Fun Things to Do in Columbus on a Weekend

By the time it’s Friday, grinding through tasks and deadlines already sucks your soul. After a long week of hitting keyboards and sending emails, planning a fun weekend might seem like another chore.

But if you’re in Columbus, the weekend is always in your favor. This city ensures you’ll never run out of exciting and relaxing activities to melt away all that stress.

We’ve compiled a list of Columbus weekend activities to make your planning a breeze. So, here are some good ideas to make this weekend a no-brainer. Just relax and prepare to explore Columbus like never before through our list of weekend activities.

Ale Trail

If you’re a craft beer fan, Columbus is a city you can’t afford to overlook. The beer flavors in Columbus consistently refresh with new flavors and experiences. The only way to have the most of the craft beer scene is to go on the Columbus Ale Trail.

Participating in the Ale Trail is simple. Start by picking up a free Columbus Ale Trail Book at any participating brewery. This booklet is your guide and passport to over 50 craft breweries scattered around Columbus and central Ohio. As you visit each brewery, collect stamps in your book. Accumulating these stamps marks your progress and can earn you free goodies.

As for where to go, Columbus will spoil you with choices. Hoof Hearted Brewery offers some of the city’s most audacious and boldly flavored beers.

Seventh Son Brewing impresses with its consistently excellent selection of ales, and its Assistant Manager IPA is a must-try. Wolf’s Ridge Brewing is a brewing powerhouse where you can pair award-winning beers like the Dire Wolf Imperial Stout with expertly crafted dishes.

Read More: What do you get in food tours in Columbus, Ohio?

Zoombezi Bay Waterpark

When the summer heat hits Columbus, there’s no better place to cool off and amp up the excitement than Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. Here, you can enjoy high-energy water slides and attractions catering to thrill-seekers and families. The Zoombezi Bay Waterpark is part of the larger Columbus Zoo and Aquarium complex. Its location makes it a unique destination where wild encounters meet aquatic adventures.

Beating the crowds can give you more time to enjoy all the adventures in Columbus, Ohio, at this waterpark without long waits. Also, sunscreen, swimwear, a change of clothes, and water shoes are must-haves.

Gourmet Eating at Home with CookinGenie

A table set up with delicious food on the dinner table can never go wrong. And it only gets better when you don’t have to cook that food. With CookinGenie, you can make that happen effortlessly. CookinGenie is an online platform through which you can hire personal chefs in Columbus, Ohio.

You can choose a chef from their app or website. They have a diverse selection of chefs who specialize in cooking dishes from around the world.

What makes this service exceed expectations is that the chef order includes grocery shopping and kitchen clean-up after cooking. The chefs also consider your dietary restrictions and taste preferences while crafting the perfect menu for you.

Also the, grocery shopping ensures that your food is prepared with the freshest ingredients that are cooked to make healthy food in Columbus, Ohio.

Ohio Stadium and Football Games

When you’re talking football, few places can match the electrifying atmosphere of Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes might be a team for the opponents, but for Columbians, they’re a community institution backed by decades of tradition and passionate fans.

You will witness the energy and passion for football on game days. These are the hours when fans gather together to look like a sea of scarlet and gray to cheer for their team.

To boost the spirit, Ohio State University Marching Band practices the iconic tradition ‘Script Ohio.’ In this tradition, the band spells out ‘Ohio’ on the field with a sousaphone player dotting the ‘i’.

 Olentangy Indian Caverns

 Olentangy Indian Caverns is where you should be if you want exploration and entertainment in one place. It’s quite famous for guided tours, where you’ll learn about the history of ancient rock formations.

The Olentangy Indian Caverns also feature various family-friendly Columbus weekend activities extending beyond the underground paths. For younger explorers, kids can interact with farm animals, fostering curiosity and compassion.

Discover the Magic of Otherworld

If you’re looking for unique Columbus activities this weekend, Otherworld is a must-see. It’s not just a place to look at art—it’s a place to experience, engage with, and even become part of it. Otherworld is an experience in Columbus that truly defies the ordinary. Over 40 artists collaborated to turn fantasy into reality.

What makes Otherworld fantastic is its appeal to all ages. For kids, Otherworld has these hands-on play areas where they can learn interactively through exhibits. Adults can amuse themselves by understanding the science behind technology.

Otherworld offers Columbus activities this weekend with which families can connect, friends can laugh, and individuals of any age can feel a sense of wonder and discovery.

Discover German Village

Once home to German settlers, this neighborhood boasts beautifully restored brick houses and quaint cobbled streets- an experience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Start your visit with a bite to eat at one of the local German restaurants. Explore traditional dishes like bratwurst, schnitzel, or pretzels. This experience becomes better when you wash down the delicacies with German craft beer.

Of course, the German Village is rich in history but even more decadent for a shopping expedition. You’ll find everything from handmade crafts to antique treasures. If you’re a visitor, you’ll easily find Columbus experience gifts and souvenirs for friends and family.

The Book Loft is a quaint bookstore in the German Village, and exploring their book collection is one of the best Columbus activities this weekend for avid readers.

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to take a mini-world tour. At this zoo, you can meet hundreds of animals from all corners of the globe.

The zoo has animals from deep jungles, the icy Arctic, and vast savannas. You can feed giraffes, watch mighty tigers, and learn about their origins.

It’s fun and exciting to see the animals up close, and each exhibit tells you stories about them, making you feel like you’re right there in their natural habitats.

Have a Fun Weekend!

As the weekend winds down, taking the time to recharge becomes essential. Living in Columbus offers many activities to enjoy your days off and to do in style. So try out these Columbus weekend activities and make the most of your weekends.