, workshops, and educational programs for school groups and families. It aims to inspire curiosity and a love for science through engaging experiences and interactive learning.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

#3 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Columbus

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a world-renowned zoo located in Powell, Ohio, just north of Columbus. It's one of the largest and most prestigious zoos in the United States, known for its extensive collection of animals and its commitment to conservation, education, and research.

The zoo covers approximately 580 acres of land and is home to over 10,000 animals representing over 600 species from around the globe. Visitors can explore various themed regions within the zoo, each showcasing different habitats and ecosystems. These include the Heart of Africa, Asia Quest, North America, Australia and the Islands, and the Shores region, which features aquatic animals.

Columbus Museum of Art

#4 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Columbus

The Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) is an art museum located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. It is recognized for its diverse collection of American and European art spanning from the late 19th century to the present day, as well as its engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives.

The museum's permanent collection features works by renowned artists such as Edward Hopper, Mary Cassatt, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol, among many others. It encompasses various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and decorative arts.

North Market Downtown

#5 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Columbus

The North Market is a historic public market located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. It has been a centerpiece of the city's culinary scene since it first opened in 1876. The market is known for its diverse array of vendors offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, spices, and prepared foods from around the world.

Visitors to the North Market can explore a wide variety of food stalls and specialty shops, ranging from local favorites to international cuisine. Whether you're in the mood for tacos, sushi, barbecue, crepes, or artisanal chocolates, you're likely to find something to satisfy your cravings.

Ohio Statehouse

#6 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Columbus

Ohio Statehouse is the state capitol building located on Capitol Square in Downtown. It is a Greek Revival style building that features a central recessed porch with a colonnade of a forthright and primitive Greek Doric mode. The Statehouse has many large scale artworks on the grounds of the building. Free guided tours are offered Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays at 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Ohio Theatre

#7 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Columbus

Located on Capitol Square in Downtown, Ohio Theatre is known as the "Official Theatre of the State of Ohio". The historic performing arts center is known for world class concerts and performances throughout year. It is one of the nation's finest grand theater designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb. It's lush interior features Spanish-Baroque architecture with 2,791 seat and 21-foot-high chandelier.

Scioto Mile

#8 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Columbus

Located in downtown, Scioto Mile comprised of parks and trails stretching along the waterfront. It is known for annual festival celebrations including Columbus Arts Festival, the Columbus Caribbean Festival, Columbus Food Truck Festival, and Earth Day celebrations. The 175 acres riverfront area connecting downtown to the Scioto River includes parks, boulevards, bikeways and pedestrian paths. The nine parks part of the integrated system are: Alexander AEP Park, Battelle Riverfront Park, Bicentennial Park, Dorrian Green, Genoa Park, McFerson Commons, North Bank Park, Scioto Audubon Metro Park, and the Scioto Mile Promenade.

Topiary Park

#9 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Columbus

Located in downtown, Topiary Park was a campus for adjacent Deaf School. Topiary Garden in Old Deaf School Park is a 9.2-acre public park and garden. Topiary Garden is a living recreation of Georges Seurat's famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte. Topiaries trimmed into shapes of people, boats, and animals attracts visitors throughout year. Admission to park is free and it is open daily from dawn to dusk. Park activities include walking and picnicking.

ZipZone Outdoor Adventures

#10 in Best Top 10 Places to Visit in Columbus

Address: 7925 High St, Columbus, OH 43235

Phone: (614) 847-9477

Website: https://zipzonetours.com/