The Ohio State Fair is back this year from July 29 - August 9, 2026. Summer just isn't the same without the butter cow, concerts, midway, fair food - and the whole experience! Enjoy one of the free entertainment stages featuring live music, amazing hypnotists, impressive magicians, and … [Read more...] about Ohio State Fair 2026 with concerts, rides, and all of the fair fun!
Attractions and Museums
Visit Zoombezi Bay Waterpark; discounts, special days, and more
Zoombezi Bay Waterpark is one of the top fun spots during summertime in Central Ohio! Featuring thrilling water slides, roaring rapids, lazy river, wave pool, and so much more, there's something for everyone! You'll never run out of things to do at Zoombezi Bay, and your admission include Zoo … [Read more...] about Visit Zoombezi Bay Waterpark; discounts, special days, and more
Summer bucket list of free and cheap fun for kids in Columbus
There's so much free and cheap fun for kids around Columbus in the summertime, and we've gathered a huge Summer Bucket List for Kids in Columbus for you to explore! Whether you want to enjoy the sun or avoid it, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor options to keep busy on the … [Read more...] about Summer bucket list of free and cheap fun for kids in Columbus
Ohio Travel: Mansfield – Where History Meets Hollywood
Mansfield, Ohio is just over an hour outside of Columbus, which makes it a great daytrip. But with Malabar Farm State Park, the Ohio State Reformatory, Shawshank Trails stops, Kingwood Center Gardens, and lots of other fun attractions, you may want to plan a weekend trip instead! Our … [Read more...] about Ohio Travel: Mansfield – Where History Meets Hollywood
Outdoor Public Pools in Columbus and Central Ohio
Sometimes it's just too hot to be outside without being in a pool. If you don't have a friend or family member to visit with a pool, head to one of these public pools in Columbus to cool off. Check out the full list of public pools that are open around Central Ohio, and offer day … [Read more...] about Outdoor Public Pools in Columbus and Central Ohio
Scioto Arts Market: A Monthly Pop-up
Looking for a fun and free way to spend a Saturday in downtown Columbus? The 2nd season of the Scioto Arts Market brings art, shopping, food, and community vibes to Land Grant’s Gravity Experience Park once a month, May - October. What’s the Scioto Arts Market? The Scioto Arts … [Read more...] about Scioto Arts Market: A Monthly Pop-up
200+ events for Summer fun at Columbus Commons
Columbus Commons is THE place to be in Downtown Columbus all Summer long! With diverse programming of over 200 events including family movies and concerts, fitness classes, free carousel rides, date-night events, festivals, and more, there's always something going on at Columbus … [Read more...] about 200+ events for Summer fun at Columbus Commons
Columbus Zoo tickets, discounts, and special events
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The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Columbus - for good reason! Our Zoo is amazing and regularly ranks as one of the best Zoos in the U.S. There's so much to enjoy this year at the Zoo, including new exhibits and new babies. With tons of outdoor exhibits and … [Read more...] about Columbus Zoo tickets, discounts, and special events
Best photography locations in Columbus
Is it time to update your family photos, or looking for somewhere to take Homecoming photos or senior pictures? Spring, Summer, and Fall are all great seasons to take outdoor photos, and provide a variety of scenery. We've gathered a list of some of the best locations for photos in Columbus. In … [Read more...] about Best photography locations in Columbus
See the sky at Perkins Observatory at Ohio Wesleyan University
Perkins Observatory, located at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, is an active research and educational facility for the OWU Astronomy Department. They host public programs that are family-friendly and interesting. Public programs consist of an orientation and safety talk, astronomy lecture, … [Read more...] about See the sky at Perkins Observatory at Ohio Wesleyan University
The most beautiful public gardens in Columbus
Columbus may be a city, but it's also full of green space, parks, and beautiful gardens. The seasons in Ohio lend to stunning and ever-changing displays at these beautiful public gardens in Columbus. Some of the gardens and arboretums that we've included are also free, so pack a … [Read more...] about The most beautiful public gardens in Columbus
42+ Best Spots with Trains in Ohio: Museums, Riding, Dining, and even sleeping!
For railfans, Ohio is nothing short of paradise. Opportunities to experience life on the rails can be found all over the state. There are so many fun places to check out featuring trains in Ohio for all ages! Whether you want to learn about rail history, hop aboard a historic passenger … [Read more...] about 42+ Best Spots with Trains in Ohio: Museums, Riding, Dining, and even sleeping!
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson and discount at Zoombezi Bay
Make sure your kids know how to swim so they can stay safe this summer! Kick start (or refresh) their swimming abilities with a giant swimming lesson at Zoombezi Bay. With summertime fun, comes sad news stories of kids drowning in pools and other bodies of water. Kids are going to … [Read more...] about World’s Largest Swimming Lesson and discount at Zoombezi Bay
Culture Pass: Free admission to the Zoo, FPC, CMA, and more from the library
Visit amazing attractions in Columbus for FREE with a Culture Pass from the Columbus Metropolitan Library. These aren't only available for museums and the like, but also for FUN in Columbus, like the Zoo, Columbus Clippers, and Columbus Crew games. You can check out Culture Passes for free … [Read more...] about Culture Pass: Free admission to the Zoo, FPC, CMA, and more from the library
Free days at U.S. national parks + Free National Parks Pass for 4th grade families
America's Best Idea — our national parks — is even better when admission is free! Mark your calendar now for entrance fee-free dates for the coming year. On these dates, FREE entrance is available to 133 National Parks across the country that normally charge a fee. During the fee-free days, the … [Read more...] about Free days at U.S. national parks + Free National Parks Pass for 4th grade families
