Are you looking for fun ways to keep the kids entertained but don’t want to spend money every time? I’m with you! That’s why I put together a list of fun and FREE activities to do with your kids in Columbus!
Find this list helpful? Follow Columbus Moms Network on Instagram for more helpful lists, local events, and resources to keep your family busy!
Fairy Doors Tour of Dublin
Attend a Storytime at the Library.
Picking out books at the Dublin Library.
Columbus Metropolitan Library has 22 Branches throughout Franklin County. I have a lot of storytime programs listed over on my calendar on the website, or you can also check out the Library’s calendar of events here, and filter by location and age group to find a free storytime to attend. Or just visit a new Library Branch that you’ve never been to, explore the kids area and check out a few books!
Visit German Village
The Book Loft in German Village
German Village, located just south of downtown Columbus, is a unique area known for charming brick houses and cobblestone streets. You can simply wander around and admire the architecture and historic charm, or browse some shops. I recommend visiting the Book Loft, the 32 room bookstore, whenever you’re in German Village! Additional ideas for your visit can be found here.
Watch the Planes Take off and Land at The Ohio State University Airport
- Location: The Ohio State University Airport 2160 West Case Road, Columbus, OH 43235
- Hours of operation
- Parking: Free automobile parking is available in front of the airport terminal, with an adjacent overflow gravel lot. A circle driveway allows for easy drop-offs at the front door.
- Aircraft arrival/departure schedule
- Air traffic control tower feed
- Facilities: Restrooms (including a family restroom) and optional private lactation room are accessible on the first floor of the terminal. An elevator is available to reach the second-floor NetJets Observation Deck.
- Flight programs: Visit our Aviation Clubs webpage to click through club pages for various opportunities.
Visit a Nature Center
Nature Centers have displays and exhibits, may have live animals and programs, and are a great way to stay out of the elements. The following Nature Centers are ones that we like to visit in Columbus:
- Highbanks Metro Park
- Battelle Darby Metro Park
- Blendon Woods Metro Park
- Blacklick Woods
- Deer Haven Park
- Grange Insurance Audubon Center
Check the websites for hours, programs and other information.
Visit The Ohio Statehouse
Free guided tours are available every day, except on state holidays. On weekdays, walk-in tours start from the Map Room on the hour, every hour, starting at 10 a.m. with the last tour starting at 3 p.m. During the weekends, walk-in tours start at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.. Please call 614-728-3726 for more information or to schedule a tour for groups of 10 or more people. Visitors may take a self-guided tour. Please note that while the Ohio Statehouse is open to the public on the weekends, the House and Senate Chambers are kept locked, and are only available to be viewed during guided tours.
Visit the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
Located on the Ohio State Campus, The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum houses the world’s largest collection of materials related to cartoons and comics, including original art, books, magazines, journals, comic books, archival materials, and newspaper comic strip pages and clippings. Located in Sullivant Hall, 1813 N High St. See website for hours and additional information.
Visit The Ohio Craft Museum
HOURS OPEN:
Monday-Friday: 10am-5pm, Saturday: 11am-4pm
Closed on Sundays & Major Holidays
Admission is free. Free parking is available on the east side of the museum. Tours are self guided.
Try a New Park or Playground
Gantz Park in Grove City
Columbus has so many great playgrounds, parks and recreation areas. I recommend visiting one of our Metro Parks! The Columbus Metro Parks features 20 outstanding natural area parks with more than 230 miles of trails and over 28,400 acres of land in seven Central Ohio counties. Many of the Metro Parks have a lot of hiking options, plus playgrounds to explore and many programs available at the Nature Centers. Many of the Metro Park programs are listed on our calendar! Be sure to check out my list of favorite playgrounds in Columbus. Let us know of any that you would add to this list!
Visit a Waterfall in Columbus
Hayden Falls in Dublin.
We are fortunate that we have a few waterfalls, right here in the city! If you are lucky to visit one after a rain, it can be really spectacular! Of course recent rainfall will determine how much these waterfalls are flowing, but it’s still a fun spot to visit! Here are three within Columbus:
- Hayden Falls: Located in Dublin, Hayden Falls is easily accessible from the parking lot. A flight of stairs and a quick walk on the boardwalk takes you right to the waterfall. Address: 4326 Hayden Run Rd, Dublin, OH 43017
- Indian Run Falls: Indian Run Falls is also located in Dublin and has a trail that loops around the park. Address: 700 Shawan Falls Dr, Dublin, OH 43017
- Millikin Falls at Quarry Trails Metro Park. This waterfall is located at Quarry Trails Metro Park in Columbus. There is an Upper Trail of .05 miles, and a Lower Trail of .75 miles. Address: 2600 Old Dublin Rd, Columbus OH 43228
Walk Across the Dublin Link
The Dublin Link
Located in Dublin, The Dublin Link is the longest span, single tower S-shaped suspension bridge in the world. Connecting Historic Dublin to Bridge Park, walking across the bridge is a fun and free outing for the family!
Explore Franklin Park Conservatory on Community Day
Nature Play Zone at Franklin Park Conservatory
Community Day is the first Sunday of each month and admission is free for residents of Franklin County and the City of Columbus (with valid ID) at Franklin Park Conservatory. The Conservatory is open 10am-5pm.
Visit the Columbus Museum of Art on Sundays
Columbus Museum of Art provides free general admission for museum visitors, each and every Sunday (open 10am-5pm on Sunday’s). Special exhibition admission is an additional $10 for nonmembers.
Second Sunday Open House at Ohio Wildlife Center
Join us for a fun and informal open house held the second Sunday of each month at our Cook Road Education Center in Powell.
- Doors are open from 1pm to 3pm
- Family friendly activities and tours
- Enrichment activities with our live animal ambassadors
- Cost: FREE! Donations are greatly appreciated.
Free Indoor Play Areas:
Play Area at Polaris
Open 11am-7pm
Central Park Playland
Join us every Tuesday from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for open play!
Westerville Community Center
Open during Community Center hours. Playground is open to the public.
The Naz Playplace
Monday-Friday: 10am-2pm plus Wednesday: 5pm-6:30pm and Saturday: 10am-4pm
Visit Graeter’s on Bethel Road
Graeter’s Lil’ Pints Indoor Playground
Graeter’s on Bethel Road has a fun play area that is free and fun for the kids. The ice cream is delicious at Graeter’s, so I recommend taking along some money for a treat or ice cream while you’re there. Who can resist ice cream?
Garden Cafe Play Area
Play Area is open Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm and Saturday, 8am-6pm
Genoa Cafe & Indoor Playground
Check seasonal hours on website.
Take a Hike
Clear Creek Metro Park.
I have a list of great spots for a family hike on the website, or explore one of the Metro Parks or other great spots for hiking in Columbus.
Visit the Canopy Walk at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
The Canopy Walk at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
The Canopy Walk is a 660 foot boardwalk high up in the trees! Check out my visit on opening day here on Instagram.
Hours: 9am-7pm (April-August) and 9am-5pm (September-March). Note: the Canopy Walk is closed for routine maintenance on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month until noon. I recommend checking Blacklick Woods Social Media pages prior to heading out to confirm they are open, and the elevator is operating.
Volunteer through Seeds of Caring
Giving back to your community with your kids is a great way to spend time together. Spending time helping others builds compassion and empathy. Seeds of Caring has unique, kid-focused volunteer opportunities for your family, classroom, or group. Upcoming in person opportunities are listed on the website.
Visit Columbus Commons
At Columbus Commons, there’s ample opportunity for FREE fun for the whole family. Enjoy themed programming, educational activities, movie nights and more. Check their events page for upcoming events.
Ride the Carousel at Columbus Commons
Open daily: 11 am – 7 pm
At the Carousel and don’t see an operator? Call 614-227-3788 to request an operator.
Check the Local Events Calendar on the Columbus Moms Network Website
Visit the calendar for a list of many local events every day! Most of the local events on the calendar are free to attend. I update the calendar regularly, so check if often!
Additional Ideas for Spring and Summer:
Farmers Markets in Central Ohio
Summer is the perfect time to spend as much time outside as possible, and one of the best ways to do that is by visiting a local farmers market! Though there are many wonderful items and goodies for purchase, visiting the Farmers Markets on this list are free. See our complete list of Farmers Markets here.
Splash Pads
When the hot weather arrives, and you’re looking to cool off, look no further then some of the free Splash Pads in Columbus! Most Splash Pads will open Memorial Day weekend, but a few will likely be open before then. Check out this list for updated information through the spring.
Outdoor Movies in Columbus
Outdoor movies are a fun summer event for the whole family to enjoy! Check out our list of outdoor movies happening this summer in Columbus.
Summer Concerts in Columbus
Grab a chair or blanket, pack up the family and dance the night away! Great way to get some wiggles out. Check out of our list of summer concerts happening around Columbus.
Have any free activities in Columbus that you love to do with your family? Let me know so I can add to this list! See you around Columbus!
