Last updated: 2025-05-06
Best Indoor Activities in Columbus
Columbus knows how to beat the indoor blues with an array of captivating attractions that transform rainy days into memorable adventures. From mind-bending experiences at Otherworld to laugh-out-loud comedy at the Columbus Funny Bone, the city offers something for every indoor enthusiast.
Whether you’re exploring interactive science exhibits at COSI, admiring artistic masterpieces at the Columbus Museum of Art, or stepping into immersive theater at Shadowbox Live, Central Ohio’s capital city delivers entertainment that keeps you engaged and inspired.
Discover Columbus’ coolest indoor experiences right here!
Featured Indoor Activities in Columbus
- COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
- Otherworld
- Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
- North Market
- The Escape Game Columbus
- Columbus Museum of Art
- Pins Mechanical Co.
- Columbus Funny Bone Comedy Club
- Ohio History Center & Ohio Village
- Shadowbox Live
Columbus Funny Bone Comedy Club
What to Expect
Professional stand-up comedy venue with multiple nightly performances
Description
Columbus Funny Bone Comedy Club delivers professional stand-up comedy performances in an intimate venue located at Easton Town Center. The club hosts nationally recognized comedians across multiple nightly shows, offering diverse comedy styles and performances from emerging and established talents.
More Info: Columbus Funny Bone Comedy Club ↗
Columbus Museum of Art
What to Expect
Immersive contemporary art galleries with interactive learning experiences
Description
A contemporary art museum showcasing diverse visual art collections with interactive galleries, rotating exhibitions, and innovative educational programs. Features American and contemporary art works, with engaging displays that encourage visitor exploration and understanding of artistic expressions.
More Info: Columbus Museum of Art ↗
Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
What to Expect
Botanical light installations integrated with living plant environments
Description
Franklin Park Conservatory's seasonal light display transforms botanical spaces into immersive illumination experiences. Visitors explore elaborate light installations woven through gardens, featuring thousands of intricate light displays and creative technological projections across indoor and outdoor conservatory spaces.
COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
What to Expect
National award-winning interactive science museum with comprehensive exhibit collections
Description
COSI offers an immersive science museum experience with hands-on exhibits spanning technology, space exploration, and natural sciences. Interactive displays include a planetarium, live science demonstrations, and themed galleries like Ocean, Energy Explorers, and Dinosaur exhibits. Visitors can engage with cutting-edge scientific concepts through dynamic, multi-sensory learning environments.
More Info: COSI (Center of Science and Industry) ↗
North Market
What to Expect
Historic public market with diverse local merchant ecosystem
Description
North Market is a historic 149-year-old public market showcasing Ohio's independent merchants, farmers, and food makers. Featuring diverse local vendors, the market offers a vibrant culinary and shopping experience with fresh, authentic local products across two locations in Columbus and Bridge Park.
More Info: North Market ↗
Ohio History Center & Ohio Village
What to Expect
Comprehensive state history museum with expansive historical collections
Description
Ohio History Center offers an immersive historical museum experience showcasing Ohio's rich cultural heritage through extensive exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. Visitors explore comprehensive state history galleries featuring preserved environments, historical collections, and educational exhibits spanning multiple historical periods.
More Info: Ohio History Center & Ohio Village ↗
Otherworld
What to Expect
Artist-designed multisensory science fiction and fantasy landscape
Description
An immersive art museum blending science fiction and fantasy through large-scale interactive installations. Visitors explore surreal environments created by over 100 artists, featuring multi-sensory exhibits that encourage exploration and imagination. Suitable for all ages with accessible design and creative, engaging spaces.
More Info: Otherworld ↗
Pins Mechanical Co.
What to Expect
Hybrid entertainment venue with duckpin bowling and extensive pinball collection
Description
Pins Mechanical Co. delivers a vibrant indoor entertainment experience featuring duckpin bowling, vintage pinball machines, and oversized patio pong. With eight duckpin lanes and multiple themed pinball machines from brands like Stern and Jersey Jack, this adult-oriented venue offers a dynamic mix of classic and contemporary gaming experiences.
More Info: Pins Mechanical Co. ↗
Shadowbox Live
What to Expect
Nation's largest resident theatre ensemble with mixed-arts performances
Description
Shadowbox Live is the nation's largest resident theatre ensemble, offering genre-blending performances that combine comedy, music, dance, and theatrical storytelling. Their innovative shows feature original productions performed by a talented ensemble, creating immersive experiences that integrate live performance with intimate dining.
More Info: Shadowbox Live ↗
The Escape Game Columbus
What to Expect
Six diverse escape room experiences with award-winning design
Description
The Escape Game Columbus offers six immersive escape room adventures at Easton Town Center, accommodating up to 8 players per room and enabling large group events for up to 40 participants. Each meticulously designed room challenges participants with unique narratives and interactive puzzles that test problem-solving skills and teamwork.
More Info: The Escape Game Columbus ↗
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