With temperatures set to soar this coming week, staying inside might just seem like the best option! But if you’re anything like me, you can only take so much indoor time before you start to go a little stir crazy. Fear not! Central Ohio offers a plethora of free or budget-friendly indoor activities that will keep you entertained and cool without breaking the bank.
Here are 30 ideas to get you started! Some of these are only on certain days but as we all know, Ohio weather doesn’t mess around so these are great to keep in your back pocket.
1. Visit one of the Worthington Libraries
Sign up for their summer reading program and enjoy a variety of books, activities, and events for all ages.
2. Use the Culture Pass at Columbus Library
Head to the Columbus Library and use the Culture Pass to get free tickets to the Franklin Park Conservatory.
3. Explore the Riffe Gallery
Visit the Riffe Gallery in downtown Columbus, which offers free admission to rotating exhibitions featuring Ohio artists.
4. Discover Art at the Columbus Museum of Art
Visit the Columbus Museum of Art on Sundays, when admission is free, and explore their stunning collections and exhibitions.
5. Tour the Ohio Statehouse
Enjoy a free tour of the Ohio Statehouse and learn about the history and architecture of this iconic building.
6. Check Out the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
Dive into the world of cartoons and comic art at this unique museum located on the Ohio State University campus.
7. Attend a Free Craft Workshop at Michaels
Participate in a variety of free craft workshops and classes offered at Michaels stores across Central Ohio.
8. Visit the Worthington Historical Society
Explore local history at the Worthington Historical Society’s Orange Johnson House and Doll Museum! Book a tour here.
9. Visit the Book Loft of German Village
Explore the 32 rooms of books at the Book Loft, one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores.
10. Check out the Art Gallery at the Cultural Arts Center
You can visit the Cultural Arts Center and enjoy their main gallery for free. They also have plenty of workshops and classes you can take too!
11. Explore the Ohio History Center
Check out the Ohio History Center to learn about the state’s rich history and heritage. You can get free admission through the Culture Pass at Columbus Library branches. You can also save 10% on a membership with code BAKER.
12. Enjoy Storytime at the Dublin Library
Take your little ones to the Dublin Library for a free storytime session, filled with books, songs, and activities.
13. Play Free Arcade Games at Pins
Head to one of the multiple Pins locations in Columbus and play FREE arcade games. They also have so many fun indoor activities like duckpin bowling that aren’t free but are great for the whole family!
14. Visit the Westerville Library
You could spend hours at the Westerville Library! Stop in the museums first and check out their current exhibits before heading into the library to play, read, learn, and explore.
15. Walk Around Polaris Fashion Place
Polaris Fashion Place offers more than just shopping – enjoy their indoor playground too! Make this a throwback day and grab some Auntie Anne’s and Sbarro too.
16. Go Indoor Rock Climbing at Public Lands
Public Lands has an indoor rock climbing wall (Galyan’s anyone?!) and you can reserve time for youth rock climbing night ($9.95 per hour).
17. Explore the Ohio Craft Museum
Discover contemporary craft and fine art at the Ohio Craft Museum, which offers free admission.
18. See Free or Very Cheap Kids Movies
Cinemark, Marcus Theatres, Studio 35, The Strand in Delaware, and Phoenix Movie Theaters are all offering free or very cheap kids movies. Air conditioning and a good movie? Sign us up!
19. Play Video Games at Game Arena
This indoor gaming spot offers free polycade, board, and tabletop games and looks super fun. You can also play their other video games starting at $6 for an hour. It looks like they have a delicious restaurant too!
20. Participate in a Free Cooking Class with Local Matters
They offer various free cooking classes in partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Check out their events calendar here.
21. Play with Adoptable Cats
Visit Colony Cats and play with adoptable cats. Better yet, spend a little money and bring a furry friend home.
22. Make Crafts at Makers Social
Visit Makers Social with your kiddos and enjoy some great hands on craft ideas! Plus, during happy hour weekends from 4PM-6PM and on Sundays for half off kids projects.
23. Visit the Wexner Center for the Arts
Enjoy free admission to the galleries at the Wexner Center for the Arts and explore contemporary art exhibits.
24. Visit the Barnes & Noble Kids Area
The Barnes & Noble at Polaris Fashion Place has a great upstairs kids area! Peruse the fun area and enjoy reading a book or two. The Lennox location has a weekly storytime too!
25. Attend a Free Workshop at Home Depot
Home Depot offers free workshops for kids once a month – learn something new and get hands-on experience. Register here!
26. Explore the Thurber House
Visit the Thurber House, the historic home of author James Thurber for $5 per person.
27. Explore the Grange Insurance Audubon Center
One of my favorite places to take our kids! Visit the Grange Insurance Audubon Center for free indoor exhibits and bird watching.
28. Head to One of Our Many Awesome Nature Centers
We have SO many great nature centers in and around Columbus. We love the one at Highbanks, Blendon Woods, and Batelle Darby Creek but you can’t go wrong with any of them.
29. Beat the Heat and Go Ice Skating
All Chiller locations offer “cheap skate” on their schedule where it’s just $6 for ages 6 and up, free for 5 and under.
30. Visit the Franklin County Dog Shelter
Spend some time with adoptable dogs at the Franklin County Dog Shelter – a heartwarming indoor activity. Just be careful because you might bring home a cute pup with you!
31. (Bonus!) Do a Seeds of Caring Service Project
We are big fans of Seeds of Caring. Take a look at their list of current projects and better yet, grab a few friends to do them with you and your family!Central Ohio has so much to offer, even when the weather outside is scorching. So, beat the heat and enjoy these fantastic free or budget-friendly indoor activities! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more ideas on how to have affordable fun with your family here in Columbus and beyond.
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