Want to make the most out of living in Columbus? Take a look at these tips from our guide:

  1. Festivals: Columbus has so many festivals and a lot are free! Check out this guide for details on how to plan your year!
  2. Metro Parks: Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks features 20 outstanding natural area parks with more than 230 miles of trails and over 28,700 acres of land in seven central Ohio counties. Click here for locations and information.
  3. Libraries: Columbus Metropolitan Library includes 23 locations in Franklin County. Free tools and resources, author talks, career fairs, meeting rooms, digital content, and book events are at your fingertips.
  4. Food Scene: This is an obvious one, but our food scene is incredible and diverse. If you want the latest on what’s happening with new restaurants and where to go, we have resources linked here: Tasting Columbus, Experience Columbus, and Columbus Underground.
  5. Theatre: We have Broadway shows come to us here in the city! How cool is that? For 2025’s schedule, click here!
  6. Sports: We have so many sports to support right here in the city. Not only do we have Ohio State sports (36 Division I teams), but we have an NHL team- Columbus Blue Jackets, a PVF team that had its first season in 2024- Columbus Fury, an MLS team- Columbus Crew, and an MiLB team- Columbus Clippers.
  7. Plant Shops and Nurseries: Columbus has a green thumb! We have so many places to get plants as well as visit lush green environments. Greenhouses, nurseries, and gift centers- our city is abundant in nature you can keep in your very own home. Check out this guide for some of the top-rated shops around!
  8. Antique Stores: We have so many shops to add character to our home and wardrobe. Columbus is FULL of vintage and antique shopping. Click here for a list of Columbus and Central Ohio’s greatest shops.
  9. Housing Market: You didn’t think we would forget to include our real estate market, did you? Columbus’ Housing Market is strong and healthy! It offers an ideal balance for both buyers and sellers and continues to increase in value! Want a neighborhood guide or home estimate? Click here.
  10. Malls and Shopping Scene: We are spoiled with abundant shopping options- from outlets to traditional malls to local boutiques. We have quite the shopping scene here in Columbus. Just to name a few we have Tanger Outlets, Polaris Fashion Place, Easton Town Center, and Short North shops.
  11. Museums: Art, science, and natural history are just a fraction of what museums Columbus provides its residents. There are plenty of options that are free, but all are well worth your time and money. For a current list of what museums are available in Columbus, click here.
  12. Rooftop Bars/Restaurants: Experiencing a city is experiencing amazing atmospheres and beverages with skyline views. When you travel, don’t you look for the most magical spots? Why not look in your backyard? View a list of rooftop wonders here.
  13. Suburb Community Culture: Whether it’s First Friday or Fourth Friday or anything in between, each suburb in the Columbus area finds ways to congregate and celebrate community. To find out what your area does, check out their Main Street page and participate in the fruit of the labor our public servants put forth every month!
  14. Recreational Sports: Our Parks and Rec department is phenomenal with the league options they provide for people of all ages to enter the sports world. We also have places like Flannigan’s, Woodlands, YMCAs, and sports clubs that can offer even more programs! We are surrounded by opportunity to be active and fall in love with sports, classes, and trying something new!
  15. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: Our outstanding zoo has been around since 1927, and is “a destination inspiring the appreciation and conservation of many of the earth’s most amazing animals”. Our zoo is accredited by 4 different organizations and certified by American Humane. When you visit, not only do you support a fantastic mission, but you get to see wildlife, ride rides, go on tours and interactive experiences, and enjoy a waterpark at the connected Zoombezi Bay!
  16. Book Loft and Local Bookstores: If you haven’t gone, this is the year you go visit the bookstore with 32 rooms, and all the other local bookstores while you’re at it! The Book Loft is something to be experienced. It’s lower than sticker price, has a wonderful merch and gift selection, and is full of whimsy.
  17. Conventions at the Greater Columbus Convention Center: There’s so many conventions and events held here. From Comic-Cons to Tournaments and Competitions, there’s a lot scheduled for 2025 at our convention center!
  18. Volunteering Opportunities: Living in a city also provides ample experiences for volunteers! Especially if giving back to your community is on your 2025 resolution list, there’s plenty of ways to support local causes. For a great list of ideas on how to contribute and where to spend your time, click here.
  19. Cooking Classes: Looking to make your 2025 more delicious? Columbus boasts many cooking classes available at different locations. Whether it’s to learn for yourself, serve as a date night, or getting a group together for an activity, cooking classes in the Columbus area are in stock and highly recommended.
  20. Candle-Making Workshops: Candle-making is another experience Columbus offers- and at multiple local shops. Some top shops include: Worthington Candle Works, The Candle Booth, Vella & Co. Candle Studio, Studio 614, Penn & Beech Candle Co., Blend Candle Co., and The Chandler.
  21. Farmers Markets: Not every city or town gets a Farmer’s Market, but there are SEVERAL in the Columbus-area. We have so many options every Saturday from roughly May through October to visit our choice of Farmers Market.
  22. Ohio State Fair: Attracting people far and wide is our Ohio State Fair. We have all the makings of any fair, just grander. Live music, attractions, rides, animals, art exhibits, fair food, and more!
  23. Canoeing and Kayaking: One of the many wonderful things about Columbus is how it balances nature and city. With our accessibility to rivers, we have a refreshing water activity with incredible views. Click this guide for the best places to go kayaking and canoeing in the area.
  24. Columbus Ale Trail: One of the best ways to explore your own city is a trail. The Columbus Ale Trail consists of dozens of unique craft breweries. Pick up your FREE Columbus Ale Trail passport at any participating Franklin County brewery and collect brewery stamps to earn merch.
  25. Coffee Trail: If malty brews aren’t your thing, maybe coffee brews are more your speed. The Columbus Coffee Trail features over 25+ stops and you can earn things like t-shirts, insulated mugs, and a coffee press! What a fantastic way to get to know your hometown and find your perfect cup of coffee.

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