Summer is in full swing, and there’s no shortage of exciting, budget-friendly activities for families in Columbus. From sports clinics to music events, historical fairs to nostalgic throwbacks, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered with the best free and low-cost activities happening in Columbus this month. So gather your family and get ready for some unforgettable fun!
1. KIDX Basketball and Volleyball Clinic
- Date: Wednesday, July 17 5PM-6:30PM
- Location: Polaris Fashion Place
- Details: Let your kids burn off some energy and learn new skills at the KIDX Basketball and Volleyball Clinic. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to get active and enjoy sports in a fun, supportive environment.
- Cost: Free
- More Info
2. Live @ Polaris Featuring Long Play
- Date: July 18 and July 25 6PM-8PM
- Location: Polaris Fashion Place
- Details: Enjoy a free concert featuring Long Play (7/18) and John Schwab Party Band (7/25) at Polaris Fashion Place. It’s a great way to unwind with family and friends while listening to live music.
- Cost: Free
- More Info
3. Ohio State Fair
- Date: July 24 – August 4
- Location: Ohio Expo Center
- Details: The Ohio State Fair is a must-visit! Use your Ohio History Connection membership to score FREE tickets. Enjoy rides, games, delicious fair food, and so much more.
- Cost: Free with Ohio History Connection membership
- More Info
4. Sunday Funday: 80s/90s Throwback
- Date: July 21 12PM-5PM
- Location: Old Worthington
- Details: Get ready for a blast from the past at our July Sunday Fundays! The event will feature a nostalgia museum, Ghostbusters car with characters, balloon animals, food trucks, bands, free fitness/yoga on the green, and carnival games. Don’t miss out on this totally rad time!
- Cost: Free
- More Info
5. Library Fly Day – Model Airplane Demo
- Date: July 20 9 AM – 2 PM
- Location: Alum Creek State Park – Dinneen Flying Field
- Details: Hosted by the Westerville Model Aeronautics Association, this event showcases a variety of radio-controlled racing, sport, and model aircraft. A brief talk on flight instruction begins at 9 AM, followed by demo flights. Instructor pilots will assist visitors in flying the models. Enjoy hot dogs, chips, and pop provided by WMAA.
- Cost: Free
- More Info
6. Magic Show
- Date: July 17 2PM-3PM
- Location: Westerville Library
- Details: Enjoy a highly-interactive magic show full of card tricks, disappearing props, humor, and a live rabbit! Presented by the Tada Musician, Willie Barnett.
- Cost: Free
- More Info
7. Free Commons for Kids: Sports + Fitness
- Date: July 19 10AM-1PM
- Location: Columbus Commons
- Details: Enjoy free family-friendly activities including a carousel, inflatables, and more at Columbus Commons.
- Cost: Free
- More Info
8. Dorrian Days: Ecology
- Date: July 23 11AM-2PM
- Location: Dorrian Green (outside COSI)
- Details: Discover the wonders of nature and ecology through interactive activities and demonstrations.
- Cost: Free
- More Info
9. Leaping Lizards Adventure
- Baby Storytime
- Date: July 18 11AM-12PM
- Location: Columbus Metropolitan Library – Gahanna Branch
- Details: Come and hear information about unique reptiles while interacting with the live animals. End with an opportunity to take photos with one of the snakes or other reptile
- Cost: Free
- More Info
10. Columbus Clippers Game
- Date: July 28 1:05PM
- Location: Huntington Park
- Details: Use the Culture Pass to get free tickets to watch the Columbus Clippers take on the Memphis Redbirds. Enjoy a post-game Fun Run around the bases and a special appearance by WOSU’s Donkey Hodie.
- Cost: Free with Culture Pass
- More Info
11. Jazz & Rib Fest
- Date: July 19-21
- Location: Scioto Mile
- Details: Savor mouth-watering ribs and enjoy live jazz performances at this popular summer festival.
- Cost: Free entry (food for purchase)
- More Info
12. The Sound of Music – Outdoor Movie
- Date: July 24 – 27 at 7:30PM
- Location: Franklin Park Amphitheater
- Details: Enjoy a free outdoor theater production of the classic film “The Sound of Music.”
- Cost: Free
- More Info
13. Lowe’s Build and Grow: Kinetic Sandbox
- Date: July 20 at 10AM
- Location: Lowe’s stores
- Details: Participate in this hands-on workshop where kids can build their own kinetic sandbox.
- Cost: Free (registration required)
- More Info
14. A Starry Night – Summer Reading Challenge
- Date: July 24 1PM-2PM
- Location: Columbus Metropolitan Library – Barnett Brand
- Details: Create Van Gogh inspired artwork by infusing painting and science!
- Cost: Free
- More Info
15. IKEA Family Meal Deals
- Date: Ongoing
- Location: IKEA Columbus
- Details: Enjoy family meal deals at IKEA Columbus. It’s a perfect opportunity for a budget-friendly meal out with the family while exploring the store. Even better, send the kiddos into Smaland for 90-minutes of playtime and kid-free shopping!
- Cost: Varies
- More Info
Plan Your Adventures!
Columbus offers a wealth of free and budget-friendly activities for families this July. Whether you’re into sports, music, history, or simply spending quality time with your loved ones, there’s something for everyone. So mark your calendars and enjoy all that Columbus has to offer!
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Explore free and budget-friendly family activities in Columbus this July! From sports clinics to the Ohio State Fair, find out what’s happening and plan your adventures.
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