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
Summer
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
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
13 fields and farms with Lavender in Ohio to visit this Summer
We can't get enough of gorgeous fields of flowers, and lavender fields are some of the prettiest (and best smelling) fields you can enjoy! Find out where you can find some amazing lavender in Ohio. And then see where you can find Sunflower Fields in Ohio, including many in Central Ohio, starting … [Read more...] about 13 fields and farms with Lavender in Ohio to visit this Summer
Free Commons for Kids on Fridays at Columbus Commons
Columbus Commons celebrates kids on Friday mornings from June 6 - August 8, 2025 with Commons for Kids. We are so excited for these fun events to return this Summer! All activities and games are offered free of charge from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fun at Commons for Kids Free … [Read more...] about Free Commons for Kids on Fridays at Columbus Commons
Staying safe from Ticks in Columbus and around Ohio
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While the weather in Spring, Summer, and Fall makes us want to be outside, insects can be a real bug in Ohio. While mosquitos may be the most annoying, ticks are the hidden danger. The population of ticks in Columbus and around Ohio has been on the rise in recent years, thanks to warmer … [Read more...] about Staying safe from Ticks in Columbus and around Ohio
Merion Village Garden Tour – free to attend
Enjoy the beautiful summer weather during the annual Merion Village Garden Tour. The 26th Annual Merion Village Garden Tour is Sunday, July 13, 2025 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Garden Tour is free and open to all, thanks to the generous sponsors and advertisers. Check out the Facebook … [Read more...] about Merion Village Garden Tour – free to attend
Explore city vehicles and more at New Albany Touch a Truck
If your kids love trucks, safety vehicles, and heavy equipment, don't miss the New Albany Touch a Truck! Head to the New Albany Public Service Department on Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 10 am - 12:30 pm. Kids will explore their favorite vehicles including fire engines, police cars, snow plows, … [Read more...] about Explore city vehicles and more at New Albany Touch a Truck
Drive in Theaters in Ohio, including Columbus and Central Ohio
We love the vintage feel of a drive in movie experience. I went to the drive-in with my family many times growing up - piled in our station wagon. We've taken our young children to Skyview Drive-in Lancaster, and they loved the experience (even if they didn't make it to the second movie). Drive … [Read more...] about Drive in Theaters in Ohio, including Columbus and Central Ohio
Summer fun on The Peninsula in Downtown Columbus
The Peninsula is an up and coming neighborhood between Downtown Columbus and Franklinton along the bend in the Scioto River. With parks, dining, there's always something going on this Summer in The Peninsula. Find free fun for family, nights out with friends, and a place to cool off on the … [Read more...] about Summer fun on The Peninsula in Downtown Columbus
Caverns, animals, and adventure at Olentangy Caverns
Get out of the house and spend a couple of hours at Olentangy Caverns just north of Columbus. If it's your first time there, you'll wonder why you've never gone before! They opened for the season on March 21, 2025! There's so much to do...from caverns, petting zoo, playground, putt-putt, gem … [Read more...] about Caverns, animals, and adventure at Olentangy Caverns
