Just because the cold and blustery weather is rolling through doesn’t mean you have to stay inside and warm up by the fireplace. There’s plenty to do in Central Ohio, especially if you know where to look.
If you’re looking to step out and stay busy this winter on the cheap, let this guide be the perfect place to start!
1. 59th Annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike – FREE
Looking for ways to spend time in nature this winter? This hike from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave winds you through the most beautiful scenery in the park, past the tallest tree in Ohio, ending with the gorgeous Queer Creek cascades. Bean soup, corn bread, and plenty of hot beverages are provided to keep your spirits (and toes) warm and happy!
More info can be found here.
2. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – $17 to $20
Over 10,000 animals from 600 different species await you at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Pet the stingrays, check out the Nocturnal and Aviary Building, and immerse yourself in Adventure Cove to feel like you’re swimming with the Sea Lions. Whether you go alone or bring the entire family along, the animals can’t wait to see you.
Tickets and more info here
3. Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating – FREE to $18
A list of quintessential winter activities is incomplete without ice skating. Lucky for you, there’s tons of options for ice skating right here in Central Ohio. As soon as we get a few days of freezing weather, be ready to lace up your skates and have a blast! Click the links below for hours of operation, pricing, and important safety information.
Indoor:
Outdoor:
4. Free Fitness Classes to Kickstart Your New Year’s Resolution – FREE
A big roadblock to people’s fitness goals is having to commit to paying the increasingly steep price of gym memberships (that’s at least been my excuse for the past 10 years). But with these free fitness classes conveniently located all over our fair city, there’s no more excuses. You can thank us when you have a six-pack in a few months!
- Crossfit Clintonville Free Classes
- Worthington Community Center Family Nights
- F3 Men’s Fitness Groups
- Females in Action (FiA) Columbus Female Fitness Group
- Columbus Metro Parks Winter Hike Series
- Walk With A Doc at Highbanks Metro Park
5. Franklinton Fridays – FREE
On the second Friday of each month, migrate your way through Franklinton and take in all the art, studios, performances, food, and drink the neighborhood has to offer! Getting to explore Columbus artists’ creative spaces is such an awesome way to get a peak behind the curtain.
6. Short North Gallery Hop Saturdays – FREE to $20+
In continuing with our artsy theme, head down to the Short North Arts District from 4-8 PM on the first Saturday of every month for amazing artist showcases from Central Ohio and beyond. There’s street performers, food, drinks, and, did we mention the awesome art? There are so many cool galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and salons to choose from… so go check it out!
More info here.
7. Ohio Statehouse Tour – FREE
Capitalize on living in the Capital City of Ohio with a free tour of the historic Ohio Statehouse. Built in the mid 1800s, its incredible architecture has earned it the designation of a National Historic Landmark. Plus, you’ll learn about the history of government in Ohio and get a behind the scenes look at where our elected officials operate!
More info here
8. Indoor Farmers Markets – FREE to $20+
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you still can’t get your hands on locally sourced meats, cheeses, jewelry, art, and much, much more! Some of my favorite foods and decorations are from farmers markets. Check out these indoor farmers markets to get your fix and support local vendors.
9. Bowling – $10 to $20+ per person
In regard to cheap, fun, and (relatively) easy things to do during the winter, bowling is always a top contender. Rent yourself some bowling shoes, perhaps get a White Russian, and see if you can bowl a 300 (or at least break into triple digits). Many bowling alleys charge by lane, so the more friends you can bring, the cheaper it gets!
10. Ginger Rabbit Jazz – $5 to $20+
One of the coolest places in town, you’re sure to enjoy yourself when you’re surrounded by incredible jazz music, great food and drinks, and a truly eclectic vibe that you can’t find anywhere else in the city. Shows are as cheap as $5, which make it a perfect option for date nights or just a unique night out on the town!
More info found here.
11. Go Swimming! $3 to $15
We know what you’re thinking… “It’s winter. It’s too cold to swim outside.” That’s a fair point, but may we interest you in… indoor swimming? There are plenty of indoor pools in the area so you can breaststroke, freestyle, or butterfly to your heart’s desire.
- Worthington Community Center
- Columbus Aquatics Center
- Westerville Community Center
- Dublin Rec Center
- Groveport Rec Center
12. Bored? Go to Tabletop Board Game Cafe! – $5 and Up
Think you already have all the board games you need? Think again. This board game cafe has virtually every board game you can think of and more. If you want to elevate your game nights with friends and family, look no further!
13. Grab Some Authentic Ohio Ice Cream – $3 and Up
Columbus isn’t nicknamed Cowtown for nothin’! If you haven’t noticed, we have ice cream shops pretty much at every corner, and yet that’s still not enough! If you haven’t been to these ice cream shops, drop everything you’re doing and go get a double scoop for us.
14. Metro Parks Winter Hikes – FREE
After eating all that ice cream, it might be a good idea to burn some of those calories with a relaxing hike through Columbus’ gorgeous Metro Parks. The views and scenery are incredible, and beverages are provided at select times. Plus, if you hike 7 parks throughout the winter months, you’ll earn a Metro Parks Winter Hike patch!
More info found here.
15. Art Classes and Events at Brush Crazy $10 and Up
Whether you’re a painting savant or an absolute beginner, a trip to Brush Crazy is a surefire way to brighten up what otherwise might be a gloomy, cold winter day. With classes on tie dying, hydro dipping, ceramics, and more, you may very well fall in love with a new art form this winter season!
16. Columbus Museum of Art – FREE to $18
Before trying your hand at art classes, it might be wise to stop by the Columbus Museum of Art for some inspiration. There are world class paintings, exhibitions, and art pieces covering nearly every square inch of the museum. Plus, it’s super affordable to bring friends, families, or dates! We triple dog dare you to go and let us know your favorite parts (it’s a triple dog dare so you can’t say no).
17. Go To The Arcade – $0.25 and Up
Bring out your inner gamer at one of Columbus’ many arcades! It’s hard to let the cold weather bring you down when you’re playing Galaga, riding go-karts, or enjoying a few beverages. All I ask is that you don’t break my Skee-Ball record.
18. Go to the Movies – $7.25 to $15 and Up
While streaming services have made it all too easy to watch movies and TV shows at home, there’s nothing quite like the experience of watching a movie on the silver screen. Central Ohio is home to a ton of incredible independent movie theaters with rich stories that make the experience even more magical. Did you know the Grandview Theater opened all the way back in 1926? Not to be outdone, Studio 35 was the first cinema in the U.S. to serve alcohol! Just be sure to pace yourself because there’s nothing worse than getting the hiccups during the really, really quiet part of Oppenheimer (I know from experience).
19. Catch a Comedy Show – $5 and Up
Did you know Columbus is home to several premier comedy clubs? World-class comedians are always cycling through town itching to give your funny bone a tickle. Just don’t sit up by the stage if you don’t want the comedians to poke fun at you.
20. Catch a Buckeyes Game – FREE to $7 and Up
While Buckeye football is the talk of the town, The Ohio State University has 33 Varsity teams including Mens/Women’s Hockey, Men’s/Women’s Basketball, Pistol, Gymnastics, and many more. These are great sporting events that don’t break the bank to attend. Plus, OSU Athletics are world-class!
Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!
