What are fun things to do with friends in Columbus?
We checked 53 real places in Columbus, OH from OpenStreetMap, including 8 places to eat, 8 bars and nightlife spots (21+) and 8 sights. Squad Plan's three day plans below draw on these places, and your group can vote on the one you like best.
Last updated 2026-10-14
We found 8 places to eat, 8 bars and nightlife spots (21+), 8 sights, 8 parks and outdoor spots, 8 game spots, 5 sports venues and 8 places to shop in Columbus, from OpenStreetMap map data.
Three ready-made day plans
Costs are rough estimates per person in US dollars. Check hours and prices before you go.
Plan A
Nicklaus Museum to Turtle Creek Tavern
Slow pace, good food, plenty of time to talk. Group of 4 for friends hangout.
Estimated total per person: $69–210
10:00Visit Nicklaus Museum
Jack Nicklaus Drive, Columbus, OH 43210
Free to $25 (estimate)
11:00Explore Westerville Woods Parkland
Columbus, Ohio
Free
12:30Lunch at Pasqualone's Ristorante
5766 Columbus Square, Columbus, OH 43231
$12–20 (estimate)
14:00Play at Thompson's Capri Lanes
5860 Roche Drive, Columbus, OH 43229
$15–30 (estimate)
15:00Get active at Worthington Christian Warrior Sports Fields
Lazelle Road, Columbus, OH 43240
$10–25 (estimate)
16:00Browse Shapter Center
North Meadows Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229
Free to $40 (estimate)
18:30Dinner at Orale Güey Mexican Cafe Bar & Grill
Karl PlazaEast Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, OH 43229
How much does a day out with friends cost in Columbus?
Across the three day plans above, a day out with friends in Columbus costs about $69 to $210 per person, from the lowest plan to the highest. Each total adds up the typical price of its stops, so treat it as a rough estimate and check prices before you go.
Frequently asked questions
What can a group do in Columbus for free?
Free places on our list include Westerville Woods Parkland, Gould Park and Cherry Bottom Park. Plans also leave time to wander around town at no cost.
Where can friends eat in Columbus?
Good places to start are Pasqualone's Ristorante, Orale Güey Mexican Cafe Bar & Grill and Hibachi Express. The day plans above include food stops from this list.
What is there to see in Columbus?
Sights on our list include Nicklaus Museum, Ohio History Center and Museum of Classical Archaeology. The full list is in the places section below.
What are good things to do with kids in Columbus?
Try visit Arne Slettebak Planetarium, visit Gould Park and eat at Pasqualone's Ristorante. Every idea here is a real mapped place, with a rough cost per person.
What are good date night ideas in Columbus?
Try coffee at Tim Hortons, walk through Albany Crossing Park and look around University Museum. Start small with coffee or a walk, and save dinner for when it is going well.
What are good things to do with a large group in Columbus?
Try bowling at Columbus Square Bowling Palace, play at Polaris 18 and XD and park time at Chaseland Park. Book ahead for a group this size, and send the link so everyone can vote on the plan.
What can friends do on a weekend in Columbus?
Try saturday morning: Ohio History Center, saturday lunch: Pasqualone's Ristorante and saturday afternoon: The Yard. Every stop is a real mapped place, with a rough cost per person.
What are good birthday ideas for adults in Columbus?
Try birthday dinner at Pasqualone's Ristorante, play at Thompson's Capri Lanes and drinks at Old North Arcade (21+). Every idea here is a real mapped place, with a rough cost per person.
What can friends under 21 do together in Columbus?
Try play at Thompson's Capri Lanes, see a movie at AMC Dine-In Easton 30 and get active at FieldhouseUSA. Every idea here is a real mapped place. Costs are rough estimates.
Can Squad Plan make a custom plan for Columbus?
Yes. Pick the city, your group and the vibe, and Squad Plan gives you three plans your friends can vote on. It is free for 5 plans a week.