We’ve officially hit the part of summer where just stepping outside can make you feel like a melted popsicle. If you’re looking for ways to stay cool without blowing your budget, check out these free and cheap indoor (and splashy) family-friendly activities around Columbus!
💦 Water Fun
Indoor Pools:
Cool off indoors at local community rec centers. Indoor pools are often less crowded than outdoor ones on hot days, and you’ll avoid the harsh sun.
Top picks include:
- Dublin Community Rec Center
- Worthington Community Center
- Westerville Community Center (includes a climbing wall and a free indoor playground!)
Splash Pads and Outdoor Pools:
Splash pads are always a hit with kids, and most are free! Just don’t forget the sunscreen—water and sun are a burn-prone combo.
👉 Find free splash pads in Columbus
👉 Visit a public pool with a day pass
🏠 Indoor Activities
Take refuge in the A/C with these cool indoor spots:
- Grange Insurance Audubon Center: Explore a cozy indoor playroom with books, costumes, a climbing cave, and birdwatching.
- Libraries: Your local library is a hidden gem—with storytimes, crafts, and free summer reading programs (with prizes!).
- Bowling: Kids bowl free all summer at participating lanes. Add a family pass for under $30 for everyone to join the fun.
- Graeter’s Indoor Playground: Adorable indoor playground for little kids…plus you can get ice cream!
- Recreation Outlet Open Play time: This play is so fun! Trampolines, basketball, playsets, and more!
👉 See our full list of 50+ indoor play places in Columbus
So many Indoor Play Places and Activities for kids around Columbus
🎨 Arts & Crafts
(Check store websites for dates and registration.)
Home Depot Kids Workshops: Free monthly DIY projects for kids ages 5–12.
Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinics: Fun hands-on projects offered monthly in-store.
JCP Kids Zone: Themed crafts each month
Brush Crazy Art Studio: So many options for artistic expression for all ages!
🎬 Movies & Music
Indoor Movies:
Many Columbus theaters offer discounted summer movie series—perfect for a break in a cool, dark room.
image: LOTC
Outdoor Movies & Concerts:
Evenings bring relief from the heat, and there are tons of free outdoor movie nights and concerts in the parks around Columbus.
Pack snacks, a blanket, and enjoy the entertainment once the sun dips down.
🏛 Attractions & Museums
Free community day at Franklin Park Conservatory
Franklin Park Conservatory Community Days:
Franklin County residents get half-price admission on the first day of the month. You can also check out passes from the library for free admission any day. Details here.
COTA Zoo Bus Deal:
Ride the COTA Zoo Bus and get $5 admission to the Zoo or $10 off Zoombezi Bay. There are plenty of building to visit to get out of the heat on your visit, and you may discover new-to-you exhibits. Zoo admission can be pricey for the whole family. If you think you would go a few times per year, you’ll save money with a yearly membership which includes parking.
Budget-Friendly Museums to Explore:
Columbus Museum of Art – Free on Sundays, and “pay what you want” Thursdays (5–9 p.m.). Kids under 5 always free.
The Works in Newark – A hands-on mini science museum with interactive fun for all ages.
AHA! Children’s Museum (Lancaster) – Totally interactive and super affordable indoor play paradise.
Metro Park Nature Centers – Cool, shaded trails and fun indoor nature exhibits.
Wexner Center for the Arts – Free exhibitions on Thursdays (4–8 p.m.) and first Sundays.
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum – Free and fun for comic fans (note: some exhibits are better suited for older kids or adults).
🍦 Cool Treats for Hot Days
Just need an excuse to get out of the house? These sweet spots have A/C and treats:
- Froyo shops all around town
- Graeter’s on Bethel – Indoor playground included! (Ok, we mentioned this twice, but I love it here!)
- Our CupCakery in Dublin – Build-your-own cupcake, Mini $2.40 Traditional $3.50 King Size $5.25
Need some suggestions for grown up fun? Don’t worry, no date required…most of these would be fun with friends or by yourself!
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admin says
Good point Kathy! Often write articles geared towards kids/families and another geared towards adults, but I do not have one about beating the heat! I do have a few date night articles- many of which certainly don’t require a significant other…they can be enjoyed alone or with friends.
https://www.columbusonthecheap.com/best-free-and-cheap-dates-in-columbus/
https://www.columbusonthecheap.com/date-night-in-columbus-summer-edition/
https://www.columbusonthecheap.com/discount-and-free-museum-days-in-columbus/
https://www.columbusonthecheap.com/best-fall-date-ideas-in-columbus/
Hope these help!
Kathy says
What about adult activitie? My kids are grown.
Virginia Fahys says
Thanks for this!! Good information.