CML is an award-winning library and amazing resource in the community. With 23 locations throughout Franklin County, they provide a lot more than just books, including lots of free online resources, story times for kids, and community events. Programs include:
(614) 645-2275
All Library Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
Upcoming Events: events.columbuslibrary.org/events?
Website: columbuslibrary.org
Offers exhibitions, events, and classes for the community. Veterans and families who receive SNAP/food vouchers, WIC, or Medicaid receive free admission, including special exhibitions. Families can also access free tickets through Columbus Metropolitan Library Culture Passes, Free Admission Sundays, or $5 tickets on Thursday evenings. Open Studio hours every Saturday, Homeschool Workshops for Grades 1-8, Studio Thinking Workshops for Grades K-12, and Open Studio during school breaks are free programs for youth included with museum admission. They also offer Summer Art Workshops for Grades 1-5 for a fee, with need-based scholarships available.
480 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-6801
columbusmuseum.org
Columbus Recreation & Parks Community Centers open for extended hours during Columbus City Public Schools’ spring, fall and winter breaks. The program allows youth to take part in a variety of activities during the day to help meet the needs of working parents. Visit the website for community center locations and to register.
columbusrecparks.com/community/schoolsout
Offers several educational opportunities for youth in addition to zoo exhibits. They offer week-long summer day camps for grades PreK-7. ZooKids is a preschool program for ages 3-5 multiples days per week during the school year. They also offer Dayventures outdoor recreation for grades 2-12 at The Wilds conservation center in Cumberland, Ohio. Scholarships for programs are available.
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.
Offers after school, school break, and summer camp programs for elementary students (K-5) in Delaware, Ohio. Programs are focused on empowering youth in school, sports, and life. The after school program includes free transportation from Delaware Elementary Schools. Program fees are meant to be affordable for families. Go online for program and registration details.
811 North Houk Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 417-5171
Summer Camp: delawaresummercamp.com/optin1595268949301
After School: delawareafterschool.com/optin1593618011447
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.
Offers programs to connect community through the arts, and to highlight cultural contributions of African Americans. Youth programs include after school, school break camps in the spring and winter, and summer camp for children ages 5-13. They also host community events throughout the year, including Heritage Music Festival, MLK Day Open House, and art exhibits at their Elijah Pierce Gallery.
835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 645-5464
kingartscomplex.com
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
Interactive museum located in Newark, Ohio offering STEAM learning labs, planetarium, art gallery, and history exhibits. Admission rates are low and they offer many discounts for veterans, teachers, SNAP recipients, and more. They offer free programming for families and adults year-round. STEMfest is a fun event for the public, with a competition for grades 3-12. Camps during school breaks are available for ages 5-7. Summer Camps are available for ages 4-11 and need-based scholarships are available. They also provide teacher professional development across east central Ohio.
55 South First Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 349-9277
attheworks.org
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