Exploring Columbus doesn’t have to break the bank! There are so many free things to do in this great city. If you’re looking for inspiration that doesn’t cost a dime, browse this list of free things to do in Columbus and get out and find something new!
If you’re looking for seasonal things to do, you can check out my list of Free Things to do with Kids this Summer in Columbus or Free Things to do with Kids this Winter in Columbus! If it’s cold or rainy, check out this list of 10 Free Indoor Activities for Families in Columbus!
Find the Franklinton Slingshot
- 258 Lucas St, Columbus, OH, 43215
The giant Franklinton Slingshot is a piece of artwork by artist Andrew Lundberg. The inscription on its side reads: “A visual reminder of our momentum as a community while maintaining the mischievous nature of the Artists that makes us who we are.”
You can find it at the intersection of Lucas St., Sulivant Ave. and Trestle View St. There is street parking in the area.
Go chasing waterfalls at Quarry Trails Metro Park
- 2158 Old Dublin Rd., Columbus, OH 43228
Use the address listed above to find the Millikin Falls Area of Quarry Trails Metro Park. There is a parking lot and it’s a short walk to the falls overlook. You can also take the stone steps down to the base of the falls for another view.
Read my blog post about Quarry Trails Metro Park for tips on exploring the entire park!
Find the World’s Largest Gavel
- 65 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215
Located in downtown Columbus, the World’s Largest Gavel sits in the south reflecting pool outside the Ohio Supreme Court. Parking can be tricky to find downtown. The Columbus Commons Garage is not to far and is an easy place to park when downtown.
My list of things to do with kids in Downtown Columbus will help you round out your trip!
Walk through Topiary Park
- 480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215
Topiary Park is a topiary recreation of the painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat. You can literally walk amongst the larger-than-life recreation of this painting. Park in the Main Library parking garage and exit through the back of the library to access the park. Or park along the street.
See more photos of Topiary Park here!
Visit a Dinosaur at Orton Hall
- 155 South Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210
The Cryolophosaurus ellioti was discovered by Ohio State faculty member David Elliot in Antarctica. It is the most complete dinosaur ever found in that region. A replica of the dinosaur was installed in Orton Hall, at the Ortgon Geological Museum on the campus of The Ohio State University, which is also free to visit and is a gem if you have dinosaur fans in the family!
Climb the rock wall at Scioto Audubon Metro Park
- 500 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215
The rock climbing wall at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park is the largest free outdoor climbing wall in the country. It is 35 feet high and free to climb. Bring your own ropes and equipment to climb! Make sure to visit the Grange Insurance Audubon Center just up the hill. The whole park is a gem!
See photos of the great indoor play area and Nature Center at Scioto Audubon Metro Park!
Take a walk on the Scioto Mile
- 233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215
Along the banks of the Scioto River, the Scioto Mile offers great views of downtown Columbus and connects several Columbus parks along the way. It’s beautiful in all seasons!
Walk through the Blockfort Murals
- 162 N 6th St, Columbus, OH 43215
Blockfort is is an art gallery and home to studio spaces for artists in downtown Columbus. Outside, the walls are painted with colorful murals that are sure to lift your spirits! Each year at a festival called Alley Islands, new murals are revealed so check back at least once a year for something new!
Visit the Columbus Museum of Art on a Sunday
- 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
The Columbus Museum of Art is filled with gems! From ancient artwork to modern art, you can spend a whole morning just wandering around and enjoying the sights. The Wonder Room is a great space for kids and the rotating exhibits are always something to look forward to. The museum is free to visit every Sunday!
Here’s a list of Art Museums in Columbus, Ohio for more inspiration! Several of them are free!
Tour the Ohio Statehouse
- 1 Capitol Sq, Columbus, OH 43215
Anyone can do a self-guided tour the Ohio Statehouse during it’s regular hours. Free guided tours take place on the hour, every hour beginning at 10:00 AM and ending with the last tour at 3:00 PM. On the weekends, walk-in tours start at 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Meet at the Map Room to take one of these guided tours.
Make sure to also visit the free Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center on the lower level.
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