Columbus has always been a great city and with a population of around 920,000 people, it is growing every day!
We have so many things to do here for a variety of people. Whether you are a family looking for a Saturday activity or a group of girls wanting to let your hair down, Columbus has it all.
Columbus houses one of the most famous zoos and aquariums in the United States. In recent years, they added a polar bear exhibit called Polar Bear Frontier, starting by bringing in two polar bear sisters as well as brown bears and arctic foxes. Along with the Columbus Zoo, we have The Wilds, which is a huge safari that you can tour, the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark and Safari Golf.
The city is also the home of several sports teams including, the Columbus Blue Jackets National Hockey League team, the Columbus Clippers Minor League Baseball team, and Major League Soccer team, the Columbus Crew. Columbus is of course, also home to the many Buckeye teams at The Ohio State University.
Our downtown is cultured with art, music and amazing food. Gallery Hop is a famous, monthly event that takes place in the Short North neighborhood. It is a free event that includes entertainment, delicious food, creative art and shopping.
On the west side is the Hollywood Casino, which includes dining, entertainment and of course a casino.
Columbus, OH has a lot more to offer with museums, historical landmarks and even a hands-on science center. We feel lucky to live in a great city with everything it has to offer.
Here are some fun activities that are great for the fall weather coming up. Your kids will surely enjoy the beauty and history that Columbus has to offer.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Situated in an urban park two miles east of downtown Columbus, this historic, botanical landmark features biomes representing global climates, bonsai trees, a palm house, exotic plant collections and 28 acres of outdoor botanical gardens. A signature collection of Dale Chihuly’s glass artwork is on view with an accompanying working blown-glass workshop called the Hot Shop. Light Raiment II, a permanent light installation by world-renown artist James Turrell, illuminates the John F. Wolfe Palm House every evening at dusk. Seasonally new art and horticulture-based exhibitions are enhanced with educational programs and family activities. The Garden Cafe serves fresh, made-from-scratch fare, and Botanica, the Conservatory’s gift shop, features gardening accessories, plants, books, artwork, and more.
The Ohio Statehouse is more than a monument to our past; it’s where history happens! The Ohio Statehouse is located in the heart of downtown Columbus and is typically open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Restored to its 1861 appearance, the Ohio Statehouse maintains its historic character as it continues to function as the center of state government in Ohio. Enjoy the Capitol Cafe and Statehouse Museum Shop. Convenient underground parking is available.
Free guided tours are usually offered Monday through Friday on the hour from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from noon until 3 p.m. Tours depart from the Map Room easily accessible from the Third Street entrance. Groups of 10 or more are required to call 2 weeks in advance to ensure a guide is available.
Columbus Clippers image provided by www.baseballparks.com
Polar bear image provided by www.freefunguides.com
*Information updated in July 2020. Times and tours may be subject to Covid-19 restrictions.
