19 Fun Things To Do in Licking County (near Columbus, OH)
If you’re looking for fun things to do near Columbus, Ohio, take a short drive to Licking County, where you’ll discover arts, culture and unbeatable outdoor recreation. When it comes to fun and exploration, Licking County has a little something for everyone. Explore the region’s past at historical exhibits, ancient earthworks and museums. Craving fresh air and exercise? Spend an afternoon at a local park, on the golf course or on the water at Buckeye Lake. Afterward, kick back at a winery or brewpub. Here are a few highlights of things to do in Licking County, Ohio, from cities across the county.
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Things To Do in Newark, Ohio
Explore The Dawes Arboretum
Since it was the family home of Beman and Bertie Dawes in 1918, The Dawes Arboretum was a special place to enjoy different specimens of trees and generally relax in nature. Today the property encompasses roughly 2,000 acres featuring about 16,000 different species of trees, flowers, shrubs and other flora. The restored 70-acre Dutch Fork Wetlands increases the biodiversity, making the entire area habitat teeming with native wildlife. Especially in spring and fall, a visit to The Dawes Arboretum is one of the top things to do in Newark, OH.
Raise the curtain at the Midland Theater
Visitors looking for things to do near Columbus, Ohio, needn’t go further than Newark to take in a live performance. The Midland Theater first opened in downtown Newark in 1928 and over time, fell into disrepair. Fortunately, in 1992, The Longaberger Company (yes, the eponymous owners of the giant, basket-shaped office building) purchased the theater in 1992 and launched an eight-year, $8.5 million renovation. Guests can once again visit the Midland for a movie or matinee, in addition to live performances throughout the year.
Tucker the kiddos at The Works
In a world of “don’t touch,” The Works breaks all the rules. This family-friendly destination offers children (of all ages) an opportunity to engage in hands-on learning discovering science, art and local history. Check out a show at the Scidome Planetarium, watch a live glass-blowing demonstration (or try your hand at making glassware), and ride in a flight simulator. Even children younger than 6 can learn about coding in the Tyke Lab. This community center isn’t just for folks looking for things to do in Newark, Ohio; local educators can take their classes to experience The Works, as well.
Steep yourself in history
Step back in time at several unique museums and landmarks around Newark. For a short trip back to the “late 1900s,” drive by the former Longaberger Basket Company headquarters. If you’re looking for a glimpse back to Newark’s early days, check out its historical properties, the Buckingham Meeting House, Sherwood-Davidson House and the Webb House. No trip to Newark, Ohio, is complete without a stop at another nationally lauded craftsman company, the Heisey Glass Museum, which celebrates the beautiful products made there from 1896 through 1957.
Enjoy live theater
The Licking County Players, a community theater troupe performing in Newark, Ohio, have been entertaining audiences for nearly 60 years. From comedy to tragedy and everything in between, the Licking County Players stage roughly five shows each season. Be sure to stop by 131 W. Main St. if you’re looking for things to do near Columbus, OH.
Take a swing at the Trout Club
If you’re planning to take in a little golf while visiting Newark, Ohio, be sure to hit the links at the Trout Club. Golf not your game? There’s also fine dining options, an outdoor pool, and even live music on select evenings.
Things To Do in New Albany, Ohio
Give a standing ovation at the McCoy Center for the Arts
This 35,000 square-foot McCoy Center for the Arts is the result of community collaboration, including the City of New Albany, Plain Township, New Albany-Plain Local School District and the New Albany Community Foundation. The space includes a dance studio and technical spaces, along with the 786-seat Irving E. Schottenstein Theater and the open Mershad Hall. Since opening in 2008, the McCoy Center has attracted more than 100,000 people looking for things to do in New Albany.
Go “Clubbin’” at New Albany Links
Golfers of all levels will be challenged at New Albany Links, designed by Barry Sarafin. There’s also a driving range, fitness center, pool, and tennis and pickleball courts.
Step back in time at the Ealy House
History buffs will want to add the Ealy House to their list of things to do near Columbus, Ohio. Walk in the steps of the Ealy family, German immigrants who built and lived in the house on a 75-acre parcel in 1830. Period-appropriate artifacts help set the scene for life in Ohio’s early days as a state at this Newark attraction.
Things To Do in Pataskala, Ohio
Tee up on Pataskala golf courses
Willow Ranch Golf Course offers 18 holes at a par 71, plus a pro shop and club house. The nine-hole, par 35 Broadview Golf Course is open year-round with its putting green, snack bar and picnic pavilion. For a more upscale atmosphere, check out the 18-hole, par 72 Cumberland Trail Golf Club.
Set your sights on The Bullet Ranch
Take aim in the shooting range, level up in the training center, or check out the latest offerings in arms and ammo at The Bullet Ranch.
Make a splash at the Pataskala Community Pool
Beat the summer heat with everyone’s favorite thing to do in Pataskala, Ohio. Truly a community asset, the Pataskala Community Pool was lovingly restored by over 400 volunteers, 30 local businesses and 12 service organizations and local churches in 2012.
Things To Do in Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Choose the best fest
Among the many things to do in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, its festivals are the most popular. Signature events including Juneteenth, Pride, Independence Day, Blues and Brews, Diwali-Tihar Festival, Halloweekend in the Burg, and the Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival, celebrating the city’s history in commercial agriculture. The year wraps up with the annual tree-lighting event.
Stroll the grounds of Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Blacklick Woods is sure to satisfy nature lovers, with 652 acres of woods, fields, seasonal swamp ponds and a prairie among its habitats — including a rare beech-maple forest along with a buttonbush swamp. A public golf course rounds out the park’s amenities.
Things To Do in Heath, Ohio
Get creative in Heath
If you’re looking for things to do in Heath, Ohio, unleash your artistic side at two creative spaces in town. The Davis-Shai House is where the Heath Community Arts Council hosts programs and pop-up gallery installations. For live shows, the Hullabaloo Performing Arts Theater showcases the talents of youth ages 7-13.
Stand in awe at The Great Circle
This 30-acre area of the Newark Earthworks complex, located in Heath, consists of a circular earthwork formed by a tall, continuous earthen wall. These earthworks were constructed by the Hopewell Culture and were recently designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. The museum includes a bookstore and interpretive center.
Things To Do in Buckeye Lake, Ohio
Cruise the lake in a rental
Families looking for things to do near Columbus, Ohio, don’t have far to go to get wet and wild. Small businesses surrounding the lake have much to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Kayaks, pontoon boats, stand-up paddle boards, fishing boats and even boat tours are popular on-water activities. Bicycle rentals allow visitors to enjoy shoreline views from the 4.1-mile multi-purpose, paved path at Buckeye Lake.
Take a hike in Buckeye Lake State Park
There’s lots to exlpore at Buckeye Lake State Park. Besides the 3,100-acre lake, there’s a 3,350-acre park. This habitat makes for great bird-watching, particularly near the Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve. When the lake was impounded in 1826, Cranberry Bog broke loose from the bottom and became a floating island, which may conceivably be the only one of its kind in the world.
Knock back a pint at Buckeye Lake Brewery
Since 2012, Buckeye Lake Brewery has been keeping folks refreshed with local craft beers. (Not to worry; Buckeye Lake also sells wines and bourbon, if beer isn’t your thing.) Hungry? Grab a bite from Chef Shack to wash down that Shovelhead IPA.