Top Cheap or Free Activities in Columbus, Ohio

Spanning more than 200 square miles and holding its position as the second-largest city in the Midwest, Columbus has tons of fun things to do for both locals and visitors! While the bustling city offers a wide variety of expensive activities, it’s also known for its array of cheap and free activities that cater to every budget. So, without further ado, here are the top cheap or free activities to do in Columbus!

Go for a Nature Hike

Treat yourself to a calming evening stroll in one of the city’s many parks and nature areas. You have a wide variety of locations to choose from, as Columbus is home to over 200 miles of walking trails.

Join a Fitness Class

If you’d rather get a more intense workout than what a calming walk would provide, Columbus has plenty of opportunities for you! The city has a bustling fitness community and because of this, you can find many fun fitness classes that you’re able to join, many of which are free. A few of the most popular classes are yoga, cardio, and kickboxing.

Tour an Art Gallery or Museum

When you’ve finished taking a yoga class and want to wind down, why not check out the local art galleries? Although viewing art galleries can be expensive, Columbus makes it budget-friendly by offering guests free admission to the Columbus Museum of Art on Sundays.

Alternatively, if you’re employed by the military or have a family member who is or was, you’re eligible to receive free admission to the Blue Star Museum from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Attend a Baseball Game

Looking to catch a baseball game? Do it in Columbus! Locals and visitors are encouraged to attend a game and enjoy the spirit of baseball. Choose the Columbus Clippers, a Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, or catch a college game of the Ohio State Buckeyes from Ohio State University or the Columbus Cougars from Columbus State University. All teams are budget-friendly; Clippers tickets range from $7 to $16 and Buckeyes tickets from $5 to $11, depending on where you sit, and Cougar games cost an affordable $5.

Support Local Musicians

Another fun thing to do during the summer is to support local musicians by visiting the Polaris Fashion Place, a large shopping mall and plaza. Here, local musicians and bands put on free concerts. You can do your shopping, enjoying the live music as you pass by, or you can pull up a folding chair or blanket. Alcohol is not allowed, but there is the option to purchase a drink, with proceeds going to local charities.

Watch a Movie Under the Stars 

During the summer (weather permitting), you can bring a blanket, a snack, and your best friend or partner to one of the city’s dedicated parks, which frequently host outdoor movies. The movies are family-friendly and are projected on a large screen for all to see.

Columbus is truly an entertainment hub. With everything from peaceful walks in the park to baseball games, there’s something for everyone!

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