40 Things to do in Columbus when it's Cold or Rainy

Obviously it has been a very cold winter.  That kind of puts a damper on our typical outdoor activities like hanging out at a patio, hiking, driving around with the Jeep top off, or even just going for a walk because the sidewalks are covered in snow (including ours, oops).  But that doesn't mean we have to stay home.  Everyone knows that Columbus has some great restaurants and some pretty good shopping, but that can be hard on the waistline and your wallet.  So I started collecting a list together to cure our cabin fever and get us out of the house!  Columbus is the 15th largest city in the country and there are a lot of indoor gems in this town.

Also, check out each weekend's list of fun things to do in Columbus here!

1. Palace Theatre - always some sort of live event going on whether its a comedian, musical, or concert
2. Scioto Downs - feel like seeing a race or staying inside and chancing your luck
3. Studio 35 - single screen movie theater showing cult classics and serving up brews
4. Franklin Park Conservatory - rotating exhibits of orchids, blooms & butterflies, and more makes you feel like you're outside
5. Ohio Historical Center - lots of American history
6. COSi - geared toward kids, but the Extreme Screen, COSi Classics, and seasonal exhibits can be fun for adults too
7. Grandview Theatre - single screen theater showing today's biggest blockbusters
8. Anthony Thomas Candy Factory Tour - feel like your Charlie Bucket touring a candy factory in your backyard
9. Middle West Distillery Tour - mmm... whiskey tastings
10. Columbus Zoo - the animals are more active when there are less people staring at them
11. Ohio Roller Girls - craziness on roller skates
12. Drexel Theater - independent films are always on
13. The Seasoned Farmhouse - hungry for a cooking class?
14. Brothers Drake Meadery Tour - see how the drink of choice of Renaissance kings is made today
15. Columbus Museum of Art - recently renovated with beautiful staples and rotating exhibits, free on Sundays
16. Studio Movie Grill - eat, drink, and watch today's blockbusters
17. Downtown Library - the best library system in the country in a historic building with floors of books and events
18. Perkins Observatory - once the second largest telescope in the world
19. 16 bit bar - get your game and your drink on in the way back time machine
20. Statehouse Tour - the only statehouse without a dome has seen a lot of history
21. Air Force Museum (Dayton) - how often do you get to board an Air Force One plane or see Felix's space suit and capsule from his record-breaking freefall jump back to Earth
22. Velvet ice cream factory tour - I scream, you scream, we all scream for 100 years of ice cream
23. Hollywood Casino - after years of debate about gambling in Ohio, the casinos are here to stay, why not play a hand
24. Ohio Theater - dress up and go to the ballet, opera, or musical
25. Wexner Center - performing arts, independent films, contemporary art... if it is artistic, it is here
26. Massages at Penzone's - keep calm and carry on at this network of national award winning salons
27. Wyndotte Winery - live music, murder mysteries, and tastings, oh my
28. Funny Bone - laughter is the best medicine, just don't sit in the front row
29. Olentangy Indian Caverns - an underground river carved out these caverns thousands of years ago
30. Kingmakers Parlour - game night without the clean up
31. Book Loft - 32 rooms of books to get lost in
32. Rule 3 - mini bowling, arcade games, and drinks
33. Camelot Cellars - make your own wine just the way you like it
34. The Wilds - covered and heated safari tours and stay overnight in the lodge or a yurt
35. Shadowbox - laugh out loud at their sketch comedies
36. Dave & Busters - it's a national chain, but it's still fun
37. Clayspace ceramic studio - throw some clay on a potter's wheel and make something cool
38. Four Seasons Golf - hit some balls under the big dome
39. The Candle Lab - mix and match over 100 scents to make your own perfect candle
40. Newport Music Hall - get you groove on to the latest in Indie Rock to Electronic music

And since we're an indecisive bunch, all 40 are written on popsicle sticks  and tossed into a mason jar.  Now when we want to get out of the house, just pick a stick and go!

Don't see something on the list that should be?  Send me a note or comment below!

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