Here’s a fun fact no one asked for: keeping your family entertained doesn’t have to cost a fortune. I know, shocking. But it turns out there’s tons of free stuff to do in Columbus, Ohio if you know where to look.
From hiking through fairy tale-worthy forests to cartoon museums and indoor playgrounds, here are some of the best fun and free things to do in Columbus, Ohio with your family.
Hike Through the Dreamlike Trails at Hocking Hills State Park
📍 Logan, OH 43138
Yes, it’s technically not in Columbus, but Hocking Hills is close enough, and beautiful enough, to make this list. Just a 45 to 60-minute drive from the city, this spot looks like something straight out of a fantasy movie. You’ve got waterfalls, caves, moss-covered cliffs, and trails for all experience levels.
Favorites include the Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Conkle’s Hollow hikes. Bonus: all of it is completely free. Just pack some snacks, comfy shoes, and your sense of wonder.
Enjoy Free Admission at Franklin Park Conservatory
📍 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
This place is pure magic. Plants from around the globe, seasonal exhibits, and a million great photo ops. While general admission usually comes with a fee, Franklin County residents can visit for free on the first Sunday of every month.
And it’s not just for plant-loving adults. There’s a Nature Play Zone, Canopy Walk, Playhouse Garden, and more areas specifically made for kids to explore and burn off some energy.
Free Petting Zoos, Magic Shows & More at Columbus Libraries
📍 Multiple Locations
Let me just say this: the Columbus Library System is criminally underrated when it comes to free family fun. Across its many branches, you’ll find weekly events like instrument petting zoos (yep, that’s a thing), magic shows, family storytimes, live concerts, and even reading challenges for all ages.
It’s basically your all-access pass to fun that doesn’t involve screens or spending money.
Burn Off Energy at These Free Indoor Playgrounds
📍 The Naz Church: 4770 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
📍 Polaris Fashion Place: 1500 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240
📍 Central Park Playland: 471 E College Ave, Westerville, OH 43081
Columbus gets cold, rainy, hot, and humid — sometimes all in the same day. So indoor playgrounds are a must. These three are solid picks:
- The Naz Church has a full indoor playplace and a café to grab coffee while your kids go wild.
- Polaris Fashion Place features a zoo-themed play area (for kids under 48 inches) open 11 AM to 7 PM daily.
- Central Park Playland offers open play every Tuesday morning. Just show up with socks and a willingness to climb on stuff.
Explore Metro Parks’ Canopy Walks, Treehouses & Obstacle Courses
If your kids love climbing, jumping, or pretending they’re on American Ninja Warrior, the Columbus Metro Parks system has you covered. A few highlights:
- Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk: Suspended 55 feet above the ground with netting, treehouses, and hammocks.
- Scioto Audubon: Home to a rock-climbing wall and obstacle course.
- Glacier Ridge: More obstacle courses and open space than your kids will know what to do with.
And yes, every single one of these parks is free to visit.
Ride the Carousel & Catch a Movie at the Columbus Commons
📍 160 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Columbus Commons is basically downtown’s backyard. You’ll find free movie nights, a charming carousel open daily from 11 AM to 7 PM, and open play sessions every Tuesday and Thursday with games, inflatables, and other fun stuff your kids will beg to come back for.
More info here.
Visit Museums With Free Admission
📍 Columbus Museum of Art: 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
📍 Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum: 1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210
📍 Ohio Craft Museum: 1665 W. Fifth Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Culture on a budget? We love to see it.
- Columbus Museum of Art is free every Sunday and features hands-on areas for kids to explore their inner Picasso.
- Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum is filled with comics, art, and laughs. It’s a total hit with kids and nostalgic adults.
- Ohio Craft Museum features interactive exhibits and rotating installations highlighting the work of fine craft artists from across the region.
Whether you’ve got toddlers bouncing off the walls or tweens who “aren’t that into museums” (they will be), there are tons of fun activities in Columbus, Ohio to keep the whole family entertained without breaking the bank.
Find more family-friendly things to do in Columbus here!