Dear ole' dad...it's almost his day! Celebrate dad with these restaurants deals and activities for Father's Day in Columbus on Sunday, June 21, 2026! My "poor" dad has 6 daughters. That's right...no boys, though he now has sons-in-law and grandsons. The above photo captures what it … [Read more...] about Celebrate Father’s Day in Columbus
Does your child wear glasses or need eye protection for sports? Apply for FREE safety eyewear and gear for sports and recreation! “Eye injuries are a leading cause of blindness in children,” said Ohio Ophthalmological Society President, Dr. Kristopher … [Read more...] about Superspecs Free Safety Eyewear Available to Children in Ohio
Enjoy free or cheap family-friendly summer movies almost every day of the week at various movie theaters across town. Beat the summer heat, escape the rain, or just quiet the "I'm bored" summer whining with a movie. Click on the links below for more details and film schedule for each … [Read more...] about Free or Cheap Summer Movies for Families
Lennox Town Center 24 is owned by Phoenix Theaters, and you can enjoy FREE family movies with the Free Summer Movie Series. Films are show at 10 am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Doors open at 9 am; seating is limited to auditorium capacity. Admission is totally free, and they are … [Read more...] about Phoenix Theaters Lennox 24 Free Summer Movie Series
Whether you have a kid birthday coming up, or want to let the kids have some friends over during summer or holiday break, you can save money by planning around a local destination or theme party. Below are nine inexpensive ideas for kids' birthday parties in Columbus that would be … [Read more...] about Nine Cheap Kids’ Birthday Parties in Columbus for Small Groups
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
The Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest is July 24-26, 2026, featuring hot ribs and cool jazz in Downtown Columbus. Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest Each summer, this festival is a highly anticipated tradition with the best of jazz and rib connoisseurs for a festival full of music and barbecue, brought to … [Read more...] about 2026 Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest – Cool Jazz, Hot Ribs, and free admission
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
Stay up-to-date with which splash pads are open in Columbus! There are over 20 splash pads and water play areas in the city where you can cool off during hot weather! Splash pads are the perfect place to visit during the hottest part of the day when you don't want to commit to the hassle (and … [Read more...] about Over 20 Free Splash Pads in Columbus
There's nothing like hanging out on a blanket on a warm summer night watching a movie under the stars or catching and evening concert outside. Head to Pickerington on select Summer nights to the Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater for a movie at dusk or outdoor concerts. Bring a blanket, … [Read more...] about Free Friday Night Flicks and Summer concerts in Pickerington
Willkommen zum Oktoberfest at Zoombezi Bay! While the water park usually closes on Labor Day, they are stretching the fun for a little longer to celebrate Oktoberfest on August 29-30, and September 5-7, 2026. Slide into the world of German music, enjoy pumpkin and fall-flavored beers on tap … [Read more...] about Extend the Summer fun with Oktoberfest at Zoombezi Bay
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are aiming to get kids interested in fishing with their FREE fishing activities for kids at the Gone Fishing event near Father's Day. Gone Fishing at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops June 13-14 and 20-21, 2026 from 10am-2pm 'Gone Fishing' event at Cabela's and Bass … [Read more...] about Free ‘Gone Fishing’ event at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops for kids
Topgolf doesn't have a season! Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter are all good times to play at Topgolf Columbus. Whether you "think" you're a pro, or you are just getting into the swing of golf, Topgolf is a great place to practice. Not that into golf? No big deal - it's a fun place to hang out … [Read more...] about TopGolf Columbus discounts: 1/2 price M-TH, $15 weekday mornings, Late nights, and more!
Let the kids meet the good guys at Cops & Kids Day at Hoff Woods Park on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 11 am - 2 pm. Kids can interact with the law enforcement community and learn about the equipment and technology that they use to keep the community safe. Cops & Kids Day There will … [Read more...] about Cops & Kids Day in Westerville – June 13
Symphony music isn't just for adults! The Columbus Commons is hosting Popcorn Pops with The Columbus Symphony this summer! It's a great chance to show kids how fun this type of music can be! These shows are perfect for families with children ages 3 – 12. Concerts feature free … [Read more...] about Popcorn Pops Concerts for Kids with Columbus Symphony Orchestra
Columbus on the Cheap is a
member of Living on the Cheap, a
network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer
advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and
shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less
at Living on the Cheap. 
