Summer reading programs are a great incentive to keep kids reading during the Summer months. Students who read over the summer break tend to avoid the "Summer Slide", or Summer learning loss. Students should be reading at least 10-20 minutes each day, and adults should be reading to non-readers … [Read more...] about Over 15 Free Summer Reading Programs in Columbus
Events for Families and Kids
Sunflowers at 22 Acres Farm
Located about 30 minutes from Columbus, 22 Acres Farm has been home to sunflower fields, wedding space, and Christmas on the Farm. Now for sale, the farm will be hosting one last chance to visit the Sunflower Field. Sunflower Fields at 22 Acres Farm Located about 30 minutes from Columbus, … [Read more...] about Sunflowers at 22 Acres Farm
Go Lunch! Free summer meals for kids
In an effort to curb food insecurity with kids in Franklin County, there are programs to provide free lunch for kids, and free produce to low income families. The Go, Lunch! Summer Food Program with Columbus Recreation and Parks' offers free, nutritionally balanced meals during the Summer months … [Read more...] about Go Lunch! Free summer meals for kids
Pizza Hut Book-IT: Combining Pizza and Reading Fun!
Who remembers the Pizza Hut Book-IT program from our childhood? Did you have the Book-IT pin and the gold star stickers that earned a personal pan pizza? Now families can participate in an undated version of Pizza Hut Book-IT with the summer reading program. The Pizza Hut Book-IT … [Read more...] about Pizza Hut Book-IT: Combining Pizza and Reading Fun!
Summer Reading Challenge at Columbus Metropolitan Library
Public libraries are a huge resource for free and cheap events and resources in any city, but the Columbus Metropolitan Library wants to reward everyone just for reading this summer. The Summer Reading Challenge runs from May 31 though July 31, 2025 to encourage people of all ages to read, … [Read more...] about Summer Reading Challenge at Columbus Metropolitan Library
Free book: Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
Barnes and Noble wants to reward your kids for summer reading with a FREE book for completing the Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program. Summer Reading Program at Barnes and Noble Download and print a Reading Journal from the website for each child in grades 1-6. Kids are encouraged to … [Read more...] about Free book: Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
Free or Cheap Summer Movies for Families
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
Wexner Center for the Arts: Galleries, family movie Saturdays, International Horror and more
Wexner Center for the Arts, located on campus at Ohio State, is a multidisciplinary research laboratory for the arts with programming featuring performing arts, exhibitions, and media arts. The Wexner Center is a great place to get lost inside for a few hours by yourself, with friends, or with … [Read more...] about Wexner Center for the Arts: Galleries, family movie Saturdays, International Horror and more
Urban Air Launches Unlimited Play Summer Pass- Indoor Fun all Summer
Looking for an easy way to keep kids active and entertained all summer long—without melting in the heat? Urban Air Adventure Park has launched its new Unlimited Play Summer Pass, offering 120 days of unlimited fun starting at just $59.99. Available now at locations nationwide (including … [Read more...] about Urban Air Launches Unlimited Play Summer Pass- Indoor Fun all Summer
Dino-Mite Kids Week (and free dino pancakes) at Sunny Street Cafe
It's a Dino-Mite week at Sunny Street Cafe! Kids can enjoy FREE famous Dino Pancakes all week long, Monday - Friday, July 14- July 18, 2025 at all Sunny Street CafĂ© locations! In addition to the free amazing dino pancakes, kids will enjoy fun dinosaur games and activities. Expect … [Read more...] about Dino-Mite Kids Week (and free dino pancakes) at Sunny Street Cafe
Pickle Fest, Farm market and upcoming U-pick at Branstool Orchards (and a fun play area!)
Branstool Orchards is one of our favorite u-pick orchards to visit in Central Ohio. We always pick peaches and apples (sometimes twice) each year, and they have so many offerings from Summer through Fall. Located in Utica, Branstool Orchards is about 40 minutes from Columbus, and it's … [Read more...] about Pickle Fest, Farm market and upcoming U-pick at Branstool Orchards (and a fun play area!)
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
Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp
Half Price Books is hosting Summer Reading Camp to encourage kids of all ages to keep up with reading during these summer months. Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp Sign up for HPB's Summer Reading Camp! Kids and their guardians can pick up their interactive reading log and … [Read more...] about Half Price Books Summer Reading Camp
Columbus Commons Free Movie Nights this Summer
Catch a movie under the stars at Columbus Commons this summer with Free Movie Nights. Bring your blanket or chairs and some snacks or a picnic and catch these family-friendly films at dusk downtown. Tortilla and Jeni’s will be open for movie snacks. Free Friday Family Movie Nights Catch a … [Read more...] about Columbus Commons Free Movie Nights this Summer
Columbus Women and Girls’ Fest at Maroon Arts Box Park with headliner Detroit Diamond
Annually, Columbus Women & Girls’ Fest celebrates and promotes women and girl-identified leaders in arts and culture. The WGFest is free and open to the public, hosted By Education Foundation for Freedom. The Columbus WGFest is on August 23, 2025 from 12 pm - 6 pm at Maroon Arts … [Read more...] about Columbus Women and Girls’ Fest at Maroon Arts Box Park with headliner Detroit Diamond
