Why Winter's Better In Columbus: Beat The Blues With These Local Picks

Winter may be here, but the fun doesn’t slow down in Columbus. From family outings to seasonal events and easy day trips, there’s plenty around town to keep your calendar full. Just remember to double-check hours, weather updates and ticket details before heading out. And if you want even more local winter ideas, keep scrolling — you’ll find a way to get personalized suggestions based on what you love to do.

OhioHealth Ice Haus — Indoor Ice Skating Rink

Address: 200 West Nationwide Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 246-3380
Details: For some classic winter fun, OhioHealth Ice Haus offers public skating sessions alongside hockey programs, skating classes and freestyle ice time. The rink is home to community skaters as well as organized leagues, making it a reliable option whether you’re dropping in or skating regularly. Public skate times and specialty sessions rotate throughout the week, so it’s best to check the online schedule before you go.

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

Address: 333 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 228-2674
Details: COSI fills a full day with hands-on science exhibits that encourage visitors to explore, build and experiment at their own pace. Interactive galleries span topics like space, energy, biology and technology, with live demonstrations and rotating exhibits adding variety throughout the year. You can purchase advance tickets online, with discounts available for members and those in participating programs.

Scene75 — Indoor Entertainment Center

Address: 5033 Tuttle Crossing Boulevard, Dublin, OH 43016
Phone: (614) 495-8660
Details: Scene75’s Columbus location packs dozens of indoor attractions into one massive entertainment space, making it easy to stay busy without worrying about the weather. Go-karts, arcade games, rides and interactive challenges allow groups to move freely between activities rather than commit to just one. Attraction availability, passes and hours can all be found on the Scene75 website.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Address: 777 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43203
Phone: (614) 715-8000
Details: Franklin Park Conservatory offers a warm, colorful escape during winter months, with indoor gardens, seasonal exhibitions and rotating art installations. The conservatory’s glasshouses allow visitors to wander through plant collections from around the world, regardless of the weather outside. Check the conservatory calendar for the most up-to-date hours and special events.

Otherworld — Immersive Art Museum

Address: 5819 Chantry Drive, Columbus, OH 43232
Phone: (614) 808-6433
Details: Otherworld’s Columbus location blends large-scale art, interactive installations and surreal environments into a unique walk-through experience. Visitors can explore rooms filled with sound, light and tactile elements, encouraging curiosity, repeat visits and plenty of photos (no flash, please). Timed entry tickets and planning details are available on the website.

Land-Grant Brewing Company

Address: 424 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 427-3946
Details: Land-Grant Brewing Company offers a relaxed place to spend an afternoon or evening, with house-brewed beers served in a spacious taproom. Rotating releases and seasonal pours keep the menu fresh, while the laid-back atmosphere encourages lingering rather than rushing through a visit. For even more fun, stop by one of the brewery’s special event days, whether it’s music trivia night, competitive card games or even crafting sessions.

Skate Zone 71 — Roller Skating Rink & Arcade

Address: 4900 Evanswood Drive, Columbus, OH 43229
Phone: (614) 846-5626
Details: Skate Zone 71 keeps classic indoor roller skating front and center with scheduled public sessions throughout the week. But beyond the rink, visitors can mix in laser tag, arcade games and time at the on-site café. Keep an eye on the Skate Zone 71 calendar for the most up-to-date hours, promotions and special events.

Ohio Expo Center

Address: 717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
Phone: (888) 646-3976
Details: The Ohio Expo Center hosts a wide range of events year-round, from trade shows and expos to seasonal festivals and large-scale gatherings. With indoor facilities and flexible event spaces, it’s a dependable option for winter outings when outdoor events slow down. A full list of upcoming events is available on the Expo Center’s events calendar.

Want ideas that fit your family and your budget? Enter your ZIP code and preferences — kid-friendly, outdoor, educational and more — for winter getaway recommendations made for you.

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