
30 Free Things To Do in Columbus With Kids
Give your wallet a break with our picks for the best free activities for kids around Columbus! We've gathered our favorite places where you can enjoy family fun together - all without spending a penny. You might be surprised by what you can do for free! Bookmark our lists where Kids Eat Free and Free Museum Days around Columbus, too.
The John Glenn Astronomy Park
Katie G. said: The John Glenn Astronomy Park is located in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio, about an hour away from Columbus. The observatory was named after John Glenn, an Ohioan who became well known as being the first astronaut to orbit the Earth. Dedicated to educating the public about the science and exploration of astronomy, the large telescope at the observatory gives visitors a view of the night sky and stars. You must reserve your parking spot in advance on-line.
Cost: Free, donations suggested for the Friends of Hocking Hills endowment fund
Logan, OHVelvet Ice Cream Tour
Katie G. said: Who doesn't love ice cream? And what could be more fun than visiting an ice cream factory here in central Ohio? Velvet Ice Cream offers a 30-min walking tour of the factory in Utica, about 45 min Northeast of Columbus. Tour guides will teach you about the history of the 100 year old company, the Historic Ye Olde Mill, and the seven step process it takes to make ice cream. Afterwards grab a bite to eat at the Wheel Room Restaurant or dessert at the Ice Cream Parlor. There's a small playground, farm animals and a picnic area on the property. No appointment necessary.
Ages: all ages
Cost: free
Utica, OHInniswood Metro Gardens
Hannah Scott said: Inniswood is a delightful collection of botanical gardens and trails that span 123 acres. You'll find over 2,000 species of plants as you explore the grounds, including native wildflowers and wildlife. Families will love the children's garden with its interactive water stations and other outdoor play areas designed to inspire the imagination.
Westerville, OHMillstone Creek Park
Kelly R said: This Westerville playground gets crowded on a nice day, but it can accommodate a lot of people because it is just so big. Kids enjoy xylophones, climbing rocks, balance obstacles, electronic NEOS game, and various educational opportunities. There is even a grownup exercise station. I love that this playground is integrated into a natural landscape, so kids can also walk around a boardwalk and explore the pond. The park also features a covered picnic area and bathrooms. This playground is accessible for kids with all abilities.
Westerville, OHGnomewood Skills Park
Katie G. said: Gnomewood is a fun mountain bike skills park for beginners and kids. The quarter-mile loop is filled with many obstacles along the way. There are wood planks and logs to cross, mini dirt hills to go over and ramps with sharp turns. Kids will have fun navigating along the loop and checking out the various gnomes hidden along the route. Be sure to bring helmets to wear, as there may be some falls while mastering the loop.
Galena, OH16-Bit Bar+Arcade
Shila said: Every Sunday is Shorty Day where "all ages" are welcome inside this arcade bar with an adult during select hours. Old-school arcade games like Nintendo 64, Frogger, Burger Time and more await your kids - and you! Boasting over 40 timeless games on its floor, 16-Bit Bar welcomes you to come have a few drinks, eat and play for free. (Dublin's location has additional all-age weekday hours.)
Columbus, OHOhio Statehouse Tours
Katie G. said: Take a tour of the state capital building at the Ohio Statehouse. During the tour, you will learn all about Ohio's history and the important people from Ohio. Plus see the beautiful structure and design of the Statehouse. Tour guests will be able to see the House and Senate Chambers (when not in session), which are only accessible by tour. Tour guides are knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions.
Ages: all ages
Cost: Free
Columbus, OH
Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Scioto Audubon Metro Park is an oasis in the city. Two paved hiking trails loop around the park, but the real attraction is the amenities. There's a fun playground (with an interactive electronic game), teens can try out the rock climbing wall (BYO harness), and there is a smaller 10 foot boulder for younger kids. A parkour-style obstacle course features a tire run, 8-foot wall, tunnel crawl, balance beams, monkey bars, and more. While you're there, check out the nature center, eat lunch at one of the shaded picnic tables, and take in a breathtaking view of the Columbus skyline.
Columbus, OHGrange Insurance Audubon Center
Katie G. said: The Grange Insurance Audubon Center is a conservative education center designed to restore natural ecosystems for the benefit of humanity. Inside the nature center you will find wall-to-wall glass overlooking the beautiful grounds of the Scioto Audubon Metro Park and the Scioto River. A library full of nature-based books for kids and adults overlooks the bird sanctuary and is a perfect place to relax and take in the sites of nature. The center offers plenty of programs throughout the year and even camps for the kids during the summer.
Columbus, OHBicentennial Park Scioto Mile Fountain
Brigitte Nohra Miller said: The Scioto Mile Fountain at Bicentennial Park has it all, including a fun splash pad area with unique architectural designs. By night, this marvelous fountain displays special effects with lighting and fog!
Columbus, OHPolaris Fashion Place - Children's Play Area
Katie G. said: Let the kids enjoy a jungle safari at the Columbus Zoo themed play area at Polaris Fashion Place. The giant, two-story tree house has slides and tunnels. There's plenty of room to run around and large animals to climb on. Two interactive video screens have games for kids to play.
Columbus, OH
Orton Geological Museum
The Orton Geological Museum always offers free admission. Explore rocks, minerals, and fossils from Ohio, from around the world, and from outer space!
Columbus, OHThe Ohio State University Arne Slettebak Planetarium
Katie G. said: The Arne Slettebak Planetarium, located on the campus of the Ohio State University, is a 63 seat, 30-foot dome theater mostly used by the Department of Astronomy on campus. Programs and shows are presented by students, professors or the planetarium directory and offered to the public throughout the year. Shows will teach guests about the sun, stars and our solar system. They last 30-40 minutes each and are geared towards older kids (although all ages are welcome).
Cost: Free, reserve tickets online
Columbus, OHChadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens
Hannah Scott said: OSU welcomes the public to enjoy its on-campus arboretum and gardens, used by the university for research and education. Families can have a picnic, take a nature walk, and do some catch-and-release fishing in the lake.
Columbus, OHThe Shops at Worthington Place Play Land
Katie G. said: Walking through The Shops at Worthington Place mall, it's hard to miss the play area. The tree themed climbing structure offers lots of room for kids to run around. The floor is soft with a grass-like covering making it perfect for crawlers or new walkers. There's a large TV and seating area at one end for parents to sit while their kids play. When the weather is nice, kids can explore the gated Johnny Appleseed themed outdoor play area.
Worthington, OHPrimary photo: Upparent
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