Best Free Activities for Families Around Columbus

Katie G.:  Take a tour of the state capital building at the Ohio Statehouse. During the tour, you will learn all about Ohio's history and the important people from Ohio. Plus see the beautiful structure and design of the Statehouse. Tour guests will be able to see the House and Senate Chambers (when not in session), which are only accessible by tour. Tour guides are knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions.

Ages: all ages

Cost: Free

Brigitte Nohra Miller:  The Scioto Mile Fountain at Bicentennial Park has it all, including a fun splash pad area with unique architectural designs. By night, this marvelous fountain displays special effects with lighting and fog!

Shila:  Every Sunday is Shorty Day where "all ages" are welcome inside this arcade bar with an adult during select hours. Old-school arcade games like Nintendo 64, Frogger, Burger Time and more await your kids - and you! Boasting over 40 timeless games on its floor, 16-Bit Bar welcomes you to come have a few drinks, eat and play for free. (Dublin's location has additional all-age weekday hours.)

Kelly R.:  Scioto Audubon Metro Park is an oasis in the city. Two paved hiking trails loop around the park, but the real attraction is the amenities. There's a fun playground (with an interactive electronic game), teens can try out the rock climbing wall (BYO harness), and there is a smaller 10 foot boulder for younger kids. A parkour-style obstacle course features a tire run, 8-foot wall, tunnel crawl, balance beams, monkey bars, and more. While you're there, check out the nature center, eat lunch at one of the shaded picnic tables, and take in a breathtaking view of the Columbus skyline.

Katie G.:  The Grange Insurance Audubon Center is a conservative education center designed to restore natural ecosystems for the benefit of humanity. Inside the nature center you will find wall-to-wall glass overlooking the beautiful grounds of the Scioto Audubon Metro Park and the Scioto River. A library full of nature-based books for kids and adults overlooks the bird sanctuary and is a perfect place to relax and take in the sites of nature. The center offers plenty of programs throughout the year and even camps for the kids during the summer.

Katie G.:  The Arne Slettebak Planetarium, located on the campus of the Ohio State University, is a 63 seat, 30-foot dome theater mostly used by the Department of Astronomy on campus. Programs and shows are presented by students, professors or the planetarium directory and offered to the public throughout the year. Shows will teach guests about the sun, stars and our solar system. They last 30-40 minutes each and are geared towards older kids (although all ages are welcome).

Cost: Free, reserve tickets online

Hannah Scott:  OSU welcomes the public to enjoy its on-campus arboretum and gardens, used by the university for research and education. Families can have a picnic, take a nature walk, and do some catch-and-release fishing in the lake.

Katie G.:  Have popcorn lovers in the family? You won't want to miss out on a popcorn tour at Al's Delicious Popcorn. During the tour you will watch a short, entertaining and informative video showing how gourmet popcorn is made at Al's. Then you will be able to sample some of the delicious and unique flavors available at Al's, including Cookies N Cream, Pizza, Bubblegum, Jelly Bean and more. There will be a question and answer session and a chance to purchase a yummy sample to take home at the end.

Ages: all ages

Cost: Free (appointments must be made online)

Katie G.:  If you've ever driven along state route 315 on a nice day, chances are you've seen bikers on the Olentangy Trail. This scenic, 13-mile paved trail starts in Worthington Hills and ends in downtown Columbus passing through several neighborhoods along the Olentangy River. There are trail heads at many major city parks offering families a place to rest, grab some water or let the kids play at a playground. The trail also passes through Ohio State University if you want to get out and take a tour of the campus.

Katie G.:  Located inside Graeter's ice cream, this sweet indoor playground has ice cream-themed slides, a banana split teeter totter and plenty of room for little ones to run around. Socks are required to play.

Kelly R.:  Fryer Park boasts the educational Discovery Frontier playground, with a space theme! Kids have fun locating the different planets, peering through telescopes, scaling the climbing wall, and playing with musical features. This playground is accessible for kids of all abilities.

Katie G.:  Walking through The Shops at Worthington Place mall, it's hard to miss the play area. The tree themed climbing structure offers lots of room for kids to run around. The floor is soft with a grass-like covering making it perfect for crawlers or new walkers. There's a large TV and seating area at one end for parents to sit while their kids play. When the weather is nice, kids can explore the gated Johnny Appleseed themed outdoor play area.

Hannah Scott:  Waterfalls are often tucked deep into the woods and difficult to reach (especially for younger family members with smaller legs). Since it's located on just 2 acres, Hayden Falls Park gives the whole family a chance to experience a stunning 35-foot waterfall surrounded by a lovely nature preserve. Be ready to snap a family selfie to document the moment!

Katie G.:  As the name suggests, the Heritage Rail-Trail travels along an old abandoned railroad track starting in Old Hilliard and ending near Plain City. The 7-mile paved trail passes through Homestead Park, which is a great place to stop, have a snack and let the kids play on the awesome playground.

Katie G.:  The Mall at Tuttle Crossing features a STEM-themed play area where kids can have fun while learning. The main activity areas represent science, technology, engineering, art and math. The open play area includes puzzles, music, mazes, interactive art easels, magna tiles and more to engage young imaginations. There is a smaller area dedicated to toddlers with soft, movable blocks and activities perfect for this age group.