Escape the mundane starting today: Where to go now that Columbus is reopening

Lately, escaping from the house has felt a lot like a vacation. Simple adventures like jogging through the park or walking to the grocery store have become invigorating experiences.

This past week, Gov. Mike DeWine made a couple of announcements that may make escaping the mundane much easier. On Thursday, DeWine provided an update on COVID-19 reopenings, giving entertainment venues like zoos, art galleries, movie theaters, and museums the June 10 go-ahead.

Entertainment venues such as Cedar Point and King’s Island were originally left out of Ohio’s reopening plans. However, a lawsuit filed against the Ohio Department of Health on the same day prompted another DeWine update on Friday.

On June 5, amusement parks, water parks, casinos, and racinos were also given the A-OK to begin business starting on June 19. Reopened venues specific to the Columbus area were outlined in this post.

While some entertainment venues already got the go-ahead to re-open (as outlined in this post), here is a list of facilities that are scheduled to re-open today or in the near future:

If the virtual visits weren’t enough to replace the in-person experience, 934 Gallery started booking appointments this past Saturday. For now, the Milo-Grogan (East of Italian Village) art gallery will be open by appointment only on Saturdays from noon until 3 p.m.

Chiller Ice Works–located at 401 E. Wilson Bridge Rd. in Worthington–reopened on Monday with private lessons, stick and puck, freestyle, and a reduced-attendance public skate.
United Skates of America, located at 3362 Refugee Rd., announced the return of private skate parties this past week. On Tuesday, the indoor roller skating rink welcomed back weekly adult nights–running from 9 p.m. until midnight–with limited reservations.

Drivers, start your engines! Grand Prix Karting Indoor Entertainment has reopened its course. Racers are being welcomed back to the track starting today.
The immersive art installation Otherworld is set to return this Thursday.
Skate Zone 71 is gearing up for somewhat of a public re-opening, according to its Facebook page. It’s currently selling tickets for Adult Night Skating, which starts back up this Thursday.
Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse announced this past week that it plans to bring movies back to the big screen starting on Friday at both the Grandview Theater and Clintonville locations. Ticketing details to ensure social distancing are to come.
The Magic Mountain Fun Center at Polaris has already reopened mini-golf and go-karts to the public. Laser tag will reopen starting on Friday.
Get Air Columbus will be reopening to the public this Friday. The trampoline park will be phasing in special jump times as the park begins to reopen.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will reopen its operations to visitors starting on Saturday.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is welcoming back members beginning on Friday and all guests starting on Mon., June 15.

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