Summer FUN!
Summer, 2023
Important Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, June 1st: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Sunday, June 18th: Father´s Day
Monday, June 19th: Juneteenth
City of Columbus Swimming Pools
FEES AND HOURS OF OPERATION
$1
- All pools are first come, first served; there is no advanced registration.
- Pools will have capacity limits.
- Information on organized groups and private rentals.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Hours for May 27–29 and June 3–4
Dodge, Driving Park and Tuttle Pools will be open the following hours:
Saturday 12–6 p.m.
Sunday 12–5 p.m.
Monday 12–5 p.m.
Standard Hours
All available pools will open for the season on June 10.
Monday 1–7:45 p.m.
Tuesday 1–7:45 p.m.
Wednesday 1–7:45 p.m.
Thursday 1–7:45 p.m.
Friday 1–7:15 p.m.
Saturday 12–6 p.m.
Sunday 12–5 p.m.
Holiday Hours
- May 29 – Dodge, Driving Park and Tuttle will be open 12-5 p.m.
- June 19 – All pools will be closed in observance of Juneteenth.
- July 4 – Dodge, Driving Park and Tuttle will be open 12-5 p.m.
STATUS UPDATES
Pools may close unexpectedly due to maintenance needs or weather.
RULES AND REQUIREMENTS
- Swimming is permitted only when a lifeguard is on duty.
- This is a family-friendly area. Be considerate, and watch your language.
- Children under 13 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult over 18.
- Children under 9 must be within arm’s reach of an adult over 18. An adult in proper swimwear must remain with child at all times — both in and out of the water.
- All bags and coolers are subject to search at any time.
- A Columbus Recreation and Parks Leisure Card is required for entry for anyone over 3 years old.
- Pool pass or daily admission payment is required for entry (even if you do not plan to swim). No re-entry without the current proof of admission.
- Proper swimwear is required. Please refer to swimwear regulations and guidelines signage or ask the front desk for assistance.
- The City of Columbus reserves the right to prohibit entry to or remove anyone from the premises due to safety concerns. This includes but is not limited to: equipment or chemical malfunction,
weather and/or safety emergencies, public impairment, unsafe behavior, and/ or failure to follow pool area rules.
The complete list of rules and regulations is available online or posted inside the pool. If you have questions or concerns, please speak with management on-site.
No drugs or alcohol permitted.
No glass containers permitted.
No inflatables, balls, noodles or toys that obstruct water views.
No smoking, vaping, electronic cigarettes or chewing tobacco permitted.
No concealed carry or weapons permitted.
Per section 2923.126 (7) of the Ohio Revised Code
***Copy & Pasted from https://columbusrecparks.com/facilities/pools/***
Columbus Police and Non-Profits Hosting Neighborhood Block Parties
Returning for summer 2023, Columbus Police, Byers Airport Subaru, and Columbus Recreation and Parks Department are hosting a series of Neighborhood Block Parties.
At the heart of these parties is a mission: bridging the gap between the police and the community. Parties offer an opportunity for communities to connect, have some great conversations, and strengthen the bonds that make our neighborhoods special.
All events are from 4:00-7:00pm:
June 15, Linden Community Center
June 22, Fedderson Community Center
July 12, Adams Community Center
August 17, Glenwood Community Center
J. Ashburn Center
85 Clarendon Avenue
Free Breakfast and Lunch for kids up to age 18. June 12 - August 11
8:30AM - 9:30AM Breakfast
12:00PM - 12:30PM Lunch
There are so many parks to check out! Not just metro parks, but plenty of city and county parks too! Most have play grounds, trials, creeks, nature centers and kid/family activities!
Slate Run, has the only living farm with free access to everyone.
Batelle Darby Creek, has buffalo in their pastures.
Scioto Audubon, has a large obstacle course, play ground and rock climbing.
Scioto Metro Grove, has a large rope bridge on one of their trails.
Glacier Ridge, has a large ninja course, natural play area and play ground.
Quarry Trails at Millikin Falls, has paved trails, waterfalls and play area.
Innis Woods, has fairy gardens.
Indian Run Falls, has cool waterfalls and plenty of shade.
Dinosaur Park in Delaware, has a playground and splash pad.
Rising Park in Lancaster, has a huge playground and nice hike to overlook the city/country.
Glacier Ridge Metro Park
Metro Parks
Quarry Trails at Millikin Falls
How Many Can You Check Off???
Culture Pass
FREE Passes with a LIBRARY CARD at Columbus Metropolitan Libraries
Columbus Clippers Sunday Game Culture Pass:
- Eligible Games for the 2023 Season: April 9; April 23; May 7; May 21; May 28; June 11; July 2; July 16; July 30; August 6; August 27; September 10; and September 24, 2023
- Each pass admits up to 2 adults and 4 children (aged 12 and under) to designated Sunday games (dates listed). Redeemable for bleacher seats only.
- Tickets will be available for checkout up to 2 weeks prior to each game.
- Available only for in-person checkout at all branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Columbus Museum of Art Short Term Membership Pass:
General Admission for up to 8 people.
Passes may be used one time within seven days of checkout.
Available only for in-person checkout at all branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Columbus Symphony Orchestra Culture Pass:
- Passes Will Be Available Only for 2023 Masterworks Series Performances at the Ohio Theatre: January 6-7 (Winter Festival); January 20-22 (Beethoven, Mozart, & Haydn); Feb. 3-4 (Dvor̂ák's New World); February 17-18 (Schubert Symphony No. 4, 'Tragic'); March 3-4 (Mahler Symphony No. 9); March 17-19 (Variations on Nutcracker Suite); April 14-15 (Carmen Suite); May 5-7 (Rachmaninoff & Tchaikovsky); and May 19-20 (Welcome to Spring)
Passes will be available for checkout during the 2 weeks prior to each performance.
- You must visit columbussymphony.com before the performance to reserve one adult seat and all children's seats.
- Each pass includes a promotional code that can be used for one free adult reservation online; all children under 16 are free.
If you have any issues, please contact the CBUSArts box office at 1-614-469-0939.
- Available only for in-person checkout at all branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Short Term Membership Pass:
General Admission for up to 6 people.
Passes may be used one time within two days of checkout.
Available only for in-person checkout at the Main, Barnett, Driving Park, Franklinton, Hilltop, Karl Road, Linden, Marion-Franklin, Martin Luther King, Northern Lights, Northside, Parsons, Shepard, and Whitehall branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Franklin Park Conservatory Short Term Membership Pass:
General Admission for 2 adults and 6 children, and ½ price admission for special events.
- May be redeemed one time within thirty days of checkout.
- Available only for in-person checkout at the Martin Luther King, Shepard and Driving Park branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
National Veterans Memorial and Museum Short Term Membership Pass:
General Admission for up to 2 adults and 5 children.
May be redeemed one time within two days of checkout.
Available only for in-person checkout at the Barnett, Driving Park, Franklinton, Martin Luther King, Parsons, and Main branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Ohio History Connection and Ohio Village Short Term Membership Pass:
General Admission for up to 8 people of any age.
May be redeemed one time within seven days of checkout.
Available only for in-person checkout at the Driving Park, Franklinton, Hilltop, Karl Rd., Linden, Martin Luther King, Northern Lights, and Northside branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Pizzuti Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art Short Term Membership Pass:
- General Admission for up to 8 people.
- Passes may be used one time within seven days of checkout.
- Available only for in-person checkout at all branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Other Happenings At The Library
Don´t Forget About The Summer Reading Challenge. Sign up now and START reading on
June 1st!!
You will be entered for a chance to win prizes at the of the challenge in August!!
***CHECK OUT THESE PRIZES***
Museums For All
Museums for All is a program that offers free or reduced admission ($1-3) for families who receive food assistance or SNAP benefits to:
Columbus Museum or Art- Always FREE on SUNDAY
COSI
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
Ohio Historical Center and Ohio Village
Wexner Center for the Arts- FREE on Thursdays after 4pm and on SUNDAY
Click link below for more info!
Discounts
If you do not receive SNAP benefits, but do receive WIC or Medicaid you are eligible for discounted memberships to following:
ZOO, COSI, Franklin Park Conservatory, Ohio Historical Center, Amazon Prime and the YMCA.
AMAZON PRIME: $5.99 per month- free shipping and access to movies and tv shows. The also accept EBT cards with free delivery for online pantry purchases.
YMCA: Offers discounts for low income individuals and families. Call your location for more details.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Columbus ZOO and Aquarium
Family Access Membership
A discounted membership for families in Ohio that qualify for eligible programs including WIC, Medicaid or the Ohio Direction EBT card. Purchase this membership in the Membership and Season Pass Processing building at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Photo ID, proof of Ohio residency, as well as participation in a qualifying program is required at time of purchase.
Admits up to two primary named adult members in the same household, plus either dependent children OR grandchildren up to age 21 (not both) to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Regular Price: $45
All members receive the following benefits
- FREE admission for 12 months
- FREE parking
- FREE digital member magazine, the Beastly Banner
- 10% discount in Columbus Zoo and Aquarium gift shops
- Discounts at Safari Golf Club
- Discounts on select educational class and camp offerings
- Discounts on Zoombezi Bay single-day tickets and season passes (excluding Gold members)
- Discounted add-on rates for The Wilds memberships
- 50% discount on Open-Air Safari Tours at The Wilds
- Access to member-only events
***Copy and Pasted from https://columbuszoo.org/home/visit/get-your-membership/become-a-member, 2022***
ZIP TO THE ZOO WITH US
Get $3 admission to the Columbus Zoo or $10 off Zoombezi Bay tickets
Your safari starts with the Zoo Bus! For a safe, easy and affordable ride to the zoo to experience the unexpected, take COTA’s Zoo Bus — it’s just $2 each way.
COSI
Discounted COSI Membership with proof of photo ID, Medicaid, Ohio Directions or WIC cards.
FAMILY ACCESS PASS $51.25
Family Access Memberships include two named adults and dependent children or grandchildren 18 and under.
Basic Level Benefits:
- Year-long admission to COSI
- Free unlimited admission to American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery at COSI.
- Free unlimited admission to select exhibitions in the American Museum of Natural History Special Exhibition Gallery.
- Free or discounted reciprocal admission to 360+ science centers. View Details
- Invitations to Member Previews and Events.
- Discounted admission to select limited-engagement exhibitions, including MARVEL: Universe of Super Heroes.
- Discounted admission to the Motion Simulator.
- 10% Discount on purchases at the Science2GO! Gift Store, Atomic Café and Molecules Brews & Bites.
- Service fee waived for online and phone purchases.
***Copy and Pasted from https://cosi.org/membership, 2022***
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Access Pass
A reduced rate family membership for families in eligible programs with proof of participation: CareSource, Ohio Directions card, Medicaid card, W.I.C. card or Molina card.
$35 plus tax
***Copy and Pasted from https://www.fpconservatory.org/get-involved/membership/, 2022***
Ohio Historical Center
Family Access Pass: $35
Must have ID, WIC, EBT or Medicaid card to purchase in person. Click button for more info.
FREE MOVIES ALL SUMMER!!
Discounts at Cinemark Theaters every Tuesday
POSTED BY
Living on the Cheap
If you’re a movie lover on a budget, mark your calendar for Tuesdays for discounts at Cinemark Theaters.
Cinemark offers its weekly Discount Day every Tuesday at participating locations, available exclusively to members of Cinemark Movie Rewards (CMR).
As a member of this free program, use your membership online or at the theatre box office to receive a discount from the regular weekday price on the tickets you purchase – only on Tuesdays.
Tickets are just $5 on Tuesdays! (There is an upcharge for 3-D films.)
The offer is not valid for new movies on opening day, specially priced engagements or on holidays. Plus, the promo price does not include Cinemark XD, Cinemark IMAX or special engagements. Check here for pricing and participation.
Columbus Moonlight Movies - Free Fun for the Family
Several locations around the city offer Free outdoor movie series this summer.
Easton Town Center:
Bring a blanket and bucket of popcorn and join us for movies under the stars! Movies by Moonlight, our summer outdoor movie series, takes place on Tuesday evenings in June at Easton’s Town Square (south of Brio) and features favorites for the whole family.
6/6 Lightyear
6/13 DC League of Super Pets
6/20 Back To the Future
6/27 Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
Please note: The movie will begin around dusk. Actual movie start time will vary based upon the time of sunset.
Columbus Commons:
Movies begin at 8:15 PM.
5/27 Moana
6/23 The Lion King
7/ 14 Shrek
9/ 9 Encanto
For the June 23 and July 14 free movies, gates will open at 8:00 PM following a ticketed Columbus Symphony Orchestra Popcorn Pops performance. You will not be able to enter the park until the event has finished.
On Sept. 9, Columbus Commons will welcome families with Autism and developmental disabilities in a partnership with Bridgeway Academy & Therapy Center.
For a full list of outdoor movie events and locations, please see link below.
Summer Festival Line Up 2023
MAY
Columbus Taco Fest | May 20-21, 2023, Genoa Park
The 5th annual Columbus Taco Fest returns next May with the best tacos, tequila, and Mexican beer you can find in the city.
Asian Festival | May 27-28, 2023, Virtual
This annual celebration that promotes the importance of cultural diversity in building a vibrant, prosperous and healthy community is going virtual!
JUNE
Columbus Arts Festival | June 9–11, 2023, Downtown Columbus
The Columbus Arts Festival has grown into one of the most highly acclaimed arts festivals in the nation. The event will feature over 200 visual artists, three stages of performances and dozens of food vendors. The Columbus Arts Festival attracts the nation’s top artists, as well as art enthusiasts from all over the country. The event remains free to attend.
Stonewall Columbus Pride | June 16–17, 2023, Goodale Park
An annual celebration, Pride events across the globe aim to bring community together in camaraderie and recognition of the strength, resilience, and fight of the LGBTQIA+ community past and present; a fight for equity and equality that is far from over.
Juneteenth on the Ave. l June 17, 2023 Columbus
Mt Vernon Ave 12pm-6pm
Juneteenth Ohio Celebration | June 17–18, 2023, Genoa Park
Throughout 25 years of celebration, Juneteenth Ohio has emerged as the enjoyable family weekend of cultural discovery, filled with a variety of events promoting cultural unity, enrichment, and ethnic diversity, “key elements that improves the relationships and quality of life among all residents throughout Ohio”. FREE UNTIL 3PM
ComFest | June 23-25, 2023, Goodale Park
Community Festival (ComFest) will feature performances by Columbus’ best bands and artists, workshops, community activism and other events you look forward to every year.
- Our Very Own Mr. Kilburg's band- CGB is playing at 4:30 on Friday!!
JULY
Red, White & BOOM! | July 3, 2023, Downtown Columbus
There are few more patriotic ways to kick off your Independence Day weekend than at the largest fireworks display in Ohio. Red, White & BOOM! is an experience and a tradition for over 400,000 visitors who come together each Independence Day to celebrate the country and the community and to honor our military and veterans. Festivities, like the street festival, start at 11 a.m. and the big show starts at 10 p.m. Plan to be downtown very early, because the best spots go fast!
Jazz & Rib Fest | July 21–23, 2023, Scioto Mile
Jazz & Rib Fest, presented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, is a highly anticipated summertime tradition offering both jazz and rib connoisseurs the finest in music and barbecue.
AUGUST
Ohio State Fair | July 26 – August 6, 2023, Ohio State Fairgrounds
Full of exciting attractions, food and entertainment, this multi-day fair brings in upwards of 800,000 visitors each year.
Festival Latino | August 12-13, 2023, Genoa Park
This free, family-focused event is bringing national and international music acts, Ohio-based Latino dance and music, children’s activities, and more for the community to enjoy.
Columbus Food Truck Festival | August 18 - 20, 2023, Franklin County Fairgrounds
Enjoy three days of food, music and fun, and celebrate the festival's return to the historical Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard. Experience the best food trucks from across Ohio and around the country accompanied by live music, and explore tons of vendors of locally-made craft and retail items.
CBUS Soul® Fest | August 19, 2023, Bicentennial Park
In a first-ever collaboration between Experience Columbus (and its CBUS Soul® initiative) and the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, the CBUS Soul® fest will take place in 2022 at Bicentennial Park. Come out to experience Columbus' vibrant Black culture, music, history, and soul!
Fiery Foods Festival | August 26-27, 2023, Scioto Mile and Main Street Bridge
This year, the Fiery Foods Festival returns, and the event will again be donating a portion of its proceeds to the children's charity CD102.5 For the Kids. Festival-goers sample everything from BBQ to salsa to sweet treats with a kick. The festival also features artisans, crafters, food trucks, and entertainment, as well as a number of contests that attendees can take part in.
SAFETY CITY
Safety City at the Hilltop YMCA: July 31 to August 3, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Safety City is a free 4-day program for children ages 5 to 7 to learn more about traffic lights and safety, fire prevention safety, stranger awareness and more from firefighters and police officers. Safety City will be at the Hilltop YMCA, 2879 Valleyview Dr., 43204. To register, call (614) 623-0081 or click here: https://bit.ly/SafetyCity2023-Hilltop
Columbus Commons
Commons for Kids- Friday mornings
10 AM - 1 PM
June 9 - August 11
Every week has a unique theme, with activities for the little ones AND the big kids! Check below for more information on each date.
Kids of all ages can enjoy unique activities, carousel rides, and inflatables - all with a panoramic view of Downtown’s skyline for FREE. Each Commons for Kids is programmed to be a launching pad for exploration. With six acres of open and inviting space, there’s no shortage of fun on Fridays at the Commons.
CAROUSEL HOURS
Open daily from 11am-7pm
(When you arrive, if there is not an operator nearby, please call 614-227-3788 to request one).
Hours may vary for weather and events.
Thanks to our partner, PNC, all carousel rides are free!
FREE Movie Nights!!
May 27- Moana
June 23- The Lion King*
July 14- Shrek*
September 9- Encanto**
*For the June 23 and July 14 free movies, gates will open at 8 p.m. following a ticketed Columbus Symphony Orchestra Popcorn Pops performance. If you arrive prior to 8 p.m., you will not be permitted into the park until the previous ticketed event is finished.
**New this year: On Sept. 9, Columbus Commons is partnering with Bridgeway Academy & Therapy Center to welcome families with Autism and developmental disabilities.
SUMMER CONCERTS
****Admission is FREE, but a ticket is required****
FREE MARTINA MCBRIDE CONCERT
FEAT. HARPER GRACE
SUNDAY, JULY 9
Tuesday, June 13 at 10 am: 2,000 early access tickets will be released for newsletter subscribers on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up for our newsletter here!
Wednesday, June 14 at 10 am: Remaining 6,000 tickets will be released to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets can be claimed here!
FREE BOYZ II MEN CONCERT
FEAT. HARMONIC SOUL BAND
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25
Tuesday, July 25 at 10 am: 2,000 early access tickets will be released for newsletter subscribers on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up for our newsletter here!
Wednesday, July 26 at 10 am: Remaining 6,000 tickets will be released to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets can be claimed here!
Admission is FREE, but a ticket is required.
Easy and convenient parking is available just south of the park at the Columbus Commons Main Garage, located at 55 East Rich Street.
The Shops On Lane Activities
Other Things To Do
American Whistle Factory: A 1 hour tour is $6 per person. Visit: https://www.americanwhistle.com
Visit: https://www.anthony-thomas.com/tours.html
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum: FREE Tuesday-Sunday 1pm-5pm
Visit https://cartoons.osu.edu/
Ohio State House: FREE tours. Guided tours start on the hour from 10am-3pm Monday-Friday. People are welcome to do self guided or phone guided tours anytime. Visit:
https://ohiostatehouse.org/visit/public-tours
Orton Geological Museum: FREE tours. Located on The Ohio State University Campus. Visit: https://ortongeologicalmuseum.osu.edu/visit-us/visit-museum
FREE and FUN Phone Apps
Pokemon Go: Discover Pokemon worldwide as you catch powerful Pokemon during battle raids!
GeoCaching: Find and Hide tiny treasures where ever you are! Download the app and let the adventure begin!
LeafSnap: Plant identification app to use when exploring!
Munzee: Global Savenget Hunt where QR codes are found and captured.
Star Chart: Magical augmented reality star gazing and astronomy chart.
Highland Youth Garden
Our Mission
Highland Youth Garden grows minds, grows food and grows community in partnership with our Hilltop neighbors.
Our History
The garden’s history is one rooted in humility and love: the seeds for Highland Youth Garden were planted 11 years ago when a local recreation center closed, and local educators and lovers-of-gardening began growing food and teaching children on the plot. Now, we feature one of the largest high tunnels in the city, an outdoor education center, and a nearly half-acre plot full of arbors, structures, and crops.
What We Do
We offer a diverse, hands-on learning environment for children, giving them the space and guidance to grow their own food. We work with over 350 students a year, and our half-acre garden grows over 3,000 pounds of food annually, all of which is offered to Hilltop neighbors during our programs and Garden Markets. We also employ Westside teens throughout the year to learn gardening, community outreach and leadership skills.
Join the Garden Club or check out their schedule to get FRESH produce!!
Click the link below.
***Copy and Pasted from https://www.highlandyouthgarden.org/, 2022.***
Food Resources
City of Columbus Summer Meal Programs
Our Summer Food Program offers free, nutritionally balanced meals at our community centers and other various locations during the summer months.
Families in need can call 866-3-HUNGRY (Español: 877-8-HAMBRE) or text 914-342-7744 with a question that contains a keyword such as “food,” “summer,” “meals,” etc. and receive a text back that will show free meal sites closest to them.
Food Pantries
3960 Brookham Dr
Grove City, OH - 43123
(614) 277-3663
- Monday 5:30pm-8:00pm
- Tuesday 9:30am-3:30pm & 5:30pm-8:00pm
- Wednesday 9:30am-3:30pm & 5:30pm-8:00pm
- Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm & 5:30pm-8:00pm
- Friday 9:30am-3:30pm
- Saturday 9:30am-3:30pm
- Sundays Closed
Upon arrival to the Foodbank's parking lot, every vehicle will be given a number and asked to park in an orderly fashion. A volunteer or staff member will conduct registration at the vehicle and a pre-packaged box will be delivered. There is no need for you to get out of your vehicle as the food box will be brought directly to you. Bring your ID and/or utility bill with CURRENT address! In the interest of keeping human contact to an absolute minimum, what the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) calls “social distancing,” we believe that this is the safest course of action to take moving forward, especially during these challenging times.
https://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/shelter/oh_kroger-community-food-pantry
Mid Ohio Market at MY Project USA:
3275 Sullivant Avenue Columbus, OH, 43204
(614) 905-0977
Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wednesday – 3 - 7 p.m.
Thursday:10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Mid Ohio Market at Norton Road Market:
620 NORTON RD
COLUMBUS OH 43228
614-782-5514
Tuesday: 12 - 8 p.m.
Wednesday: 12 - 8 p.m.
Thursday: 12 - 8 p.m.
Friday: 12 - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
https://mofc.org/user/9004111249144290/
SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 23-24 SCHOOL YEAR
Save The Date! CCS Back to School Fair August 19th
Back to School Fair, August 19th
August 19, 2023
10-2pm
Fort Hayes Metro Campus
546 Jack Gibbs Blvd., 43215
Preparations are underway for the 2023 Ready to Go Back to School Fair. One of the largest back-to-school events in Columbus, this event welcomed over 7,500 families to receive school supplies, learn about community resources and ask questions of District staff about the upcoming school year.