Free Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is one of the premier botanical gardens in Ohio. It’s located just east of Franklin Park approximately two miles from downtown Columbus.

If you’re looking for things to do in Columbus, this will always be one of our top suggestions! It’s fun for ALLL ages!

Explore 13 acres of botanical biomes, stunning gardens, art installations and exhibitions, and seasonal attractions as you wander the Conservatory building, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and the Grand Mallway. 

There are multiple discounts available in order to make FPC more affordable, including free community admission one Sunday a month, free passes from the library, and more. Read below for more details.

Explore the Gardens and Exhibits at Franklin Park Conservatory

Permanent Exhibitions and Gardens

Don’t miss the stunning Chihuly Collection throughout FPC, along with the other beautiful offerings, such as the Himalayan Mountain Biome, Rainforest Biome, Desert Biome, and Pacific Island Water Garden. Leave plenty of time for your visit!

There is truly a days’ worth of exploring at the Conservatory. While you’re there, visit the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse and view specimens from the Conservatory’s bonsai collection.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden

Kids love exploring and playing in The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden. This fun outdoor park features natural play areas, special gardens, and other ways to connect kids with nature. There is SO much to do, so allow plenty of time for kids to play!

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and water-safe clothing if your kids intend to visit the garden, so they can explore the Sandstone Creek water feature. Diapered kids must wear swim diapers.

While the garden is open year round, the water feature will be off October – early May. Bring warm clothing if you come during colder weather – there’s so lots to do!

Check out all of the gardens and collections available for viewing at FPC.

2025 Franklin Park Conservatory Events

Bloom and Butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory

February 22 – July 6, 2025
Hundreds of exotic butterflies will fill the Pacific Island Water Garden biome, a tropical haven filled with lush foliage and bright blooms. Patrons can visit at any time to see a diverse array of butterflies soaring overhead or basking on nearby plant life. 

Daily butterfly demonstrations will not be taking place this year due to social distancing precautions. See more details here.

Paul Busse Garden Railway

May 10, 2025 – January 4, 2026. Train lovers, check this out! The popular exhibition is back, and features model trains whirling through unique botanical themes on 1,122 feet of track in the Grand Mallway. It’s one of my kids’ favorite exhibits to explore at the Conservatory.

Travel alongside 9 g-scale model trains to immerse yourself in Fairytale Land, Wild West Town, European Travels and the animal-themed Who Lives Here.

See the trains weave through the miniature world of 51 botanical models made from all-natural plant material, including an enchanted tree hollow, two waterfalls, a bubbling brook, and plantings specific to each theme.

Farmer’s Market at FPC

Wednesdays, June 4 – September 10, 2025, from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm, rain or shine. Vendors offer a mix of local produce, baked goods, specialty foods, handmade items, and health and beauty products.

The market is located outdoors in the Conservatory’s Wells Barn parking lot, just off of East Broad Street and past the Conservatory’s main parking lot (where the market was previously). The public is welcome and parking is free. Details here.

Pollinator Palooza

Saturday, June 21, 2025, in conjunction with National Pollinator Week. Engage with various organizations that are raising awareness for pollinators, while enjoying learning opportunities, crafts, music, garden tours and more. This event is completely free to attend.

Please note that this event is held in the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, just outside the main Conservatory building.

If you wish to explore the Conservatory during your visit, admission is required. Details.

Free Pollinator Palooza at Franklin Park Conservatory

Date Night at Franklin Park Conservatory

Chihuly Nights

Select evenings each month from 7 pm – 10 pm. Chihuly Nights are an amazing way to see the Conservatory after hours in a new light.

The 18 Chihuly installations will be illuminated with the botanical gardens as a backdrop. Check out the biomes in the conservatory and the historic John F. Wolfe Palm as it’s illuminated by James Turrell’s Light Raiment II.

Special admission is $15.50-$26 for non-members, and $7.75-$13 for members. Access rates are available. It’s an amazing date night idea! 

Read more about Chihuly nights and other after dark fun. 

2025 Cocktails at the Conservatory

Enjoy fun nights with friends at a venue like no other from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Each event features a new theme, a rotating cast of local drink vendors, live music, access to the Conservatory, and more.

Savor local sips and snacks as you revel in the gardens at golden hour. Ages 21+ only. Tickets are $35 for non-members, $30 for members. Details here.

Discounts & Free Admission Days

Admission to the Franklin Park Conservatory is $24 for adults and over age 12, $20 for seniors, and $16.50 for children 3-12 (free under age 2). These admission prices are valid 10 am – 5 pm. Special events and evening hours have different rates.

Free Community Days at the Conservatory

On the first Sunday of each month, the Conservatory will be free for residents of Franklin County and the City of Columbus during regular operating hours of 10am to 5pm. Proof of residence and/or valid ID required. Community Days aim to make the gardens more accessible to all. 

January 5: Mindfulness for New Year
February 2: Black History Month
March 2: Alexis Jacobs Community Day
April 6: JASCO Asian Festival
May 4: Outdoor Fitness
June 1: Summer fun
July 6: Community Wellness Fair
August 3: VegFest
September 7: Local Food & Agriculture
October 5: To be announced!
November 2: Ohio Day
December 7: To be announced!

Admission to Special Engagements (Chihuly Nights, Pumpkins Aglow, Conservatory Aglow) is not included.

Columbus Member Advantage Program

If you’re a member of select Central Ohio attractions, you can save $3 on general admission to Franklin Park Conservatory through the Columbus Member Advantage program.

No coupon is necessary. Show your valid participating membership card when you visit! Limited to 4 discounts per membership per day; can’t be combined with other discounts.  

If you’re already a member at FPC, use your membership to get discounts on admission to these attractions.

Member Advantage partners

• Columbus Museum of Art and Pizzuti Collection (see our article)
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (see our article)
• Dawes Arboretum (see our article)
• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (see our article)
• LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Columbus (see our article)
• National Veterans Memorial and Museum (see our article)
• Ohio History Center & Ohio Village (see our article)
• Wexner Center for the Arts (see our article)
• COSI (advanced tickets required)
• The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology (also qualifies for ASTC reciprocal admission) 

Free Culture passes at the Library

Passes can be checked out from select libraries in Columbus. With an active library card, you can check out a temporary Conservatory membership card that will grant up to two adults and six children free admission to the Conservatory for 1 visit. Locations include; 

• Columbus Metropolitan Library: CML Driving Park, CML Martin Luther King, CML Shepard
• Upper Arlington Library
• Southwest Public Library
• Pickerington Public Library
• Fairfield County District Library

Culture Passes cannot be reserved like traditional library items, however customers can check their availability at their local library by typing “Culture Pass” into the catalog search bar.

Museums for All discounts for SNAP, EBT, WIC or Medicaid recipients

The Conservatory provides special discounts to qualifying families to make programming and special events available to all. $3 general admission and special engagement tickets are available for SNAP, EBT, WIC and Medicaid participants.

Access Members also qualify for $3 special engagement tickets. Learn more. 

Other discounts

AAA members: $1 off each adult ticket, $0.50 off each child ticket
Active or Retired Service Members: $2 off each ticket (any age)

Save money with Franklin Park Conservatory Membership

Love to explore the various exhibits and events throughout the year?  An annual membership would be worth the cost, as they range from $70 – $200. Senior (60+) memberships are just $50, and the $37.50 Access pass is for families who are eligible for benefit programs.

Members also receive discounts and free admission at various Reciprocal Admission Discounts to gardens and arboretums across the US.

Educator, Military & Student Discounts

Take 10% off any membership category if you are a full-time, active educator or an active or retired military personnel. Present current teacher or military identification at the Visitor’s Center to qualify for this discount. Students (with valid ID) receive 10% off the Individual membership.

Access Family Membership

$37.50 for families in eligible programs with proof of participation: CareSource, Ohio Directions card, Medicaid card, W.I.C. card or Molina card. Franklin Park Conservatory Access memberships are available by mail or at the Visitor Center only.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus

Next to the Conservatory, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus is a 4-acre garden with an apiary, rose pavilion, berry house and 40 community garden plots as well as, a demonstration kitchen and Live-Fire Cooking Theater.

This area is open to the public at no charge from dawn until dusk. Visitors also enjoy exploring Franklin Park before or after their visit to FPC.

FAQs about Franklin Park Conservatory

Q: What is the cost of admission to Franklin Park Conservatory?
A: General admission is $24 for adults, $16.50 for kids 3-12, and free for kids under 2. Discounts available!

Q: When are the free admission days?
A: The first Sunday of each month is Free Community Day for Franklin County & Columbus residents.

Q: What are the hours of operation?
A: Hours vary by season, but the Conservatory is generally open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with some extended hours for special events. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Q: Can I bring my own food?
A: Outside food and drinks are not permitted, but the Garden Café offers a selection of snacks, sandwiches, and drinks.

Whether you’re a nature lover, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Franklin Park Conservatory offers a little something for everyone. With its stunning plant collections, immersive exhibits, and year-round events, it’s a must-visit destination in Columbus. Plan your visit today and experience the beauty and wonder of this botanical gem!

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1777 E Broad St
Columbus, OH 43203
614.715.8000
website

Events tba for 2025

Fall at Franklin Park Conservatory

Harvest Blooms

TBA September – October 2025
Harvest Blooms instills the Conservatory’s outdoor gardens and courtyards with the magic of the harvest season.

Thousands of pumpkins, mums and ornamental cabbages decorate the landscape while two spectacular Pumpkin Houses stand ready to welcome guests. 

Pumpkins Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory

October tba 2025
Don’t miss fall favorite Pumpkins Aglow on select evenings in October 2023. Experience the magic of the harvest season at the Conservatory under the stars, surrounded by glowing pumpkins and enchanting scenery.

Enchanting decorations throughout the gardens, a spooky forest, a foggy creek and a ghostly graveyard. There are two Pumpkin Houses, plus singing jack o’ lanterns, dancing skeletons and more. There is live entertainment every night from 6-8 pm.

Pumpkins Aglow includes exhibitions, gardens and collections, and Botanica Gift Shop and Greenhouse. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden will close at dusk.

Pumpkins Aglow requires special engagement rates, and discounts may not apply. Read more about Pumpkins Aglow.

Conservatory Explore Nights

Connect with nature with monthly themes and special explore nights full of family-friendly fun with activities and experiences throughout the Conservatory.

Saturday, June tba from 5-9pm: Backyard Bugs
Saturday, July tba from 5-9pm: Red, White & Bloom. See details for this special evening.
Saturday, August tba from 5-9pm: Splish, Splash, Explore. See details here.

Holiday Season at Franklin Park Conservatory

Holiday Blooms and Conservatory Aglow

tba 2024
The Conservatory’s halls are decked and blooming with holiday spirit! Visitors can spend the season amidst extravagant scenes featuring hundreds of unique poinsettias, the poinsettia trees and more!

The outdoor gardens are full with festively styled containers, and hardy plants and evergreens are accented by lights and decorative elements.

The daytime experience, Holiday Blooms, is open 10am-4pm, while the evening experience, Conservatory Aglow, is open 5-9 pm. 

Holiday Blooms is included with regular admission, and Conservatory Aglow has after-hours special engagement rates which also includes access to the entire FPC property.

Enjoy favorites such as the musical light show, Gingerbread House, wintry color themed Light Tunnel, Starry Night Bonsai Courtyard, Ornament Trees, and the whimsical Whirly Tree.

The Conservatory is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. See other holiday programming, including Breakfast with Santa, family events, live performances and music, and more at this link.

Franklin Park Conservatory Aglow, Holiday Blooms, Breakfast with Santa

Music at the Conservatory

On select dates at 2pm, live music will be performed in the Conservatory. See full schedule here. Included with general admission. 

Winter Ice Festival 

January 17-18, 2025, 5 pm – 9 pm

Ice carving, ice skating and winter fun at Franklin Park Conservatory. Read more: Winter Ice Festival.

Winter Ice Festival at Franklin Park Conservatory: Ice Carving, Skating, and more

Orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory

January 18 – March 9, 2025
Thousands of vibrant orchid blossoms will fill the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse, bringing with them a warm, tropical escape for the senses. This exhibition is a refreshingly colorful escape from the cold days of winter.

Orchids will also provide pops of color and fragrance throughout the rest of the interior Conservatory. More: Orchids at FPC. 

Columbus Blooms

March 15-May 5, 2025
More than 125,000 tulips, narcissus, pansies and other stars of the season will bloom in the botanical gardens and container displays. Throughout the Conservatory and Franklin Park, magnolias, lilacs, cherries, viburnum and thousands of perennials bring exciting bursts of scent and color after a long winter slumber.

Immerse yourself in the vibrancy of the season! Plants bloom throughout the season, starting in March and continuing through the following months.

Check the Spring Blooms Report to know what’s in bloom during your visit. Columbus Blooms is presented by GreenScapes.