Ohio LOVES fairs, and if you haven't visited the Hartford Fair before, put it on the calendar for this year for August 9-15, 2026. Located in Croton, just north of Johnstown, the Hartford Fair is only 30-40 minutes from much of Columbus. The first Hartford Fair was in 1858, and in all of … [Read more...] about Visit the Hartford Fair: “The Biggest Little Fair in the World”
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Over 15 Free Summer Reading Programs in Columbus
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
Visit Central Ohio County Fairs for food, fun, and music in 2026
County fairs are a staple of summertime fun, and it looks like the 2026 summer fair season is back to normal! You can expect full county fairs with all the rides, food, competitions, concerts, and more. We've missed them so much, we may need to hit a few counties! As always, details can … [Read more...] about Visit Central Ohio County Fairs for food, fun, and music in 2026
Outdoor Public Pools in Columbus and Central Ohio
Sometimes it's just too hot to be outside without being in a pool. If you don't have a friend or family member to visit with a pool, head to one of these public pools in Columbus to cool off. Check out the full list of public pools that are open around Central Ohio, and offer day … [Read more...] about Outdoor Public Pools in Columbus and Central Ohio
Take a hike! 13 Wildflower Hikes in Columbus and Central Ohio
Springtime in Ohio may mean lots of rain, but the rain brings the wildflowers in bloom! Plan some Wildflower Hikes in Columbus and Central Ohio at these parks, trails, and nature preserves. Ohio is home to many different types of wildflowers! You'll spot bloodroot, spring … [Read more...] about Take a hike! 13 Wildflower Hikes in Columbus and Central Ohio
Granville Concerts on the Green at Bryn Du Mansion
Visit Granville for Concerts on the Green throughout the Summer. Just a short drive from Columbus, make sure you come early to visit the downtown restaurants and shops! 2026 Granville Concert on the Green Enjoy FREE performances on the Back Lawn of the Bryn Du Mansion. Concerts start … [Read more...] about Granville Concerts on the Green at Bryn Du Mansion
Cherry Valley Hotel Blooms & Bulbs, Mother’s Day and more
Cherry Valley Hotel & Ohio Event Center outside of Newark, Ohio underwent $20 million in renovations starting in 2019, and offers plenty of reason to visit. Located just outside of Granville, Ohio, it offers fully renovated and beautiful guest rooms, event and convention space, excellent … [Read more...] about Cherry Valley Hotel Blooms & Bulbs, Mother’s Day and more
Explore the Magical Fairy Trail and Nature Playscape in Granville
Need to get out of the house for a little fun? The Fairy Trail at Infirmary Park in Granville, Ohio is open for the season May through September 2026. Take the kids on an adventure through the woods and keep an eye out for fairies as you find approximately 30 little fairy homes, … [Read more...] about Explore the Magical Fairy Trail and Nature Playscape in Granville
Spring and Summer fun at Buckeye Lake
Buckeye Lake, just 30 minutes east of Columbus, is the optimal city-life escape for all things lake, land + leisure. From dining or shopping, to walking, biking, and watersports, there's something at Buckeye Lake for everyone! Buckeye Lake History The destination was once the go-to hub for … [Read more...] about Spring and Summer fun at Buckeye Lake
Visit Dawes Arboretum for stunning nature and fun events
Head to Licking County to enjoy acres of nature at Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio. Home to over 5300 different types of plants with more than 15,400 plants on grounds, you'll find new things to explore every time you visit. What you'll find at Dawe's Located about 30 minutes east of Columbus, … [Read more...] about Visit Dawes Arboretum for stunning nature and fun events
Discounted and Free Museum Days in Columbus
Exploring museums is the perfect blend of entertainment and education, and a great way to spend some time! Museum admission can be expensive, but some of the best museums in Columbus offer discounted or free museum days. There are even several great museums that are free all of the … [Read more...] about Discounted and Free Museum Days in Columbus
So many Indoor Play Places and Activities for kids around Columbus
When it's too hot, too cold, or too rainy, indoor play is a great way for kids to burn off some energy. Whether you're at home with your children during the week, or you're hanging out with them on the weekends and evenings, sometimes you just need to get out of the house! There are plenty of … [Read more...] about So many Indoor Play Places and Activities for kids around Columbus
60+ Columbus Podcasts made in or about Central Ohio
I'm a huge fan of podcasts. If I'm driving, running errands, or doing housework, I'm probably listening to a podcast. While I have a wide range of podcast interests, I want to share a list of local Columbus podcasts for you to check out. I love supporting these Columbus podcasters, and they all … [Read more...] about 60+ Columbus Podcasts made in or about Central Ohio
Dawes Arboretum Arbor Day Festival and Spring Plant Sale
The Dawes Arboretum Spring Plant Sale and Arbor Day Festival is Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10am – 2pm. Admission is free all day thanks to presenting sponsor Park National Bank! Celebrate all things trees with hands-on activities, a tree giveaway (while supplies last), tree climbing, music and … [Read more...] about Dawes Arboretum Arbor Day Festival and Spring Plant Sale
Taste of Granville at Bryn Du Mansion
Take a short drive outside of Columbus to taste all that Granville has to offer with a Taste of Granville on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 5 - 8 pm at the Bryn Du Mansion. Taste of Granville is at the Bryn Du Mansion Fieldhouse and Carriage House. The event features local restaurants, … [Read more...] about Taste of Granville at Bryn Du Mansion
