Rediscovering My Home State’s Capital City: A Weekend in Columbus, Ohio

Although I no longer live in Ohio, it’s where I was born and raised and where my children were born. After years away, I returned to Columbus with my daughter to rediscover the capital through a fresh perspective. As a travel writer who loves revisiting meaningful places, I hope to inspire travelers, families and former Ohioans to experience Columbus’s vibrant neighborhoods, thriving food scene and remarkable transformation.

Key Highlights

• Revisiting Columbus as a Family: How top attractions like COSI and the Columbus Zoo remain deeply engaging for teenagers and adults.
• Where to Stay: Why The Junto Hotel is an ideal home base, featuring family packages, gear rentals and a location right across from COSI.
• Top Summer Highlights: Must-see seasonal spots, including Zoombezi Bay waterpark, Franklin Park Conservatory and the historic Ohio Theatre.
• Eat, Drink and Explore The Junto: Where to dine and explore, from a walk-up poutine window to rooftop views and Franklinton’s monthly art festivals.

Editor’s note: The writer was hosted.

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Where to Stay in Columbus

Address: 77 Belle St, Columbus, OH| Telephone: +1-614-607-6700

Located directly across the street from COSI on the newly transformed Scioto Peninsula, The Junto is a modern boutique hotel opened in 2023. Built around the spirit of curiosity, connection and community, it sits just west of downtown in a buzzing neighborhood filled with green spaces, restaurants and vibrant energy.

• Prime Location Across from COSI: Positioned directly across the street from COSI, offering zero-friction access to one of the city’s top attractions for a fun day out.
• A Transformed, Buzzing Neighborhood: Set in a newly developed area where you can easily step outside to explore local restaurants, green spaces and a lively atmosphere.
• Logistics & Downtown Access: Located just across the Scioto River and a little west of downtown, keeping you smoothly connected to the broader city while serving as an ideal home base.
• Family-Friendly Perks: Offers tailored options like custom bunk rooms, kid-friendly dining packages and a Gear Garage with bikes and equipment to explore the riverfront together.

The Best Summer Activities in Columbus

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Address: 4850 W Powell Rd. Powell, OH| Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Why Go: Rediscover classic family magic at any age, featuring engaging, hands-on animal interactions that captivate teenagers just as much as young children.
• What Not to Miss: Touch stingrays at the aquarium, watch elephants enjoy a pedicure, a fun experience that happens randomly, so you’ll have to get lucky or add on special experiences like helping staff bathe an elephant.
• Visit the zoo’s newest baby elephant, Rita Jean, born in July 2025; watch the daily giraffe feeding; Or get up close to kangaroos as they roam freely around you during the zoo’s Kangaroo Walkabout.
• Itinerary Advice: On hotter days, start your visit early, when the animals are more active and less likely to seek shade or shelter from the heat.
• Logistics: Plan a full day and arrive before the 9 a.m. opening. Paid parking is available in the shared zoo and waterpark lot. Expect summer crowds or skip the traffic with rideshare or COTA’s seasonal Zoo Bus from downtown Columbus.

Zoombezi Bay

Address: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH| Hours: Generally 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., hours vary by month

• Why Go: Zoombezi Bay is a refreshing escape from Ohio’s summer heat and humidity, with plenty of fun for the whole family.
• What Not to Miss: Start with the Wild Tides Wave Pool, then grab an inner tube and unwind on the Roaring Rapids Action River; it’s actually much more relaxing than the name suggests.
• Itinerary Advice: Plan to spend most of the day here so you have time to enjoy both the high-energy attractions and the more laid-back options. Some of the popular rides may have long wait times.
• Logistics: Zoombezi Bay is located next to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, making it easy to combine attractions in one outing. Waterpark tickets grant access to the zoo but not the other way around. The zoo opens earlier; start there first.

SheBuysTravel Tip: A yearly membership to either of these more than pays for itself if you visit two or more times and includes parking. If you live in Franklin County, you can even get an additional discount.

The Columbus Museum of Art

Address: 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH| Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday

• Why Go: The Columbus Museum of Art offers an inspiring experience for visitors of all ages, blending beautiful historic architecture with engaging art experiences.
• What Not to Miss: Explore the museum’s collection of 20th-century American Modernism, European art and local works, plus rotating exhibitions. Kids can get creative at the JPMorgan Chase Center for Creativity, while the historic building itself is worth admiring.
• Itinerary Advice: Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to wander the galleries, an especially meaningful stop for families and aspiring young artists.
• Logistics: Paid parking is available, with discounted rates through validation at the museum store or café. Admission is free on Sundays and daily for visitors 25 and under. COTA also stops right at the museum for an easy, car-free option.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Address: 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH| Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Why Go: It’s a little ironic that we traveled to Columbus to see Chihuly’s glasswork at Franklin Park Conservatory, now that we live near Tacoma, his hometown. Still, the conservatory is a Columbus favorite, with exotic plants, beautiful architecture and vibrant glass art.
• What Not to Miss: Explore the diverse biomes, admire the historic glass greenhouses and keep an eye out for Chihuly’s colorful glass installations, which range from bold, dramatic displays to playful pieces tucked among the plants.
• Itinerary Advice: After exploring indoors, don’t miss the beautiful outdoor gardens. Also check the calendar for seasonal exhibits like Blooms & Butterflies. When my kids were little, we loved watching hundreds of butterflies flutter freely through the conservatory, often landing right on us.
• Logistics: The conservatory has a large, free parking lot and multiple COTA bus routes make it easy to get there throughout the day.

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Address: 300 W Broad St, Columbus, OH| Hours: Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Why Go: The National Veterans Memorial and Museum is a moving tribute to those who have served and a new experience for us, offering a thoughtful look at the personal stories, sacrifices and experiences of veterans from every branch of the military.
• What Not to Miss: Explore the museum’s 14 timeline exhibits, which bring the life of a service member into focus through personal stories, artifacts, poignant letters and other items from those who served. Especially meaningful if you have a veteran of your own, like us.
• Itinerary Advice: Plan on spending 2–3 hours exploring the museum’s circular building, permanent exhibits and temporary exhibitions. Be sure to make your way to the rooftop amphitheater, where you’ll find beautiful views of the city.
• Logistics: Multiple COTA routes and public parking make the museum easy to reach. Discounted parking available with museum ticket purchase. It’s also walkable from downtown attractions. Veterans, active-duty service members and Gold Star families receive free admission and parking with valid ID.

The Ohio Theatre

Address: 39 E State St, Columbus, OH| Hours: Check the schedule for upcoming performances and events.

• Why Go: The historic theater hosts a variety of performing arts events and performances. We visited during CAPA’s Summer Movie Series to see the classic black-and-white film Roman Holiday on the big screen.
• What Not to Miss: Catch a classic film or any number of plays or stage events, but don’t miss the theater itself. We loved taking in every ornate detail; there’s something special about simply being inside this beautifully preserved historic theater.
• Itinerary Advice: Check the theater’s schedule ahead of time for tickets and seasonal events, as popular performances and screenings can sell out quickly.
• Logistics: Arrive early to find your seats and admire the theater before the event. There’s no on-site parking, but nearby garages and street parking are available. The theater is highly walkable from downtown and COTA stops right next to it.

COSI (Center of Science and Industry)

Address: 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH| Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Why Go: COSI is a must-visit for families, with hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences that make science fun for every age. It was one of our regular outings when the kids were little and it’s just as fun today.
• What Not to Miss: Explore dinosaurs, gadgets, VR simulators and the planetarium, then test your balance on the high-wire unicycle. Don’t miss Progress, one of our favorites, for a fascinating look at how technology has evolved.
• Itinerary Advice: Plan to spend several hours here. With rotating special exhibits and so many interactive experiences, there’s plenty to keep everyone engaged.
• Logistics: COSI doesn’t have dedicated parking, but several public garages are nearby, with parking validation available for a discounted rate. The COTA bus line also stops right at the museum, making it easy to reach by public transportation.

Franklinton Fridays

Address: Franklinton Arts District| Hours: Held year-round, second Friday of each month from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

• Why Go: This free monthly arts event is a great way to experience Columbus’s creative side while seeing how the city’s Franklinton neighborhood has evolved.
• What Not to Miss: Explore the gallery openings, artist demonstrations, live music and studios that give the district its unique character.
• Itinerary Advice: Plan to spend an evening wandering between galleries and creative spaces as the area comes alive with local food trucks, breweries, restaurants and unique markets.
• Logistics: There’s plenty of public and street parking and some larger venues offer dedicated spaces, but arrive early if you want to park close by.

Jazz & Rib Fest

Address: 233 S. Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH| Hours: Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

• Why Go: This free summer festival brings live music, barbecue and plenty of energy to the Scioto Mile along the Scioto River, for a fun way to experience downtown Columbus.
• What Not to Miss: Enjoy the live music, delicious barbecue and lively atmosphere along the downtown riverfront.
• Itinerary Advice: Plan to spend an afternoon or evening exploring the festival and the surrounding Scioto Mile. It’s also easy to pair with other downtown attractions.
• Logistics: The festival takes place each July at West Bank Park and Bicentennial Park along the Scioto Mile. Public parking is available throughout downtown and the festival area is highly walkable from downtown. Check the schedule for dates and performers.

SheBuysTravel Tip: The Junto is an ideal home base, perfectly positioned in the Franklinton District for Franklinton Fridays, just moments away from the river where the Jazz & Rib Fest is held, steps from COSI and the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.

Eat At The Junto

• Maudine’s: Our favorite on-site Junto stop for coffee, pastries and breakfast burritos. Linger inside or take your coffee to the cozy outdoor patio or adjacent green space .
• The Trade Room: This lobby bar is perfect for coffee and breakfast from Maudine’s, then transitions to cocktails and light bites later in the day.
• Little West Tavern: A convenient spot for lunch and dinner, with memorable hearth-grilled street corn . Don’t miss the poutine window in Little West Alley behind the hotel.

• Brass Eye: A standout at The Junto, this lively rooftop bar blends a speakeasy-inspired atmosphere with incredible city views . Enjoy cocktails, light bites, heartier dishes and dessert, perfect for meeting up with friends before dinner at Little West.

FAQs

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