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Columbus Attractions

Ohio's capital city, Columbus, offers a world of experiences to all visitors! There is diverse and unique shopping, fun-filled attractions, historic neighborhoods, culinary delights at restaurants, and that's just the beginning of opportunities in Columbus. Tour the No. 1 Zoo in America, taste the delicacies of cultures from around the world, let your imagination run wild at COSI, enjoy artwork from all over the globe at the Columbus Museum of Art. So plan your trip to Columbus today!

• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
  Located just north of Columbus, The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to over 5,000 animals representing over 700 species. In 2009, it was named the Number One Zoo in America by USA Travel Guide; it's definitely a worthwhile experience in Columbus. Be sure to visit Dinosaur Island where you will see 25 animatronic on display in the Australia and the Islands region of the Zoo. Visitors will be able to get close to the dinosaurs, dig in an archeological pit, take a boat ride and visit a gift shop. Package your getaway to the Columbus Zoo with an adventure at Zoombezi Bay, a nearly 23-acre water park, which is right next to the zoo! Zoombezi Bay features 17 state-of-the-art water slides, a wave pool, an action river, a lazy river, private cabanas, a kiddie play pool and a whole lot more.
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• German Village
  If you want to fully experience Columbus, exploring German Village is a must. The neighborhood, located just south of downtown Columbus, offers a wide range of activities, from shopping to popular Columbus restaurants. Some of the attractions in German Village are the beautifully restored historic homes, many of which feature unique restaurants. Check out the wonderful art galleries and other niche locations spread among the brick streets. Schiller Park - one of Columbus' best parks - in German Village, features a recreation center, playground, fishing pond and amphitheater for summer theater productions.
• COSI
  At the Center of Science and Industry, you'll be dazzled, amazed and delighted as your family explores one incredible wonder after another at one of the premier attractions in Columbus. The exhibition areas provide experiences for all age levels to creatively combine science facts and learning through play. Beyond the exhibits, you'll find COSI's hair-raising Electrostatic Generator Show, the only High-Wire Unicycle in the country, a seven-story Extreme Screen theater and the Atomicafe restaurant. COSI also hosts world-class traveling exhibitions from other museums throughout the year. This summer Mythbusters: The Explosive Exhibition will be on display creating a hands-on, interactive experience for guests of all ages by combining popular scientific facts with innovative, family-friendly displays.
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• Restaurants
  When traveling to Columbus, don't forget to pack your appetite; the dining options throughout the city will keep you busy - and full. Start out in the Short North on the north side of downtown Columbus. The area is buzzing with activity at night and has countless culinary options, including Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse, Rigsby's, Lemongrass and The Pearl. Also in the Short North is the North Market, a public market with dozens of unique, independent merchants and farmers. Whether you're looking for fish, bread, flowers, spices, homemade candy or anything in between, you can bet on finding it at the North Market. Plan ahead and schedule cooking lessons at the North Market. As you're walking around the area, check out the dozens of galleries or just look at the facades of many buildings to see artwork! One of the fastest growing culinary attractions is Columbus Food Adventures, a tour of unique restaurants around Columbus, including a tour of local taco trucks, which is one of the most popular options.
• Parks
  Take a relaxing bike tour of Columbus and outlying areas on the Central Ohio Greenway Trail System. Through the trails, you can connect downtown with some of the beautiful parks and nature preserves throughout Columbus. The Columbus Whetstone Park of Roses is a unique 13-acre garden setting within a park featuring over 11,000 rose bushes and specialized gardens, including Herb and Perennials. It is one of the largest municipal rose gardens in the country. If flowers peak your interest, plan a stop at the Franklin Park Conservatory. The 83,000-square-foot park and conservatory sits within historic Franklin Park.
• Theater
  Free outdoor theater performances are performed throughout the summer in Schiller Park in German Village. Throughout the summer, the Actors' Theatre of Columbus performs some of the most classic works in the history of theater. Shadowbox Live in Columbus offers a wide range of self-produced shows along with other performances. At Shadowbox you can find comedy, musicals, rock operas, contemporary dance and much more! The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts operates several live theaters throughout Columbus, including the historic Ohio Theatre, Southern Theatre and Palace Theatre. These historic theaters have been restored to their glory days and feature the touring Broadway Series and national acts, as well as the Columbus symphony orchestra and BalletMet.

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