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
family activities
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!
Explore Grandview: The Grandview Hop 2025
Spend the evening in Grandview on select Saturdays in summer months from 5 - 9 p.m., to celebrate the best that Grandview has to offer at the Grandview Hop. The Grandview Hop is Grandview’s summertime night market and community stroll - and is the perfect chance to enjoy the area. What to … [Read more...] about Explore Grandview: The Grandview Hop 2025
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
Beat the Heat with Free and Cheap Indoor Fun in Columbus
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 … [Read more...] about Beat the Heat with Free and Cheap Indoor Fun in Columbus
Annual Lancaster Festival: Artwalk, concerts, food, and fun
Looking for your next summer adventure? Lancaster, Ohio, is just a short drive from Columbus and home to an epic 10-day festival (because one weekend just isn’t enough time for all the fun!). Mark your calendars because the Lancaster Festival is just down the road and jam-packed with exciting … [Read more...] about Annual Lancaster Festival: Artwalk, concerts, food, and fun
Dog-Friendly and Full of Fun: BrewDog DogTap Columbus is the Ultimate Hangout Spot
Brewdog DogTap Columbus is a must-visit brewery in Central Ohio! It's a destination in itself! Guests enjoy a fantastic menu of food and beer, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating in a park-like setting, dog park, beer museum, games, fire pits special events and more. You can even stay at the … [Read more...] about Dog-Friendly and Full of Fun: BrewDog DogTap Columbus is the Ultimate Hangout Spot
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
Wexner Center for the Arts: Galleries, family movie Saturdays, International Horror and more
Wexner Center for the Arts, located on campus at Ohio State, is a multidisciplinary research laboratory for the arts with programming featuring performing arts, exhibitions, and media arts. The Wexner Center is a great place to get lost inside for a few hours by yourself, with friends, or with … [Read more...] about Wexner Center for the Arts: Galleries, family movie Saturdays, International Horror and more
Urban Air Launches Unlimited Play Summer Pass- Indoor Fun all Summer
Looking for an easy way to keep kids active and entertained all summer long—without melting in the heat? Urban Air Adventure Park has launched its new Unlimited Play Summer Pass, offering 120 days of unlimited fun starting at just $59.99. Available now at locations nationwide (including … [Read more...] about Urban Air Launches Unlimited Play Summer Pass- Indoor Fun all Summer
Pickle Fest, Farm market and upcoming U-pick at Branstool Orchards (and a fun play area!)
Branstool Orchards is one of our favorite u-pick orchards to visit in Central Ohio. We always pick peaches and apples (sometimes twice) each year, and they have so many offerings from Summer through Fall. Located in Utica, Branstool Orchards is about 40 minutes from Columbus, and it's … [Read more...] about Pickle Fest, Farm market and upcoming U-pick at Branstool Orchards (and a fun play area!)
Over 20 Free Splash Pads in Columbus
Stay up-to-date with which splash pads are open in Columbus! There are over 20 splash pads and water play areas in the city where you can cool off during hot weather! Splash pads are the perfect place to visit during the hottest part of the day when you don't want to commit to the hassle (and … [Read more...] about Over 20 Free Splash Pads in Columbus
Summer bucket list of free and cheap fun for kids in Columbus
There's so much free and cheap fun for kids around Columbus in the summertime, and we've gathered a huge Summer Bucket List for Kids in Columbus for you to explore! Whether you want to enjoy the sun or avoid it, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor options to keep busy on the … [Read more...] about Summer bucket list of free and cheap fun for kids in Columbus
Pins Mechanical Co. in Columbus: Games, Drinks, and Fun for all ages (and dogs)
Pins Mechanical Co. is a go-to spot in Columbus for old-school fun, games, and a great atmosphere—whether you’re heading out with friends, the kids, or even your dog. With locations in Downtown Columbus, Dublin, and Easton, Pins offers a mix of duckpin bowling, pinball, arcade games, ping … [Read more...] about Pins Mechanical Co. in Columbus: Games, Drinks, and Fun for all ages (and dogs)
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
