Free and Cheap Winter Fun in Columbus

There’s so much to do in Columbus when the weather is nice, but the winter months seem to take forever, with a range of temps from cold to colder. There’s still so much to do in the winter in Columbus, and plenty of it is free and cheap.

Weekend Fun 

There’s always plenty to do over the weekend, and each week we give you a whole list of fun with our Free and Cheap Events this Weekend in Columbus.

Over 125 options for fun this weekend in Columbus

Snow much fun during Winter in Columbus!

Got snow? Check out the best sledding hills in Columbus for some snowy fun.

Grab your sled: Best Sledding hills in Columbus

Ice skating is great exercise! There are several options for Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating in Columbus.

Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating in Columbus

Hike at any of the Columbus Metro Parks or Delaware Preservation Parks – they are totally different in the winter season, and beautiful and peaceful in a special way. See even more options for fun with Columbus Metro Parks this winter!

Here are some other fun hikes for the winter!

Alley Park: This park in Lancaster has more than 350 acres to get lost in and the covered bridges look gorgeous covered in the winter snow.  
Clear Creek Metro Park: Clear Creek in Rockbridge is Ohio’s largest nature preserve, and with nine trails you’re bound to come across many of the 2,200 plant and animal species that call this preserve home. Insider Tip: Check out the Creekside Meadow trail for the best views.  
Chestnut Ridge: Chestnut Ridge is the first ridge in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Carroll, Ohio, and is great for bird watching. Bundle up and enjoy the scenic walk around the lake.
Indian Run Falls: Only about 20 minutes from Columbus, find beautiful icicles and frozen waterfalls on this easy, family-friendly hike.
Hayden Run Falls: Hit a frozen waterfall double feature and check out Hayden Run Falls in Dublin. Fun fact – I got engaged at Hayden Run Falls one January in front of the frozen waterfall.

Upcoming Spring Fun and Solar Eclipse at the Columbus Metro Parks

Skiing, Boarding, and Tubing can be a little expensive, but there are specials that can make it more affordable. Hitting the slopes locally will always save you money, as you won’t need overnight accommodations.

• Snow Trails Tubing, Skiing and Snowboarding in Central Ohio
• Snow Fun: Skiing, Snowboarding, and Tubing at Mad River Mountain

Kids have a snow day? There are plenty of options for snow day fun!

Get Healthy! during Winter in Columbus

What comes after winter? Spring…and then Summer! Winter is the best time to get in shape, because – well…there’s less to do in the winter, and just enough time before bathing suit and shorts season comes around to make a difference in your confidence. 

Plus, it’s always better to be a little healthier than before, so work on creating great habits before it’s time for Easter candy!

Free Fitness around Columbus in the Winter 

There are plenty of FREE indoor and outdoor options to help you get fit – no gym membership required! Note: we are working on updating this list as several indoor and group options are not available.

Metro Parks Annual Winter Hike Series

Don’t let a little cold weather keep you inside. (but be safe and dress very warm!)

Swimming!

Go swimming no matter the weather at these indoor community center pools. Some feature hot tubs, lazy rivers, and other fun features that are just for kids!  Moving around in the water for an hour or so is great for anyone – no need to swim laps! 

Dublin Community Recreation Center ($7-$16 for daily admission) 5600 Post Road, Dublin. Lazy river, hot tub, waterslides, and more. Check link for leisure pool hours.

Worthington Community Center ($6-$8, free under 3) 345 E. Wilson Bridge Rd., Worthington, OH  43085, Ph: (614) 436-2743.  Lazy river and vortex and larger slides. Check link for leisure pool hours. Family swim reservations must be made to use the pool on a leisurely basis.

Westerville Community Center ($5-$12) Westerville Community Center also has a climbing wall (fees required). 350 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville, OH 43082, Phone: (614) 901-6500. Pool features shallow area, lazy river, fountains, slides, and more. Check link for leisure pool hours.

Columbus Aquatic Center ($1-$10) 1160 Hunter Ave. Columbus, OH 43201 (614) 645-3129 Must also get a $1 leisure card; good for 3 years. Hours: See schedule here. Pre-registration required to reserve a 90 minute slot.

Roller Skating

It’s so much fun that it won’t feel like exercise! Go with a few friends, or take your family!  There are sessions appropriate for various ages at each of the rinks.

Skate America in Grove City: Great pricing and plenty of discounts through the year

Skate Zone 71 near Morse Rd: Tons of skate parties with character visits.  Little kids skate is on Saturday mornings. There are also discounted days, young teen nights, and adult nights. 

United Skates of America on Refugee Rd: Lots of family skate and discount days.

Go Shopping or Explore a Neighborhood

Indoor Farmer’s Markets are a great play to wander, find some local goodies, and listen to music or check out other entertainment. Pick up something healthy while you’re there!

Shop a Vintage Market or Barn Sale and discover a “new” old find!

Check out this revitalized neighborhood during Franklinton Fridays on the 2nd Friday of each month

Check out the Book Loft in German Village! It has 32 different rooms; you’ll love getting lost together while you explore.

Go on an adventure! We have a whole list of Fun and Tasty Adventure Trails. Some of are adults-only, and feature beer, wine, cocktails, and coffee.

There are several kid-friendly adventure trails that you can explore, including food adventures like the Butler County Donut Trail, Ice Cream Trail, Buckeye Trail, Columbus Taco Trail, and other options such as the Dublin Fairy Trail, and more.

Attractions for Winter in Columbus

All about Columbus Zoo Tickets, Discounts, and Free Days

Columbus Museum of Art offers free admission on Sunday and $5 Thursdays from 5-9 pm.

Warm up with the stunning Conservatory Aglow and Holiday Blooms, plus the Paul Busse Garden Railway through January 10 at Franklin Park Conservatory, and explore the other amazing exhibits.

Community Days at the Conservatory are on the first Sunday of each month. The Conservatory will be free for residents of Franklin County and the City of Columbus during regular operating hours of 10am to 5pm. Proof of residence and/or valid ID are required. Community Days aim to make the gardens more accessible to all. 

Franklin Park Conservatory Free Community Day, discounts and more

Find a few other places to explore on the cheap with Discounted and Free Museum Days in Columbus

Date Ideas and other Adult Fun during Winter in Columbus

Dine out safely – and privately – outside at these amazing outdoor pop-up (heated) dining igloos, pods, and more! This is a date to impress!

Restaurants with Igloos for outdoor dining in Columbus

Whether you want to go out with a group of friends, or have a date night with your love, we have some ideas that’ll keep things fun through the winter. We have a list of fun nights out in Columbus that are great for outings with families, coworkers, or friends.

Need a date idea that’s better than just dinner and a movie?  Check out our list of 50+ Best free and cheap dates in Columbus.

Happy Hours are the ultimate cheap restaurant experience! Dine early on tasty appetizers, have a drink or two, and head home to catch a movie on the couch!  This happy hour list around Columbus is constantly being added to, and you can try a new place each week!

Columbus Ale Trail: Travel the Ale Trail through Central Ohio and find a new favorite craft beer.

Coffee shops make GREAT dates! Warm beverages, sweets, and cozy seating makes for a perfect cheap date! Complete the Columbus Coffee Trail by having a date at each place, and earn prizes!

If cocktails are more your style, we have 2 options for you! Go on the Gahanna Herbal Cocktail Trail for herb-infused cocktails, or the Dublin Celtic Cocktail Trail for Irish-inspired drinks!

Want to drive a little further? These food and adventures trails in Ohio will keep you busy and give you lots of time to talk on your drives.

The North Market is an amazing place to spend a day or evening exploring. There are so many great food options, you can grab a drink at The Barrel and Bottle. Pick a few food items from various merchants and share in the upstairs seating area or on one of the patios.

Visit the downtown Columbus location OR the Dublin Bridge Park location!

Family Fun for Winter in Columbus

With sicknesses and cold/snowy weather, it’s easy to feel like you’ve been trapped in the house for way too long.  If the kids are healthy and the roads are safe, get out of the house while you can!

Indoor Play Places in Columbus Sometimes is just too cold, or too snowy, or too rainy, and you just need to get the kids (and yourself) out of the house. Note: details about locations may change throughout the year, but links are provided so you are able to check for details.

Tour the Butler County Donut Trail at your leisure and earn a t-shirt if you complete all of the stops – attempt it in a day (start early!) or head out over a period of weekends or months.

Need something sweet? Go on the Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail. Enjoy Ohio’s state candy – the buckeye!  It’s peanut butter chocolate perfection. You’re going to have to drive a bit further to catch all 31 (!) stops on this trail that stretches throughout the entire state, but isn’t it worth it?! Who makes the best buckeye? Who cares?! Enjoy them all! There are enough stops near Columbus to do a mini tour.

The Irish Fairy Doors of Dublin Trail: Pick up your Trail Guide at the Irish Fairy Garden in the Dublin Visitor & Information Center (9 South High Street) and follow the path on your trail guide through Historic Dublin to 8 different businesses to find tiny magical fairy doors.

Find the name of each resident fairy, fill in your passport and return your completed passport to the Visitor’s Center for a FREE Fairy Doors of Dublin t-shirt.

Taking the family to the movies can be expensive! But it’s a little cheaper with Cinemark Theatres Tuesday Discount Days (or matinees)

It doesn’t have to be expensive to dine out as a family! Kids Eat Free each day of the week at various restaurants (verify details before you go, as promotions can change)

Go bowling! 

There are plenty of options, but here are a few nice suggestions for families. Check for coupons on the website – sometimes there are family packages that can save you money!

Star Lanes Polaris, 8655 Lyra Drive, Columbus

Rule (3), 650 Windmiller Dr., Pickerington

Columbus Square Bowling Palace, 5707 Forest Hills Blvd., Columbus

AMF Sawmill Lanes, 4825 Sawmill Road, Columbus

Gahanna Bowling and Family Fun Center, 215 W. Johnstown, Gahanna

Ten Pin Alley, 5499 Ten Pin Alley, Hilliard

Short North Gallery Hop celebrates art, local shops, good food, and great people watching on the 1st Saturday of each month!

Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum at Ohio State has exhibits and programming that comic book and cartoon fans will love. It’s always free!

Wexner Center for the Arts offers FREE admission for exhibitions for everyone on Thursdays from 4 -8 p.m., as well as on the first Sunday of every month.

See if any shows are available at The Ohio State University Planetarium. The schedule for upcoming shows is usually released the week prior.

Bank of America customers get a Free Museum Pass on the first weekend of each month for COSI and other museums around Ohio and the U.S.

Play like a kid at LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Easton! Every couple of months, they host Adult Nights where the grown-ups have the run of the place! Adult guests can enjoy all aspects of the 36,000 sq. ft indoor attraction, including the two rides, 4D Cinema and MINILAND, plus a cash bar! 

COSI offers an option for grownup fun! COSI After Dark give you the run of the place with themed-activities – and NO KIDS! Less than $20 to get in, and it’ll fill your evening with child-like fun! 

Wine Tastings are a great and inexpensive way to spend an hour or two with friends or a date.

Wyandotte Winery hosts Fabulous Fridays to celebrate the weekend!

House Wine Thursday Night Tastings are just $15, including flatbreads and cheese, and will get you ready for the weekend. 

Do something unusual! Check out Rocky Horror Picture Show at Studio 35 on the 1^st Saturday of every month.

Family Nights at Worthington Community Center is held on select Friday Nights, and features some great non-electronic fun that’ll wear the kids out.

Need something to do today?? Check out list to see what’s going on today in Columbus – or our whole calendar!

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