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25 Free Things to Do This Spring in Columbus with Kids (2026 Guide)

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After a long winter (seriously, what was this winter?!), there’s nothing better than that first stretch of warm days when everyone just needs to get out of the house.

But if you’re anything like us, you don’t want every outing to turn into a $100 day between snacks, activities, and “just one more thing.”

So we pulled together a list of 25 free (or nearly free) things to do in Columbus this spring with kids—from our go-to parks and playgrounds to easy outings that feel like an adventure without the price tag.

Some of these are totally free, and a few use things like the Culture Pass or memberships that we’ve found are 100% worth it for families.

Free Outdoor Adventures

1. Explore a New Metro Park (and Go Fishing)

You really can’t go wrong with any of the Columbus Metro Parks, but spring is extra fun this year—rainbow trout stocking is back!

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is releasing trout at local parks:

  • March 23 & April 13: Franklin, Goodale, Krumm, Linden, Schiller & Westgate
  • April 3: Antrim Park

Such a fun (and totally free) way to try something new as a family. More details here.

2. Plan a Full-Day Park Hop Adventure

If you want a full day out, try this route:

  • Start your morning at Inniswood Gardens (so magical in spring)
  • Head to Park of Roses for a walk and exploring
  • End at Battelle Darby Creek for wide open space + bison spotting

Bonus: pack this super easy lunch.

3. Walk the Scioto Mile + Plan Around Festival Season

We love just walking this area any time, but spring is when it really comes alive.

Make sure to check out events like the COSI Science Festival and other downtown festivals—there are so many free things happening. Keep up to date with all their events here.

4. Go on a Spring Nature Walk (Bird Edition)

Do this in your neighborhood or head to a Metro Park—Pickerington Ponds and Blendon Woods are perfect for bird watching this time of year. We also LOVE the Scioto Audubon Park and their “bird game” right outside in the grassy area.

5. Explore Upper Arlington + Playground Hop

Spend a morning in Upper Arlington:

It’s such an easy way to explore a new part of the city.

Free & Low-Cost Spring Events

6. Go All In on Easter Egg Hunts 🐰

We LOVE a good egg hunt. There are so many happening around Columbus—this is a great roundup to start with and this one has so many Easter-ish events too!

7. Kick Off Festival Season

Spring festivals are officially back. Some to check out:

And don’t miss:

8. Don’t Sleep on Library Events

Seriously—libraries are underrated. They have such a vast array of FREE events – story times, educational classes, meet and greets, book clubs, and so much more.

We love browsing events, and this one is already on our list in Grove City!

9. Farmers Market Wandering

You don’t even have to buy anything—just walking a market feels like an outing.

Our favorites:

  • Worthington
  • Westerville
  • And we’re excited to check out Grove City this summer!

“Free with a Little Planning” (Worth It!)

10. Use the Culture Pass

If you aren’t using this… you are missing out. Available at all Columbus libraries and other suburban libraries like Worthington and Delaware. All you need is a library card and you can “check out” free admission to multiple places!

We’ve used it for:

  • Clippers tickets
  • Dawes Arboretum
  • Franklin Park Conservatory

Check out more details here.

11. Use Reciprocal Memberships

This is one of our favorite “hacks.”

For example: If you have a COSI membership, you can get discounted or free access to places like The Works in Newark. You also get 50% off admission to the Cincinnati Zoo with your Columbus Zoo membership!

Look at your Columbus Zoo, Ohio History Connection, and COSI benefits—you can plan entire day trips around this. We also use this hack on vacations!

12. Take Advantage of Free Museum Days

Both the Columbus Museum of Art and Franklin Park Conservatory offer free days thanks to sponsors.

Pro tip: they’re busier—so check Culture Pass for quieter visits too.

Simple (But Fun) Family Traditions

13. Create Your Own Ice Cream Trail

Pick spots all around Columbus and make your own “trail.” Our top spots would be Graeter’s, Dairy Queen, Mona’s, and Whit’s for sure.

Even better: Make a punch card or tracker and choose a prize at the end.

14. Backyard Picnic Nights

Now that the weather is nice, just take dinner outside. Simple = best.

15. Bike the Olentangy Trail

We are so lucky to have bike paths that connect the entire city. Check out the full trail here and plan a little trip around Columbus.

16. Sidewalk Chalk Challenges

We’ve been making little “challenges” on our sidewalk for people walking by—it’s such a fun way to connect with your neighborhood.

Mini Adventures (No Cost Required)

17. Take a Scenic Drive

Getting outside of the city and suburbs does wonders for your nervous system. Windows down, music up—done. Bonus points if you end up at one of our State Parks! Most of them have free mini golf too.

18. Explore a Small Town

If you’re new to this, start with:

  • Granville
  • Delaware
  • Circleville

All easy, charming, and perfect for a low-key day. Make a plan or just head to their “downtown” and search for the local libraries, parks, etc. Talk to a stranger and ask for a recommendation!

19. Be a Tourist in Your Own City

Go into the shops you always pass.
Try the bakery that always smells amazing.

Supporting local is how we build strong communities.

20. Watch Planes (or Construction!)

Did you know we have FOUR airports?

  • CMH
  • OSU
  • Rickenbacker
  • Bolton Field

Set up nearby and watch planes take off—or find a construction site (always a hit).

At-Home Fun That Still Feels Special

21. Bake Something Together

This is one of my favorite things to do with the kids.

And if it involves sprinkles? Even better. This is a great recipe to try with kids!

22. Backyard Campout (Library Hack!)

You can actually check out tents from the library—how fun is that?

Set up a backyard campout or even bring it inside.

23. Make a Spring Bucket List

Grab a big piece of paper and hang it somewhere you’ll see daily.

Add ideas, check in often, and use stickers to mark things off.

24. Turn Chores Into Fun

Wash the cars together—fun AND productive.

25. Have a “Yes Day” (or Try the Card Game Version)

Our kids beg for this.

Or try the version where you hold up two parent-approved options and let them choose without seeing—so fun.

The bottom line

You don’t need a big budget to make spring feel fun and memorable.

Some of our favorite days are the simplest ones—packing snacks, heading somewhere new, and just letting the day unfold.

If you try any of these, we’d love to hear what your family ends up loving most.

And if you have a favorite free spring activity we should add, send it our way—we’re always looking for new ideas.

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