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3 Fun Summer Activities You Can Drive to From Columbus, OH

Giraffe at zoo | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH
Summer is a great time to get out and about and explore your local area. Next time the weather is good and you fancy an adventure, try one of these summer activities near Columbus, OH.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

There's so much to do at Columbus Zoo that you'll struggle to fit it all in. Visit nearly 600 species of animals from all over the world, including lions, bears, and elephants. If you want to learn more about your favorites then be sure not to miss the Keeper Talks, which are full of fascinating facts and a chance to witness feeding time! Kids will have a blast exploring the many outdoor playgrounds and having a go on the carnival rides, so bring along the whole family! Grab some lunch at the Congo River Market Food Court, or bring your own food and use one of the many picnic areas available. There's plenty of parking at just $10 for the day, and don't forget to stop by and visit the gift shop on your way out so you can grab a souvenir!

Olentangy Caverns

These naturally formed limestone caves have been used through the ages by many cultures and tribes – it was even a robber's hideout in 1834! Discover the exciting history and amazing natural formations on a self-guided tour. Make it into a day trip and try your hand at mini golf, gem mining, and the treasure hunt maze. There's even a petting zoo where you can meet some furry friends! Activities can be paid for separately, or you can grab an all-access pass if you're going to stay all day. Remember to wear sturdy shoes to go inside the caves and enjoy the trails in the surrounding woodland – if you have any energy left after your underground adventuring!

Zoombezi Bay

Cool off on a hot day at this exciting water park. There's something here for everyone, from speedy drop slides for the thrill seekers to a wave pool for a bit of family fun. Tiny Tides is a heated-water playground, especially for young children, and Croctail Creek is an adults-only area with a swim-up bar and a heated lazy river. Can't fit everything into your day? Then consider grabbing a season ticket and come back as often as you’d like! There's plenty of parking, or you can take the bus and get money off your ticket. There are plenty of options for food and snacks, and you can rent a locker for your valuables, making it easier to enjoy the water without worrying about your things! Whether history is your thing, you're an animal lover, or you enjoy cooling off in the water on a hot day, there's summer fun for everyone not too far away! Start making your plans to visit each of these entertaining attractions today!   Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License
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Discover Nature: 3 State Parks You Can Drive to From Columbus, OH

There are three state parks that you can drive to from Columbus, OH without having to deal with the stress of navigating your way through the city streets. These parks are easy to access and provide a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery. Without further ado, let's take a look at these parks! Glen Echo Park Glen Echo Park is a 400-acre park located just north of Columbus. There are many different things to do at Glen Echo, such as biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The park also has a great hiking trail called the Glen Echo Loop Trail that takes you through some beautiful scenery. If you're in the mood for an adventure, check out the Lost River Gorge Trail, which features some pretty challenging terrain! more You can find this state park just off Route 37 in Delaware County. There is no admission fee to visit this park, but there are fees for certain activities like horseback riding and camping. Alum Creek State Park Beach Alum Creek State Park is one of the most popular parks in Ohio. It offers a variety of activities for all ages, including camping, swimming, and hiking. The park is known for its beautiful beach along the banks of Alum Creek Reservoir. The beach is open to swimmers from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend. There are lifeguards on duty during those months, but they're not always available. If you're looking for a remote spot where you can swim without someone watching over you, this isn't it. However, if you want to enjoy the water with other visitors who also have their eyes on the water, then this might be a good choice for you. The beach has plenty of parking spaces close by, as well as restrooms and changing areas if needed before heading out into the water! Buckeye Lake State Park Buckeye Lake State Park is less than an hour's drive from Columbus. This beautiful park has a lot to offer. The lake itself is surrounded by cottages and homes, but there are also plenty of hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. There are two ways to get to Buckeye Lake State Park: take the North Shore Drive or the East Shore Drive. Both directions take you through scenic areas of water and forest before reaching their destination. The North Shore Drive takes you along the north side of Buckeye Lake; it offers some great views of the lake as well as access to various overlooks and parking areas for those who want to hike or bike along the water's edge. The East Shore Drive goes along the eastern side of Buckeye Lake; it also offers some great views and access points for hikes and biking along this shoreline area. When you’re ready for a break from the city life, head on out to one of the idyllic state parks nearby – start making your plans today! Image via pixabay.com

Live music | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

Drive on Over: 4 Popular Live Music Venues in and Around Columbus, OH

There are a lot of exciting activities and attractions to check out in Columbus, OH, including some of the best music venues featuring a number of different bands and musicians. One of the most fun ways to spend a night is to visit one or two of these awesome spots, so check out the list below to see which ones are the most popular in your area! 1. A&R Music Bar Whether you're looking to discover new local musicians or are searching for which bands are touring through the city, this cool spot features a wide range of different shows for you to enjoy. The friendly staff is always ready to make you feel comfortable in any way they can, and the doors are always open, so you can easily take a breath of fresh air whenever you feel like it. Enjoy the awesome atmosphere that this intimate stage and stylish decor provide every night. more 2. The King of Clubs This venue is one of the most visited spots in the city for many reasons. You can watch from the balconies above or hit the floor below for some dancing, but anywhere you choose to stand gives you a great view of the stage. The King of Clubs offers a lot of different genres but is particularly popular among rock fans. Order something to eat or drink while you're here – just remember to drink responsibly when ordering from their bar. 3. Big Room Bar If you want a place that values local talent and music history above all else, come to the Big Room Bar. This is quite an intimate spot, yet there's plenty of room for you to take to the dance floor with your friends! If you're ever in need of some fresh air, the patio outside provides a relaxing environment to chill out whenever you'd like. Getting to this place couldn't be easier, and the great parking available makes it one of the best places to drive to. 4. Woodlands Tavern With two stages and plenty of space for you and your friends to hang out, Woodlands Tavern has remained one of the most beloved spots for over a decade now. There are a lot of musical performances to enjoy at this place, but it also has TVs, a pool table, and other games for you to keep yourself entertained. Their craft beer is always ready, along with daily specials and a menu of delicious tacos, sandwiches, and more. When it comes to finding places that can provide you with the best up-and-coming bands and musicians, there's arguably no better place than this city. If you're ever in the area, you can't go wrong by checking out one of these fun spots – start making your plans today! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

Ohio Statehouse | Drive Direct in Columbus, OH

Drive Around Town: 3 Local Attractions to Visit Near Columbus, OH

Whether you live in the region or are traveling around in your shiny Toyota RAV4 or Chevy Equinox, the city of Columbus, OH, is chock full of local attractions for you to check out with your friends or family! Home to over two million inhabitants in its metropolitan area, Columbus is a vibrant city where there’s always something going on that’ll entertain locals and visitors alike. These are just some of the spots you should check out while visiting our fair city. 1. Scioto Mile Without a doubt, one of the best ways to start exploring Columbus is to go for a walk along Scioto Mile. Covering an area of about 175 acres, this urban oasis features a pedestrian promenade sitting along both banks of the Scioto River, as well as a series of riverfront parks, bikeways, and beautiful spots where you can enjoy a sunset with great views of the city's skyline. more While Scioto Mile is now one of the most important landmarks in the city, the area has only recently been adapted for public use. This recreational complex was established as part of the Scioto Greenways project, which was created to revitalize a part of the city that had been largely abandoned since the early 1900s. 2. Ohio Statehouse Welcoming over half a million visitors each year, the Ohio Statehouse serves as the state capital and is one of the most beautiful Greek Revival buildings in the entire United States. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, the building was completed in 1861 after more than two decades of construction. Nowadays, the place works as both a government building and a historical museum. Thanks to its location in the heart of the city center, you can easily walk to the Ohio Statehouse from most other local landmarks. Some of the most beautiful sections of the building include the rotunda, the Grand Stair Hall, and the atrium. The two-story cupola features an observation deck from where you can have excellent views of the city. 3. Ohio History Center If you want to learn more about the history of our incredible state, the Ohio History Center is a place you should not miss while in Columbus. Established in the early 1970s, this museum and cultural center is located about three and a half miles north of the downtown area. Besides the permanent exhibition, the Ohio History Center regularly hosts temporary exhibits, as well as cultural events and performances. Before you hit the road and start exploring all the wonders that Columbus has to offer, consider one of these spots to kick off your excursion! Getting out and about is a terrific way to expand your knowledge and enjoy the sights available in our historic city! Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License