The Ultimate Summer Bucket List in Central Ohio

Autumn Rush Vineyard in Johnstown, Ohio

This blog post is sponsored by Ohio. Find It Here. All opinions and recommendations are my own.

Ready to have the best summer ever? You’re in luck because I have 100+ ways for you to make the most of your summer days in Central Ohio, in both rain and shine.

 Traveling from out of town? Here’s where to stay:

First, the best way to approach this list is to create an itinerary based on you, your partner, your family, or group’s personality and interests. Read through each category and tailor your summer bucket list to what you, and the people you want to create memories with, will enjoy.

Also, remember that you won’t accomplish this entire list in one season, so pick your favorites and keep coming back to this list for years to come. Start small and create a list that fits within your unique budget, and don’t over stress yourself or your family with tackling each activity or destination. It’s the memories that are important, not the photos you capture from it.

My best summer tip would be to use your phone to capture “the” photo you want to remember from the moment, and then put your phone away to be present, have fun, and live the summer slowly. It’s one of my favorite seasons, and it always tends to go by way too fast because I overbook myself, instead of leaving some weekends open for spontaneity.

If you need any help narrowing down this list, or even additional ideas outside of what’s been provided, reach out to me and let’s help you live your best summer!

For the Perfect Summer Date

  • Explore Italian Village and stop by Brother’s Drake to share a mead flight (also known as honey wine), while listening to the tunes of a local band.

  • Get competitive with one another in a game of giant Jenga or try your luck with duck pin bowling at Pins Mechanical Co.

  • Ready to plan the perfect date; but the kind that will last a lifetime? Consider hiring The Picnic Diaries to help you curate the most epic proposal with an outdoor summer picnic.

  • If you and your date are early birds, meet-up at Bottoms Up to share a rainy-day coffee, which consists of a cloud of cotton candy melting into your morning brew.

  • Make it a double date, and take a couple’s cooking class at Savoir Cooking and Wine in Powell, and then grab Hawaiian-inspired cocktails at Huli Huli Tiki Lounge.

  • Grab dinner at Milestone 229 and take in the nice waterfront views of the Scioto Mile, and then surprise your date with an outdoor movie, hosted by Nightlight 614. Check out the 2022 schedule. Grab your tickets when you can because they tend to sellout fast.

  • Heading to the Short North? After having dinner or happy hour, checkout TENSPACE, an immersive pop-up experience, where you and your date can get to know an online brand in real life. A new business is highlighted every eight weeks.

  • If you really want to impress your date, snag a dinner reservation at Chapman’s Eat Market, which was recognized by The New York Times as one of the best restaurants in the nation. Pro tip: Reservations for their main dining room are released on the 1st of each month for the following month. So, be ready to book quickly.

  • If you and your date are the perfect pair, try a steak and wine flight pairing at El Lugar (also known for its Spanish-styled tapas). This intimate spot in German Village will give you all the right vibes of a romantic first date.

  • Are you both into fitness? Try renting two bikes through Paradise Garage Bikes or hopping on a few city COGO bikes and ride along the Olentangy Trail (which is 17.5 miles long). After a few miles, make a pit stop at the Understory and eat lunch on the patio.

  • Looking to shake things up? Surprise your date with the most decadent and most delicious milkshakes, worthy of an Instagram photo at The Yard Milkshake Bar, or Shake No Eight (on OSU’s campus).

  • Does your date appreciate a good pastry and coffee? Take them on a nice morning date to Fox in the Show, located in Italian Village.

  • If you’re staying out late, grab pizza at Mikey’s Late-Night Slice, and then head downstairs to discover a hidden bar, Sacred Palm, where you’ll walk through a freezer to get to the spot.

  • Cheers to fun dates, with Cocktails at the Conservatory. This monthly event consists of live music, local breweries, distilleries, and more.

  • Located in German Village, Pistacia Vera is the perfect date for those who love macaroons and sweet treats with their coffee. Afterwards, get lost in 32 rooms of books within one of the largest independent bookstores in the nation at The Book Loft.

For LGBTQ+ Couples or Allies

All businesses and experiences recommended are LGBTQ+ owned or centered around this community.

  • Host a fun summer cocktail party with Bubbles & Agave. Master the Manhattan right in the comfort of your own living room with family or friends.

  • Looking for a safe space, where everybody and body is allowed to show up and be there true authentic selves? Find yourself at a class, hosted by Heartfelt Studio Cycle. Looking for a ride and show? Book a drag ride class!

  • Ready to master the art of pole dancing? Swing your legs up high at Heartfelt Pole Studio.

  • Are stationary bikes and sweaty poles not your thing? No worries, go full namaste at the Heartfelt Yoga Studio. Relax and unwind in downward dog or skip to vinyasa (like myself).

  • Sweet tooth? Grab a few or a dozen different gluten-free treats from Bake Me Happy (located in Merion Village and North Market – Bridge Park).

  • Lights, camera, lashes…attend a drag show at Axis Nightclub in Short North. Don’t forget to bring your dollar bills.

  • Shake it up at Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce, or just grab a fun-internet-worthy milkshake (with a side of drag).

  • Known for its Sunday brunch, Union Café is a focal point of the LGBTQ community in the Short North.

For a Fun Weekend with Friends

  • Pedal and drink on-board the Columbus Pedal Wagon. This unique experience offers trivia and hidden gems along the ride. Routes include Easton, downtown Columbus, and stops near OSU’s campus.

  • Experience Columbus’ very own DIY craft bar, Maker’s Studio, in the heart of Franklinton. Closer to OSU’s campus? Book a class or rent the entire venue of its sister location, Studio 614.

  • Does your party group all like different beers? Try picking a few spots on the Columbus Ale Trail to give everyone what they want and explore new flavors together.

  • In need of both beer and arcade games, head on over to Brewcadia – the best of both worlds.

  • Located on a family estate in Johnstown, OH, Autumn Rush Winery, is the perfect day date with friends. Enjoy a wine slushy flight, and spectacular views of the family’s vineyard.

  • Looking for a more relaxed activity for the group? Make custom scented candles at Penn & Beech Candle Co. These soy, custom-made candles have a great burn. Scent combo recommendations: peach and mango, and agave and eucalyptus.

  • After candle making (if you’re in Short North), walk on over to Wine on High and book a wine tasting, and pair it with a fun charcuterie board.

  • Stretch your muscles and then have them massaged by booking an all-in-one experience with Penzone Salons and Spa and LIT Life Yoga. Contact Penzone through their Experiences service.

  • For party groups with a more laidback vibe, catch a sports game on HD TVs at Parlay in the Short North and grab a few beers.

  • Explore Easton Town Center, a premier shopping destination in the Midwest. Grab a new athleisure outfit from Fabletics, get a HydraFacial at Boss Gal Beauty Bar, and then do a wine tasting and dinner at Cooper’s Hawk. The options are endless. 

  • Ditch the mat, become one with the hammock by trying out aerial yoga at Aerotique Columbus.

  • Escape the city life for a bit, and head out to Granville, about 30 minutes outside of Columbus, and try a flight of ciders at Seek No Further Cider. Cozy up around the fireplace or find an intimate spot in the attic.

  • The appetizer that will have you bringing new friends to see their reaction, time and time again, is the cheddar & scallion biscuits, served in a warm skillet, topped with melted butter at Kitchen Social (locations in Dublin and Polaris). Pro tip: Reservations can only be made by phone.

For Diverse Food Experiences

  • If you’re looking for the best way to get to know Columbus’ food scene, you’ll find it with Columbus Food Adventures. Offering a wide range of food-themed experiences, you can choose from walking tours to scavenger hunts. Choose your adventure with these local food experts.

  • Embrace the future with a unique dining experience at Hiro Ramen & Tea, where a robot will serve you your choice of Japanese ramen soup.

  • Known for its epic tacos, margaritas, and hospitality, Agave & Rye should be on your list of places to visit while in the city. Locations are in the Short North and Grandview.

  • You could eat with a spoon or a fork, but it’s much more fun to eat with your hands, Kamayan style. Located in Grandview, Bonifacio offers authentic Filipino cuisine with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and presentation.

  • The East Market, located near Franklin Park Conservatory and in the historic Trolley district, offers more than 10 local food vendors (including The Butcher & Grocer, Winston's Coffee and Waffles, Too Good Eats, and more).

  • This is a Columbus summer bucket list, which wouldn’t be complete without ice-cream. Here are a few that must be on your list and on your Instagram: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, CRMD Ice Cream, Little Ladies Soft Serve, and S’wich Social.

For Health and Wellness (Traveling for Pleasure)

  • If you’re looking for a fresh squeeze of organic fruits and vegetables, look no further than Native Cold Press in the Short North.

  • Perhaps, you want your juice blended with a local spirit, experience a cold-pressed cocktail at SOW Plated in Upper Arlington, and order all the appetizers on the menu to share.

  • Connect to a space of healing, rejuvenation, and pure relaxation at Experience PALOMA. Pro tip: If you’re on a babymoon, they offer a special massage for those expecting called “The Mother.”

  • Find a sense of belonging at Replenish Co-op. Offering a wide range of services including yoga, massage therapy, facials, and nail care, and so much more.

  • Don’t have time for a massage, but in desperate need of a spa-like experience, book a 30-minute facial at Oasis Face Bar. Locations in Short North and Worthington.

  • If you’re a plant lover, you’ll want to visit Groovy Plants Ranch, located 30 minutes north of Columbus. This one-of-a-kind greenhouse will have you entranced in the green for hours.

For Families of All Ages

  • Get up and close and personal with the gorillas at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, or feed a sleeve of lettuce to a giraffe in the Heart of Africa exhibit.

  • Cheer on the Columbus Crew, the city’s national soccer team, in the new state of the art stadium at Lower.com field.

  • Hit a home run by taking your family out to a Columbus Clippers baseball game, located in the heart of the Arena District. Before the game, grab a pizza and a few beers from Boston’s restaurant.

  • Reenact your favorite characters and villains at the Marvel: Universe of Superheroes COSI exhibit. Available now till Labor Day 2022.

  • Enjoy stargazing at the Perkins Observatory, home to the third largest telescope in the world.

  • Located in Harrison West and Clintonville, Katalina’s is a great breakfast spot to take your kids, so they can choose their filling of their famous pancake balls.

  • Ready to experience the largest indoor entertainment center in the country? From go-karts to glow-in-the dark putt-putt, and oversized arcade games, Scene75 literally has something for everyone.

  • Everything is awesome, especially at LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Columbus (located inside Easton Town Center).

  • Try axe throwing at Dueling Axes (Downtown Columbus) or Throw Nation (Dublin). Pro tip: Go with a group and ask the guide for different games to play to make it more fun.

  • Step into the underground world of the Olentangy Indian Caverns, pet farm animals, and mine for specks of gold.

  • Summer plans ruined by the rain or cold weather? Rebound fast by taking you and the whole family to Fieldhouse USA (located in the Polaris Fashion Place) or Play CBUS. Both these spaces are huge indoor parks with multi-purpose spaces and activities to get your adrenaline rushing.

  • If you have young toddlers, who need a quick spot to play, with no admission price – visit the Graeter’s Ice Cream location on Bethel Rd. They have a spacious, indoor play gym that your kids will love.

  • As the largest park in Central Ohio, Battelle Darby Metro park should be a must see on your list, spreading across 7,000 acres of land, with free roaming bison to view.

  • Transport yourself to another planet, perhaps another universe, by exploring Otherworld, a 32,000 square foot immersive art installation in Columbus. Explore over 40 scenes filled with large-scale art and mixed reality playgrounds.

  • Although, we wish all summer days were filled with sunshine, and warm weather, sometimes a shower or two can sprinkle in, which is why Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is the perfect way to feel like you’re outside without getting wet.

  • North Market in Bridge Park Dublin or Downtown is a merchant hub of more than 30 independently owned small businesses offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, flowers, specialty food items, international prepared foods, and distinctive gifts.

  • If you need to cool off, but don’t want to put you or the kids in a full bathing suit or swim diaper, check out Columbus Navigator’s list of splash pads around the city.

  • Last, if you’re traveling from out of town and want a keepsake or souvenir to remind you of your Ohio travels, visit Homage (Short North & Easton Town Center), Where I’m From (Polaris Fashion Place), and Celebrate Local (Easton Town Center).

For Cocktails Enthusiasts

  • If you’re staying in the Short North, and bar hopping along High Street, be sure to stop by Mouton on High, an intimate cocktail bar that will transport you out of the hustle and bustle of the area.

  • Known for the best blended whiskey in America, High Banks Distillery (located in New Albany and Grandview) is perfect for brunch, happy hour, or dinner. They’re cocktail menu and appetizers will not leave you disappointed.

  • Founded on the principles of community, Watershed Distillery is known for its unique cocktails and fun, seasonal menu changes.

  • Having dinner at Veritas? Head upstairs to Citizen’s Trust, a hidden, and not so hidden cocktail lounge and bar with the original feel of an old bank.

  • If you’re looking to create your own cocktails, tour a distillery, and feel like a local, like you’re amongst friends, then Echo Spirits Distilling Co. is the place for you.

For Craft Beer Lovers

  • With both an outdoor patio, along with rotating food trucks, and an open-air upstairs floor with full length tables for big groups, Seventh Son’s Brewing Co. is the perfect place to grab a beer in Italian Village.

  • As the sister brewery to Seventh Sons, Antiques on High focuses on the production of sour and wild beers as well as hazy hop-forward IPAs and pale ales.

  • Staying in the suburbs of Dublin, near Bridge Park North? Visit The Getaway Brewing Co., where it might feel like you’re waiting for your next flight. Flying first class, up in the sky.

  • Need a side of dry rub ribs to pair with your IPA? Visit Land Grant Brewing in Franklinton, where you can also find Ray Ray’s BBQ food truck.

  • Located north of Columbus, Henmick Farm & Brewing provides the perfect way to unwind from a long hike at Alum Creek or escape from the city.

  • If you’ve ever wanted to take your love for dogs and beer to new heights, book your stay at the world’s first craft beer hotel, Brew Dog’s Doghouse Columbus Hotel in Canal Winchester.

  • Located in historic downtown Powell, Nocterra Brewing offers lagers and ales and a beautiful outdoor scape that offers plenty of seating and another Ray Ray’s BBQ food truck.

For the Outdoor Adventurist or Festival Goer

  • With picturesque bike trails and wide-open fields, Scioto Audubon metro park is perfect for bird watchers, rock climbers, and active families who enjoy the outdoors.

  • With its beautiful gardens, and scenic trails, Inniswood Metro Gardens boasts more than 2,000+ plants and several themed gardens.

  • If you love good BBQ, you don’t want to miss Columbus’ Jazz & Rib Fest on July 22–24. And quickly soon after, grab your kilt and bagpipes, and head on over to the Dublin Irish Festival from Aug. 5–7, celebrating their 35th anniversary year. 

  • If you have kids, grab you and their water shoes and head to Shale Hollow Park, where you can cool down from the summer heat under the shaded trees and splash in the streams.

  • If you want the feel of the outdoors, without all the hiking to get to the best part of the trail, visit Hayden Falls Park boasting one of Columbus’ only waterfalls in the city, located in Dublin.

  • Petting zoos, kid-friendly activities, live concerts, cows made of butter, and endless fried foods and dessert… all this can be found at the Ohio State Fair at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds in Columbus from July 27–Aug. 7.

  • Located off the Olentangy Greenway Trail, Antrim Park is great for bikers, walkers, skaters, and those who love to fish. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources adds Rainbow Trout once a year to the lake.

  • As one of the most unique and renown parks in the state of Ohio, Whetstone Park of Roses showcases 11,000 total roses consisting of more than 350 different types

  • If you enjoy being on the water, and the soft sounds of nature, then kayaking or paddle boarding on the Scioto Mile should be on your bucket list. You can rent kayaks or canoes through Olentangy Paddle and paddle boards and kayaks from Windrose Outdoor.

  • Located in Westerville, Hoover Reservoir Park is perfect for those who want the ultimate stair master workout or a nice view to take in while getting in a morning walk.

  • If you’ve never done zip lining before, Zip Zone Outdoor Adventures is the perfect place to start. Offering zip line tours, a tree top obstacle course, and a ground level kids park, ZipZone offers unique adventures for the whole family.

  • If you’re both an outdoor adventurist and a creative, check out the City of Dublin’s 10 Must-See Public Art Installations. Walk through a giant field of corn or measure up against larger-than-life soccer balls made from metal steel bars.

For Rooftop Views

  • Located in the Short North, Lincoln Social is easily one of the most popular rooftop bars in the city. With its beautiful city views, upside down garden on its ceiling, and prime location in the heart of the Columbus – this is the spot you’ll want to host your out-of-town guests.

  • With its art deco interior and glamorous feel, Mandrake is making its mark, as one of the hottest rooftop bars in Columbus. Offering unique cocktails and delicious signature appetizers, this is a spot you want to have on your summer bucket list.

  • Located at the top of the AC Marriott Hotel in Dublin, Vaso Rooftop Bar offers panoramic views of historic downtown Dublin, live music on Fridays, and Spanish small plates, cocktails, wines, and craft beers.

  • Goodale Station, located in the Canopy by Hilton, is a secluded rooftop bar that offers stunning views of the city, and Great Gatsby-vibe cocktails.

  • Located in Italian Village, Budd Dairy Food Hall offers a fun rooftop experience, that sits within a chef-driven incubator with eight unique kitchens and multiple floors offering different experiences.

  • With 48 taps of fresh craft beer, BrewDog Franklinton has one of the only rooftop experiences in this area and allows your furry friends to join along, while you sip a cold Elvis Juice in the hot summer sun.

 You did it. You’ve reached the bottom of The Ultimate Summer Bucket List in Central Ohio, and now you’re ready to have the best summer ever! For more #SummerInOhio fun, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.

Morgan Pelt