Rock climbing gym with programs to help everyone climb. Various classes and memberships are available for complete beginners to seasoned pros in rock climbing, bouldering, belay climbing, and yoga across their locations. They offer Community Days with $9 day passes (including rental gear) for BIPOC/AAPI, LGBTQIA+, ages 50+, teens ages 14-18, women, families, and college students. They also offer week-long rock climbing summer camps for ages 6+ as well as classes, events, and climbing teams for youth. Contact the organization for summer camp financial aid opportunities.
Main Website: 5.life
Use this national online database to find information on local races, team sports, recreational activities, and camps for kids in your city.
(888) 543-7223
activekids.com
Supports Asian American and Asian immigrant communities in Ohio. They focus on East, Southeast, South Asian and Pacific Islander communities but assist individuals regardless of ethnic or racial background. Healthy Asian Youth (HAY) provides after-school and summer programming for low-income families. They offer free or low-cost classes for adults for ESL, Citizenship, and cultural arts. They also offer a Family Support Program for victims of crime, Senior citizen outreach, and interpreting and translation services. The Asian Health Initiative (AHI) provides free, culturally and linguistically appropriate services and health screenings for those living under 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.
4700 Reed Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 220-4023
aacsohio.org
Offers free one-to-one community-based and school-based mentoring programs year-round. They also operate Camp Oty’okwa in Hocking Hills, where they offer a variety of outdoor summer camp experiences for youth.
Central Ohio Office: 1855 East Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
(614) 839-2447
Camp Oty’Okwa: 24799 Purcell Road, South Bloomingville, Ohio 43152
(740) 385-5279
Ohio Offices: bbbsohio.org/locations
bbbscentralohio.org
The Simon Kenton Council is the Boy Scout chapter for 18 counties in Central and Southern Ohio. Their flagship scouting programs offer personal development, outdoor skills, and community service for boys and girls grades K-12. They also offer specialized mentoring programs for ages 14-20, camps for adult scouts, and summer camps. Scholarships are available for most programs.
807 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 436-7200
Simon Kenton Council: skcscouts.org
Boy Scouts of America National: scouting.org
A free, week-long summer camp for children and teens who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. Campers enjoy outdoor camp activities including swimming, hiking, games, and crafts. Campers also receive structured group grief counseling sessions with trained, licensed professionals. Campers grieve, learn ways to cope with their loss, make friends, and have fun. The camp takes place at Camp Oty’okwa in Hocking Hills. They also have opportunities for clinical volunteers, non-clinical volunteer, and donations. The camp operates on donations and families are not charged.
(614) 506-7959
camplionheart.org
Offers overnight camps and day camps in Hocking Hills and Galena, Ohio for youth entering grades 2-12. Camps include activities such as outdoor skills, hiking, crafts, swimming, archery, natural plants/animals/geology, and special themed programs. Go online for registration details and fees.
4400 North High Street Columbus, OH 43214
(614) 481-8227
campwyandot.org
Career Technical Schools offer training programs that can prepare students for the workforce or college degree programs. Career-Technical Education (CTE) is available at every public school in the state of Ohio free of tuition. High school students should check with their home school district to see what CTE school they are eligible to attend, and for transportation options. Students may attend CTE schools for half-day or full-day programs to continue extracurriculars or classes at their home school. Program pathways typically include healthcare careers such as nursing, information technology, automotive services, welding, cosmetology, graphic design, and others. Check with each CTE school to see what programs they offer. Many CTEs offer adult education programs such as free diploma and GED programs, career certificates, and personal enrichment classes.
List of Ohio Career Technical Centers: highered.ohio.gov/about/ohios-campuses/career-technical-education/career-technical-education-ohio-technical-centers
Columbus City Schools Career-Technical Education: Serves high school juniors and seniors in the Columbus City Schools district. Adult & Community Education offers programs for health occupations, skilled trades, computer applications, high school equivalency, and free ESL/ESOL classes.
Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools: Offers programs for high school juniors and seniors in Franklin, Fairfield, and Pickaway counties. Programs for adults include GED, ESL/ESOL, STNA, HVAC, and welding. Employability Prep is a personalized, transitional program for Franklin County students ages 16-21 with learning differences to receive hands-on training at community job sites. They offer free summer day camps for Grades 6-8 to experience hands-on learning.
4300 Amalgamated Place, Groveport, Ohio 43125
High School: (614) 836-4530
Adult Workforce: (614) 836-4541
Summer Camp: (614) 836-4530
eastlandfairfield.com
Delaware Area Career Center (DACC): Offers a variety of career-readiness opportunities for middle school and high school students on their campus and through satellite programs. They offer summer day camps for rising 7-9th grade students in Big Walnut, Buckeye Valley, Delaware City, Olentangy, Worthington, and Westerville school districts. Adult Education includes free adult diploma, GED, ESL/ESOL, and personal enrichment classes.
4565 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 548-0708
delawareareacc.org
South-Western City Schools Career Tech: For junior and senior high school students in South-Western City School District. They also offer free adult workforce development courses in the evenings for HVAC, Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA), auto maintenance, and more.
4750 Big Run South Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
(614) 801-3400
swcsdcareertech.com
Tolles Career & Technical Center: Serves Dublin, Fairbanks, Jonathan Alder, Hilliard, London, Madison-Plains, and Jefferson school districts. Adult educational opportunities include free ESL, GED, STNA EMT, personal enrichment classes, and more.
7877 U.S. Highway 42 South, Plain City, Ohio 43064
(614) 873-4666
tollestech.com
Community center serving the Near East neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. They can help families navigate resources to get help with food, healthcare, employment and housing. They offer housing/rent assistance, soft skills training, employment assistance, financial education, and parenting workshops for adults. Programs for youth include after-school programs, Summer Challenge Day Camp for Grades K-5, and childcare through partnership with Columbus Early Learning Centers. The Village Central Senior Program provides transportation services, wellness programs, and social events for adults ages 60+. ACE, Academy for Community Entrepreneurs, offers technology and professional development classes. TRANSIT ARTS provides free, year-round cultural arts workshops such as dance crew, music, and fine arts for ages 12-21.
Independent country day school providing education and programs for grades PreK-12. The Summer Experience offers 8 weeks of programming and is open to students not currently attending Columbus Academy. Programs include nature exploration, sports clinics, academics, swimming, arts, cooking, and more. Go online for registration details and fees.
4300 Cherry Bottom Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
General Information: (614) 475-2311
Summer Experience: (614) 509-2267
columbusacademy.org/summer
Offers a variety of free education programs for youth and adults. Adult classes include literacy (financial, workplace and technology literacy), citizenship classes, GED test preparation, and language (ESL/ESOL, Spanish, ASL).They also provide career coaching, supportive services for life transitions or re-entry to the community, supportive services for immigrants and New Americans, and help with utilities. Youth programs include MARVEL*US after school program for TANF-eligible youth ages 5-13, AMP for ages 16-18, and Pathways to Promise for youth ages 13-15 at risk of entering the juvenile justice system.
(614) 282-7661
clcworks.org
Free afterschool program for children K-8 to get homework help, a nutritious snack, and recreation activities. The Capital Kids program is hosted at Columbus Recreation & Parks Community Centers. Visit for locations and registration.
columbusrecparks.com/community/arc
Columbus School for Girls hosts week-long IDEAS Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 3-12 years old. Campers experience art, science, athletics, technology, and more fun activities centered around a weekly theme. Extended care and snack are included in camp fees. Discounts are available for siblings and groups.
65 South Drexel Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(844) 516-2267
summercampatideas.com
Columbus has parks and recreation centers throughout the city and surrounding areas. They provide a variety of programs, camps and classes for children, teens and adults. Financial assistance/Scholarships for programs may be available. Click below to find local programs in your neighborhood.
Program: Offers youth and their families mental and behavioral health services. Licensed social workers and counselors provide counseling and clinical treatment programs addressing a range of issues including school concerns, sexual abuse, delinquency, domestic violence, family conflict, substance abuse and mental health issues. They also offer parenting classes, free kindergarten readiness programs, and after-school and summer programs at their two youth centers.
Eligibility: Varies per program, serves those from 6 weeks old up to 21 years old.
Cost: Government insurance (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource), private insurance and self-pay (sliding scale fees based on income); most programs are free.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by someone else for counseling programs; psychiatric services require referral through a Directions for Youth counselor.
Central Intake: (614) 294-2661
dfyf.org
Serves: Individuals with disabilities ages 4 and up. Find specific physical requirements on their website.
Equine therapeutic riding center providing individual riding, summer camp, and life skills group for children with a disability. Horses provide a special format for individuals to connect and socialize with the animal and each other. They also offer riding programs for able-bodied individuals, veterans and soldiers, and senior citizens. Lesson fees are low-cost, and financial assistance may be available.
(937) 935-6545
1797 State Route 47, East Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311
discoveryriders.org
Provides life-skills training, career exploration, college readiness, wellness management, and direct mentorship opportunities for girls, women, and families. GHRO Your Future offers academic and leadership development for girls ages 12-18 through bi-weekly workshops. Applications typically open in August. Femergy Chica Camp is a free week-long, overnight summer camp for middle and high school girls. The GHRO Afterschool program offers free academic support for middle and high school girls once a week. They also offer professional development opportunities for women. The Femergy Center offers a space for professional and personal events, a co-working space, and Zen room for families and entrepreneurs.
49 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 653-8454
femergy.org
Helps girls ages 5-17 build strong self-esteem and learn skills such as teamwork, respect for the environment, STEAM and arts appreciation, financial literacy, and advocacy. Programs include regular events, after school programs, summer camps, and service project opportunities. High schoolers can experience leadership development, explore career opportunities, and apply for college scholarships. Girls can register as part of a troop or individually. Adults can volunteer as troop leaders or seasonally. Membership dues are low-cost and are paid annually.
Girls Scouts Ohio: gsoh.org
Girl Scouts National: girlscouts.org
A program for girls in Grades 3-8 to develop physical fitness, communication, empathy, and friendship skills. Trained coaches lead small teams through activities, running games and lessons. The 10-week program runs in the spring and fall seasons and ends in a 5K event. Camp GOTR is a summer camp experience for girls Grades 3-5. Fee assistance is available and they are committed to ensuring access for all participants regardless of financial situation. Programs are available in Franklin, Fairfield, Delaware, Licking, Madison, Knox, Pickaway, and Union Counties. Visit the website to find a program and register.
Main Office: 1145-L Chesapeake Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 681-4687
girlsontheruncentralohio.org
Settlement house located in Franklinton serving zip codes 43222, 43223, and 43215. Programs include senior outreach, preschool, youth programming and sports, rent and utility assistance, medical appointments with The Breathing Association, and the Gladden Food Pantry. The food pantry provides home delivery for seniors and disabled residents, and diapers. Some family and youth services require referral from Franklin County Children Services while parenting classes are open to the public. Contact the organization for details.
Offers a variety of free work readiness programs. Adult programs include GED preparation, ESL/ESOL, Career Bridges customer service training, and technology classes. Youth programs include after school homework help, mentoring, and career exploration for grades 9-12. Blue Bow Tie offers professional catering services while providing job opportunities to individuals with barriers to employment. Camp Mary Orton offers summer camp experiences for youth ages 6-14, team building retreats, and venue spaces with proceeds supporting Godman Guild programs.
P.O. Box 8100 Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 294-5476
godmanguild.org
Athletic recreation center in Central Ohio offering a variety of classes, training opportunities, and competitions for youth, preschool and up. Classes include gymnastics, tumbling, martial arts, and HUGS gymnastics for special needs youth. They also host a preschool open gym, special events, summer camp, and camps for school closures/holidays. They partner with Nationwide Children’s Sports Medicine to provide specialized athletic training.
8185 Business Way, Plain City, Ohio 43064
(614) 733-0818
integritygym.com
Provides a wide range of recreation and cultural arts opportunities in an inclusive environment defined by Jewish values and culture. All are welcome to participate in their programs. Programs include teen recreation, summer and spring break camps, after school programs, preschool and daycare, fitness classes, theater, and more.
Provides work readiness, educational enrichment, and youth development in Franklin County. They provide after-school programs at Bridge Gate Community School, Franklinton High, West High, New Albany High, Groveport-Madison High, Horizon Science Academy, The Charles School, and The Graham School. Programs are free for income-eligible families. Their Student Support Program provides hygiene items and food to students 16-21. The 6-week summer program provides paid work development experiences for Franklin County residents ages 16-21. Career pathways for the summer program include construction, medical, logistics, IT, social media, and more; and culminates with job placement.
215 North Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
General Inquiries: (614) 915-0434
Enrollment: (614) 965-8392
leadthewaylearningacademy.org
Offers services for Central Ohio families managing diabetes including education and counseling, medical nutrition therapy, and wellness checks with registered nurses at their community center locations. They accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance with no direct cost to patients. They also offer free testing supplies for those needing assistance, and accept donations for supplies. Camp Hamwi offers fun, outdoor summer camp experiences for youth ages 7-17 with diabetes. Camp fees are low and scholarships are available for families who qualify based on income.
1699 West Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
Diabetes Services: 614-437-2912
Camp Hamwi: 614-437-2914
Locations: lifecarealliance.org/programs/wellness/wellness-centers
lifecarealliance.org/programs/coda
Soccer academy that places value on children’s holistic development and enjoyment of the sport before competition. They offer classes starting for children as young as 2 years old to adults. Programs include group classes, specialized training for high-level players, summer camp, and adult pick-up games. They also offer open gym events and party hosting packages in their gym space.
330 West Case Street, Powell, Ohio 43065
(380) 268-9951
lockersoccer.com
The Ohio History Connection oversees 58 historic sites and museums across the state. The Ohio History Center and Ohio Village are located in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to the museum exhibits, families can take advantage of their many family-friendly events and activities. They also offer immersive experiences for homeschool families. Their website also has lesson plans and educational resources for parents and teachers.
Ohio History Center: 800 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
(614) 297-2300
ohiohistory.org
Museum & Historic Site Locator: ohiohistory.org/sites
Offers a variety of sport-based positive youth development programs for elementary, middle, and high school youth. LiFEsports summer camp teaches healthy lifestyle behaviors, sports skills, and social skills for ages 9-14. The camp takes place at The Ohio State University and select elementary schools and Community Centers in Columbus. The Youth Leadership Academy is a 4-year program for high schoolers to experience professional development, mentoring, career visits, and college prep. The program is free and includes meals and transportation. Visit the website for registration details.
Bricker Hall: 190 North Oval Mall, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 514-5942
osulifesports.org
Offers a variety of fitness and recreation programs at The Ohio State University. OSU students can find information on fitness classes, disability accommodations, and more. Offerings open to the community include Red Cross swim safety classes from 6-months old to adults, and private swim lessons. Camp Recky is a sports and recreation summer camp for ages 6-12. Esports Summer Camp offers esports learning for all skill levels, ages 10-13.
Recreation & Physical Activity Center: 337 Annie & John Glenn Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Main Office: (614) 292-7671
Summer Camps: (614) 688-8787
recsports.osu.edu/programs/summer-camp
Provides a supportive learning environment for Latina girls ages 2-17 and their mothers/guardians. Their programs focus on self-esteem and culture with the goal of developing brave girls and strong women. Programs include weekly activities for girls and moms, conferences and retreats, service projects, in-school programs, and summer camp opportunities. There is no membership cost.
2330 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 906-4706
proyectomariposas.org
Provides free trauma-informed, culturally-relevant after-school and summer programs to help teens in Franklin County reach their full potential. Programs include paid job skill & training opportunities, one-on-one mentorship and leadership training, and teen nights. They also host events for parents and community members. Go online to apply.
(614) 342-0505
ruurbanlegends.org
Rising Appalachian Warriors (RAW) Camp is a summer day camp for youth ages 6-17 years old to enjoy outdoor play, develop leadership and team-building skills, and learn about local ecosystems. Families can apply online for scholarships to cover camp costs, and the organization strives to provide services to all interested youth. Rising Appalachia also offers land-based business apprenticeships for Dover Township residents, no-cost consultation services for land-based projects, tree plantings, and other ecological projects.
13262 Liars Corner Road, Millfield, Ohio 45761
(740) 818-6196
risingappalachia.org/raw-camp
Faith-based community center serving the Linden-area community. Programs include rental and utility assistance, childcare for children 6 weeks to 5 years at Christ Child Early Learning Center, afterschool and summer programs, Kinship Aftercare, Family to Family empowerment program for families with open cases with FCCS, senior food and transportation, and more. They also provide a food pantry with Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Find program details online.
1500 East Seventeenth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 294-6347
saintstephensch.org
An educational farm and nature preserve offering workshops and classes for children, farm tours, and family programs. Visitors may explore the trails, gardens, greenhouses, and livestock for free. Programs include Farm School, which offers hands-on farm experiences and qualifies as an Alternative Learning Experience credit in Ohio. Farm Camp offers week-long summer camp experiences for grades Prek-8, and Counselors in Training leadership experience for grades 8-12. Internships are available for ages 18+ with opportunities ranging from Environmental Education to Communication & Marketing to Farming & Sustainable Agriculture. Visit the website to find upcoming community events.
3083 Liberty Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 363-2548
stratfordecologicalcenter.org
Offers substance abuse treatment, prevention, and recovery support programs for communities of color in Central Ohio using culturally specific, evidence-based strategies. They offer anger management, domestic violence prevention and parenting classes for adults. Youth programming includes in-school, after-school, and summer camp. They also offer training opportunities for professionals and events for the community. Call or email the organization to register for a program.
700 Bryden Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Main Office: (614) 227-9694
Treatment Center: (614) 721-9362
umadaopfc.com
Independent school offering Pre-K through 12th grade education and after school programs. Tuition assistance is available for families based on demonstrated financial need. The Summer Program offers half-day or full-day experiences, with after-care options. Camp offerings include creative and performing arts, athletics, STEM, and more. Participants do not have to be Wellington School students to participate in summer programs. Fees vary by camp and are due at time of registration.
3650 Reed Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 457-7883
wellington.org/summer
Hosts programs for all ages, including health and fitness, swimming, childcare, summer camps, juvenile justice, and housing services.
Locations & Contact Info: ymcacolumbus.org/locations
YMCA Columbus Main Website: ymcacolumbus.org
A philanthropic soccer program for youth ages 6-13 years old. Children learn the game of soccer, establish passion for the game and improve their technical ability. Sister locations in Columbus, Ohio and Liberia participate in cultural exchange through virtual meetings. They also offer a summer camp.
2845 Noe Bixby Road, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(614) 699-0229
zionastro.com