The capital of Ohio, Columbus has a cosmopolitan and charming vibe with attractions and activities for everyone. With plenty to see and do, groups can enjoy the indoors and outdoors along with dining, festivals and everything in between on their reunion.
Experiences for Everyone
Never-ending adventure and unique activities for everyone
The capital city of Ohio, Columbus is brimming with experiences for all ages. A perfect destination for a reunion group, there are a delightful variety of activities and attractions to enjoy. Groups with children can check out the brand-new, state-of-the-art sea lion habitat scheduled to open in May 2020. Located at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Adventure Cove will be home to seven sea lions and feature an amphitheater with 10 daily shows. At the Coastal Excursion, groups can have a private animal experience and a unique encounter with the coastal species of Adventure Cove. Other attractions at the zoo include the Heart of Africa habitat and the wave pool and water rides at the connected Zoombezi Bay.
A giraffe enjoys a piece of lettuce from an excited young boy’s hand at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Heart of Africa.
Groups can spend some time at the Columbus Museum of Art that offers an engaging insight into creativity and cultures. Showcasing displays and works by local American artists and classics by the likes of Picasso, Monet and Degas, browse the Museum Store for gifts and souvenirs.
Scioto Audubon Metro Park
In the heart of downtown Columbus, the Scioto Mile is 175 acres of lush parkland along the waterfront where you can walk, bicycle, kayak and paddleboard. Bringing together the best of nature and city, groups can set out on a trail leading to Scioto Audubon Metropark with a nature center and the largest free climbing wall in the country. Fun family activities in the summer include free concerts at Bicentennial Park along with fountains for children to splash about in along with a musical fountain show three times a day, every day. The Promenade features a stone colonnade with shaded swings, park benches, gardens and game tables. Other must-see attractions are Huntington Plaza with its bronze sculpted fountain and Coleman’s Pointe from where the views of downtown riverfront are very inviting.
Good Food with Great Friends
From fast-casual to fine dining, Columbus is a palatable delight
Dining in Columbus is a gourmet affair. Groups can savor a variety of cuisines together. Local favorites include farm-to-table eateries, one-of-a-kind restaurants, eclectic cafés, artisan bakeries and craft breweries. The Guild House serves creative American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner where menu highlights include seasonal soups and signature desserts. Plantain Café offers unique Cuban flavors while at Dirty Frank’s Hotdog Place, you can choose from novelty creations like Pittsburgh Princess and Columbus Crew Dog. Dessert lovers in the group can indulge at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams made from milk sourced from all-Ohio grass-fed cows and relish French pastries at Pistacia Vera. For a fun foodie experience, the Food Truck Food Court at the Columbus Commons held from April to October has and array of street eats from across the globe.
Pistacia Vera
Grownups in the group can explore the beer scene in Columbus on the Ale Trail that cover 41 outlets. The Brewer’s Row corridor in downtown Columbus is lined with 10 breweries including Seventh Son Brewing and Barley’s Brewing Company, one of the first breweries to open in the city. For hand-crafted cocktails, the Bottle Shop and Bob’s Bar are cozy watering holes with a charming flair. Those who prefer fine wines, the Wyandotte Winery offers wine tastings and free winery tours.
Fun and Festivals
Enjoy year-round festivities and seasonal celebrations
Columbus has a lively vibe that gets even more upbeat after dark. Offering plenty of nightlife fun, expect to find live music gigs and shows year-round. At the Ohio State University, the Wexner Centre for the Arts is a contemporary arts center where exhibitions, performances, films, artistic residencies and educational programs are held. There are also galleries, a film video theater, a store and a café. For some side-splitting laughs, groups can watch unique live entertainment combining comedy, rock ‘n’ roll and dance theater at Shadow Live where a full bar and bistro style eats add to the experience.
All through the year, groups can enjoy festivities in Columbus. No matter what the season, groups can catch a game of major sporting teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets and Columbus Clippers. The city also hosts the Arnold Sports Festival, which is the largest multi-sport festival in the country and the PGA Memorial Tournament. In the summer, music and arts festivals like the Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival, the Columbus Arts Festival and the Jazz & Rib Fest draw families from near and far. Other popular seasonal festivals in Columbus are Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens along with 4th of July, Christmas and New Year celebrations that have fireworks, food, activities and entertainment for all ages!
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