In the heart of Downtown Columbus, activities abound at Columbus Commons! Day & night, weekdays & weekends, come explore the park!
Daily, 7:00am - 11:00pm (closed on holidays)
All outdoor activities are weather permitting.
Please call (614) 603-2560 for questions about Columbus Commons.
April 23 - September 29
Monday - Saturday: 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Plus special events.
You don’t need to wait for a special event to score some neat eats at the Columbus Commons. Take in the pure pleasure of the park scene with our house cafes, open daily for your sustenance. Grab some Mexican street food at Tortilla, and finish off with a scoop from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream. We’ve got you covered.
More InformationTortilla
Open May through October
Monday - Saturday: 11:00am - 8:00pm
+ special events
Stop by Tortilla for great Mexican street food. Please visit their Facebook page for more information.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Open May through October
Monday - Wednesday: 11:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday - Saturday: 11:00am - 8:00pm
+ special events
The commons scoop shop offers artisanal, local ice creams during the Columbus Commons season. Please visit their website for more information.
Go green! Go grow! Go Gardens GO! The Columbus Commons is home to an ever-changing display of beautiful growing works of art. The 12 spectacular gardens are designed and maintained by Columbus’ very own Franklin Park Conservatory. Just as Columbus is a four-season city, the gardens boast four-season appeal. With a mix of perennials, shrubs, ornamental grasses, evergreens and annuals, there’s something beautiful to see year-round.
More InformationWould you like to be involved in the gardens at Columbus Commons? Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens invites volunteers to join in the upkeep and development of the Columbus Commons gardens. If you have a green thumb (or want to develop one) please click here for volunteer opportunities.
No matter what your age, there’s something deliciously irresistible about a carousel. The Columbus Commons is proud to host a breathtaking carousel at the southern end of the park near the children’s reading room. The park’s carousel is kinetic art in its finest form.
More InformationApril 23 - September 29
Monday - Saturday: 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Hours may vary during events
Surrounded by the gorgeous gardens, the carousel’s characters were hand-carved by Ohio artists at Mansfield’s Carousel Works. It offers classic fairytale trips atop a princess horse or frog prince. Or try out the OSU Buckeye horse and chariot... along with a host of other fantastically curious creatures.
All ages are welcome to take the carousel for a spin. Giddy-up, hop on board and play I-Spy - can you spot the Statehouse and COSI? Can you spot the zoo? Yes indeed: the carousel’s rounding boards proudly display images of the very best of Columbus - it’s a whirling city tour in one stop.
During some events, carousel rides are free! Otherwise, a $1 token is required. Tokens can be picked up from the nearby token machine next to Jeni's.
The carousel is accessible for all visitors, including those in wheelchairs. If assistance is needed, the security officer on duty is there to help.
Interested in renting out the carousel for a private group? Reach out here!
The NEOS Electric Playground combines the speed and fun of electronic games with the explosive movement of aerobic exercise to create a high-excitement play experience. With 10 different ways to engage, there’s hours of active play to be had. Stop by whenever the park is open to get moving!
Columbus Commons is Downtown’s official recreation center, with a host of accessible activities for all ages. During Open Play, guests can play on the lawn, start an art project, or try out an electronic playground that merges the digital world with big motor movements.
More InformationOpen Play: June 1 - September 29
Wednesday - Saturday: 11:00am - 3:00pm
We encourage the community to use Columbus Commons as the background for photo shoots. During our open park hours (7:00am - 11:00pm) when Columbus Commons is not programmed for private events, you are welcome to use the park free of charge for non-commercial photo and video shoots. Be sure to give us a social media shout out on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! Please note, if your photo shoot disturbs other park visitors or involves extensive photography equipment, you may be asked to stop taking photos. Commercial/professional photo shoots do require permission, so contact us to request a permit.
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