Hey there, fabulous families of Columbus! Summer is just around the corner, and I know we’re all eager to get out and enjoy the sunshine with our loved ones. As a fellow parent, I understand how important it is to find fun and engaging activities that won’t break the bank. That’s why I’ve created this incredible list of 100 FREE things to do with your family in Columbus, Ohio, this summer!
From scenic hikes and beautiful parks to outdoor concerts and exciting festivals, there’s something for everyone in our capital city. So, grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and get ready to make unforgettable memories with your family all summer long. Check out these amazing free activities waiting for you and your little adventurers to explore!
1. Take a hike at Highbanks Metro Park and explore its beautiful trails, scenic overlooks, and their great Nature Center.
2. Visit the Scioto Audubon Metro Park and check out their fantastic climbing wall.
3. Enjoy a family picnic at Antrim Park while the kids play on the playground and then take a walk around the pond.
4. Go birdwatching at Blendon Woods Metro Park to learn about local wildlife. Bring along a camera to document your findings.
5. Visit any of the Columbus Metropolitan Library locations for a free story time event.
6. Attend one of the many free outdoor concert at the Columbus Commons.
7. Stroll through the Park of Roses and enjoy its beautiful blooms in full display.
8. Bring your bikes and ride along the Olentangy Trail.
9. Enjoy the free Community Festival (ComFest) in June to listen to music, visit with vendors, and celebrate the community.
10. Walk along The Scioto Mile and enjoy a picnic at Genoa Park.
11. Take a coloring book or blank sketch pad and draw some of the garden structures at the Topiary Garden.
12. Use the Library Culture Pass to get free tickets to a Columbus Clippers game.
13. Walk through the Short North Arts District during the monthly Gallery Hop.
14. Enjoy free admission to Franklin Park Conservatory on the first Sunday of each month for their Community Days.
15. Check out the Inniswood Metro Gardens’ beautiful themed gardens.
16. Bring your furry friend to Blacklick Woods Metro Park for a hike.
17. Attend any of the free KidX events at Polaris Fashion Place.
18. Head to the Columbus Commons for Commons for Kids every Friday morning from 10AM-1PM.
19. Visit the Grange Insurance Audubon Center for a day of wildlife exploration including their interactive indoor play areas.
20. Use the Columbus Library Culture pass to explore the gem that is the Ohio History Center.
21. Attend a PBJ & Jazz Concert Series event at Topiary Park.
22. Watch a free movie under the stars at the Columbus Commons.
23. Go fishing at the pond in Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
24. Attend a free summer concert at The Shops on Lane Avenue.
25. Visit the Ohio Statehouse and take a self-guided tour.
26. Explore the beautiful gardens and sculptures at Schiller Park.
27. Enjoy a day of play at the Westgate Park playground.
28. Stroll through the vibrant blooms at Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens.
29. Visit the Ohio Riffe Gallery that showcases the work of Ohio artists and the collections of the state’s museums and galleries.
30. Attend the Columbus Arts Festival June 9-11, featuring free family activities and performances.
31. Explore The Ohio State University campus, including Mirror Lake, The Oval, and Thompson Library.
32. Visit the Columbus Museum of Art on Sundays for free admission.
33. Bring a non-perishable food item to get free attendance to the Dublin Irish Festival on Sunday, August 6 between 9:30AM-11AM.
34. Go on a self-guided walking tour of the German Village neighborhood soaking in all the beauty and history.
35. Visit Gantz Park in Grove City and its beautiful gardens, historic farmhouse, and arboretum.
37. Explore the beautiful Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park and its bison area.
38. Go on a nature scavenger hunt at Sharon Woods Metro Park.
39. Attend a free outdoor movie night at Easton Town Center.
40. Play in the splash pad at Hilliard’s Station Park.
41. Head to a free BalletMet show with tickets from the Library Culture Pass.
42. Visit the Heritage Rail Trail for a family bike ride.
43. Explore the Natural Play Area at Three Creeks Park.
44. Attend the Summer Jam West Festival in July for free music, art, and activities.
45. Catch a free show from the Actors’ Theatre of Columbus in Schiller Park.
46. Explore the Scioto Grove Metro Park and its scenic river views.
47. Visit the Indian Run Falls in Dublin for a picturesque family hike.
48. Head to the Columbus Zoo on Franklin County Community Days or using the Culture Pass from the Columbus Library.
49. Visit the beautiful Hoover Mudflats Boardwalk at Hoover Reservoir Park.
50. Enjoy the largest farmers market in Columbus at the Worthington Farmers Market.
51. Explore the beautiful wetlands at Glacier Ridge Metro Park.
52. Discover the historic and beautiful Green Lawn Cemetery on a self-guided tour.
53. Attend the Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival for free family fun.
54. Visit the East Granville Park Playground to enjoy a nature walk and to play on the spacious playground.
55. Visit the North Market and enjoy its lively atmosphere.
56. Go on a nature walk at Walnut Woods Metro Park and visit the Tall Pines Area.
57. Attend the Westerville Music & Arts Festival for free family-friendly activities.
58. Visit the Creekside District in Gahanna for a family stroll and take advantage of the beautiful forest to walk or bike through.
59. Enjoy a day of play at Fancyburg Park’s playground in Upper Arlington.
60. Explore the beautiful gardens at the Whetstone Park of Roses.
61. Listen to live music at Easton Town Center throughout the summer.
62. Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Performing and Cultural Arts Complex for a free gallery exhibit.
63. Go on a photo scavenger hunt in the Arena District.
64. Explore the beautiful Slate Run Metro Park and Living Historical Farm.
65. Cheer on riders at the annual Pelotonia bike race.
66. Visit the historic Jeffrey Park and its beautiful playground.
67. Wander around the Bexley Library and check out a new book or two.
68. Visit the beautiful Goodale Park and its Victorian-era fountain. It’s the perfect place to bring a picnic and enjoy the open space and playground.
69. Attend one of the many free family events (like Sunday Funday) at the Worthington Village Green in Downtown Worthington.
70. Explore Uptown Westerville including the Westerville Library, splash pad, and Hanby Park.
71. Visit the Hayden Falls Park for a short hike and a beautiful waterfall.
72. Explore the beautiful wildflower areas at Homestead Metro Park.
73. Go bowling for free when your kids sign up for Kids Bowl Free.
74. Visit the beautiful Friendship Park in Gahanna for a family picnic and a walk through their story trail.
75. Attend the Grove City Summer Sizzle Concert Series for free family fun.
76. Visit the beautiful Hoover Reservoir Park for a family hike.
77. Explore the picturesque Olde Towne East neighborhood and its historic homes.
78. Join one of the many summer reading programs and get rewarded for your kiddo reading all summer long.
79. Take a walk along the beautiful Downtown Columbus Riverfront.
80. Visit the beautiful Griggs Reservoir Park for a family hike.
81. Take advantage of any of these free INDOOR things do on super hot or rainy days.
82. Explore the picturesque Inniswood Metro Gardens’ Sisters’ Garden.
83. Visit the beautiful Blendon Woods Metro Park’s Natural Play Area.
84. Attend the Jazz & Rib Fest for a day of free music and family fun.
85. Visit the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum for a free family-friendly exhibit.
86. Take a family bike ride through the expansive and shaded bike trails throughout Westerville.
87. Have a beach day at the Alum Creek State Park.
88. Spend the day at Gallant Farm in Delaware to visit a Depression-era farm, and includes a farmhouse with period furnishings, a barn with historic 1890s timbers, a granary, machine shed and barnyard, demonstration crop fields, vegetable garden, orchard, and pond.
89. Take a self-guided tour at Stratford Ecological Farm in Delaware.
90. Go see some fossils at the Orton Geological Museum on Ohio State’s campus.
91. Follow the Irish Dublin Fairy Trail and earn a free t-shirt!
92. Frolic around the giant corn cob field in Dublin.
93. Schedule a free chocolate tour at Anthony Thomas Chocolates Factory.
94. Play free arcade games at one of the 16-Bit Arcades.
95. Sign up for one of the Home Depot Kids Projects on Saturdays.
96. Attend a Lakeshore Learning Free In-Store Events.
97. Take a free tour to learn all about popcorn at Al’s Delicious Popcorn.
98. Take a little drive to the free National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton.
99. Go creaking at Highbanks Metro Park and see some new critters.
100. Have a magical time exploring Shale Hollow Park.
101. Use the Library Culture Pass (again!) to get free tickets to a Columbus Children’s Theatre show.
102. Utilize the indoor playground at Polaris Fashion Place to run off some energy.
103. Take advantage of the outdoor splash pad/fountain at Easton Town Center.
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