Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens — Attraction in Columbus

This is a beautiful place and a must-see if visiting Columbus, OH, as it is half the price of most every other tourist destination and has a lot to offer. They also have a discounted entry fee program that can’t be beat. The sprawling nature park which surrounds the conservatory is free to the public, family friendly and has a wonderful playground and variety of paths and outdoor plants/areas. The Conservatory itself is quite large, with multiple biomes and exhibits, a cafe and gift shop sure to make you open your wallet. Outdoor patios abound, giving you the chance to relax and enjoy your cafe meal, take photos of the grounds or simply relax. Photos are encouraged, as they often exhibit visitors’ photos if submitted by the photographer. Upon entry, visitors can watch and learn as employees work with chrysalis boards and carefully hang them to hatch. After hatching they are released into the balmy Butterfly Garden where visitors can get lucky and have a butterfly land on their shoulder or flutter past their nose. Flowers and blown glass artwork abound, and educational materials are everywhere to help visitors better understand their surroundings. We then visited the Desert Biome, which is full of enormous versions of common cactus houseplants and desert species. These specimens thrive in their natural habitat and grow to enormous proportions, all displayed with plaques to give names to these amazing if somewhat scary plants. The sheer size of some of the spikes and thorns are alarming and made me think of poor Wiley Coyote and his many mishaps. Next, step into the Himalayan biome and chill out, literally! How refreshing after the balmy and muggy environments before. I noticed some of the plants can be found in our forests as well. Who knew we have something in common with that remote region? The Palm Garden is lovely too, and located in the original past of the building with its glass cupola towering way above. Huge ceiling fans stir the palms and provide such a nice breeze to the visitors, and the gentle sounds of the fountain inside really adds to the relaxed and remote feeling of the room. I must also mention the basement. One doesn’t think about visiting the basement when going to a conservatory, but they have one and put it to good use. The restroom facilities are located there, along with lots of historical photos and plaques, and the sweetest area for kids. There are play mats, play tents and books for reading, giving them a fun break from all the things upstairs that the littles can see but can’t touch. There’s also a model train display and seating for the adults. So very nice. Our visit was over too soon, though we spent a few hours inside. The day was too chilly for the outdoor park and patios on the conservatory, so we are looking forward to another...

I recently visited the Franklin Park Conservatory with my family, and it was an absolutely delightful experience! From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the stunning array of colorful lighting decorations that adorned the conservatory. The vibrant hues transformed the entire space into a magical winter wonderland, making it a perfect backdrop for family photos and cherished memories.

The conservatory itself is a beautiful blend of nature and art, showcasing an incredible variety of plants from around the world. Each room offers a unique atmosphere, and the attention to detail in the design is truly impressive. We spent hours exploring the lush gardens and fascinating exhibits, and it was wonderful to see my children engage with nature in such a lively setting.

The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the overall warm and inviting atmosphere. We also enjoyed a lovely snack at the café, which was a nice touch to our visit.

In summary, Franklin Park Conservatory is a must-visit destination in Columbus, especially during the holiday season. The colorful lighting decorations not only enhance the beauty of the plants but also create a joyful ambiance for families to enjoy together. We can’t wait to return for...

I recently visited Franklin Park Conservatory, and overall, it was a nice experience. The grounds are clean and well-maintained, and the atmosphere is peaceful — a great place to walk around, take in the plant life, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. That said, I’m personally not a big fan of having to pay for something that feels like it should be part of a public park or a free experience. It’s a beautiful space, but the entry fee does feel a little steep considering the size of the conservatory and how quickly you can walk through it.

What really stood out, though, were the limited-time exhibits. During my visit, there was a live glass blowing demonstration, which I found very interesting. Watching artists create something in real time added a lot of value to the trip and helped justify the cost a bit more. I also appreciated the seasonal displays and the effort that clearly goes into rotating exhibits to keep the experience fresh.

In short, while I don’t love the idea of paying to access green space, the visit was still enjoyable. If you’re into art, nature, or just want a peaceful afternoon, it’s worth checking out...