Things to Do at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
If you’re planning a visit to Columbus and looking for one of the most beautiful places to explore year round, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is always worth adding to your list of things to do.
It’s one of my favorite places to visit and just minutes from downtown. It’s calming, slower paced and filled with beautiful plants, seasonal exhibits, art, outdoor gardens butterflies, something for visitors of all ages.
Here are the best things to do at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens!
Table of Contents
- Important Renovation Update (Now Through Fall 2027)
- Visit the Blooms & Butterflies Exhibit (Seasonal Favorite)
- Walk Through the Global Plant Biomes
- See the Dale Chihuly Glass Artwork Throughout the Conservatory
- Explore the Iconic Palm House
- Let the Kids Explore the Children’s Garden
- Stroll the Outdoor Gardens and Grand Mallway
- See the Paul Busse Garden Railway (Seasonal Exhibit)
- Watch a Live Glass Blowing Demonstration
- Take a Break at the Garden Café
- Take a Class or Workshop
- Explore the Community Garden Campus (Free to Visit)
- Shop the Farmer’s Market
- Attend Seasonal Events Throughout the Year
- Admission Discounts
- Know Before You Go
Important Renovation Update (Now Through Fall 2027)
Before visiting, it’s important to know that these areas are currently undergoing major improvements and are expected to reopen Fall 2027. Even with these closures, there is still plenty to explore.
- The John F. Wolfe Palm House
- The Dorothy M Davis Showhouse
- Wolfe Terrace
Visit the Blooms & Butterflies Exhibit (Seasonal Favorite)
If you’re visiting in the spring, Blooms and Butterflies is one of the most popular experiences at the conservatory.
Hundreds of butterflies fly freely around you inside the Pacific Island Water Garden. Also, don’t miss the giant Koi fish in the Koi pond at the end of the exhibit.
At the exhibit you can:
- Walk among the butterflies
- Watch them feed
- See butterflies emerge in the Metamorphosis Lab
Walk Through the Global Plant Biomes
One of the most unique parts of visiting is traveling through plant environments from around the world without leaving Columbus.
Inside the climate controlled conservatories you can explore:
- Tropical rainforest plants
- Desert landscapes
- Himalayan mountain plant collections
- The Pacific Island Water Garden
See the Dale Chihuly Glass Artwork Throughout the Conservatory
Permanent installations of colorful sculptures by glass artist Dale Chihuly are located throughout exhibits. My favorite piece by him is the Persian Ceiling at Himalayan Mountains. Make sure you look up when you walk through the cave.
Explore the Iconic Palm House
The historic John F. Wolfe Palm House has been part of the conservatory since 1895, which is why they are completely renovating it till 2027. When the renovation is done, be sure to come back and visit dozens of palm varieties and tropical plants from around the world.
Let the Kids Explore the Children’s Garden
If you’re visiting with kids, plan extra time for the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden. It is designed learning through play and there is lots to see and do.
This area includes:
- nature play areas
- interactive exploration zones
- climbing features and discovery areas
- seasonal hands-on activities
Stroll the Outdoor Gardens and Grand Mallway
Beyond the exhibits, the outdoor gardens are just as beautiful and filled with beautiful flowers, tulips (a must see in the spring), and sculptures.
See the Paul Busse Garden Railway (Seasonal Exhibit)
This large scale outdoor model train display is located along the Grand Mallway. It features 9G scaled model trains that travels 1,122 feet of track through 51 miniature botanical buildings all made of natural plant material. Kids love watching the train go through the tunnels, over bridges and through the buildings but honestly it’s just as fun for adults (at least for me, lol). You can see this exhibit 4-25-26 through 1-3-27.
Watch a Live Glass Blowing Demonstration
Visit the Hot Shop area for a live glass blowing demonstration (check front desk for schedule) where artists create glass pieces right in front of you. It’s fascinating to watch and gives you a behind the scenes look at how the glass artwork is made throughout the conservatory.
Take a Break at the Garden Café
Stop by for lunch with fresh seasonal menu options, sandwiches, salads, and relaxing indoor seating.
Take a Class or Workshop
The Conservatory regularly offers workshops and classes that are beginner friendly for both adults and families including:
- gardening classes
- cooking demonstrations
- art workshops
- seasonal crafts
- nature education programs
Explore the Community Garden Campus (Free to Visit)
One of the best hidden gems here is the Community Garden Campus, which is completely FREE and open to the public daily. Even if you don’t purchase conservatory admission, this area is worth visiting.
Here you’ll find:
- Community garden plots
- Rose Pavilion
- Apiary and berry house
- Demonstration kitchen garden
- And so much more listed below!
The Cascades
A beautiful stepped waterfall feature that’s perfect for photos and a relaxing place to sit and take a break.
Cherry Blossoms (Seasonal)
In early spring, the cherry blossom trees bloom and turn the park into one of the prettiest walking spots in Columbus.
Franklin Park Playground
A great stop for the kids to run and play before or after exploring.
Reach Out Sculpture
The Reach Out Sculpture serves as a memorial honoring those living with and lost to AIDS. It’s a meaningful and quiet place for reflection within the park.
Walking Paths
This surrounding area around Franklin Park Conservatory includes paved walking trails, garden beds, open green spaces, picnic areas, shaded rest areas.
Shop the Farmer’s Market
No admission is required to shop the farmer’s market in the parking lot of Wells Barn. Shop for baked goods, local produce, handmade items and more. The season begins June 3 – September 16, 2026 from 3:30 – 6:30 pm.
Attend Seasonal Events Throughout the Year
Franklin Park Conservatory hosts some of Columbus’s most popular experiences throughout the year. Some special events require separate tickets (rates vary) but are totally worth it.
Favorite annual events include:
- Blooms & Butterflies (spring)
- Chihuly Nights
- Pumpkins Aglow (fall)
- Conservatory Aglow holiday lights (winter)
Admission Discounts
There are several ways you can save on Admission for the Franklin Park Conservatory.
Culture Pass
A great local tip many visitors don’t know about is the library culture pass. Several Ohio libraries offer a culture pass to the conservatory that you can check out. It includes up to 2 adults and 6 kids free admission for one day, valid 7 days after checkout.
Locations include: Columbus Metropolitan Main Library, CML Martin Luther King, CML Shepard, CML Driving Park, Sunbury Community Library, Westerville Library, Upper Arlington Library, Pickerington Library, Southwest Library
Free Community Day
If you live in Franklin county or Columbus, you can visit on the first Sunday of each month with a valid ID.
SNAP, EBT, WIC or Medicaid Participants
If you participant in any of the government programs above, you qualify for $4 general admission and special engagement tickets. Must show proof of participation.
Educator, Military and Students Discount
10% off any membership category for educators and military and 10% off individual membership for students. Must show proof/valid ID.
Know Before You Go
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1777 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH
Open 10am – 5pm daily
Located 2 miles from downtown Columbus
Free onsite parking available
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