Go Out, Have Fun & Enjoy Columbus in a Sober-Friendly Environment

 

There is plenty of fun to be had in recovery. Some of these activities can be enjoyed for free, but make sure to look for discounts and coupons to save money for those that come with a price! Here is a list of sober-friendly things to do in Columbus. Click on the links below for more details and let us know if there is an alcohol-free option we should add to the list.

 

 Adventure

  1. The Book Loft: This popular bookstore is a gem in German Village. It is comprised of multiple pre-Civil War era buildings that were once saloons, general stores, and cinemas; now it is home to 32 rooms of bargain books.
  2. German Village: Check out this historical, quaint village famous for its charming brick streets and sidewalks, beautiful gardens and homes, pedestrian-friendly lifestyle, thriving shops, restaurants, businesses, and year-round events.
  3. **Dueling Axes: Experience the exciting sport of axe throwing in a safe, comfortable environment and play any variety of games that you choose with friends or family.
  4. The Escape Game Columbus: With six escape rooms to choose from including, Gold Rush, The Heist, and more, experience this fun challenge with family and friends.
  5. Zip Zone Outdoor Adventures: Located in the heart of Columbus, Zip Zone offers zip line tours, a tree top obstacle course, and a ground level kids park.

 

Art

  1. The Ohio Theater: At the Ohio Theater, they have a variety of shows from classical to modern dance, hot concerts to theater shows, and much more.
  2. Columbus Symphony: Explore the world of orchestral music by seeing a show by The Columbus Symphony Orchestra.
  3. Ohio Craft Museum: The Ohio Craft Museum presents five major exhibitions each year, as well as focus exhibits and a gift shop. They also offer educational programming for all ages and levels of experience.
  4. BalletMet: Attend a live, theatrical performance at BalletMet. They have a black box theatre performance space, seven dance studios where various dance classes take place, and costume and scene shops.
  5. Wexner Center for the Arts: Experience unique, cultural exhibitions, performances, art, and film at the Wexner Center for the Arts.
  6. Otherworld: Immerse yourself in interactive art exhibits, mixed reality playgrounds, and secret passageways at Other World art museum. They have 40 large rooms, each with different large-scale pieces of interactive art.

 

Food & Restaurants

  1. **Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace: Dirty Frank’s serves Vienna Beef, vegan, and vegetarian hot dogs with a wide range of toppings, specials, and sides, including salads and mac and cheese bites.
  2. North Market: North Market is a 147-year-old public market comprised of Ohio’s merchants, farmers, craftsmen, and makers. Visitors can enjoy all kinds of fresh, authentic food and products.
  3. **The Crest: Menu in homage to Appalachian heritage with simple, tavern fare, and cooking techniques of the traditional Appalachian region. They also have a variety of NA drink choices.
  4. Scotty’s Café: If you’re looking for a breakfast or lunch spot, stop by Scotty’s Café. They have delicious food options including French toast, home fries, oatmeal, pancakes, and more for breakfast, and burgers, sandwiches, fish, soups, and more for lunch.
  5. Ray Ray’s Hog Pit: Check out one of these award-winning stationary barbeque food trucks, trailers and drive throughs located in six different areas of the Columbus and central Ohio area.
  6. Kuya Ian’s: This family-owned restaurant serves delicious, authentic Filipino dishes and offers carry out and delivery.

 

Museums

  1. Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum: This private collection of vintage vehicles, signage, and automobile materials is free and open to the public with a scheduled appointment to tour the museum.
  2. The Center of Science and Industry (COSI): This nationally esteemed science center inspires interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics by delivering “hands-on fun” learning experiences.
  3. National Veterans Memorial and Museum: The National Veterans Memorial and Museum is a powerful and personal experience designed to honor the men and women who served our country, while also educating the public and hosting various events.
  4. Columbus Museum of Art: Experience great art, engage with the community, and embrace creativity at the Columbus Museum of Art. It is home to late 19th and early 20th century American and European modern works of art.
  5. Ohio History Museum: Tells the story of Ohio’s history by showcasing thousands of archival materials, featuring many different exhibits, hosting community events,and offering educational programs

 

Parks & Recreation

  1. Scioto Mile
    1. The Sciotio Mile is an urban oasis comprised of more than 175 acres of parkland, stretching along the water-front and filled with parks, bikeways, and walking paths. Parks include Bicentennial Park, The Promenade, Genoa Park, and more.
  2. Schiller Park
    1. Schiller Park is the second oldest park in Columbus and is 23.5 acres in size in German Village. The park features a statue of German poet, Friedrich von Schiller as well as beautiful landscapes, picnic areas, a fishing pond, basketball court, walking trails, a playground and more.
  3. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
    1. Visitors will experience 13 acres comprised on the Conservatory building, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and the Grand Mallway, with botanical biomes, beautiful gardens, horticulture and art exhibitions, and seasonal offerings. There are also glass works art on display.
  4. Columbus Park of Roses
    1. One of the largest public rose gardens in the US with 13 acres of more than 12,000 rose specimens.
  5. Hayden Falls Park
    1. Located close to Griggs Nature Reservoir, Hayden Falls is Central Ohio’s best-known waterfall. It is a 30-foot waterfall in an area no more than 2 acres in size with easy, walkable boardwalk trails.
  6. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
    1. Home to over 10,000 animals and 600 species, visitors will learn so much about wildlife at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

 

BrightView wants to help connect people in recovery and help them enjoy life without drugs and alcohol. Contact us at 833.510.HELP for more information.

 

**PLEASE NOTE: This venue also serves beverages containing alcohol.
Photo by Adobe Stock Images