7 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Downtown Columbus
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North Market
Foodies of all culinary persuasions, this is your go-to for local, farm-to-table and international ingredients, artisan-inspired foods, beverages, cookware, cards and flowers. The only thing better? The chance to gab with 30+ friendly and knowledgeable merchants.
Cost: Browse FREE. Eat, drink and buy to your budget.
Aracri Pizza
Hand-tossed, New York-style pizza. Need we say more? By the pie or by the slice (lunch only), the Aracri family makes all its own dough, bread, sauces and pastas. Mamma Mia. From scratch. Every day.
Cost: Slices start at $3.50
Stroll Along the Scioto Mile
Take a stroll along the river on the Scioto Mile, beautiful at any time of day (and especially golden hour). Find the deer on the Rich Street bridge for the perfect Columbus photo op with a magnificent view to boot. Stop at Genoa Park for a panoramic view the Downtown skyline.
Cost: FREE
Urban Arts Space
Showcasing rotating exhibits from Ohio State art students, the Urban Arts Space is a peaceful place for the whole family to unwind. Located in the Lazarus Galleria, it's located in close proximity to the Scioto Mile and Columbus Commons.
Cost: FREE
Central Ohio Fire Museum
Enjoy a five-alarm experience in a 1908 fire station. Explore antique truck displays, learn about fire safety or take a guided tour. Got kids? The play area has full fire gear for little ones to try on and a real fire pole slide. (You know you wanna.) And don't forget to ask about the rope-rung firebell.
Cost: $6 and under
Topiary Garden and Main Library
Topiary Park features meticulously refined trees and bushes, bringing the painting they depict to life -- literally. Modeled after Georges Seurat's painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte, the garden features beautiful ponds in addition to its topiaries and is situated right behind the beautiful Columbus Metropolitan Library -- also a free destination.
Cost: FREE
Columbus Museum of Art
Tour hundreds of ancient, eclectic, modern and traditional artforms and artists from here, there and around the world, as well as permanent and traveling exhibits. But don’t stop there. This is definitely a place where the kiddos can touch, create, explore and experiment.
Cost: FREE on Sundays
