Free Play

Your family won't need a budget for this one—Free Play at Columbus Commons is completely free and packed with activities to keep kids entertained. Children can ride the Carousel, play under a parachute, build structures with the big blue blocks from Imagination Playground, kick around a soccer ball, or simply create their own adventures. It's the kind of loose, unstructured play that lets kids decide what sounds fun. This recurring event happens every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the warmer months, so you can drop by whenever it fits your schedule. If your crew gets hungry, there are food options nearby, including a taco café and ice cream shop. The Little Free Library is also on-site if anyone wants to grab a book. Just keep an eye on the weather, since the program operates weather permitting.