Celebrate birds, bees, butterflies and all of the creatures that make our gardens grow during Pollinator Palooza, happening Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Franklin Park Conservatory in conjunction with National Pollinator Week. Engage with various organizations that are raising awareness for … [Read more...] about Free Pollinator Palooza at Franklin Park Conservatory
outdoor fun
Free outdoor concerts on Sundays with the Symphony
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra is bringing outdoor music to Columbus parks with Sundays with the Symphony Concerts this Summer. Join Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra to enjoy Sundays With The Symphony! This free concert series features the … [Read more...] about Free outdoor concerts on Sundays with the Symphony
Free days at U.S. national parks + Free National Parks Pass for 4th grade families
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
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
Best places for Creeking in Columbus
When it's warm in Ohio, we look for outdoor activities to entertain our kids! Want to fill a warm morning or afternoon? Go creeking in Columbus! Kids LOVE getting their feet wet, looking for bugs, crawdads, fish, and skipping stones. There are places to explore creeks all over Columbus. … [Read more...] about Best places for Creeking in Columbus
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
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
Visit these Story Trails in Columbus for reading + nature fun!
Did you know that there are Story Trails and Story Walks all over Columbus? These special trails are located in parks, and feature nature-inspired stories for you to enjoy along your walk. Storybook Trails combine the love for reading, nature, and outdoor activity, and are a great way to spend … [Read more...] about Visit these Story Trails in Columbus for reading + nature fun!
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
Get started with Disc Golf in Columbus at these great courses
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
Staying safe from Ticks in Columbus and around Ohio
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
Outdoor plays in Schiller Park with Actors’ Theatre of Columbus
Actors’ Theatre of Columbus returns this Summer for the 43rd season with their outdoor classic theatre under the stars in German Village’s Schiller Park. Shakespeare in the Park at Schiller Park Thursdays through Sundays @ 8pm All performances take place at 8 pm at Schiller Park … [Read more...] about Outdoor plays in Schiller Park with Actors’ Theatre of Columbus
Best photography locations in Columbus
Is it time to update your family photos, or looking for somewhere to take Homecoming photos or senior pictures? Spring, Summer, and Fall are all great seasons to take outdoor photos, and provide a variety of scenery. We've gathered a list of some of the best locations for photos in Columbus. In … [Read more...] about Best photography locations in Columbus















