The annual Screen on the Green movie series is at Goodale Park on the third Friday of July, August, and September. This free outdoor movie series, presented by the Short North Civic Association, will be held at the southwest corner at the softball field. All movies begin at sundown … [Read more...] about Goodale Park Screen on the Green Outdoor Movies
summer fun
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
The Columbus Book Festival in Discovery District
Love reading, libraries, and everything books? Add The Columbus Book Festival to your summertime Columbus festival list! Columbus Book Festival Head downtown to the Discovery District for a two-day festival for all ages on July 11-12, 2026. You'll enjoy national and local authors, … [Read more...] about The Columbus Book Festival in Discovery District
Free Movie Admission: From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center
Gateway Film Center and Columbus Metropolitan Library offers FREE movies with the beloved series, From Book to Film. Head to Gateway Film Center for FREE family-friendly movies every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. As part of the film center’s ongoing efforts to improve the … [Read more...] about Free Movie Admission: From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center
KidsLinked’s Free Columbus Children’s Festival – June 20
Don't miss the KidsLinked’s Columbus Children's Festival on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at SportsOhio in Dublin from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The free festival celebrates youth and family sports and will feature lots of activities and entertainment for the family, including sports competitions, family … [Read more...] about KidsLinked’s Free Columbus Children’s Festival – June 20
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!
Phoenix Theaters Lennox 24 Free Summer Movie Series
Lennox Town Center 24 is now owned by Phoenix Theaters, and you can enjoy FREE family movies with the Free Summer Movie Series. Films are show at 10 am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Doors open at 9 am; seating is limited to auditorium capacity. Admission is totally free, and they are … [Read more...] about Phoenix Theaters Lennox 24 Free Summer Movie Series
Grove City Movies in the Park at Town Center
Grove City Movies in the Park return to Grove City Town Center for Summer 2026! Catch a movie under the stars with friends and family at this free, annual outdoor movie series. Movies are shown at Town Center Park at 8 p.m. Children's activities begin at 7:30 p.m. Grove City Movies … [Read more...] about Grove City Movies in the Park at Town Center
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 June 1 though July 31, 2026 to encourage people of all ages to read, … [Read more...] about Summer Reading Challenge at Columbus Metropolitan Library
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!
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
Nature walks and scenic hiking trails in Columbus
Get out and enjoy some fresh air at scenic hiking trails in Columbus and Central Ohio! Whether you are novice or expert - or somewhere in between - it's always nice to explore different parks or trails. Check them out at different times throughout the year to see how the scenery changes with the … [Read more...] about Nature walks and scenic hiking trails in Columbus
Visit Zoombezi Bay Waterpark; discounts, special days, and more
Zoombezi Bay Waterpark is one of the top fun spots during summertime in Central Ohio! Featuring thrilling water slides, roaring rapids, lazy river, wave pool, and so much more, there's something for everyone! You'll never run out of things to do at Zoombezi Bay, and your admission include Zoo … [Read more...] about Visit Zoombezi Bay Waterpark; discounts, special days, and more
