10 Fun Things To Do Near Dublin, Ohio (Franklin County): A Local-Friendly Guide
Looking for easy, fun things to do in and around
Dublin, Ohio? Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, visiting friends near
Columbus, or you just moved to the area, Dublin is a great home base for exploring central Ohio.
Below are
10 things to do near Dublin, Ohio that mix nature, food, family fun, and a little bit of history. All in plain, easy-to-read language and within a short drive.
1. Walk the Dublin Link & Explore Historic Dublin
If you do only one thing in Dublin, make it this.
The
Dublin Link is a striking pedestrian bridge that crosses the Scioto River and connects
Historic Dublin with the newer
Bridge Park area. It’s one of the longest single-tower S-shaped pedestrian bridges in the world, but don’t worry, you don’t have to be an engineer to enjoy it.
Stroll across the bridge, take in the river views, and snap a few photos. On both sides you’ll find:
- Small local shops
- Cafés and ice cream spots
- Bars and restaurants with patios
In the evening, the bridge lights up and feels almost like a little city scene, just minutes from quiet neighborhoods.
2. Visit the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Just north of Dublin, the
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is one of the most popular things to do in central Ohio. It’s only about a 10–20 minute drive from most spots in Dublin, depending on traffic.
You can spend most of a day here walking the different regions, like:
- North America – moose, bears, bison
- Heart of Africa – lions, giraffes, zebras
- Asia Quest – tigers, red pandas, elephants
Kids will love:
- Petting zoo areas
- Seasonal events (like ZooLights at the holidays)
- Interactive keeper talks and shows
Tip from the local-style playbook: arrive early, bring a refillable water bottle, and wear comfortable shoes. The zoo grounds are large, and you’ll easily get your steps in.
3. Cool Off at Zoombezi Bay Water Park
Right next door to the zoo is
Zoombezi Bay, a family-friendly water park that’s perfect on hot Ohio summer days.
You’ll find:
- Lazy river for floating and relaxing
- Wave pool that feels like a mini beach
- Water slides ranging from easy to “wow, that’s fast”
- Play areas for small kids
If you’re visiting Dublin in June, July, or August, this is a great way to stay cool. You can pair the zoo and water park over two days, or do one big full day if you’re up for it.
4. Discover Dublin’s Public Art & River Parks
One of the hidden gems of
Dublin, Ohio is its public art scene. The city has dozens of outdoor sculptures scattered around town. Hunting them down becomes its own little adventure.
A few fun stops:
- Field of Corn (with Osage Oranges) – Over 100 giant concrete ears of corn in a grassy field. It sounds odd, but it’s a classic Dublin photo spot.
- Leatherlips at Scioto Park – A huge stone sculpture of the Wyandot leader Leatherlips that you can climb on and around.
- Riverboxes – Small art installations tucked along the Scioto River that feel like a treasure hunt if you have kids.
While you’re checking out the art, enjoy the nearby
Scioto River parks. Many have:
- Walking paths
- Picnic tables
- Playgrounds
It’s a low-cost, relaxing way to explore Dublin like a local.
5. Eat Your Way Through Bridge Park
Bridge Park is Dublin’s modern riverfront district. If you’re hungry, this is where you want to go.
You’ll find a mix of:
- Local restaurants serving everything from tacos to sushi
- Craft beer spots and cocktail bars
- Coffee shops perfect for a quiet morning or remote work day
- Dessert spots for ice cream, donuts, and more
One nice thing about Bridge Park: it’s very walkable. You can park once, then wander around freely, cross the Dublin Link bridge, and explore both sides of the river.
If you like to “eat like a local,” ask bartenders or servers where they like to go on their days off. You’ll usually discover a few extra hidden gems in and around Dublin.
6. Explore Indian Run Falls
Right in the heart of Dublin is a short, peaceful hike that feels surprisingly wild for being so close to town.
Indian Run Falls is a small gorge with a waterfall and clear stream that runs through the woods. The park offers:
- Easy walking trails
- Overlooks for photos
- Wooden bridges and stairs
The trail is short, so it’s perfect for:
- Families with kids
- A quick nature break during a busy day
- Anyone who wants to enjoy trees, water, and quiet without a long drive
If it’s recently rained, the falls are usually more impressive. Just bring shoes you don’t mind getting a little muddy.
7. Hit the Links: Golf Around Dublin
Love to golf? Dublin is known for it.
The city hosts the
Memorial Tournament, a PGA Tour event at
Muirfield Village Golf Club, founded by Jack Nicklaus. While that private course isn’t open to everyone, there are several public and semi-private golf courses near Dublin where visitors can play.
In and around Dublin and northwestern Franklin County you’ll find:
- Well-kept fairways and greens
- Driving ranges for quick practice sessions
- Courses suitable for both beginners and experienced players
If you’re traveling with someone who isn’t into golf, it’s easy for them to enjoy the shops and cafés in Dublin while you sneak in 9 or 18 holes.
8. Take a Day Trip Into Downtown Columbus
One of the best things about staying in Dublin is how close you are to
downtown Columbus. It’s usually only a 20–25 minute drive, depending on traffic.
Here are a few easy, popular stops in Columbus:
- Short North Arts District – Murals, galleries, boutiques, and tons of restaurants.
- North Market – A public market with food vendors from around the world. Great for lunch or a quick snack crawl.
- Columbus Museum of Art – Manageable in size, with a mix of classic and modern art.
- Arena District – Sports, concerts, and nightlife when there’s a game or event.
Dublin offers a quieter, suburban feel at night, while Columbus gives you big-city energy during the day. It’s a nice balance if you enjoy both.
9. Wander the Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
On the east side of Columbus, but still within Franklin County, you’ll find the
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. It’s about a 30–35 minute drive from Dublin, and it’s worth the trip if you enjoy plants and peaceful spaces.
Inside the glass conservatory, you can walk through:
- Tropical gardens with lush greenery
- Desert landscapes with tall cacti
- Rotating exhibits and art displays
Outside, there are seasonal flower beds, walking paths, and a children’s garden that’s very hands-on.
If the weather is messy—too hot, too cold, or rainy—this is a nice indoor option that still feels connected to nature.
10. Celebrate Irish-Style at Dublin’s Festivals
Dublin leans into its Irish name in a fun, family-friendly way. If you time your visit right, you can catch one of the city’s lively events.
A few favorites:
- Dublin Irish Festival – One of the largest Irish festivals in the United States, usually held in early August. Expect live music, dancing, food, drinks, and lots of green.
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Floats, bagpipes, and people dressed in green lining the streets of Dublin.
- Smaller seasonal events – Outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and holiday celebrations around Historic Dublin and Bridge Park.
If you enjoy local culture and live music, check the city’s events calendar before you go. Planning your trip around a festival can make your Dublin, Ohio visit feel even more special.
Planning Your Trip to Dublin, Ohio
To keep things simple, here’s a quick recap of the top
things to do near Dublin, Ohio:
- Walk the Dublin Link and explore Historic Dublin and Bridge Park
- Spend a day at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
- Cool off at Zoombezi Bay in the summer
- Hunt for public art like Field of Corn and Leatherlips
- Relax at Indian Run Falls and riverside parks
- Play golf at local courses around Dublin
- Take a day trip into downtown Columbus
- Visit Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
- Enjoy food, drinks, and nightlife in Bridge Park
- Join the fun at the Dublin Irish Festival or other local events
Whether you’re traveling with kids, a partner, or solo, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill a weekend (or more) in and around Dublin.
Share Your Dublin, Ohio Experience
Have you visited
Dublin, Ohio or the nearby Columbus area?
- What was your favorite thing to do?
- Did you discover a great local restaurant or hidden park?
- Would you recommend Dublin as a weekend getaway spot?
I’d love to hear about your trip ideas, questions, or personal tips.
Drop a comment with your favorite places or anything you’re curious about before you go.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends, family, or anyone planning a trip to central Ohio. It might help them discover a few new things to do near Dublin, Ohio too.
Comments
Post a Comment