Are you on the look out for free and cheap events, activities, and fun for the summer? There is so much to do around here, and we’ve rounded up some of the best ideas for you and your family. Hiking, picnics, swimming, and exploring are always free and will keep you and your family busy this summer. Use the ideas below for more fun for the family or for Date Night!
Free to Attend…But You Might Buy Stuff!
Every Saturday, head to the Clintonville or Worthington Farmer’s Market and buy local goods and produce.
June 9th-11th is the Columbus Arts Festival. This festival boasts amazing art, delicious food, and entertainment. It’s moved to the riverfront so check out the Scioto Mile while you’re there.
June 17th is Digfest in Grandview. A perfect date night with drinks, food, and tunes.
June 17th-18th is the Worthington Arts Festival. Park at the Thomas Worthington High School and stroll past artwork, food vendors, and more. Listen to music, sip on a lemonade, and enjoy what Worthington has to offer. When you finish, walk to downtown Worthington and grab a pizza or ice cream.
July 21st-23rd is Jazz & Rib Fest. Who doesn’t love the smell of ribs and jazz on every stage? This premier event is fun for the whole family or a perfect date night.
July 27th-Aug. 6th is when the Ohio State Fair is this year. Head down for fair food, games, rides, and entertainment. What will be this year’s new fried food?
Free…
The Columbus Metro Parks have so much to offer! Take a hike, spend an afternoon creeking, enjoy a picnic, walk through the Nature Center, or ride bikes. Each park has unique offerings. Why not try to get to all of them?
Head to Hocking Hills State Park and walk the trails, or maybe go find all of the waterfalls. A new trail has opened and it looks amazing!
Have some budding politicians or history buffs in the family? Take a free tour of the Statehouse.
Not Free But Fun…
The Wild Wonders Topiary Exhibit at the Franklin Park Conservatory is not to be missed. See if you can find all 10 topiaries placed in the different regions.The butterfly is well hidden!
Head up to the Olentangy Indian Caverns and mine for gems, encounter the animals, wander the caverns, and even play Putt-Putt!
Did you know you can zip-line right here? Try zip-lining at Zip Zone Canopy Tours.
What are your plans for the summer? Do you have some ideas to add to this list? We’d love to hear them. Whatever you do, laugh, play, and love what summer has to offer right here in Columbus!
