Hocking Hills, located in Southeast Ohio, is a top tourist destinations and state parks in the United States. It features spectacular hiking trails and stunning natural features including deep gorges, waterfalls, and caves. Parking can be limited near the trails, but the Hocking Hills Shuttle … [Read more...] about Free shuttle to Hocking Hills parks on weekends
family activities
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
COTA Zoo Bus Service and Discount for Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay
You don't have to fight traffic or pay for parking to enjoy the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay! You can get a huge discount for Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay! The Columbus Zoo and COTA have again partnered to provide bus service from downtown Columbus, Dublin Park & Ride, … [Read more...] about COTA Zoo Bus Service and Discount for Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay
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
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!
Free Summer Kids Movies at Strand Theatre
The Strand Theatre in Delaware is offering Free Summer Kids Movies on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., from June - July, 2026. The theatre will be collecting needed items or money for a different charity each week if you'd wish to make a contribution. See the schedule below to see which … [Read more...] about Free Summer Kids Movies at Strand Theatre
2026 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops at Columbus Commons
Nationwide Picnic with the Pops is coming back to Columbus Commons in Summer 2026. The full schedule hasn't been released yet, but we will update as they are! Enjoy the ultimate picnic with acclaimed artists and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra this summer with The Nationwide Picnic with the Pops … [Read more...] about 2026 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops at Columbus Commons
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
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!)
Safari in Ohio: Take a Wilds Tour, including Safaris, Horseback, Zipline, Sunset, and more!
Looking for something interesting to do this Spring and Summer? Explore The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio, with nearly 10,000 acres of open range habitat for rare and endangered species. Go on a Wilds Tour via open air safari, horseback, and more! They have plenty of adventures and … [Read more...] about Safari in Ohio: Take a Wilds Tour, including Safaris, Horseback, Zipline, Sunset, and more!
IKEA Columbus: Monthly craft night and more (register before they fill up!)
IKEA Columbus holds a variety of activities and workshops through the year. Registration may be required for some, and most require you join the IKEA FAMILY member program - it's free! IKEA Family You must be an IKEA Family member to qualify for the sale, but it's quick and easy (and free) to … [Read more...] about IKEA Columbus: Monthly craft night and more (register before they fill up!)
Graeter’s Lil’ Pints Playroom: A Sweet Spot for Fun
Tucked into the back of Graeter's on Bethel Rd. is a fun indoor ice cream-themed playroom that is going to be your favorite place to hang with little ones on days when it's too hot, too cold, too rainy. Or when you just want some delicious Graeter's ice cream! Formally known as Graeter's … [Read more...] about Graeter’s Lil’ Pints Playroom: A Sweet Spot for Fun
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 open for the season on March 19, 2026, and are open every single day through November 1! There's so much to do...from … [Read more...] about Caverns, animals, and adventure at Olentangy Caverns
Shadowbox Live, Bruce Hornsby, and Free Concerts at Columbus Commons
Free concerts are in full swing at Columbus Commons this summer, so grab your dancing shoes and head to the Commons with friends for some outdoor music. Bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs, but leave the coolers at home - drinks and food are available for purchase. Columbus Commons Concert … [Read more...] about Shadowbox Live, Bruce Hornsby, and Free Concerts at Columbus Commons
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
