Last updated: 2025-04-22
Upper Arlington offers a treasure trove of indoor activities perfect for exploring Central Ohio’s cultural landscape. From world-class museums to interactive science centers, residents and visitors can dive into engaging experiences that beat the seasonal weather.
Nestled just northwest of Columbus, this suburban community provides easy access to remarkable indoor attractions that entertain, educate, and inspire. Whether seeking family fun or solo adventures, Upper Arlington’s proximity to remarkable venues ensures memorable experiences.
Discover Upper Arlington’s incredible indoor attractions now!
Featured Indoor Activities in Upper Arlington
- Otherworld (Columbus)
- COSI (Center of Science and Industry) (Columbus)
- North Market (Columbus)
- Gateway Film Center (Columbus)
- Columbus Museum of Art (Columbus)
- Upper Arlington Public Library
- Ohio History Center (Columbus)
- Shadowbox Live (Columbus)
Columbus Museum of Art (Columbus)
What to Expect
Dynamic contemporary art collections with interactive visitor engagement
Description
Columbus Museum of Art showcases diverse art collections spanning American and contemporary works. Interactive galleries feature engaging exhibits with rotating displays of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations. Visitors can explore thought-provoking artworks and participate in hands-on creative experiences throughout the museum's expansive exhibition spaces.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Columbus Museum of Art
COSI (Center of Science and Industry) (Columbus)
What to Expect
Award-winning science museum with comprehensive interactive exhibits
Description
COSI is a premier science museum offering immersive, interactive exhibits spanning space, technology, and natural sciences. Visitors explore hands-on displays featuring planetarium shows, live science demonstrations, and themed galleries including dinosaurs, energy, and ocean ecosystems. The museum provides engaging educational experiences for all ages through innovative, multi-sensory learning environments.
Where: Columbus | More Info: COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
Gateway Film Center (Columbus)
What to Expect
Comprehensive independent and international film programming
Description
Gateway Film Center delivers a comprehensive cinema experience featuring independent, international, and classic film screenings. The venue showcases diverse movie collections including Ghibli retrospectives, festival perspectives, and cult classic screenings. Offers curated film programs with special director Q&As and unique movie presentations.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Gateway Film Center
North Market (Columbus)
What to Expect
Historic public market showcasing Ohio's independent merchants
Description
North Market is a historic 149-year-old public market featuring diverse local merchants, farmers, and food makers. Visitors can explore multiple culinary vendors, sample regional specialties, and experience Ohio's vibrant local food culture through an authentic marketplace environment.
Where: Columbus | More Info: North Market
Ohio History Center (Columbus)
What to Expect
Comprehensive state history museum with extensive artifact collections
Description
Ohio History Center showcases comprehensive state history through immersive exhibits exploring Ohio's cultural heritage. Interactive displays feature artifacts from Native American cultures, industrial development, and state-changing historical moments. Visitors can explore detailed exhibits spanning multiple historical periods with engaging educational displays and preserved historical collections.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Ohio History Center
Otherworld (Columbus)
What to Expect
Artist-designed multisensory immersive art environments
Description
An immersive art museum blending science fiction and fantasy through large-scale interactive installations. Visitors explore surreal, artist-designed environments featuring intricate landscapes, interactive elements, and imaginative spaces that blur boundaries between art, technology, and visitor experience.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Otherworld
Shadowbox Live (Columbus)
What to Expect
Genre-shifting performance ensemble with original theatrical productions
Description
Shadowbox Live is the nation's largest resident theatre ensemble, delivering genre-blending performances that combine comedy, music, dance, and theatrical storytelling. Their innovative shows feature original productions performed by a professional performance troupe, creating immersive experiences that blend multiple artistic disciplines.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Shadowbox Live
Upper Arlington Public Library
What to Expect
Comprehensive community learning resource center
Description
Upper Arlington Public Library offers comprehensive indoor learning resources with extensive book collections, digital media access, quiet study spaces, and community learning programs. The library provides free computer use, research assistance, educational workshops, and a welcoming environment for knowledge seekers of all ages.
Where: Upper Arlington | More Info: Upper Arlington Public Library
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