Top Picks for Indoor Activities in Columbus, OH

The thriving city of Columbus, Ohio, is rich in world-famous attractions and community-based activities, offering things to do for everyone to enjoy. Columbus’s innovative ambiance cultivates a welcoming environment, providing various activities for families, couples, and singles to indulge in.

While you can always count on Columbus’s activities to be enjoyable, you can’t always count on the city’s weather. Due to the Midwest’s varying weather patterns, you may need to switch your plans to accommodate the conditions. This doesn’t mean the fun has to end. Heading indoors simply emphasizes the city’s ever-changing diversification of experiences.

Top Picks for Indoor Activities in Columbus, OH

10 Best Indoor Activities in Columbus

Come rain or shine, hot or cold, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best picks for indoor activities in Columbus. Choose from the following list of ticketed, free, and always-inclusive activities in the city’s heart.

Fun Indoor Activities in Columbus, Ohio 

The Escape Game Columbus 

Starting off strong, we have The Escape Game at Easton Town Center. With a five-star rating and award-winning escape rooms, The Escape Game offers six thrilling rooms with varying difficulties to challenge your creativity and cognitive skills. With themed rooms such as the “Playground” and “Gold Rush,” this activity suits families of all ages. Are you craving an adrenaline-boosting parents’ night out? Opt for the “Prison Break” or “The Heist” escape rooms geared toward more mature players.

Plan to spend 1-2 hours at the Escape Game and then head to the Easton Town Center to grab a bite to eat and a nightcap for a perfect night out.

Price: $37.99 per person

Parking: Free parking is available around the Easton Town Center—Park on the center’s south side to get as close to the facility as possible.

Pottery and Painting Classes

 Are you looking to tap into your artistic abilities? You’re in luck! Columbus offers several pottery and painting classes. Noted as “the best art classes” in the city by previous students’, this crafty experience suits all ages, groups, and skill levels. Learn to craft your own sculpture, create a mosaic, or hydro-dip your canvas. These classes allow you to unlock and develop the creativity within, fully immersing yourself in the beauty of the arts. Whether you’re booking as an individual or for a large group, securing a spot well in advance is recommended.

 Price: $25 – $81 per person, dependent on class type

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

 Consider the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for an evening immersed in nature. The gardens feature indoor and outdoor exhibits, and educational programming allows visitors to admire the amazing plant life found throughout the various gardens and greenhouses. Seasonal exhibits and events, including fall-related themes like harvest blooms, are also waiting to be enjoyed. End the day with a quick stop by the Garden Cafe or the Botanica Gift Shop to take home some of the botanical bliss. Renowned for its enchanting flora and seasonal thrills, the conservatory is one of the top indoor activities in Columbus for you to check out.

 Price: $23.50 per person (general admission)

 Parking: On-site parking at the Conservatory is free.

Columbus Museum of Art 

 Encourage curiosity and grow your artistic knowledge with a trip to the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA), nestled in the heart of downtown Columbus. With a mission to “create great experiences with great art for everyone,” CMA cultivates and builds relationships among its art-loving visitors. Are you seeking indoor activities in Columbus to help you soak up some culture? Bring your friends and family to explore the breathtaking galleries, exhibits, collections, and occasional scheduled events such as yoga and preview parties.

 Price: 

Adults: $20

Seniors (60+): $10

Students (18+): $10

Non-Columbus Youth (4–17): $10

Columbus Youth Residents (4–17): Free

Sundays: Free admission

 Parking: For a flat rate of $7, you can park directly in the museum’s lot. Public transportation is also available via the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA).

 Otherworld Art Museum 

 Not to be outdone, the Otherworld Art Museum features a futuristic and experiential approach to artistry. Explore reality playgrounds, large-scale art, and interactive storytelling at this highly-rated immersive installation. Although the Otherworld Art Museum is among the many fun indoor activities in Columbus, Ohio, for all ages, an adult must accompany children under 16.

 Price: $30 per person (general admission)

 Parking: Free parking is available on-site.

 Free Indoor Activities in Columbus, Ohio 

 Now that we have explored some of Columbus’s top indoor attractions, let’s look at more activities that are just as fun—but with no admission charge.

 Polaris Fashion Place

 Can’t decide on one activity? Consider the Polaris Fashion Place. This two-level shopping mall has everything from retail shopping to dining areas to a trampoline park. The mall also offers seasonal and recurring events, such as calligraphy workshops, photography sessions, and highly anticipated Halloween festivities—so plan accordingly! This is one of Columbus’s most diverse indoor activities for individuals and families alike.

 Price: Free admission; additional costs may apply for purchases

 Parking: Polaris Fashion Palace offers general, handicapped, and valet parking.

Aquarium Adventure Columbus 

 Are you fascinated by aquatic life and all that it has to offer? Visit Aquarium Adventure for an unforgettable experience. In this retail store that doubles as an aquarium, visitors can explore the captivating world of fish, marine life, and aquatic plants. Check out the interactive touch pool brimming with saltwater creatures and hand-feed the Koi fish for just 25 cents.

 Price: Free

 Parking: Free parking is available in the shopping center’s lot.

Ohio State University Airport

 Calling all aviation enthusiasts! The Ohio State University Airport is among the most unique indoor activities in Columbus. Aiming to advance the field of aeronautical science, this airport features a historical timeline, an artwork gallery, and an observation deck to watch the airplanes take off. Whether you’re an aviation expert or looking to learn more, the Ohio State University Airport will surely expand your horizons.

 Price: Free

 Parking: Free parking is available in front of the airport’s terminal.

Ohio Statehouse 

 Exploring Columbus isn’t complete without spending time in the state’s capital. And it lives up to the hype—the Ohio Statehouse is teeming with rich history and timeless architecture. Take advantage of the free guided tours or enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at your own pace with self-guided tours. After strolling through the statehouse grounds, stop by the Capitol Cafe for a bite or the Statehouse Museum Shop for the perfect Ohio souvenir.

 Price: Free

 Parking: A convenient underground parking garage is available for visitors.

North Market Downtown 

 The North Market in downtown Columbus is where you’ll find the best goods from Ohio’s artisans, merchants, and farmers. A local favorite, this unforgettable farmer’s market experience boasts live music, authentic food, and delicious drinks. Events are also hosted occasionally, so watch for upcoming food tastings or holiday-related fun!

 Price: Free admission. Additional costs may apply for purchases.

 Parking: Convenient parking in the Vine Street Garage is available. North Market parking rates may apply.

Can’t Get Enough Fun? 

 The vibrant life in Columbus, Ohio, has so much to offer. The list of indoor activities in Columbus is endless, and if you’re eager to settle down and discover more recreational fun, check out our website for additional information to find your perfect community here in the heart of the city.