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 break
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!
COTA Zoo Bus Service and Discount for Columbus Zoo!
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, and … [Read more...] about COTA Zoo Bus Service and Discount for Columbus Zoo!
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
Watch classic films with CAPA Summer Movie Series at Ohio Theatre
The CAPA Summer Movie Series is back! The 56th series of classic films and cult favorites will run at the Ohio Theatre, and feature 19 films over 6 weeks. Don’t miss your chance to see these great films on the big screen in America’s longest running classic film series at the stunning Ohio … [Read more...] about Watch classic films with CAPA Summer Movie Series at Ohio Theatre
Summer Movie Series with New Albany Parks & Recreation
New Albany Parks & Recreation is celebrating summer with the 2025 Summer Movie Series! The movie events will be held at different parks around New Albany. Bring dinner and/or snacks and enjoy the show with your family! New Albany Summer Movie Series Friday, June 20: Inside Out 2 at … [Read more...] about Summer Movie Series with New Albany Parks & Recreation
Summer Kids’ Series at Studio 35 (free for kids!)
When the weather isn't what you want or the kids have become annoying, go to the movies! Studio 35 is showing favorite family movies for the Summer Kids’ Series thanks to sponsor CollegeAdvantage 529 Plan. Kids' tickets are FREE, adults are $5. Catch a movie at 10:30 am on Saturday, … [Read more...] about Summer Kids’ Series at Studio 35 (free for kids!)
Where to go berry picking in Columbus this Spring and Summer
Whether you prefer one type of berry or love them all (like I do), there are so many farms to go berry picking in Columbus and Central Ohio. U-pick berry farms are a must-do summer activity, and below you'll find a huge list of u-pick farms for strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, … [Read more...] about Where to go berry picking in Columbus this Spring and Summer
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
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
Go Lunch! Free summer meals for kids
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
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!
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
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
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