Local Guide
The first things to know about Columbus.
A quick read before you go deeper. Everyday life, eating out, staying social, and the planning piece worth watching. Each one links to a source.
Everyday life
Walk the Scioto Mile riverfront
It is a flat, pretty, free place to stretch your legs most of the year, with skyline views and benches to rest on.
Source: The Scioto Mile
Eating out and guests
The Guild House for a nicer night out
These are the spots locals book for an anniversary or to show off the city to out of town family.
Source: Experience Columbus Local Dining
Staying social
City courts through Columbus Rec and Parks
These public courts cost nothing and put a game close to almost any neighborhood you might settle in.
Source: Columbus Recreation and Parks Pickleball
Worth watching
Plan around the gray Ohio winter
If sunshine matters to your mood, the short gray days here are the one thing to think hard about before moving.
Source: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Move tools
Thinking about moving to Columbus? Run the rough math first.
Use these quick checks to test Columbus as a retirement move. They are not the full map; they help you decide what deserves a deeper look.
Tax and Medicare
Check the Columbus income picture.
Estimate how Ohio treats Social Security, pension income, IRA/401(k) withdrawals, city income tax, and Medicare premium tiers before you build the full journey.
Social Security
Not taxed
Pension
Check exemptions
IRA / 401(k)
Generally taxed
Mortgage
Test the payment or refi
Compare a current mortgage against a new rate, closing costs, and break-even timing.
Open mortgage checkWeather fit
Four-season planning
Columbus has real seasonal variety, so winter driving, indoor routines, and visitors need a closer check.
Avg
50°
Sun
173
Rain
128
Snow
28
Things to do
Things to do in Columbus
Parks, trails, classes, and easy outings for an ordinary week.
The Scioto Mile
Walk the Scioto Mile riverfront
More than 175 acres of parkland and paved trails run along the river downtown, named one of the ten best riverwalks in the country. The fountain runs daily May 22 through September 7, 11am to 10pm.
Why it matters
It is a flat, pretty, free place to stretch your legs most of the year, with skyline views and benches to rest on.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
A glass house full of palms, orchids, and butterflies, plus outdoor gardens and bright Dale Chihuly glass tucked among the plants. It is warm and green even in February.
Why it matters
When the Ohio winter drags on, an afternoon in a tropical glasshouse is the kind of break that keeps you sane.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
One of the best zoos in the country, out in Powell just north of town. It is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Why it matters
It is the go-to outing when grandkids visit, and the paths are wide and easy to stroll at your own pace.
COSI Center of Science and Industry
COSI science center downtown
A big hands-on science museum at 333 W Broad St with planetarium shows and rotating exhibits. It is a rainy-day favorite for anyone with curious grandkids.
Why it matters
It gives you something fun to do indoors when the weather turns, which in Columbus it often does.
Browse by activity
Mapped places near Columbus. Tap a category to open the full list with directions.
Golf
Public, resort, and municipal courses near retirement towns.
60 places tracked
Fishing
Boat ramps, piers, lakes, and shore access.
85 places tracked
Hiking trails
Named trails, parks, and nature reserves for a real walk.
112 places tracked
Boating and water
Marinas, ramps, and launches for getting on the water.
9 places tracked
Pickleball
Courts and public places to play.
59 places tracked
Gardening
Community gardens, botanical gardens, and places to dig in.
28 places tracked
Arts and culture
Museums, galleries, theaters, and cultural stops.
105 places tracked
Community
Senior centers, community centers, and places to meet people.
71 places tracked
Bocce
Where to roll a few games on a sunny afternoon.
3 places tracked
Where to eat
Where to eat
Local spots for an easy dinner or a visit from family. Rough prices included.
Experience Columbus Local Dining
The Guild House for a nicer night out
When you want white tablecloths and a careful wine list, the visitor bureau points downtown to The Guild House and to The Pearl for oysters and craft cocktails.
Approx. price
$$$
Why it matters
These are the spots locals book for an anniversary or to show off the city to out of town family.
Schmidt's Sausage Haus
Schmidt's Sausage Haus in German Village
Schmidt's has been the place for sausage, sauerkraut, and a half-pound cream puff since the brick-street days of German Village. Go hungry and split the famous Bahama Mama sausage platter.
Approx. price
$$
Known for
Bahama Mama sausage and the jumbo cream puff
Why it matters
It is the closest thing Columbus has to an official hometown meal, and the neighborhood around it is one of the prettiest walks in the city.
Katzinger's Delicatessen
Katzinger's Delicatessen for a real sandwich
This German Village deli stacks pastrami and corned beef the way a New York deli would, and there is a free pickle barrel by the door. Open every day 10 to 6.
Approx. price
$$
Known for
Reuben or the Sky High pastrami
Why it matters
It keeps winning best sandwich in town, and a half plus a cup of soup makes an easy lunch when you are out walking the village.
Budd Dairy Food Hall
Budd Dairy Food Hall when the table can't agree
An old dairy building reborn as a food hall, so one person gets tacos, another gets barbecue, and you all sit together with a drink from the bar. A Columbus favorite alongside North Market.
Approx. price
$$
Why it matters
It is the easy answer when a group wants different things and nobody wants to fuss over one menu.
North Market Downtown
North Market for a graze-and-go lunch
A historic public market downtown packed with stalls, from Jeni's ice cream to dumplings and fresh produce. Open Sun and Mon 10 to 5, Tuesday through Saturday 9 to 7.
Approx. price
$
Why it matters
You can sample a dozen local makers in one trip, and it is an easy stop before a show or a riverfront walk.
Pickleball and rec
Pickleball in Columbus
Where to play, drop in, and meet people. Court times, fees, and how busy it gets.
Columbus Recreation and Parks Pickleball
City courts through Columbus Rec and Parks
The city runs 60 indoor and 58 outdoor courts across its parks, including three dedicated pickleball courts at Marion-Franklin Park. Most are open for free pick-up play.
Why it matters
These public courts cost nothing and put a game close to almost any neighborhood you might settle in.
Match Point Pickleball Club
Match Point Pickleball Club
An enormous indoor club at 350 McCormick Blvd with 38 courts, leagues, lessons, and a place to grab a drink after. Play stays comfortable no matter the season.
Why it matters
With this many indoor courts you can almost always find an open game, even on a snowy January morning.
Pickle & Chill
Pickle & Chill
Twelve indoor and ten outdoor courts, plus Ray's bar and competitive leagues. It calls itself the premier pickleball spot in town and draws a friendly crowd.
Why it matters
Indoor and outdoor courts in one place means you keep playing year round and meet regulars fast.
Land-Grant at Gravity Experience Park
Land-Grant courts at Gravity Experience Park
Three outdoor pickleball courts steps from the Land-Grant brewery taproom at 98 McDowell St, with Wednesday league play and a cold beer waiting nearby.
Why it matters
It mixes a game with a relaxed brewery hangout, which is a fun, low-pressure way to play in warm months.
Senior help and discounts
Help and discounts for Columbus seniors
Programs, classes, free city services, seasonal help, and useful local deals.
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
COAAA at 3776 S High St is the front door for older-adult services across eight counties, from meals to caregiver help to in-home support. Call 1-800-589-7277.
Why it matters
One phone call here points you to nearly every senior service in the region, which saves a lot of searching.
What’s coming up
What’s coming up in Columbus
Local events worth putting on the calendar. Check the host page for dates and parking before you go.
Jazz & Rib Fest
July 24 to 26, 2026
11am to 10pm
Jazz & Rib Fest by the river
When
A free riverfront weekend of live jazz and barbecue at West Bank and Bicentennial Park, running 11am to 10pm each day.
Why it matters
Smoky ribs and live music on a summer evening downtown is one of the easiest free pleasures of the season.
Columbus Arts Festival
June 12 to 14, 2026
Columbus Arts Festival on the riverfront
When
The Greater Columbus Arts Council brings 250-plus juried artists, live music, and food trucks to the downtown riverfront for a free June weekend.
Why it matters
It is a relaxed, free way to spend a summer day by the river, and the people-watching is half the fun.
Ohio State Fair
July 29 to August 9, 2026
Ohio State Fair
When
Twelve days of rides, livestock, butter sculptures, concerts, and fair food at the Ohio Expo Center just north of downtown.
Why it matters
It is a classic slice of Ohio summer, and grandkids and grandparents tend to love it for different reasons.
Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo
When
The zoo strings millions of holiday lights along its paths for an evening winter walk that runs from late November into the new year.
Why it matters
It gives the long dark stretch after Thanksgiving something cheerful to look forward to with the family.
ComFest
June 26 to 28, 2026
Fri noon to 11pm, Sat 10am to 11pm
ComFest in Goodale Park
When
The 54th Community Festival fills Goodale Park with local music, art, food, and activism over three days. Friday runs noon to 11pm and Saturday 10am to 11pm.
Why it matters
It is a long-running free neighborhood tradition that shows you the friendly, easygoing side of the city.
Red, White & BOOM!
July 3, 2026
Fireworks at 10pm
Red, White & BOOM! fireworks
When
The biggest fireworks show in the Midwest lights up downtown, fired from the east bank of Genoa Park. The grand finale goes off at 10pm.
Why it matters
Crowds are huge, so pick a spot early, but it is a memorable free night out by the river.
Schmidt's Columbus Oktoberfest
September 11 to 13, 2026
Fri 5pm to midnight, Sat noon to midnight, Sun noon to 8pm
Schmidt's Columbus Oktoberfest
When
The Schmidt's family throws a German celebration at the Ohio Expo Center with beer, sausage, and oompah music. Friday 5pm to midnight, Saturday noon to midnight, Sunday noon to 8pm.
Why it matters
It leans into the city's German roots and is a lively, friendly fall outing for all ages.
Stonewall Columbus Pride
Dates vary, check the calendar
Stonewall Columbus Pride
When
The largest free Pride festival and march in the Midwest draws more than 700,000 people downtown for a weekend of performers and community booths.
Why it matters
Even if you just come to watch, it is one of the biggest and most welcoming gatherings the city throws all year.
Pearl Market
Thursdays
11am to 2pm
Pearl Market downtown on Thursdays
When
An open-air market in the downtown alley with produce, lunch vendors, and local makers. It runs Thursdays, opening at 11am and wrapping up at 2pm.
Why it matters
It is an easy weekly habit if you live or volunteer downtown, with fresh food and a friendly midday crowd.
North Market Downtown
Year round, closed Independence Day
Sun-Mon 10am to 5pm, Tue-Sat 9am to 7pm
North Market most days of the week
When
Beyond lunch, the historic market hosts tastings and seasonal events most of the year. Hours are Sun and Mon 10 to 5, Tuesday through Saturday 9 to 7.
Why it matters
It is open nearly every day, so it works as a reliable outing when nothing special is on the calendar.
Worth knowing
Worth knowing about the area
City services, neighborhood updates, seasonal notes, and the everyday details that matter.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Plan around the gray Ohio winter
Columbus winters are long, cloudy, and cold, with snow on and off from December into March. Indoor spots like Franklin Park Conservatory and COSI become real lifelines.
Why it matters
If sunshine matters to your mood, the short gray days here are the one thing to think hard about before moving.
City decisions
City decisions to watch
Council agendas, hearings, and public meetings that can change access, housing, services, or costs.
Franklin County Auditor
How property taxes work in Franklin County
The Franklin County Auditor sets your home's value and runs the Homestead Exemption, which shaves taxable value for qualifying seniors and disabled owners. Call 614-525-HOME to ask about it.
Why it matters
Ohio property taxes are not the lowest, so the homestead break is worth claiming the year you become eligible.
Health and Medicare
Health and Medicare
Care, Medicare counseling, caregiver help, transportation, and the local senior support to line up.
Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP)
Free Medicare help through OSHIIP
Ohio's Senior Health Insurance Information Program offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling by phone and through trained volunteers. The hotline is 800-686-1578.
Why it matters
Sorting out Medicare plans is confusing, and this is a no-cost place to get straight answers before you enroll.
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
OSU's Wexner Medical Center is the region's top-ranked academic hospital, with University Hospital at 520 W 10th Ave and clinics across the metro.
Why it matters
Having a major teaching hospital in town means specialists and advanced care are close when you need them.
Upcoming events in Columbus
See all eventsMusic & concerts
8 PM
Rumba Cafe · Columbus, OH
Jack Blocker
Rumba Cafe
The organizer requires bring your valid ID to pick up tickets. By clicking the "Place Order" button on the Payment page, you are agreeing to the TicketWeb Purchase Policy and Privacy Notice. I also understand and agree that all sales are final. There are no refunds unless the event is cancelled or postponed. I...
Music & concerts
8 PM
Skully's Music Diner · Columbus, OH
The Strike w/ SUM SUN
Skully's Music Diner
The organizer requires bring your valid ID to pick up tickets. By clicking the "Place Order" button on the Payment page, you are agreeing to the TicketWeb Purchase Policy and Privacy Notice. I also understand and agree that all sales are final. There are no refunds unless the event is cancelled or postponed. I...
Music & concerts
8 PM
Rumba Cafe · Columbus, OH
Jack Blocker
Rumba Cafe
The organizer requires bring your valid ID to pick up tickets. By clicking the "Place Order" button on the Payment page, you are agreeing to the TicketWeb Purchase Policy and Privacy Notice. I also understand and agree that all sales are final. There are no refunds unless the event is cancelled or postponed. I...
Music & concerts
7 PM
Ace of Cups · Columbus, OH
Music & concerts
7:30 PM
Rumba Cafe · Columbus, OH
Jack Blocker w/ The Hen and The Crow
Rumba Cafe
The organizer requires bring your valid ID to pick up tickets. By clicking the "Place Order" button on the Payment page, you are agreeing to the TicketWeb Purchase Policy and Privacy Notice. I also understand and agree that all sales are final. There are no refunds unless the event is cancelled or postponed. I...
Music & concerts
8 PM
Skully's Music Diner · Columbus, OH
The Strike w/ SUM SUN
Skully's Music Diner
THE STRIKEw/ SUM SUNBrought to you by Celebrity Etc presents7pm doors6pm doors for VIP Early EntryAll Ages but under 21 does pay a $3 cash gratuity at the door
Common questions
What people ask before retiring in Columbus
Short answers to the questions most people ask first. The full source trail sits in the guide above and the sources panel below.
Is Columbus, OH a good place to retire?
Plenty of people do retire here, so it is a real option worth a look. What matters is whether the home costs, the health and senior support, the things to do, and the family side all fit your life. Not just how it ranks on a list somewhere.
Source: Schmidt's Sausage HausWhat costs should you check before moving to Columbus?
Price the month, not the postcard. Keep separate lines for home, property taxes, insurance, utilities, getting around, health, and everyday spending. A low-tax headline can quietly hide a high insurance bill, or the other way around.
Source: Franklin County AuditorWhere do you find things to do in Columbus?
Start with parks and rec, the local event calendar, the visitor bureau, the senior center, and the restaurants people actually go to. The real question is whether they are close enough, and happen often enough, that you would use them all year. Not just visit once.
Source: Schmidt's Sausage HausWhat health and senior support matters in Columbus?
Look at Medicare counseling, the nearby hospitals, pharmacies, ways to get around, caregiver help, and one emergency contact. These can decide whether the move works, even when the rest of life looks great on paper.
Source: Central Ohio Area Agency on AgingWhat should your family ask before you move to Columbus?
Talk through driving, airport access, local services, who to call in an emergency, care backup, home upkeep, and how often someone would be needed. The point is to see the move as a real support plan, not just a nice address.
Source: Franklin County AuditorRetirement Life Score
A quick read on the life you would actually live.
Columbus scored across eight things that decide whether a move feels good: monthly affordability, home costs, restaurants and outings, activities, parks, health and senior support, weather, and getting around. The full numbers are below.
Columbus Retirement Life Score
77
Strong fit with tradeoffs / 75-84
Activities is the strongest daily-life fit. Home costs is the piece to verify before treating the move as settled.
A city looks livable and useful for many retirees, but one or two planning areas need a closer look.
Strongest fit: Activities & social calendar
Verify first: Home, taxes & insurance
Everyday affordability
Counts a lot77/100
How the ordinary monthly life could feel once taxes, insurance, fees, utilities, meals, and errands are in view.
What’s good: Lower-tax signals, visible discounts or free programs, ordinary-cost dining and errands, and practical transportation backup.
What to check: High housing pressure, insurance or storm costs, HOA or assessment friction, resort pricing, and thin cost evidence.
Price the month, not the postcard.
How this factor is scored
Signals checked: Katzinger's Delicatessen for a real sandwich · Watch: Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
Evidence weighed: Tax, housing, insurance, senior-service, transportation, and local deal sources.
Weight in the total: High weight
Home, taxes & insurance
Counts a lot59/100
Property taxes, assessments, homeowners insurance, storm exposure, maintenance, and local housing friction.
What’s good: Clear assessor or property-appraiser sources, homestead or senior relief signals, and plain-language housing-cost context.
What to check: Coastal or wildfire exposure, insurance pressure, high home prices, amenity fees, HOA or district assessments, and missing local tax sources.
Separate the house from the lifestyle.
How this factor is scored
Signals checked: How property taxes work in Franklin County · Watch: Franklin County Auditor
Evidence weighed: County assessor, property appraiser, tax collector, insurance, emergency management, and housing sources.
Weight in the total: High weight
Restaurants & outings
80/100
Restaurants, coffee, arts, downtown meals, family visits, and low-friction places to go without over-planning.
What’s good: Specific restaurants, coffee shops, arts districts, downtown routines, visitor-hosting ideas, and source links that feel repeatable.
What to check: Only generic visitor copy, heavy seasonal crowds, hard parking, expensive dining signals, or no specific local outing ideas.
Look for repeatable evenings, not only famous spots.
How this factor is scored
Signals checked: Schmidt's Sausage Haus in German Village · Watch: Schmidt's Sausage Haus
Evidence weighed: Restaurant sites, tourism boards, chambers, downtown groups, event venues, and local dining guides.
Weight in the total: Supporting weight
Activities & social calendar
89/100
Events, clubs, classes, pickleball, senior programs, volunteer options, and the weekly social rhythm.
What’s good: Dated events, parks and rec classes, senior-center programming, clubs, pickleball options, volunteer leads, and repeatable weekly activities.
What to check: Undated or stale calendars, few senior-friendly programs, heat or traffic timing issues, and no clear way to register or show up.
Make sure the week has more than errands.
How this factor is scored
Signals checked: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens · Watch: Budd Dairy Food Hall
Evidence weighed: City calendars, recreation departments, senior centers, libraries, clubs, parks districts, and community event pages.
Weight in the total: Core weight
Parks & outdoor life
81/100
Parks, trails, beaches, gardens, preserves, water access, golf, and everyday outdoor routines.
What’s good: Specific parks, trails, beaches, gardens, water access, golf, outdoor classes, and low-friction places to be outside often.
What to check: Extreme heat, smoke, flooding, storm seasons, winter driving, crowding, parking friction, or thin park-level detail.
Check whether outdoor life works in the season you will actually live there.
How this factor is scored
Signals checked: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens · Watch: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Evidence weighed: Parks departments, park districts, conservancies, recreation sources, tourism sources, and trail or beach authorities.
Weight in the total: Supporting weight
Health & support access
Counts a lot74/100
Medicare help, aging agencies, caregiver backup, transportation support, pharmacies, and local service depth.
What’s good: Area Agency on Aging, SHIP or SHINE counseling, senior services, caregiver support, transportation help, and credible health-resource depth.
What to check: Weak care-radius evidence, no benefits counseling source, unclear transportation backup, or hints that specialist access requires long drives.
Do not let a fun town hide a weak care radius.
How this factor is scored
Signals checked: Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging · Watch: Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
Evidence weighed: Area Agencies on Aging, county health and human services, senior services, Medicare counseling, transit, and hospital or clinic sources.
Weight in the total: High weight
Weather comfort
66/100
Heat, storms, flooding, smoke, winter, seasonal swings, and how much resilience planning the move demands.
What’s good: Evidence that outdoor life works in ordinary seasons, plus clear planning sources for heat, storms, winter, smoke, or emergency readiness.
What to check: Sustained heat, hurricane or flood exposure, wildfire or smoke risk, winter driving, evacuation complexity, and missing resilience sources.
Plan the hard season, not the best week.
How this factor is scored
Signals checked: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens · Watch: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens · 50F annual average, 173 sunny days
Evidence weighed: Emergency management, weather-resilience, utility, health, parks, insurance, and local government sources.
Weight in the total: Core weight
Getting around & family visits
63/100
Driving, parking, airport access, golf-cart life, visitor logistics, medical trips, and family backup.
What’s good: Airport or transit access, shuttle or senior transportation, walkable routines, golf-cart usefulness, and simple family-visit logistics.
What to check: Traffic, parking scarcity, seasonal congestion, night-driving issues, long medical trips, or no car-light backup.
Test the drive on an ordinary Tuesday.
How this factor is scored
Signals checked: Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging · Watch: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Evidence weighed: Transit agencies, airports, city transportation pages, senior services, tourism access pages, and guide items with location detail.
Weight in the total: Supporting weight
How we keep this current
Sources for Columbus
A mix of city pages, community calendars, senior services, council agendas, official tourism, restaurant sites, and registration pages. Every claim above links to where it came from.
See the 26 sources behind this guideEvery claim above links to where it came from.ShowHide
community / weekly
Schmidt's Sausage Haus
Iconic German Village restaurant, the official food of Columbus, at 240 E Kossuth St.
community / weekly
Katzinger's Delicatessen
Original German Village deli at 475 S 3rd St, open daily 10am-6pm, voted best sandwiches.
institutional / weekly
Experience Columbus Local Dining
Visitor bureau roundup naming The Guild House, The Pearl, and Katzinger's.
community / weekly
Budd Dairy Food Hall
Local-favorite food hall in Italian Village mentioned alongside North Market and Seventh Son.
institutional / weekly
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Glasshouse and botanical gardens with Chihuly glass and seasonal exhibitions.
official / weekly
The Scioto Mile
Downtown riverfront with 175+ acres of parkland and trails; fountain open daily May 22-Sept 7, 11am-10pm.
community / weekly
North Market Downtown
Historic public market downtown; hours Sun-Mon 10am-5pm, Tue-Sat 9am-7pm.
institutional / weekly
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Top-ranked zoo in Powell, open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
institutional / weekly
COSI Center of Science and Industry
Downtown science museum at 333 W Broad St.
community / weekly
Match Point Pickleball Club
Large indoor pickleball club with 38 courts at 350 McCormick Blvd.
community / weekly
Pickle & Chill
Pickleball facility with 12 indoor and 10 outdoor courts plus Ray's bar and leagues.
community / weekly
Land-Grant at Gravity Experience Park
Three pickleball courts at the brewery park, 98 McDowell St, with league play.
official / weekly
Columbus Recreation and Parks Pickleball
City system with 60 indoor and 58 outdoor courts, plus dedicated courts at Marion-Franklin Park.
institutional / weekly
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
Aging and disability resource network at 3776 S High St; 1-800-589-7277.
institutional / weekly
Columbus Arts Festival
Greater Columbus Arts Council riverfront festival, June 12-14, 2026, 250+ juried artists.
community / weekly
ComFest
54th Community Festival in Goodale Park, June 26-28, 2026; Fri noon-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm.
local-media / weekly
Red, White & BOOM!
Largest fireworks show in the Midwest, July 3, 2026, fired from Genoa Park east bank at 10pm.
official / weekly
Jazz & Rib Fest
Free riverfront festival July 24-26, 2026 at West Bank and Bicentennial Park, 11am-10pm.
institutional / weekly
Ohio State Fair
Statewide fair at the Ohio Expo Center, July 29-August 9, 2026.
community / weekly
Schmidt's Columbus Oktoberfest
September 11-13, 2026 at the Ohio Expo Center; Fri 5pm-midnight, Sat noon-midnight, Sun noon-8pm.
community / weekly
Stonewall Columbus Pride
Largest free Pride festival and march in the Midwest, drawing 700,000+ visitors.
institutional / weekly
Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
Holiday lights at the zoo, November 20, 2026 - January 3, 2027.
community / weekly
Pearl Market
Downtown open-air market open Thursdays, opening 11am and closing 2pm.
official / weekly
Franklin County Auditor
County office handling property valuation and the Homestead Exemption for seniors; 614-525-HOME.
institutional / weekly
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Top-ranked academic medical center; University Hospital at 520 W 10th Ave.
official / weekly
Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP)
Ohio's free Medicare counseling program; hotline 800-686-1578.
Activities & recreation in Columbus
What there is to do here, with the sources.
The things people retire for, in Columbus. Each links to the full activity guide and the states that fit it.
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department manages 118 pickleball courts at 35 locations, split between 60 indoor and 58 outdoor courts, making pickleball available year-round. Drop-in sessions at community centers cost $3 per day or $20 for an eight-session card.
Columbus Recreation and Parks DepartmentThe Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging coordinates Franklin County Senior Options, PASSPORT Medicaid waiver services, and caregiver support programs for older adults in central Ohio. The Franklin County Office on Aging provides a parallel network of programs and individualized services accessible through franklincountyohio.gov.
Central Ohio Area Agency on AgingHoover Reservoir, managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources north of Columbus, limits outboard motors to 10 horsepower, creating a quiet setting that draws local anglers for bass and crappie. Alum Creek State Park, about 20 miles north of downtown, also offers a dedicated kayak and canoe launch for anglers approaching by paddle craft.
Published local price
Ohio resident annual fishing license, ages 16-65; senior (66+) pay $10/year; license valid 365 days from purchase
Published range: $10 to $25.
Ohio Fishing Licenses and Fees - eRegulations · as of 2025The Olentangy Trail is described by Columbus Recreation and Parks as one of the city's most popular trails for its connectivity along the Olentangy River corridor. Franklin County Metro Parks adds more than 1,000 acres at individual properties including Sharon Woods and Blacklick Woods, with paved trails, bridle paths, and nature routes.
Published local price
Ohio State Parks general day use is free; no annual vehicle pass program exists for Ohio State Parks; some parks have parking fees at specific areas
Ohio State Parks and Watercraft - Ohio DNR · as of 2026Alum Creek Marina, in Delaware County about seven miles north of Columbus on Alum Creek Lake, offers canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals for paddlers. Hoover Reservoir's low-horsepower motor limit makes it popular with canoeists and kayakers seeking a quiet experience close to the city.
Published local price
Ohio motorboat registration fee for boat 16 to less than 26 feet; registration is for a 3-year cycle; annual equivalent shown
Published range: $33 to $93.
BOATsmart Ohio Boat Registration Guide · as of 2024The Columbus Museum of Art anchors the city's downtown arts scene with a main campus and a second location in the Short North Arts District, known as the Pizzuti, featuring contemporary exhibitions and artist-driven projects. The Short North corridor clusters galleries and performance spaces within walking distance of the museum.
Columbus Museum of ArtColumbus Recreation and Parks Department operates six 18-hole golf courses through its CRPD Golf system, with senior season passes (60 and up) available starting at $575. The department's courses range across the metro including the historic Airport Golf Course established in 1952.
Columbus Recreation and Parks DepartmentOSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers operate across Franklin County, managing community garden plots, teaching youth and adult gardening programs, and assisting with horticultural research under Ohio State University Extension oversight. Volunteers manage projects citywide and can be reached through the OSU Extension Franklin County office.
Ohio State University ExtensionGolf
Golf near Columbus
Courses around Columbus worth a round, with how to book each one.
- Par
- 72
- Back tees
- 6,864 yds
- Round
- ~4h
Flat, easy-walking muni with raised, severely contoured greens and twin par 3s · Robert Trent Jones Sr.
A flat, easy-walking city course northwest of downtown, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. with raised, contoured greens. Rates stay friendly and the routing is simple to follow.
Opened 1954 · $ · Slope 121
- Par
- 70
- Back tees
- 6,536 yds
- Round
- ~4h
Rolling, hilly terrain with mature trees, demanding doglegs and undulating greens · Robert Trent Jones Sr.
A municipal course next to Easton on the northeast side, with rolling fairways and mature trees. It plays as one of central Ohio's more challenging public tracks.
Opened 1954 · $ · Slope 125
- Par
- 72
- Back tees
- 7,014 yds
- Round
- ~4h
Wide tree-lined fairways, three large lakes and 44 strategically placed bunkers · Jack Kidwell
A roomy city course with wide, tree-lined fairways, three lakes, and plenty of bunkers to keep things interesting. A good value if you want length at a municipal price.
Opened 1971 · $ · Slope 126
- Par
- 72
- Round
- ~4h
- On foot
- Walkable
Parkland course at the Columbus Zoo with water in play on several holes · Michael Hurdzan
A friendly public course tied to the Columbus Zoo, with tree-lined fairways and a little water to navigate. Walking is allowed, and the rates stay affordable.
Opened 1967 · $$
- Par
- 72
- Round
- ~4h
Jack's home course and host of the Memorial Tournament on the PGA Tour · Jack Nicklaus
The private club Jack Nicklaus built in Dublin, home to the PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament. You will need a member to play, but it defines golf in the Columbus area.
Opened 1974
Photo: David E. Lucas via Columbus Metropolitan Library / DPLA (public domain)