Top Free Things to Do with Kids in Columbus

Miles of well-maintained trails wind through ravines and along the riverside, with options ranging from flat and easy to more challenging routes with steps—so you can pick what works for your crew's energy level. The on-site nature center, playground, and picnic areas make it easy to spend a full morning or afternoon here, and multiple restroom facilities nearby mean you won't have to cut the adventure short.

Winding through multiple short, well-maintained trails lined with carefully curated flowers and plants, families discover small waterfalls, peaceful benches, and photo-worthy blooms that shift beautifully across seasons. The grounds are exceptionally clean and accessible, with free parking and minimal crowds—making it an ideal spot for a low-key afternoon stroll where young kids can safely explore nature without getting overwhelmed.

The working historic farm nestled within this sprawling park gives kids a chance to see animals up close while parents choose from easy paved paths, varied hiking loops through woodlands and meadows, or a covered bridge walk—all free and well-maintained with playgrounds, picnic areas, and clean facilities at every turn. You'll easily spend multiple visits exploring the farm, fishing pond, and different trail options without feeling rushed or crowded.

The Scioto River waterfront offers a scenic ribbon of green space where kids can run, scooter, and explore while parents enjoy riverside views framed by downtown's skyline and historic architecture. It's especially lively during summer events like Red, White & Boom, but year-round the wide-open lawns, walking paths, and photo-worthy spots (including a striking curved white pavilion and decorative bridge) make it easy to spend an afternoon without spending a dime.

The elephant fountain with water streaming from its trunk is just one reason kids light up at this spacious, well-maintained park—there's also a scenic lake dotted with water lilies, plenty of shaded picnic spots, and walking paths perfect for families who want to burn energy without breaking the bank. Benches with built-in chessboards and mature trees throughout make it easy to linger for an afternoon of exploring, whether you're chasing dragonflies, playing a game, or simply enjoying some quiet time together in the heart of the city.

The canopy walk—a 660-foot elevated boardwalk with rope bridges and a treehouse area 40–55 feet above the forest—is the headline attraction here, complete with an elevator for easy access and a climbing play area. Beyond that, the nature center hosts live animal exhibits, occasional activities like s'mores by the fire pit, and a natural playground, while six miles of paved and unpaved trails wind through the park for walking, biking, or wildlife spotting, making it easy to piece together a full morning or afternoon without spending a dime.

Schrock Lake sits at the heart of this sprawling park where kids can explore multiple playgrounds (including a fenced area for younger children), walk or bike on trails ranging from 20 minutes to an hour, and spot wildlife like deer and turkeys along the water. The well-maintained facilities—clean bathrooms, abundant parking, clear signage at every turn, and picnic areas throughout—make it easy for families to spend an afternoon discovering something new, whether that's collecting rocks in the creek, fishing, or simply enjoying the woods.

The climbing wall here is one of the tallest free outdoor walls in the country, but there's plenty more beyond that thrill—a safe, well-maintained kids' playground, an obstacle course, open fields for picnicking, and easy riverside trails with downtown skyline views make this former industrial site a genuinely useful spot for families. Winter brings sledding and snow play; summer opens up hiking, biking, and dog-park time, all within sight of the city.

Multiple ponds and a river wind through well-maintained trails where kids spot turtles, birds, and fish without needing to venture far from Columbus. Your family can picnic, play on the grounds, wade in streams, and bring dogs along—plus there's a dedicated dog swim area if you have a four-legged friend in tow.

The well-maintained grounds here offer scattered playground areas perfect for burning energy, plus peaceful walking trails and a pond for quieter moments—all in a balanced setting that feels neither too urban nor too remote. Pack a picnic and plan time for both active play and leisurely strolls, especially if you want to connect to the longer bike trail system.

A well-maintained park with two stocked fishing decks, gravel trails through wooded ridges (including a boardwalk section), and a charming playground—all ideal for an afternoon of casting lines, hiking, and exploring nature with kids. Pack a picnic for one of the sheltered areas, and bring binoculars for the wetland observation deck to spot wildlife.

The wide riverfront boardwalk here invites families to spread out on the grass, rent bikes, or simply watch kayakers glide past while taking in public art and monuments along the Scioto. The well-lit, well-maintained grounds feel safe and welcoming for an evening stroll or picnic, with nearby dining and play areas making it easy to turn a quick visit into a longer outing.

The observation tower here rewards climbers with skyline views, and that's just the start—these riverside trails wind through woods with picnic areas, playgrounds, and enough activities (disc golf, archery, kayak launch) to build a full outing around. Springtime brings wildflowers, and the mix of paved and natural-surface paths means there's something for different ages and abilities.

The paved loop trail here is perfect for families wanting an easy, stroller-friendly walk without worrying about uneven ground, and the dual dog parks (including a shaded expansion area and a small-dog section) make it a natural stop if your crew includes four-legged members. Beyond the main loop, there are longer woodland trails for when the kids are ready to explore, plus picnic tables and a swing by an observation deck for a full outing.

The riverfront steps and open plaza at Genoa Park offer stunning views of the Columbus skyline and Scioto River—perfect for a casual stroll, picnic, or people-watching on nice days. The park really shines during its seasonal festivals and outdoor events (like movie nights, food fests, and live music), which draw crowds and offer plenty of entertainment, though parking and concessions come at a cost.

The extensive trail network here winds past ponds where turtles sunbathe and through shaded woods, offering multiple ways to explore—walking, biking, or paddling—plus a newly renovated playground and natural play area that can easily fill an afternoon. You'll find clean facilities, picnic spots, and enough quiet space that even young kids can decompress between activities.

This downtown park transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with twinkling lights strung through trees, interactive light games, and festive decorations (including adorable penguin displays) that create a magical atmosphere for an evening stroll. Weekend visits often feature hot chocolate, food trucks, Santa meet-and-greets, and a working carousel—all free—making it an easy way to soak up holiday spirit without leaving your budget behind.

Seasonal — typically winter/Christmas season

Tucked on the second floor of a building steps from High Street, this free museum showcases original cartoon artwork and rotating exhibits that bring animation history to life—from beloved classics like Calvin and Hobbes to displays breaking down the techniques cartoonists actually use. It's a compact but engaging spot perfect for an hour or so, with wide, accessible walkways and plenty of seating, making it easy to linger over the displays with kids who love art, humor, or nostalgia.

Shaped bushes recreate figures from a famous French painting in this hidden downtown gem, where kids can spot whimsical topiary people and animals while strolling shaded paths and enjoying a peaceful picnic. A creative, free escape that sparks imagination and takes about 30 minutes to explore at a relaxed pace.

This four-section pond park rewards explorers with murals, observation decks, and calm water views—plus well-maintained trails that loop together in unexpected ways. Bring binoculars for reliable eagle and bird spotting, a bike, or just a picnic blanket, and take advantage of clean facilities and grills scattered throughout.

Floating pathways over water lead to a stunning waterfall where kids can wade in the creek, while the park spreads across multiple zones—sledding hills, playgrounds, fishing lakes, and well-maintained trails suitable for strollers and little legs alike. Whether your crew wants adventure on a mountain bike course, exploration along wildflower-lined paths, or a peaceful afternoon by the water, the thoughtful layout and on-site restrooms make this a genuinely low-stress outing.

Tucked inside Orton Hall on Ohio State's campus, this compact museum houses an impressive collection of fossils, minerals, and rocks—including a T-Rex skull and ancient marine specimens—that can captivate kids for hours. The friendly staff are genuinely invested in sharing their knowledge, whether you're identifying rocks you've brought in or learning about fossil-hunting spots around Ohio.

A short boardwalk and staircase lead through shaded trees to a genuine waterfall—a surprisingly lush discovery tucked into the suburbs that feels far from the city. It's an easy walk for young legs and a perfect spot to stretch, breathe fresh air, and snap photos, especially after rain when the falls are at their most dramatic.

The 40-foot Union Station Arch—a stunning carved sandstone relic from Columbus's 1893 train station—anchors this peaceful 3-acre green space in the heart of the Arena District, offering wide-open grounds perfect for stretching legs between the river and downtown attractions. Benches invite you to linger and soak in the industrial history, and the park frequently hosts community events and gatherings that draw families into the mix.

The distinctive limestone building features a surprisingly modest cupola instead of the soaring dome you'd expect from a state capitol—a design choice that gives it an understated, fortress-like character kids find refreshingly different. Free tours guide families through elegant galleries and the historic rotunda, where you can spot actual fossils embedded in the stonework, plus the well-maintained Capitol Square grounds showcase monuments and statues that bring Ohio's political past to life.