Things to do near Sunbury, Ohio
Get to Know Sunbury, Ohio
Located just northeast of Columbus, Sunbury, Ohio, is a charming small town that perfectly balances a rich history with modern conveniences. Known for its picturesque town square, welcoming community, and growing list of amenities, Sunbury offers the warmth of a small town while being just a short drive from big-city attractions. Whether you’re exploring local shops, enjoying community events, or simply strolling through the historic neighborhoods, Sunbury feels like a place where everyone knows your name.
Sunbury’s roots date back to the early 1800s, and you can still see glimpses of its past in the preserved architecture and town layout. Over the years, the area has blossomed with new developments, parks, and family-friendly activities, making it a wonderful place to live, work, and visit. From the Sunbury Big Walnut Trail to the nearby golf courses and the seasonal farmers markets, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors and support local businesses.
Today, Sunbury continues to grow while maintaining its strong sense of community. Whether you’re new to the area or just passing through, you’ll find plenty of things to do and places to explore — all within a close-knit, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
Things to do in Sunbury, Ohio
Located just northeast of Columbus, Sunbury is a charming town that offers the perfect balance of small-town charm and easy access to big-city adventures. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend activity or a visitor exploring Central Ohio, you’ll find plenty to enjoy nearby. Sunbury puts you in the heart of it all, from outdoor escapes and shopping destinations to local dining gems.
Explore the list below to kick off your Sunbury adventure—and don’t miss our guides to Outdoor Activities and the best Bars and Restaurants in the area!
Sunbury Town Square: Stroll the historic town square, featuring local shops, coffee spots, and seasonal farmers’ markets.
Olentangy Caverns: Just a short drive from Sunbury, the caverns offer a one-of-a-kind adventure for all ages. Formed millions of years ago by underground rivers cutting through limestone rock, these caverns once served as a refuge for the Wyandot Native American tribe, who used the twisting passages for shelter, storage, and protection from the elements and rival tribes.
Today, visitors can explore the fascinating underground maze through self-guided or guided tours, getting a firsthand look at the natural rock formations, narrow passageways, and spacious underground rooms. Above ground, there’s more to discover: a petting zoo with friendly goats, cows, and other animals; a fun mini-golf course; a treasure hunt gem mining experience; and a playground for younger visitors.
The caverns make a perfect day trip for families, history buffs, and anyone who loves a good adventure. With both indoor and outdoor activities, it’s a great destination no matter the weather. Whether descending into the cool depths of the caves or enjoying the sunshine above, Olentangy Caverns promises a unique and memorable experience.
Sunbury Urban Farm: This hidden gem brings nature, education, and community together right here in Sunbury. This five-acre nonprofit farm offers families and visitors a hands-on experience with sustainable agriculture, fresh produce, and outdoor learning.
Throughout the year, the farm hosts a variety of seasonal events, workshops, and programs aimed at connecting people of all ages to the natural world. Kids especially love their popular Summer Camps, where they can get their hands dirty, learn about farming and ecosystems, and experience the magic of growing their own food.
Whether you’re shopping at the farm stand, attending a family event, or participating in an educational program, Sunbury Urban Farm is a wonderful place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and support local sustainability efforts.
Hoover Reservoir Park – Great for fishing, kayaking, bird watching, and scenic walks.
Sambuca’s Market & Greenhouse: We enjoy visiting and supporting local companies. In nearby Galena, Sambuca’s has a variety of food items and, of course, greenhouse items. We passed their little haunted house on our way to a new park last fall. It was free. The kids loved pressing the buttons on the interactive pieces and enjoyed the dinosaur in the egg. They had a lot of seasonal decor, pumpkin rolls, cider, and more.
Sunbury is close to several Delaware County attractions:
The Columbus Zoo is located in Powell. For more than 95 years, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has been a cornerstone of the community, offering a remarkable destination that inspires appreciation and conservation of the earth’s most amazing animals. As one of the nation’s premier zoological institutions, the zoo provides visitors with unforgettable experiences through its diverse exhibits, educational programs, and conservation initiatives. With over 10,000 animals representing over 600 species, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium continues to captivate and educate millions of guests each year, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world—maps for the Columbus Zoo, including sensory maps.
Zoombezi Bay Waterpark (located next to Columbus Zoo) is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure at Zoombezi Bay, the Midwest’s premier waterpark destination! Dive into a world of family fun and excitement with a calendar full of thrilling events and activities. From exhilarating water slides to relaxing lazy rivers, Zoombezi Bay promises a splash-tastic experience for everyone.
Polaris Fashion Place is Central Ohio’s top shopping destination, featuring a unique mix of popular national brands and locally-owned specialty stores. Serving both residents and visitors, Polaris Fashion Place offers more than just shopping with over 75 events annually, including favorites like Boo & Brew, KidX Club®, Made Local Marketplace, and seasonal Photos with the Easter Bunny and Santa. With over 170 retail, dining, and entertainment options, Polaris provides a vibrant atmosphere where there’s always something new to explore and enjoy, ensuring guests return for more.
Located just southwest of Sunbury, the Genoa Township Trail System offers a beautiful way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you’re walking, running, or biking. The trails weave through scenic parks, wooded areas, and peaceful neighborhoods, providing a safe and relaxing place to get outside and stay active.
One of the most popular spots is Genoa Trail, a paved multi-use path that stretches along an old rail line and connects to the larger Ohio to Erie Trail network. It’s an easy, family-friendly trail with gentle grades, making it perfect for strollers, kids on bikes, or a casual jog. Along the way, you’ll find benches, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks that make it easy to slow down and take in the natural beauty of the area.
The Genoa Township trails are well-maintained and easily accessible, offering a great local option for getting some fresh air and connecting with nature without having to venture far from home.
Freedom Park– A great spot for kids and families with playgrounds, walking trails, and wide-open green space.
JR Smith Park – Features sports fields, picnic areas, a walking track, and seasonal events.
Ruffner Park: An old school playground with metal slides, teeter totters, and a legit merry-go-round! It also had a ball field. And our favorite, an area for creeking.
Part of the Preservation Parks of Delaware Co., Shale Hallow is also a haven for wildlife, where you might spot barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, and even migrating neo-tropical songbirds like the hooded warbler. Whitetail deer, raccoons, and coyotes are common, and amphibian enthusiasts can look out for the two-lined salamander. With opportunities for off-trail exploration and natural play, Shale Hollow Park is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. The park’s building is also available for business meeting rentals, providing a scenic backdrop for any event.
Alum Creek State Park, to the west of Galena, offers boating, camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and even a dog park with a dog swimming area. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources runs this state park. Find out about all the state parks in our great state at their website.
Hoover Nature Preserve – Old Sunbury Rd– Explore the peaceful walking trails surrounded by natural wetland habitat—a birding hot spot.
Hoover Reservoir, on the east side of Galena, is a favorite of local anglers. The 10-horsepower motor limit keeps things lovely and serene for fishing. Several boardwalks in the surrounding area make Hoover Mudflats Boardwalk and Galena Boardwalk favorite birding spots.
Highbanks Metro Park is a part of the Central Ohio Park System. Highbanks is named for its massive 100-foot-high shale bluff towering over the Olentangy State Scenic River. Tributary streams cutting across the bluff have created several deep ravines in the eastern part of the 1,204-acre park. Ohio and Olentangy shales, often containing large concretions, are exposed on the bluff face and sides of the ravines. This park offers hiking, picnic areas, playgrounds, a nature center, and reservable group shelter houses.
Restaurants & Bars in Sunbury, Ohio
- Big Walnut Grill:Casual local hangout for hearty American eats, cold drinks, and live music nights
- Good Vibes Winery – Taste Ohio-made wines right in the heart of Sunbury, with a charming patio and live music events.
- Firehouse Tavern: A neighborhood tavern with a firehouse twist, featuring microbrews and fresh, made-from-scratch dishes.
- District 13 Gastropub:A laid-back bar and grill perfect for grabbing a burger and a beer.
Galena Diner: A family-run small town diner. Comfort food is their specialty. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Indeed, it is a local favorite right on the village square.
Toni’s Trattoria: Traditional homemade Italian fare and a world-class wine experience. Fresh pasta, innovative pizza, and specially chosen wines. Did we mention the desserts? An authentic dining experience.
Son of Thurman Galena: Another superb restaurant in the village square. Son of Thurman is a casual bar and eatery known for massive burgers, onion rings, and other comfort eats. Outdoor seating is available.
The Coffee Vault: This coffee shop and local hangout is worth the trip to nearby Galena. It is located in an old bank building on Galena’s village square. The shop offers both dine-in and carry-out. It also gets major points for being dog-friendly!
Old Man Ciacchi’s Italian Bakery: In close-by Galena, there are authentic Italian baked goods like cannoli, limoncello cookies, biscotti, and focaccia. Please place your order online and pick it up at the location in Galena.
Visit the Sunbury Village website to stay connected with everything happening in Sunbury. There, you’ll find community updates, local services, event calendars, and helpful resources for residents and visitors alike.
Blending historic charm with modern growth, Sunbury offers excellent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, vibrant parks, and easy access to major shopping and dining destinations.
Whether you’re drawn to outdoor adventures, local flavors, or rich history, Sunbury has something for everyone to enjoy.
Plan your visit to Sunbury today and discover all the unique experiences this growing Ohio community offers. We’re sure you’ll feel right at home!
Schools in Sunbury, Ohio
Big Walnut Local Schools provides schooling for Sunbury and Galena.
High school:
Middle schools:
Elementary Schools:
Neighborhoods in Sunbury, Ohio
Sunbury Meadows
The Communities at Sunbury
The Grove at Sunbury
Price Ponds
Rolling Hills
Sherman Lakes
Villas at Sunbury Meadows
Ravines at Meadow Ridge
Sunbury Ridge
Sunbury Estates
Magnolia Park
Cheshire Woods (technically Galena but very close to Sunbury)
Estates at Cheshire
Autumn Ridge
Meadowview
Bent Tree Estates (near Bent Tree Golf Club)
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