Ohio’s lively capital, Columbus is a quintessential Midwest city offering plenty to its visitors, including vibrant neighbourhoods, a high-end culinary scene and family-friendly activities. You could be travelling solo, with little ones or as a friends’ group, you will find something of interest in this charming city. Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to spend some time amidst nature. You can also stop by Gateway Film Center to catch a movie. Fortunately, Columbus does not experience weather extremes for the most part of the year, but January-February visits can be a bit uncomfortable due to the cold climate. So, weatherproof your getaway to this fascinating city by adding some interesting indoor tours and activities to your itinerary. Scroll over for the best things to do indoors in Columbus, Ohio.
1. The Escape Game (from USD 40.84)
Race against the clock by solving clues at The Escape Game. This exciting team activity requires players to work together and crack puzzles to emerge victorious from locked escape rooms. You can ask for hints from your game guide but will need to don your own thinking caps to complete the mission within 60 minutes. You can choose from six escape rooms, including the light-hearted Playground, mysterious The Depths or daring Prison Break, among others.
You can pre-book your game slots using third-party websites such as GetYourGuide for a hassle-free experience.
The Escape Game at Easton Town Center in Columbus
Duration: 1.0 hour
2. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center (from USD 28.34)
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is the ultimate family-friendly attraction in Columbus. You can immerse yourselves in a range of interesting activities, including building games, rides and interactive experiences for an utterly fun time.
While the miniature LEGO® replica of Columbus is worth checking out in MINILAND®, you can also catch an action-packed movie in the 4D LEGO Cinema. Else, consider hopping aboard Merlin’s Apprentice or Kingdom Quest for a fantastic ride. Additionally, virtual reality rides are also available here. When you need a break, head over to the on-site cafe for snacks and beverages.
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center also hosts daily creative workshops in which kids can learn to build the Lego models hands-on and return home with skill as well as their mini-build.
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Columbus
3. Anthony Thomas Candy Factory
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We are spending the week attending, and exhibiting at the Sweets and Snacks Show Chicago!
Posted by Anthony-Thomas Candy Company on Tuesday, May 24, 2022
A Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-like experience awaits you at the state-of-the-art Anthony Thomas Candy Factory. You can hitch their hour-long factory tour at a fee from Tuesday to Thursday between 9:30am and 3:30pm. In this tour, groups stroll through a glass-enclosed catwalk along with an experienced guide and learn all about the chocolate-making process.
This tour ends on a sweet note as visitors are treated to a complimentary sample. Additionally, you can purchase chocolates from the on-site retail store and take them home as souvenir gifts. However, remember that factory tours must be pre-booked online.
Anthony Thomas Candy Factory
Address: 1777 Arlingate Ln, Columbus, OH 43228
Website: Anthony Thomas Candy Factory
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5:30pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
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4. Center of Science and Industry
Center of Science and Industry combines the best of learning and entertainment. From hands-on exhibits to informative displays, you can tour through more than 300 exhibits at 7 galleries – industrial progress, ocean, space, energy explorers, life, gadgets and dinosaur gallery. Additionally, consider hitching a journey to far galaxies and deep undersea volcanoes at COSI Planetarium.
Interactive experiences such as lifting a car in Big Science Park and driving a Mars rover in the Space section add to the fun. If hunger pangs kick in during the visit, you can head to Atomic Cafe or Molecules for some good food and beverage options.
Center of Science and Industry
Address: 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Center of Science and Industry
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 18 - 25 USD
5. Otherworld
Step into a dreamy world of fantasy and science fiction at Otherworld. This huge state-of-the-art facility offers more than 40 rooms of immersive interactive art, secret passageways and mixed-reality spaces that you can explore. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, so don’t forget to click away.
It can take up to three hours to visit Otherworld properly, so keep that kind of time aside for the best experience.
Otherworld
Address: 5819 Chantry Dr, Columbus, OH 43232
Website: Otherworld
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Sun: 10am - 8pm; Thu - Sat: 10am - 10pm (closed on Tue)
Price: 24 - 30 USD
6. Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The museum had the pleasure of hosting COSI - Center of Science and Industry President Dr Frederic Bertley and Stephen...
Posted by Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center on Thursday, March 9, 2023
Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center is an excellent spot to learn about the not-so-well-known world of firefighting. This restored 1908-engine house boasts historical exhibits as well as artefacts that are worth checking out. Don’t forget to head over to see the early horse-drawn steam engine, primitive examples of motorised fire apparatus and vintage helmets.
You will be treated to a personal guided tour by a retired or active firefighter, which will bring to light tons of information regarding the museum’s displays as well as fire safety essentials. The visit can take up to one and a half hours, so be prepared to spend that kind of time here.
Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center
Address: 260 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 6 - 8 USD
7. Polaris Fashion Place
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Heading into the New Year, we're looking back on some of our favorite moments of 2022! We will be closing tonight at 6pm to allow our guests and employees time to celebrate. We will reopen tomorrow at 12pm.
Posted by Polaris Fashion Place on Saturday, December 31, 2022
Shop away to glory at Polaris Fashion Place. This mall features a range of locally owned shops as well as exclusive showrooms, where you can indulge in some retail therapy. These outlets include Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Abercrombie & Fitch and Oakley, among others. Consider throwing in a bit of entertainment by heading to All in Adventures for a fun session of escape room challenges.
When the hunger pangs kick in, you can stop for a bite in one of the many sit-down restaurants or the food hall. Benihana, California Pizza Kitchen and Mitchell’s Steakhouse are some of the many restaurants you can choose from.
Polaris Fashion Place
Address: 1500 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240
Website: Polaris Fashion Place
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
8. Nationwide Arena
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Nationwide Arena on Friday, October 14, 2022
If you’re in downtown Columbus, consider catching a show at Nationwide Arena. It is a sports and performance event venue, where you can choose your entertainment and make it a day of family fun. The arena is also home to NHL Columbus Blue Jackets ice hockey team, so you might even be able to watch them playing.
Nationwide Arena
Address: 200 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Nationwide Arena
9. Shadowbox Live
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Jonas Brothers? Yawn. Backstreet Boys? Snooze. We’ve got the best boy band of all time, and they’re gettin’ down every weekend in ‘Best. Sex. Ever.’ #funny #theater
Posted by ShadowboxLive on Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Get ready for some top-notch original sketch comedy, dance performances, theatre productions and lots more live entertainment at Shadowbox Live. It is the USA’s largest resident theatre company that offers excellent shows for audiences of all age groups. You can attend an indoor act here and add to the experience by picking up a drink or snack from the menu.
Shadowbox Live
Address: 503 S Front St #260, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Shadowbox Live
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 12pm - 4pm; Sat: 4pm - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 3pm (closed on Mon)
10. Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A personal automobile collection, Steve Wagner who shared with us amazing stories about his cars.
Posted by Aida Brignoni on Sunday, March 20, 2022
Car enthusiasts can visit Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum to check out their extensive collection of antique cars. Additionally, there is a range of historical artefacts and memorabilia displayed here. While you can get a picture clicked alongside the 1956 Chrysler Imperial, don’t forget to explore the license plates collected from all over the world.
However, remember that this is a small, private facility without regular staff so you will need to schedule an appointment in advance for admission.
Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum
Address: 476 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum
Opening hours: By appointment
Price: Free
Chill indoors in Columbus
Columbus dishes up a pleasing array of tourist attractions, culinary delights, arts and culture as well as entertainment for all kinds of travellers. Plan your next getaway without worrying about the weather as we have put together a list of fun things to do indoors. Add these activities to your vacation schedule and be prepared to return home with a ton of amazing memories.
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