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18 Things to Do On a Cold Day in Columbus
Winter is coming and it's bringing plenty of frigid days to Columbus! Instead of snuggling up in front of the fireplace—we encourage you to get out and explore our amazing community this season.
We've curated a list of the best things to do on a cold day in the Columbus area. Whether you're looking to spend the day outside in the snow or cozied up inside learning a new skill—we've got a little something for everyone on our list. Stay warm!
Get Wild at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Escape the cold with the help of some furry (and some not-so-furry) friends at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium! With over 580 acres of exhibits and guest amenities, your kids will have a hard time running out of things to do. See animals from all over the world up close, spin around on the carousel, experience the 4-D Theater, or have a blast at one of their many events. Admission is just $21.99 for individuals ages 10-59, $16.99 for kids ages 3-9, $16.99 for guests 60 years and older, and free for kids 2 and under. Residents of Franklin County receive discounts off admission. And don't forget to stop by the Congo River Market Food Court to fuel up during your adventure!
Go Ice Skating
When the local ponds freeze over, Ohio locals don their skates, grab their mittens and hit the ice for a winter adventure. Ice skating is a fan favorite around the holidays and during these colder months, and luckily, the Columbus area has its share of pristine ice rinks just waiting to be carved. For some inside fun and to escape a bit of the cold, head to a Chiller Ice Rinks location in Easton, Lewis Center, Dublin or downtown.
Warm Up With a Hot Chocolate at Roosevelt Coffeehouse
Is there anything better than a cup of coffee or hot chocolate on a chilly day? To get your warm beverage fix, head to a Roosevelt Coffeehouse location and cozy up with a cup of the good stuff—just don't forget the whipped cream! As an added bonus, each item purchased at Roosevelt goes towards supporting organizations that are dedicated to providing clean water, fighting hunger and ending human trafficking.
Learn Something New at COSI
This winter, learn something new (and keep warm!) at one of Columbus' most famous attractions: Center of Science and Industry or COSI. Officially opened in 1964, COSI inspires interest in science, technology, engineering and math topics through a special "hands-on fun" brand of learning. All across their 320,000-square-foot facility, they bring science to life through 300+ interactive experiences and exhibits. Go stargazing in the Planetarium, interact with dinosaurs in the Dinosaur Gallery, or take a ride on the High Wire Unicycle which flies 17 feet above the ground!
See a Show at the Ohio Theatre
A tried and true Columbus institution, the Columbus Theatre is a great spot to escape the elements this winter. They host a variety of unique performances all year long—including popular artists, comedians, independent film showings and more. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the building a work of art in itself, featuring Spanish-Baroque architecture with breathtaking details, that will definitely distract you from the ugly weather outside!
Take a Cooking Class at The Seasoned Farmhouse
No matter what time of year it is, cooking is always a great skill to have. Whether you want to learn how to impress guests at a dinner party or are just looking to spice up your daily meals—the Seasoned Farmhouse has a class for you! Learn how to make vanilla extract, how to make the perfect soup and even learn some basic knife skills. All you have to do is sign up for a class on their website and you'll be whipping up delicious dishes in no time!View this post on Instagram
Go Sledding
The lighter side to a winter storm is the fun activities that come with it—snowshoeing, snowball fights, skiing, oh my! But while we love throwing a snowball as much as anyone, our favorite activity by far is sledding. In the Columbus area, we are graced with a large number of hills that, when coated with just the right amount of snow, are perfect for slipping, sliding and racing. A few of our favorite spots include Scioto Park, Antrim Park, Griggs Reservoir, Sharon Woods and Blacklick Metro Park.
Play a Round of Duckpin Bowling at Pins Mechanical Co.
Craft beer, ping pong, pinball, bowling, giant Jenga and more—Pins Mechanical Co. is the adult playground you never knew you needed! Explore both of their locations in the Columbus area this season and be sure to keep an eye out for the largest ping pong paddle in the world, which measures a whopping 11.5 feet and is hanging on a wall in their North 4th Street Location.
Explore North Market
Since 1876, the centrally located North Market has served Columbus residents—which makes it the most seasoned market in the area. The vendors (be they candy makers, fishermen, bakers or farmers) strive to promote the diversity and vibrancy of our Ohio community, serving only the best in locally produced products. They are open year-round and feature everything from ethnic foods to gourmet groceries and unique gifts.
Make Your Own Candle
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You can never go wrong with a good candle. The Candle Lab sells pre-poured natural soy candles in more than 100 fragrances, but they also invite you to customize your scent. One of their Scent Stylists can help you narrow down your list to just a few scents that blend perfectly together. Then, you'll design your own label, pick your favorite jar and mix your oils at the Fragrance Bar. They have locations all over the Columbus area, so visit their website to find one near you!
See the Stars at Perkins Observatory
Founded in 1923, the Perkins Observatory is a research facility used by the faculty and students of Ohio Wesleyan University. But while it's mostly used for scientific purposes, they also offer plenty of public programs where you can learn a little bit about astronomy and Ohio history. Plus you get a chance to look at the stars through the telescope. Click here for a full list of upcoming programs.
Get Lost in a Book at the Book Loft
There's nothing better than getting lost in a book on a cold day. The Book Loft is one of the nation's largest independent bookstores and is made up of a grouping of pre-Civil War era buildings that were once general stores, a saloon and a Nickelodeon cinema. The 32 rooms of bargain-priced books are bound to make you forget about the outside world for just a bit.
Eat Comfort Food at One of Our Favorite Restaurants
Winter is a time for comfort food and luckily, there are plenty of spots to get it right here! Get fluffy pancakes at Nancy's Home Cooking, massive slices of pizza from Mikey's Late Night Slice or tacos from Condado Tacos—because there's no shortage of great food in Columbus.
Check out The 10 Best Late Night Restaurants in Columbus or No Reservations Required: 10 Incredible Walk-In Only Restaurants in Columbus for more dining inspiration!
Play a Game at Kingmakers Board Game Parlour
Photo courtesy of Kingmakers Board Game Parlour
For a more relaxing experience, head over to Kingmakers where you can grab a beer and spend the day playing a game from their extensive library of board games! At this eclectic parlor, you can play anything from the Monopoly to the new classic Ticket to Ride all while enjoying a glass of wine, locally brewed beer and a snack. Not sure where to start? Their board game sommeliers are happy to help you find the perfect game!
Go Plant Shopping at Stump Plants
Just because it's looking cold and dreary outside, that doesn't mean you can't add a little bit of spring to your home! According to Stump owners Emily Brown and Brian Kellet, there's no such thing as a black thumb. At their minimalist plant boutiques in Columbus, Philadelphia and Cleveland, you can pick up a plant and learn exactly how to take care of it with the help of their friendly and knowledgeable staff. Every plant they sell is of the highest quality and comes with a sustainably made pot—from classic terracotta to custom, artist-made planters.
Get Crafty at Midwest Makery
Midwest Makery is an exciting place where you can get creative, learn a new craft and make something truly one-of-a-kind—all while meeting new people! They offer fun classes for all ages and skill levels, and they provide the materials, direction and the clean-up so you can sit back and enjoy the creative experience. Their class schedule varies by season, but they usually offer instruction on sewing and felting, and even workshops around fabric and wood painting!
Take a Tour of the Ohio Statehouse
The Ohio Statehouse is our state capitol building and is truly a magnificent sight to behold! Unlike many of the other states' capitol buildings, the Ohio Statehouse didn't take inspiration from the United States Capitol because it was actually designed and built before the glorious building in D.C. was ever erected. Instead, it was built in the Greek Revival Style, with many features drawing inspiration from the Tholos of Delphi and the Parthenon of Athens. You can tour our historic capitol building for free—Monday through Friday every hour on the hour, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
See a Movie at the Drexel Theatre
Photo courtesy of Brad Feinknopf via the Drexel Theatre
For generations, the Drexel Theatre has been Columbus' favorite destination for independent films and the best of Hollywood's mainstream releases. Nestled in downtown Bexley, this Art Deco theater is the perfect spot to spend a day. They also offer a wide variety of special events—including a Casablanca Night, a Holiday Film Series, the Shock Around the Clock Horror Marathon, and a Sci-Fi Marathon—all year long so be sure to check out their calendar to see what is coming up this season!
Brrrr!
What do you like to do in Columbus when it's cold outside? Let us know in the comments!
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