Dear ole' dad...it's almost his day! Celebrate dad with these restaurants deals and activities for Father's Day in Columbus on Sunday, June 21, 2026! My "poor" dad has 6 daughters. That's right...no boys, though he now has sons-in-law and grandsons. The above photo captures what it … [Read more...] about Celebrate Father’s Day in Columbus
Lowe's Kids Club Workshops are so much fun for kids! The learn how to follow directions and safely use tools to create a real project to take home. Kids who pre-register for multiple events have a chance to become a Jr. Builder or Sr. Builder to earn recognition and a prize! Select … [Read more...] about Free MyLowe’s Rewards™ Kids Club Workshops: June 13 – Trophy Cup
Some of the best museums and cultural centers have collaborated to become more accessible and affordable for all. Columbus Museum of Art, COSI, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Ohio History Center and Ohio Village, and the Wexner Center for … [Read more...] about ‘Museums for All’ makes Columbus attractions accessible to all
Head to Goodale Park on select Sundays for free concerts in the park as a part of Goodale Park Music Series. This five-week, family-friendly event is free to attend and will feature local bands Folquinox, Mt. Air, King Serpent, Gathering Stars, and Ron Holmes - Eclecticism. The … [Read more...] about Tunes in the park at Goodale Park Music Series
Head to JCPenney on the second Saturday of the month for family-friendly and free JCPenney Kids Zone from 11 am - noon! Kids can pick up a fun craft, id badge, lanyard, collector's pin, and a project master medallion if they complete 6 projects! Parents get a special 10% off coupon to use … [Read more...] about Free crafts at JCPenney Kids Zone: Superhero Plaque for Father’s Day – June 13
On the 2nd Sunday of each month, visit Ohio Wildlife Center Cook Road Education Center in Powell to learn, explore and discover during Second Sundays. The Center sits on 20 acres of woods, wetlands and meadows providing a permanent sanctuary to 59 animals ranging from coyote and fox to hawks, … [Read more...] about Second Sundays at Ohio Wildlife Center
Love reading, libraries, and everything books? Add The Columbus Book Festival to your summertime Columbus festival list! Columbus Book Festival Head downtown to the Discovery District for a two-day festival for all ages on July 11-12, 2026. You'll enjoy national and local authors, … [Read more...] about The Columbus Book Festival in Discovery District
Experience the beauty of Buckeye Lake on scenic routes, perfect for cyclists of all skill levels. Tour de Buckeye Lake is cycling event, focused on displaying the beauty of the Buckeye Lake region hosted by Bike Buckeye Lake on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Bike Buckeye Lake is a nonprofit … [Read more...] about All skill levels welcome to pedal the Tour de Buckeye Lake
Gateway Film Center and Columbus Metropolitan Library offers FREE movies with the beloved series, From Book to Film. Head to Gateway Film Center for FREE family-friendly movies every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day. As part of the film center’s ongoing efforts to improve the … [Read more...] about Free Movie Admission: From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center
The Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest is July 24-26, 2026, featuring hot ribs and cool jazz in Downtown Columbus. Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest Each summer, this festival is a highly anticipated tradition with the best of jazz and rib connoisseurs for a festival full of music and barbecue, brought to … [Read more...] about 2026 Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest – Cool Jazz, Hot Ribs, and free admission
Enjoy movies under the stars with friends and family around Columbus throughout the summer and fall. Many community-sponsored movies are returning for 2026. There are also plenty of drive-in style movies that give you the outdoor movie experience in your car. Please check individual … [Read more...] about Huge list of Outdoor movies around Columbus
Second Saturday Kids Days are free events that take place in the Ross Community Studio at the WOSU Public Media headquarters. Each Second Saturday event features a new theme to explore that combines imagination, interaction and technology to explore art, science, math and reading. Children … [Read more...] about Meet Nature Cat from PBS at Second Saturday Kids Days with WOSU Public Media
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are aiming to get kids interested in fishing with their FREE fishing activities for kids at the Gone Fishing event near Father's Day. Gone Fishing at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops June 13-14 and 20-21, 2026 from 10am-2pm 'Gone Fishing' event at Cabela's and Bass … [Read more...] about Free ‘Gone Fishing’ event at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops for kids
Columbus Commons celebrates kids on Friday mornings from June 5 - August 14, 2026 with Commons for Kids. We are so excited for these fun events to return this Summer! All activities and games are offered free of charge from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fun at Commons for Kids Free … [Read more...] about Free Commons for Kids on Fridays at Columbus Commons
Did you know that there are Story Trails and Story Walks all over Columbus? These special trails are located in parks, and feature nature-inspired stories for you to enjoy along your walk. Storybook Trails combine the love for reading, nature, and outdoor activity, and are a great way to spend … [Read more...] about Visit these Story Trails in Columbus for reading + nature fun!
Columbus on the Cheap is a
member of Living on the Cheap, a
network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer
advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and
shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less
at Living on the Cheap. 
