Free & Cheap Things to Do in Columbus, OH

  • The list below includes 122 free or cheap things to do in or near Columbus, Ohio, including 68 different types of inexpensive activities like Neighborhoods, Parks, Family Fun Center and Movie Theaters.
  • From Ohio State University to Short North Arts District, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Columbus and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Westerville, Dublin, Hilliard and Powell.
  • The list below includes 122 free or cheap things to do in or near Columbus, Ohio, including 68 different types of inexpensive activities like Neighborhoods, Parks, Family Fun Center and Movie Theaters.
  • From Ohio State University to Short North Arts District, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Columbus and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Westerville, Dublin, Hilliard and Powell.
Showing 1-10 of 230
0.0 Miles
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Trapped Columbus 4310 North High Street, Columbus, OH MoreLess Info
Interactive escape room experiences lock 10–12 participants in a room to solve challenges such as helping a CIA agent recover his memory
10.1 Miles
90% 309 votes
Colleges & Universities N High St, Columbus, OH 43210 MoreLess Info
The Ohio State University is a public research university best known for its football team, which plays at the 104,944-seat Ohio Stadium. The location's library system features 55 individual libraries and collections.
1.1 Miles
95% 500 votes
Neighborhoods 120 W Goodale St, Columbus, OH 43215 MoreLess Info
A fine example in which creativity is mixed with commerce and with entertainment, the Short North Arts District features 16 galleries, 46 restaurants, cafes, and eateries, more than 2 bars and nightclubs, and almost 60 shops.
2.7 Miles
81% 359 votes
National & State Parks 717 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211 MoreLess Info
Home of one of the largest state fairs in the United States, the Ohio State Fairgrounds hosts a yearly event that features concerts and other live music offerings. Additionally, guests of this site are also able to enjoy rides in Kiddieland.
1.4 Miles
92% 157 votes
Parks 1000 City Park Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206 MoreLess Info
Open to the public since 1867, Schiller Park has amenities like walking paths, gazebos, tennis courts, and bronze statues. The park has an outdoor amphitheater that often hosts community plays and concerts.
2.4 Miles
84% 111 votes
Parks Front Street and Goodale Avenue, Columbus, OH MoreLess Info
A scenic park with walking trails, a pond with elephant fountains, and picturesque landscaping, Goodale Park is home to a variety of festivals and other special events. The park also features playgrounds for kids.
0.4 Miles
76% 132 votes
Neighborhoods Columbus, OH MoreLess Info
Visitors of Downtown Columbus will be able to visit the Columbus Clippers Triple A baseball stadium and the Columbus Museum of Art. This location also hosts a wide variety of concerts and summer movie showings.
0.6 Miles
79% 201 votes
Gardens 480 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215 MoreLess Info
At Topiary Park, visitors can explore a garden filled with shrub sculptures imitating people, animals, and more. One of the most popular sections of the garden imitates the painting by famous Impressionist artist, Georges Seurat.
2.4 Miles
96% 995 votes
Botanical Gardens 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203 MoreLess Info
Besides the conservatory, in the Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens there are found 6 gardens, a palm house, and a campus garden. Art collections are also exhibited in here, such as the Light Raiment II.
0.8 Miles
95% 445 votes
Farmers Markets 59 Spruce Street, Columbus, OH 43215 MoreLess Info
The only public market that has been serving central Ohio since 1876 is the North Market Farmer's Market. More than 30 merchants provide a variety of local, fresh, and authentic food that include organic produce, pastured poultry, and locally roasted coffee.
0.8 Miles
90% 663 votes
Historic Sites 588 S Third St., Columbus, OH 43215 MoreLess Info
The German Village is home to shops, restaurants, and bars. Among the events which are organized in here, there can be remembered the Art Crawl, and the Village Lights.
Showing 1-10 of 230
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