Quick Summary:

  • There are a wide variety of free things to do in Columbus, including a number of different parks, galleries, and even a cartoon museum.
  • Attractions and activities can be found throughout Columbus for just about any visitors of any age, from history enthusiasts to nature lovers.
  • The city is also full of special events and festivals that take place throughout the year.
  • Some attractions are free only on certain days – please check before you go.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Kids & Family
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum

2. Ohio Statehouse ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ohio Statehouse | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Courtesy of Bryan Busovicki - Fotolia.com

3. Orton Geological Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Orton Geological Museum | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Courtesy of herraez - Fotolia.com

4. Wexner Center for the Arts

Category: Attractions
Wexner Center for the Arts | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Wexner Center for the Arts

5. Park of Roses

Category: Activities
Park of Roses | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Courtesy of bucknut4pic - Fotolia.com

6. Riffe Gallery

Category: Museums & Culture
Riffe Gallery | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Riffe Gallery

7. Topiary Park

Category: Activities
Topiary Park | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Courtesy of bucknut4pic - Fotolia.com

8. Thurber House

Thurber House | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Thurber House

9. Columbus Public Library

Category: Kids & Family
Columbus Public Library | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Columbus Public Library

10. Cultural Arts Center

Category: Attractions
Cultural Arts Center | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Cultural Arts Center

11. King Arts Complex

Category: Museums & Culture
King Arts Complex | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© King Arts Complex

12. North Market

Category: Shopping
North Market | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© North Market

13. Ohio Craft Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Ohio Craft Museum | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Ohio Craft Museum

14. Blendon Woods Metro Park

Category: Activities
Blendon Woods Metro Park | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Courtesy of Andy Dean - Fotolia.com

15. Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens

Category: Activities
Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Courtesy of Hysteria - Fotolia.com

16. Downtown Pearl Market

Category: Shopping
Downtown Pearl Market | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Courtesy of dvb60 - Fotolia.com

17. Franklin Park Conservatory Farmers Market

Category: Shopping
Franklin Park Conservatory Farmers Market | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Courtesy of arinahabich - Fotolia.com

18. Highbanks Metro Park

Category: Activities
Highbanks Metro Park | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Courtesy of rouda100 - Fotolia.com

19. Ohio Open Doors

Ohio Open Doors | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Courtesy of aceshot - Fotolia.com

20. Pickerington Ponds Metro Park

Category: Activities
Pickerington Ponds Metro Park | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Courtesy of bucknut4pic - Fotolia.com

21. Scioto Audubon

Scioto Audubon | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Scioto Audubon

22. Scioto Mile

Scioto Mile | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Courtesy of aceshot - Fotolia.com

23. Short North Gallery Hop

Category: Museums & Culture
Short North Gallery Hop | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Courtesy of aceshot - Fotolia.com

24. The Gateway Picture Show

The Gateway Picture Show | Free & Affordable Ideas in Columbus, Ohio
© Courtesy of robypangy - Fotolia.com

More free events and things to do.

Plan Your Trip