10 TOP Things to Do in Central Ohio (2025 Activity Guide)

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens featuring a park and interior views as well as a couple

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

Veterans Memorial which includes a memorial and signage

COSI which includes interior views 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

Popular places to visit

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 lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Greater Columbus Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Greater Columbus Convention Center during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Ohio Stadium

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

Historic Crew Stadium

Catch an event at Historic Crew Stadium during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene 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.

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 Theater showing theater scenes, heritage elements and signage

Ohio Theatre

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

Ohio State Fairgrounds

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

Areas of Central Ohio

Santa Maria showing a bay or harbor and heritage elements

Downtown Columbus

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Columbus. A stop by Nationwide Arena or North Market might round out your trip.

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

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

Wexner Center for the Arts which includes signage and theater scenes

University District

Travelers come to University District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Wexner Center for the Arts and Newport Music Hall while you're in town.

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.