12 Ways to Spend your Day in Delaware, Ohio!

Looking for fun things to do in Delaware, Ohio? From local restaurants and historic landmarks to parks, shops, and seasonal events, this charming city offers something for everyone. Whether you're planning a weekend in Delaware or just exploring new spots close to home, we've rounded up 12 of the best ways to spend your day in Delaware, Ohio!

1. OLENTANGY CAVERNS 

Formed millions of years ago by an underground river cutting through solid limestone rock, the Olentangy Caverns offer an exciting excursion into ancient Native American lore with a maze of beautiful winding passages and spacious underground rooms! Open from early spring until late fall, guests can walk through the caverns on a self-guided tour complete with audio stations and information plaques. Perfect for all ages, guests can partake in other activities including gem mining, a petting zoo, treasure hunt maze, miniature golf, and more! 

2. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 

Just a short drive from Delaware, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the perfect place for a family outing. Spanning over 580 acres and home to around 10,000 animals, this world-renowned zoo features exciting exhibits like Heart of Africa, Polar Frontier, and the Shores & Aquarium that are sure to captivate all ages. After exploring the zoo, cool off at the attached waterpark, Zoombezi Bay, with its wave pool, lazy river, and thrilling water slides. Prefer to stay dry? Head across the street to the Safari Golf Club for a relaxing round of golf surrounded by scenic views.

3. Alum Creek State Park

Alum Creek State Park is a popular boating and camping destination convenient to Delaware, Ohio! Visitors can find a quiet cove to fish or spend the day jet skiing across thousands of acres of water. For guests looking to stay overnight, Alum Creek State Park offers a large campground, cabins, and group facilities for larger parties. The park offers a multitude of activities including boating, disc golf, a dog park/dog swim area, hiking trails, horseback riding, hunting, mountain biking, swimming, and more! 

4. Dairy Depot

Home of famous orange/vanilla twist, this local favorite has been serving up happiness to the residents of Delaware, Ohio for over 70 years! The Dairy Depot is known for sweet treats including soft-served ice cream cones, shakes, sundaes, and delicious menu items like coney dogs, shredded chicken, deep-fried bologna, and more! With outdoor seating and a covered patio, this charming blast from the past is a must-visit.

5. The Oak & Brazen Wine Co.

Located in the heart of historic Delaware, Ohio, The Oak & Brazen Wine Co. is Central Ohio's premier urban craft winery, handcrafting all of their wines using old-world, small-scale winemaking techniques, from grapes and juice sourced from California and Washington State. They offer a variety of wines from bold and dry to sweet and fruity guaranteed to please any palette. Enjoy a glass of wine with some of their amazing menu items including delicious flatbreads, cheese boards, paninis, salads, and more!

6. Deer Haven Park

Serving as the primary hub for nature programs and camps in Liberty Township, the Deer Haven Park showcases mature forests, a pond, meadows, and wetland habitats. The park is also home to the Amy Clark-Bader Bird Sanctuary, with viewing windows that allow you to enjoy birdwatching from indoors. The park also includes a scenic walking trail, pollinator garden, insect hotel, visitor center, and access to adjacent Havener Park.

7. Staas Brewing Company

Delaware's first brewery since Prohibition, this family-owned brewpub specializes in Belgian and English beer styles! Brewing classic beer with the highest quality ingredients, this brewpub features 12 taps with an ever-changing selection making for a fun and exciting environment. Staas Brewing Company offers a large selection of seasonal beers as well as a new patio expansion perfect for enjoying summer brews. This brewpub is conveniently located within the city's Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area downtown, better known as DORA, so you can even take your beer to go as you explore downtown Delaware! 

8. Penn Lanes

Not just your average bowling alley, Penn Lanes is a great place to watch sports, eat, drink, bowl, play arcade games, and more! With two party rooms available, Penn Lanes is great for corporate parties and special events. Penn Lanes also offers a variety of summer and fall bowling league opportunities as well as daily specials.  With fountain drinks for kids, beer specials for the adults, and a variety of classic eats, Penn Lanes is a place the whole family can enjoy!

9. Perkins Observatory

Looking for an out-of-this-world activity? Discover Perkins Observatory! Founded in 1923 by Hiram Perkins of Ohio Wesleyan University, this active research and educational facility supports OWU Physics and Astronomy students but also welcomes the public with engaging daytime and nighttime programs. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors enjoy ever-changing weekly events perfect for families and space enthusiasts of all ages. The Observatory also hosts a weekly adult lecture series, where local professors share insights on their latest research and recent discoveries in the field.

10. Main Street Delaware Farmers Market

No town is complete without a local farmers' market, and in Delaware, the Main Street Farmers’ Market delivers. You’ll find a vibrant mix of seasonal produce, baked goods, fresh-cut flowers, plants, honey, handmade soaps, pottery, and more. It’s a great way to support local growers and makers while enjoying the community vibe. Running from mid-May until late October, the Main Street Farmers' Market takes place every Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 PM.

11. Olentangy Mini Golf

Open daily, the Olentangy Mini Golf and Batting Cages is a classic activity great for children and adults of all ages. Two 18-hole miniature golf courses are surrounded by beautiful landscaping, water features, and artfully themed holes where you can (hopefully) putt that perfect hole-in-one! The facility also offers 8 enclosed baseball and softball batting cages.  With plenty of activities, the Olentangy Mini Golf and Batting Cages is the perfect place for summer family outings or group events.

12. The Strand Theatre

Attracting more than 75,000 patrons a year, The Strand Theatre is one of the 10 oldest movie theatres in America, and has been showing movies in Delaware, Ohio for over 105 years! Newly reopened in June 2021, the Strand Theatre is excited to bring your favorite films back to the big screen! Offering first-run movies at an affordable price, The Strand is a great place to soak up some history, grab some delicious popcorn, and enjoy a feature film! 

Ready to Make Delaware, Ohio Home?

Stockdale farms 

Located off Braumiller Road with easy access to I-7, Stockdale Farms is the perfect blend of sophistication and natural beauty. Featuring stunning homes from our Designer Collection, each home is framed by picturesque farmland and wooded views. Future community amenities will include swimming pools, a clubhouse, a playground, and scenic walking trails. Minutes away from a wide selection of shopping and dining at Tanger Outlets and Polaris Fashion Place, you'll enjoy convenience without sacrificing peaceful living. Start discovering your dream home today by touring the Charles Model Home!

Start Your Home Building Journey

Interested in building a home in Delaware, Ohio? Visit our website or call us at 614-610-4201 to talk with one of our New Home Specialists today! Schedule a tour to begin the journey to discovering your dream home today!

Stay tuned for more lifestyle content from Fischer Homes. Remember that throughout our journey as your builder, we want to ensure that your experience doesn’t end when you move into your new home. Fischer Homes is forever focused on continuing to go Beyond the Build, by continuing to build the best customer experience possible.