Devon BrooksTo many of us, weekends are the only time when we can take a breather or a break—however short—from working nonstop during the weekdays. While some choose to sleep in or catch up on household chores, others crave going out and reuniting with the outside world.
But I know what you must be thinking—the expenses, the spending, and the possibility of emptying your wallet. Well, you’re in luck because, as hard as it is to believe, there are still free things in this life for you to enjoy.
From parks and festivals to local art and music, let’s talk about the best things to do for free in Columbus. As you make your way or plan your visit to these places and events, think of it as a reward and an opportunity to be a part of something that locals love and tourists can’t miss!
- 1. Explore the Scioto Mile
- 2. Stroll through the Topiary Park
- 3. Visit the Columbus Museum of Art
- 4. Walk along Franklin Park Conservatory’s free outdoor gardens
- 5. Hike at Highbanks Metro Park
- 6. Tour the Ohio Statehouse
- 7. Visit the North Market
- 8. Attend a free festival or event
- 9. Watch a free outdoor concert
- 10. Discover the German Village and Schiller Park
1. Explore the Scioto Mile
Media credit: thesciotomile
Website: https://www.sciotomile.com/
Address: 233 S Civic Center Dr
Contact details: +1 614 645 3335
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM – 11 PM
There are nine parks for you to explore along the Scioto Mile.
Bicentennial Park is where you can splash around with the kids at its Scioto Mile Fountain, and if you feel like going for a jog or a bike ride, Alexander AEP Park or the Promenade are the places to be.
For something more historical, you can check out Battelle Riverfront Park and McFerson Commons (also known as “Arch Park”). Meanwhile, Genoa Park and North Bank Park really shine at night, overlooking the Columbus skyline.
As you can imagine, Scioto Mile’s green spaces and riverfront trails can be your instant weekend serotonin boost—especially Dorrian Green, which has a reading garden, and Scioto Audubon Metro Park, which has a dog park, a large climbing wall, and picnic shelters.
Pro tip:
Visit at night for beautiful river and skyline views. Walking along the Promenade or settling in at Genoa Park and North Bank Park lets you watch the city lights reflecting off the Scioto River, which makes for great photo ops, too!
2. Stroll through the Topiary Park
Media credit: neohiofamilyfun
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topiaryparkcolumbus/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/topiarypark/
Address: 480 E Town St
Contact details: +1 614 645 0197
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM – 11 PM
At Topiary Park, you’ll see Georges Seurat’s painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte, come to life. It takes the form of meticulously sculpted evergreen trees and shrubs shaped into 54 human figures, eight boats, three dogs, a monkey, and a cat.
Established in the late 1980s and early 1990s, this topiary interpretation was designed by artists James and Elaine Mason. The peaceful walking paths here have been walked on not only by occasional visitors but also by brides-to-be when it’s rented for weddings.
Beyond the topiary garden, the park has a pond resembling the Seine River and a gatehouse, where there are restrooms and a gift shop. Basically, it’s a combination of art, history, and horticulture.
Pro tip:
Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and fully soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Afternoons also make for a quiet reading or picnic time, so bring a good book, a blanket to sit on, and some light food.
3. Visit the Columbus Museum of Art
Media credit: columbusmuseum
Website: https://www.columbusmuseum.org/
Address: 480 E Broad St
Contact details: +1 614 221 6801
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – 10 AM – 5 PM
- Thursday – 10 AM – 9 PM
For those who can’t think of a better way to spend their Sundays for free than at a museum, the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) won’t disappoint. Every piece on display shows their commitment to contemporary art, folk art, glass, and photography.
If you’re familiar with local artists Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson, Elijah Pierce, and George Bellows, you’ll find their collections here. Adding to these are late 19th- and early 20th-century American and European modern works of art.
On the other hand, some of the museum’s acclaimed collections include The Photo League and the Philip and Suzanne Schiller Collection of American Social Commentary Art. To cap off your visit, you can go to Schokko Cafe near the main entrance for rustic comfort foods.
Pro tip:
Head there early, as CMA’s free general admission every Sunday brings in a lot of crowds. To view a calendar of their events and programs, click here, and to stay updated on upcoming exhibitions, simply check this page.
4. Walk along Franklin Park Conservatory’s free outdoor gardens
Media credit: fpconservatory
Website: https://www.fpconservatory.org/
Address: 1777 E Broad St
Contact details: +1 614 715 8000
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM – 5 PM
Franklin Park Conservatory’s free outdoor gardens will surround you with a variety of landscapes, including ponds, terraced waterfalls, and vibrant flower beds. You can even bring your leashed dog along to accompany you on the walking trails.
You may catch a glimpse of the indoor exhibits from a distance, but know that they require a paid ticket. No worries, though—beautifully themed spaces like the Japanese Garden and Community Garden are outside for you to explore.
There are also picnic shelters and playgrounds throughout the park—kids can run free in the open space and play areas, while adults prepare a family picnic under the trees. Plus, parking is free for all visitors!
Pro tip:
While the outdoor gardens are open to the public year-round, spring and summer are the best times to see the flowers in full bloom. Don’t forget to bring a camera for souvenir shots or Insta-worthy snaps.
Moreover, the conservatory hosts Community Day on the first Sunday of every month. This offers free general admission to residents of Columbus and Franklin County (with a valid ID), which covers access to both gardens—perhaps you can come then!
5. Hike at Highbanks Metro Park
Media credit: cbusmetroparks
Website: https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/
Address: 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center
Contact details: +1 614 906 3149
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 6:30 AM – 8 PM
Hiking at Highbanks Metro Park might just become your next favorite free weekend activity. Check out the table below to see the trails you can choose from—organized by distance, surface type, difficulty level, and terrain:
| Trail | Distance | Surface | Level | Terrain |
| Big Meadows Path | 1 mile | Paved | Easy | Meadows and playfields |
| Dripping Rock | 2.5 miles | Gravel | Moderate to difficult | Forest and steep ravines |
| Multi-use | 2.3 miles | Paved | Easy | Woods and fields |
| Overlook | 2.3 miles | Gravel | Moderate to difficult | State nature preserve to an observation deck 100 feet above the Olentangy River |
| Sycamore | 0.9 miles | Gravel | Easy | Sycamore, buckeye, cottonwood, and alongside the river |
| Coyote Run | 3.5 miles | Grass and dirt | Moderate | Woods and fields |
| Oak Coves Path | 0.4 miles | Paved | Easy | Meadows and playfields |
| Scenic River | 0.6 miles | Gravel | Easy | Forest and alongside the Olentangy River |
| Wetland Spur | 0.4 miles | Grass and dirt | Easy to moderate | Forest to a wetland with an observation deck |
Once you finish your trail, you can head over to the picnic areas in Oak Coves and Big Meadows. Both have picnic tables, large playfields, grills, playground equipment, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-accessible restrooms.
Lastly, a fun fact: The park is actually named after the huge 100-foot-tall rock cliff towering over the Olentangy River. And aside from hiking, you can also visit a nature center or go fishing, eagle watching, and canoeing.
Pro tip:
The Overlook trail offers the best scenic views of the Olentangy River. Also, the park prohibits foraging or removing any plants, so you’re not allowed to pick berries, nuts, firewood, or wildflowers you may encounter there.
6. Tour the Ohio Statehouse
Media credit: ohiostatehouse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohiostatehouse/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohio.statehouse
Address: 1 Capitol Sq
Contact details: +1 614 752 9777
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM – 5 PM
Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1978, the Ohio Statehouse is a popular destination for both field trips and tourists. Unlike most U.S. capitol buildings, it doesn’t have a traditional dome; instead, it has a low conical roof over a drum-like rotunda.
Speaking of rotunda, the Grand Rotunda is the building’s centerpiece, with a beautiful stained-glass skylight and tilework. Meanwhile, the free guided tours run Monday to Friday, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and usually 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on weekends.
Self-guided tours are no problem, but they are best with brochures or audio guides. Overall, the statehouse will leave you with a deeper understanding of Ohio’s history and U.S. presidential campaigns, along with memories of its art collection’s historic murals and sculptures.
Pro tip:
Check their social media pages (Facebook and Instagram) for updates about special events and other free exhibits. After your tour, drop by the statehouse gift shop for Ohio-themed gifts, books, and locally made products that make for great souvenirs.
In addition, don’t miss the Capitol Square on which the statehouse stands. Take the opportunity to see the memorials and monuments there, including the Ohio Veterans Plaza and the Holocaust & Liberators Memorial.
7. Visit the North Market
Media credit: northmarket
Website: https://northmarket.org/
Address: 59 Spruce St
Contact details: +1 614 463 9664
Operating hours:
- Monday and Sunday – 10 AM – 5 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 9 AM – 7 PM
The North Market is a 149-year-old public market made up of Ohio’s independent merchants, farmers, and makers. It’s always buzzing with people grabbing lunch, chatting with vendors, and sampling everything from local cheese to spicy noodles.
Many of the vendors you’ll find here are family-owned businesses or long-time Columbus locals. Don’t be surprised if they hand you a free sample or two of their handcrafted soaps and spices, baked goods from old family recipes, and even fresh flowers.
More than anything, the North Market is a neighborhood hangout. If you’re a tourist, you’ll easily blend in with students, families, and downtown workers who catch up over coffee or browse their favorites between errands.
Pro tip:
Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to explore the market’s atmosphere, giving you the chance to connect with others and discover something new. Check the upcoming events here to find something that suits your interests.
8. Attend a free festival or event
Media credit: experiencecolumbus
Website:
- Festivals: https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/events/festivals-and-annual-events/
- Events: https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/events/
Contact details: +1 614 221 6623
Operating hours: (Vary depending on the festival or event)
No matter the season, there’s always a festival or an event to enjoy in Columbus. From festivals every weekend in the summer to holiday light displays throughout the city in the winter, it’s easy to find one that scratches your itch.
Even better, many of them are for free. One that locals and tourists look forward to the most is the Columbus Arts Festival, which showcases 200 visual artists, three stages of performances, and dozens of food vendors.
You can also try the Jazz & Rib Fest, a summertime tradition that treats both jazz lovers and barbecue enthusiasts to the best in music and delicious ribs.
There’s also an option to participate in the ComFest’s workshops, community activism, or performances by Columbus’s bands and artists.
Pro tip:
Check local event calendars for upcoming free events. Event details may change unexpectedly, too, so don’t forget to click on individual event websites for the most updated information.
9. Watch a free outdoor concert
Media credit: columbuscommons
Website: https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/events/concerts-and-live-music/
Contact details: +1 614 221 6623
Operating hours: (Vary depending on the venue)
Many parks and venues in Columbus organize free live music you can watch during the summer months. One great example is the Common Ground Concert Series held at the Columbus Commons, where you can listen or sing along to a variety of artists.
Meanwhile, the Goodale Park Music Series kicks off on Sunday afternoons in July and August, highlighting the talent of local bands and artists. Kids can also enjoy fun activities like face painting, balloon animals, and more before the concert begins.
The Bicentennial Park and Topiary Park host free summer concerts, too, on select Fridays and the second Saturday of each month, respectively. What all these free concerts have in common (besides the fun) are food trucks to keep you well-fed, day or night.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to get a good spot and enjoy pre-concert activities. Don’t forget to bring a jacket or a lawn chair for a more comfortable concert experience.
10. Discover the German Village and Schiller Park
Media credit: the_matt_summers
Website:
- German Village https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/neighborhoods/german-village-and-brewery-district/
- Schiller Park https://columbusrecparks.com/parks/schiller-park/
Address:
- German Village – 588 S. Third St.
- Schiller Park – 1069 Jaeger St
Contact details:
- German Village – +1 614 221 8888
- Schiller Park – +1 614 645 3156
Operating hours:
- The Book Loft of German Village (Monday to Sunday) – 10 AM – 11 PM
- Schiller Park (Monday to Sunday) – 7 AM – 11 PM
- German Village Coffee Shop
- Monday to Saturday – 7 AM – 2 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM – 2 PM
Built by German settlers hundreds of years ago, you’ll be passing by brick homes and shops, as well as brick-lined streets in the German Village. Modern touches have been incorporated over time, coexisting with its historic charm—for instance, the charming cafes and boutiques.
At the heart of the village, you’ll come face to face with Schiller Park, which has picnic areas, floral gardens, and a fishing pond. There’s also an outdoor stage for the Actors’ Theatre of Columbus that lets you watch annual Shakespeare performances for free.
Let’s not forget the village’s 32-room Book Loft, filled with over 500,000 books across various genres. There’s also the German Village Coffee Shop, an old-school diner with a must-try Western Omelet and club sandwich.
Pro tip:
Take a walk through the neighborhood in the fall to experience the seasonal charm at its best. While winter also brings beautiful holiday lights and markets, choose what suits you best—and don’t forget to snap a few (or many) photos!
