Reading Fun: Free Story times around Columbus, Ohio

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

Story times were one of my favorite things to do to get out of the house with my kids. They learned so many songs and games at story times, and gave them some playtime with other kids.

It’s also a great way for kids who don’t go to preschool or daycare to learn appropriate social interaction with others. Learning to sit still during stories and instilling a love of books are a bonus.

Many of the locations have evening and/or Saturday story times, so even if you work a full-time job, there may be times that work for you.

Even if you can’t make it to story time very often, you can have a set story time at home at a time or day that is convenient to you. Your kids will look forward to reading their favorite books and discovering new ones, and you’ll be setting them up to have great reading and comprehension skills at a young age.

“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

story time in Columbus

Library Story Time in Columbus

Columbus Metropolitan Library Systems

Find story times at all branches nearly every day of the week! With so many branches, there are unlimited story time opportunities.

Delaware County District Libraries

Story times for all ages are offered at all 4 branches. Check the calendar here.

Pataskala Public Library

They offer several ages of story time, plus other special family events. See event calendar here.

Westerville Public Library

Check out their full schedule of story times and reading programs, including Tail Waggin’ Tutors, where new and learning readers can read aloud to certified therapy dogs for 10 minute practice sessions.

Worthington Libraries

They offer multiple story times at the various branches nearly every day, and the Hard Rd. location gets RAVE reviews for the kids’ area, so it’s definitely worth going out of your way.

Upper Arlington Public Library

The three branches have lots of story times and fun events. See calendar here.

Southwest Public Libraries

The Grove City and Westland locations offer plenty of story times, game nights, and other fun themed events. See schedule here.

Bexley Public Library

There are lots of story times, events for all ages, and family events. See calendar here.

Marysville Public Library

The two branches host story times for all ages, including Toddler Gym, Play Cafe, and Pages and Paws with therapy dogs.

Licking County Library System

You’ll find lots of fun between the 7 branches in Licking County. See calendar here.

“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” – Margaret Fuller

story time in Columbus

Book Stores Story time in Columbus

Barnes & Noble Stores

Barnes & Noble weekly story times, as well as lots of special events. In-store events are still in process of resuming at some stores, so always check the website or call before you go. Check here for updates.

Barnes & Noble Easton
Barnes & Noble Polaris
Barnes & Noble Pickerington
Barnes & Noble Sawmill
Barnes & Noble Lennox

Cover to Cover: Books for Young Readers

This store focuses specifically on children, parents and teachers for classic children’s literature and the best of what’s new. They host story times and author visits on select days through the month, so check the website for events! (2116 Arlington Avenue)

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” – Walt Disney

story time in Columbus

Nature Story Time in Columbus

Wild Story Time at Ohio Wildlife Center

(6131 Cook Rd. Powell): On the first Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., preschoolers will have a blast at the Wild Story Time at Ohio Wildlife Center. Details here.

In addition to story time, they’ll meet an Animal Ambassador, and enjoy a themed craft. You can stick around after the story to visit with other Animal Ambassadors too. The cost is $5 per person, kids ages 5 and under are free.

Grange Audubon Insurance Center

(505 W. Whittier St.) Each Thursday at 10:00 am, enjoy some nature-themed, read-alouds and maybe sing a song or two.

Stay after for play time in the forest themed playroom equipped with puppets, costumes and a climbing area or the outdoor play space located near our native plant gardens. Registration is required, program is free. Details here.

Preschool Storybook Science at Dawes Arboretum

Designed for children ages 3 to 5, story time at The Dawes Arboretum entertains your child with age-appropriate stories, crafts, songs, and indoor and outdoor exploration. Adults are invited to stay and participate in the program.

The sessions are free with admission and held on Thursdays through May from 10 – 11 am.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 and older, with younger children admitted free. Arboretum members do not pay an entry fee, and passes are available to check out at Licking County Library. Individual memberships start at $40 a year; family would be $60. Details here.

Columbus Metro Park Nature Centers

Several of our great metro parks host story times throughout the month, and many of the nature centers at the Metro Parks have things for the kids to explore and interactive exhibits, so it’s definitely checking out all of the ones around you. See schedules here.

Story Time on the Farm at Stratford Ecological Center

2nd Monday of each month, April – September, 10am – 11am. Gather the family for farm for a fun storytime hour and a unique hands-on experience based on the seasonal happenings around the farm.

Registration requested but required – $5 per child. Details here.

“Books to the ceiling, Books to the sky, My pile of books is a mile high. How I love them! How I need them! I’ll have a long beard by the time I read them.” – Arnold Lobel

hanna andersson summer reading