Looking for a fun day trip or weekend getaway near Columbus? Head to Marysville, Ohio! Just 30 minutes northwest of downtown Columbus, this charming town offers a mix of outdoor adventure, family-friendly activities, and local dining that makes it well worth the visit.
With over 348 acres of parkland, the municipal pool, dog park, disc golf course, 10.4 miles of paved walking trails, and 3.3 miles of unpaved walking trails, there are plenty of ways to get outside and have some fun!
Add in the thriving uptown shopping and dining district, and the community events, and you’ll have a calendar full of fun in Marysville. Check out the best things to do in Marysville!
Outdoor Adventures & Parks
🌳 Partners Park – A community hub with a beautiful pavilion, splash pad, and green space. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy local events, or let kids cool off in the summer.
🚲 Jim Simmons Trail – A paved multi-use trail perfect for walking, running, or biking while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
🌳 Aldersgate Park – This beautiful park features scenic walking trails, a fishing pond, and a fun playground. Great for a relaxing afternoon outdoors!
🐾 Bark Park – Bringing your pup along? This off-leash dog park offers plenty of space for your furry friend to run and play.
Indoor Fun & Unique Attractions
🎳 Dragon Lanes Bowling Center – Enjoy a classic bowling experience with friends and family. They also have arcade games for extra fun. Don’t forget to sign up for Kids Bowl Free! They can bowl 2 free games every day this summer, and you can add on a family pass for one low price!
📚 Marysville Public Library – More than just books! The library offers a variety of events, cozy reading spaces, and activities for all ages.
🚜 Union County Covered Bridge Tour – Take a scenic drive to explore the area’s historic covered bridges, perfect for photographers and history lovers.
Local Eats & Drinks
☕ The Coffee Hall and Creamery – Grab a handcrafted coffee or cool off with delicious homemade ice cream. A cozy spot to recharge!
🍔 Benny’s Pizza & Pub – A local favorite known for its legendary pizzas, burgers, and a lively outdoor patio. Live music adds to the fun!
🍺 Homestead Beer Co. – A laid-back taproom offering locally brewed craft beers in the heart of Marysville.
🍷 House of Spirits – A unique cocktail lounge featuring creative drinks in a cozy setting.
🍽️ The Half Pint – Enjoy gourmet burgers and an extensive craft beer selection in a casual atmosphere.
🌮 Tres Potrillos Mexican Restaurant – Satisfy your craving for authentic Mexican flavors with delicious tacos and traditional dishes.
MORA in Marysville
The Marysville Outdoor Refreshment Area (MORA) allows adults over 21 to purchase alcoholic beverages from qualified liquor permit holders within specific boundaries and to walk around outside with the drink.
MORA is active Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 10:00pm. The MORA may also be activated during City-sanctioned events.
Only beer and wine can be purchased from participating establishments. Only 2 beverages can be purchased at a time, and must be consumed outside. Details here.
Seasonal events and Festivals
Friday Nights Uptown in Marysville
Enjoy an evening of live music, great food and family fun in Uptown Marysville on select Fridays throughout the warmer months.
The Marysville Outdoor Refreshment Area (MORA) is active, so you can grab a drink at participating establishments and enjoy it outside.
May 16: Rock the block
June 13: WINE FEST
July 11: kickin’ country concert
August 15: Margarita-ville
Union County Famers Market (Marysville)
Saturdays, May 17 through October 4, 2025 from 8:30 am – 11:30 am, at Partners Park, 125 E. Sixth Street. Check Facebook page for updates.
Find more Farmers Markets in Columbus.
Marysville Municipal Pool
510 Park Avenue. The municipal pool features a 10-foot water slide, competition swim lanes, one 3-meter and two 1-meter diving boards, a frog fountain splash feature, and a zero entry baby pool zone.
Sat, May 24: Pool Opens for Season
May 24 – August 10
Noon – 8:00 pm
Weekends only: August 11 – August 31
Noon – 6:00 pm
September 1 (Labor Day) – Last day to swim!
Noon – 6:00 pm
Daily passes and season memberships are available for purchase.
Marysville Touch a Truck
Friday, tba 2025 from 10 am – 1 pm. Check out fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, tractors, a wheel loader and more at 701 Millwood Blvd. Marysville, OH 43040. Details here.
Climb on! Marysville Touch A Truck showcases city vehicles and more!
Union County Marysville Parade and 4th of July Fireworks
tba 2025
10:00 am: 4th of July Parade in Uptown Marysville
9:00 pm – 10:00 pm at Union County Fairgrounds
Find more details on Marysville website.
Union County Fair
The Union County Fair takes over fairgrounds in Marysville from July 20-26, 2025! Catch all of the fair food and fun with entertainment, agriculture, education, arts and crafts, and more.
Details about the Union County Fair here.
Annual All Ohio Balloon Fest in Marysville
Not held in 2025 due to construction at Union County Airport. Will return in 2026 as host of Hot Air Balloon World Championships.
Details about the All Ohio Balloon Fest here.
Honda and Hounds Block Party & Pet Expo
August 16, 2025 from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm at the Bark Park.
Live music, food trucks, dozens of pet vendors, rescues, a dog washing station, raffle drawings, 2k Dog Walks and more!
Details at ohiopetcharities.com
Marysville BMX Racing League
April-October
618 N. Main St. Marysville BMX was built in 2020 to give families access to this recreational sport. The Marysville BMX track is sanctioned by USA BMX.
There is a beginner’s BMX Racing League program, as well as sanctioned open practice and racing events April-October (weather permitting).
Follow along on Facebook to see upcoming leagues starting in Spring through Fall.
Find more upcoming events in Marysville
Plan Your Visit to Marysville!
Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, great food, or a unique small-town experience, Marysville, Ohio, has something for everyone. Plan your trip and explore all that this hidden gem has to offer!
📍 Location: Just 30 minutes northwest of Columbus
🗺️ More Info: https://marysvilleohio.org/
Fall Fun in Marysville
Festifair Arts & Crafts Festival
Huge show with over 160 vendors on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 9 am – 4 pm in Historic Uptown Marysville. The Uptown Christmas Walk is 100% funded by Festifair. Details here.
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
September 11, 2025 at 9:50 am at Decker Fire Station 271
Join us as we honor and remember those who lost their lives on 9/11/2001.
Scarysville
Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 10 am – noon.
The streets of Uptown “Scarysville” come alive with Halloween FUN. Children can wear costumes and visit Uptown merchants for candy and other Halloween goodies. All the fun of Trick or Treat, in the light of day.
This event is sponsored by the Historic Marysville Business District Association. Details here.
Trick or Treat Night in Marysville
Thursday, October 31, 2024, from 6 pm – 8 pm
Annual Pumpkin Drop
Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 1 pm – 4 pm.
Watch pumpkins splatter on the ground as firefighters drop them from a 100-foot ladder truck. Bring your own (less than 40 lbs.) or purchase one at the event. The event also includes tours of the fire station, fire truck exploration, bounce houses and treats.
Proceeds will benefit Blessings in a Backpack. Decker Fire Station, 16300 County Home Rd. Details.
Marysville Holiday Season
Letters to Santa
Children can leave their letters for Santa Claus by using the special mailbox attached to Santa’s House at Partners Park.
Pumpkin Dash 5K
Thursday, November 28, 2024 at 9:00 AM
215 West Fifth Street, Maryville. The Annual
Honda Federal Credit Pumpkin Dash 5K is open to runners and walkers of all skill levels. Click here for more information and registration.
Merry and Bright Bridges in Union County
November and December 2024. Both the Pottersburg and Bigelow covered bridges will be dressed with twinkling lights for November and December. Find details here.
Marysville Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 2:00 PM
The streets of Uptown Marysville come alive with holiday magic during the annual Marysville Elks Christmas Parade. The Uptown Square offers a great viewing point for this favorite tradition. Details here.
Uptown Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting
Monday, December 2, 2024 from 5:00pm-8:00pm. See Marysville website.
Participating Uptown businesses will have special extended hours to help you get a start on your holiday shopping. Stop by for special deals and friendly faces! The MORA will be in effect, so grab a drink and mingle!
Visitors enjoy live reindeer, children’s activities, dance troupes, carolers, and musical performers, costumed characters, horse-drawn carriage rides, door prizes, and even photos with Saint Nick himself at Santa’s Village!
The annual tree lighting for the 30 foot Christmas Tree at Partners Park is at 6 pm. Many business will stay open with special activities and sales.
Visit with Santa Claus
Bring the kids to Partners Park for a visit at Santa’s House.
Monday, December 2 (5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, during Christmas Walk)
Thursday, December 5 (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm)
Saturday, December 7 (12:00 pm to 4:00 pm)
Thursday, December 12 (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm)
Saturday, December 14 (12:00 pm to 2:00 pm)
Thursday, December 19 (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm)
Saturday, December 21 (12:00 pm to 2:00 pm)
Holidays at Marysville Art League
Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 11 am –1 pm. Pictures with Santa and enjoy a snack from 11am to 1pm; cost to be announced. Grace’s Gallery, the children’s art studio, will be open at no charge this day! Art demos from 10am – 2pm.
Marysville Art League, 264 West Fifth Street
Richwood Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 4 pm at Richwood Park.
Parade will conclude at the park where Santa will meet with families until 6pm. Details here.
Find more Christmas fun in Richwood, including Santa visits and more!
Pet Photos with Santa at Union County Services Building
December 7-8, 2024 from 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Union County Services Building, 940 London Ave, Marysville, OH 43040-8946
Pet Photos with Santa is back. All proceeds benefit the Union County Humane Society. Cost is $10 per photo.
Merry on Main Iceless Ice Skating
December 12, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Iceless Ice Skating at Partners Park (125 E. Sixth St.)
A holiday favorite returns for another year! Skating is FREE for residents and visitors of all ages. Skates are provided for FREE.
The rink is 72′ x 40′ with perimeter fencing and outdoor heaters. The rink capacity is 80 skaters and is staffed by CPR/First Aid trained and background checked employees.
December 14 – 15, 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
December 16 – 20, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
December 21 – January 5, 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm (Closed December 25)
Merrysville Winter Wonderland
Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 2 pm – 8 pm
The Merrysville Winter Wonderland at Partners Park is full of holiday spirit. Kids will enjoy the Gingerbread bounce house, Polar Bear inflatable slide, and Train rides. Families can take a spin on the iceless ice rink, and ship and eat in uptown.
