• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

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

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum

2. Ohio Statehouse ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© Courtesy of Bryan Busovicki - Fotolia.com

3. Orton Geological Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Courtesy of herraez - Fotolia.com

4. Wexner Center for the Arts

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Wexner Center for the Arts

5. Park of Roses

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of bucknut4pic - Fotolia.com

6. Riffe Gallery

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Riffe Gallery

7. Topiary Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of bucknut4pic - Fotolia.com

8. Thurber House

© Thurber House

9. Columbus Public Library

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© Columbus Public Library

10. Cultural Arts Center

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Cultural Arts Center

11. King Arts Complex

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© King Arts Complex

12. North Market

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© North Market

13. Ohio Craft Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Ohio Craft Museum

14. Blendon Woods Metro Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Andy Dean - Fotolia.com

15. Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Hysteria - Fotolia.com

16. Downtown Pearl Market

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© Courtesy of dvb60 - Fotolia.com

17. Franklin Park Conservatory Farmers Market

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© Courtesy of arinahabich - Fotolia.com

18. Highbanks Metro Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of rouda100 - Fotolia.com

19. Ohio Open Doors

© Courtesy of aceshot - Fotolia.com

20. Pickerington Ponds Metro Park

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of bucknut4pic - Fotolia.com

21. Scioto Audubon

© Scioto Audubon

22. Scioto Mile

© Courtesy of aceshot - Fotolia.com

23. Short North Gallery Hop

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Courtesy of aceshot - Fotolia.com

24. The Gateway Picture Show

© Courtesy of robypangy - Fotolia.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • 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.

More free events and things to do.

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