Home to a world-class contemporary arts venue, a renowned zoo and the nation's second largest university, Ohio’s capital city of Columbus offers more than just Midwestern friendliness. Because of the expansive student population, it’s easy to make the most of this booming college town without breaking the bank. Explore its many charming, walkable neighborhoods and lovely public parks at this family-friendly destination.
COLUMBUS ATTRACTIONS
Before he was taming wild animals on late-night television, zoologist Jack Hanna put the Columbus Zoo on the map. Home to more than 9,000 animals, a 22-acre water park, an 18-hole golf course and a stunning aquarium, it’s no surprise that so many families flock here each year. After paling around with the animals, blast off on a virtual trip through the universe at COSI, the Center of Science and Industry. With more than 300 hands-on exhibits and a 60-foot planetarium to explore, it’s no wonder Parents Magazine rated it the No. 1 science center in the U.S. Pedal or walk the downtown Scioto Mile with its 15,000-square-foot fountain and 35-foot climbing wall—the largest free outdoor climbing wall in the country. Work up an appetite for food and culture at the Short North Art District, brimming with unique restaurants, boutique shopping, gallery exhibits and plenty of people watching.
COLUMBUS WEATHER
Columbus offers distinct seasons—from April showers and May flowers to steamy summers and vibrantly colored, crisp autumns to chilly winters that average 28 inches of snow. Without a dry season, it’s always smart to pack an umbrella, with an average annual rainfall of 37 inches that’s evenly distributed over the year. Unlike its sister city of Cleveland, Columbus rarely experiences the biting lake effect that coats Cleveland in snow every winter. To feel the sun's warmth on your shoulders without summer's stickiness, consider a visit in May or September to avoid the summer temps that stretch into the 80s.
GREATER COLUMBUS INDUSTRIES
This capital city is on the verge of a tourism renaissance, drawing more than 37 million people each year to make up an $8 billion tourism industry. With the world's largest private research and development foundation, Battelle Memorial Institute and Ohio State University as two of the largest employers, modern Columbus has emerged as a technologically advanced city, with a growing list of big-name retailer national headquarters such as Abercrombie and Fitch and the Limited, attracting people from all over the country.
COLUMBUS TRANSPORTATION
Located in the sweet spot of the country, the Columbus Region is just a day’s drive or a one-hour flight within nearly half the population of the U.S. and Canada—making it easier than ever to connect for business or pleasure. Fly into Port Columbus International Airport or drive into the city via Interstate 70 or 71. Columbus has all the perks of a larger city, but is manageable enough to get around easily. Whether you drive, bike or ride, take advantage of the city’s extensive system of bike trails, network of taxis and the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) bus system that whisks you away to any destination throughout Central Ohio.