America's Best Idea — our national parks — is even better when admission is free! Mark your calendar now for entrance fee-free dates for the coming year. On these dates, FREE entrance is available to 133 National Parks across the country that normally charge a fee. During the fee-free days, the … [Read more...] about Free days at U.S. national parks + Free National Parks Pass for 4th grade families
outdoor fun
Just Another Dam Race and Storytime at Alum Creek with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and SACCA
The Central Ohio U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Scioto Area Corps Cooperating Association (SACCA) hosts events throughout the year at the Dams in Central Ohio. SACCA support the mission, priorities and vision of the Central Ohio U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) through fundraising … [Read more...] about Just Another Dam Race and Storytime at Alum Creek with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and SACCA
Evening kayaking on the Hoover with Celestial Paddles
Enjoy unique lunar events like super moons and full moons while kayaking on the Hoover with Celestial Paddles with City of Gahanna Parks and Recreation. Kayaks (solo or tandem), life vests, and paddles will be provided, and guides will assist participants along the float. Ages: 12+ … [Read more...] about Evening kayaking on the Hoover with Celestial Paddles
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
Visit the beauty of Schnormeier Gardens in June
Located in the rolling hills northeast of Columbus, Schnormeier Gardens is a stunning property featuring 75 acres manicured lawns, 10 lakes, themed gardens, sculptures, waterfalls, and more, surrounding a spectacular Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home designed by Ted and Ann Schnormeier. And as … [Read more...] about Visit the beauty of Schnormeier Gardens in June
Velvet Ice Cream Factory Ye Olde Mill opening day and seasonal events
Velvet Ice Cream Factory is a perfect day trip in the spring, summer, and fall! Originally built in 1817, Ye Olde Mill, a former grist mill, is home to Velvet Ice Cream’s corporate offices in Utica, as well as Ohio’s only ice cream museum, ice cream parlor and restaurant. You'll also find tons of … [Read more...] about Velvet Ice Cream Factory Ye Olde Mill opening day and seasonal events
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
Lynd Fruit Farm through the seasons: Berries, Apples, Sunflowers, Festivals, Fall Fun, and more
Lynd Fruit Farm in Pataskala is known for apple picking and their fall fun and pumpkin patch, but they have so much more to offer through the whole growing season! In addition to the u-pick, sunflowers, and fall farm fun, the market at Lynd Fruit Farm is a destination of its own. Stop by the … [Read more...] about Lynd Fruit Farm through the seasons: Berries, Apples, Sunflowers, Festivals, Fall Fun, and more
Guide to all the free fun at the Columbus Metro Parks
The Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks are one of the great overlooked resources in our city - and nearly every program is free! With 20+ locations, you're never far from several Columbus Metro Parks. You'll find 75 miles of bike trails, 230 miles of trails, natural play areas, and so much … [Read more...] about Guide to all the free fun at the Columbus Metro Parks
Mitchell’s Berries U-pick and Special Farm events
Mitchell's Berries LLC, located in Plain City, is a destination you'll want to put on your Spring and Summer bucket list. With strawberries and a variety of raspberries (u-pick depending on crop availability each year), plus special farm events, this family farm is a fun place for all … [Read more...] about Mitchell’s Berries U-pick and Special Farm events
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
Birding, Adventures, and more at Grange Insurance Audubon Center
The Grange Insurance Audubon Center offers fun events and activities for all ages to connect with nature. The Audubon Center is located in downtown Columbus within the Scioto Audubon Metro Park, but you'll feel like you are away from the city and immersed in nature along the Scioto … [Read more...] about Birding, Adventures, and more at Grange Insurance Audubon Center
Get started with Disc Golf in Columbus at these great courses
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If you are looking for a new activity that can be done on the cheap and is a fun outdoor activity, you may want to try disc golf. The rules are very similar to regular golf, but instead of a club and balls, you use a disc (much like a frisbee). There are disc golf courses across Columbus, … [Read more...] about Get started with Disc Golf in Columbus at these great courses
Free Concerts at Columbus Commons through the Summer
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 Free Concerts at Columbus Commons through the Summer
Kids can explore at these Touch-a-Truck events in Columbus
Kids love to explore emergency vehicles, construction vehicles, and farm equipment, and there are plenty of touch-a-truck events in Columbus and Central Ohio to fulfill their curiosity! These events are a wonderful learning experience for kids that are full of photo-ops, so don't forget your … [Read more...] about Kids can explore at these Touch-a-Truck events in Columbus
