Provides free programs for youth, including STEM Escape Room events, museum visits, and educational lectures. They are student-led non-profit based in Columbus, Ohio promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the field of STEM. They also post helpful STEM-related content and scholarship opportunities on their Instagram. Go online to learn more and find their next event.
yforse.org
Acton Academy is a private, learner-driven K-8 school. The curriculum emphasizes deep learning through Montessori and Socratic methods, play, mixed age groups, STEAM, and hands-on projects. Programs open to non-Acton students include half-day and full-day STEAM Summer Camp, Spring Nature Groups, and an annual Children’s Business Fair for young entrepreneurs to present their products and services to real customers. Find program details and fees online.
5762 Wilcox Road, Dublin, Ohio 43016
(614) 603-7227
actonacademycolumbus.com
Mobile outreach program educating students about anthropology, archaeology, and STEM topics through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Organizations request and pay for outreach services from a local, experienced educator and archeologist. Programs vary in cost and age ranges and include Chemistry, Castles & Catapults, Mummy Rap, Puzzle of Pots, Dig Pits, and more. They often host programs at Columbus Metropolitan Library locations. Go online for program details and to see if there is a program happening near you.
(614) 530-9678
archaeologydigs.wixsite.com/acydi
facebook.com/JeffWhiteArchaeologist
Visit your local library to get access to free books, music, movies and documentaries. Many libraries also offer group reading times for children, homework help, job and business help, fun events for all ages, and more. Librarians can often help you get connected to local resources in your community, even if they are not offered directly by the library. Contact your local library to confirm what services they are currently offering.
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Provides mobile pediatric Speech Therapy services, including Myofunctional Therapy, for kids of all ages in Ohio. In-person services can be offered at your home, school, or daycare in Franklin, Union, Madison, or Delaware Counties. Online sessions are available to anyone in Ohio at a discount. Sessions can be at no cost to families through the The Jon Ptereson or The Autism Scholarship, and families can use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for to pay for services.
3693 Hilliard Station Road, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 657-5673
columbusareaspeechtherapy.com
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, specialized programs, and community events.
(614) 645-2275
Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
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. They offer Open Studio hours for youth every Saturday, Homeschool Workshops for Grades 1-8, Studio Thinking Workshops for Grades K-12, and Summer Art Workshops for Grades 1-5.
480 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-6801
columbusmuseum.org
The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium offers several educational opportunities for youth. They offer week-long day camps for Grades 1-7, with optional extended care for an additional fee. The 4-day and 4-week summer camps are for ages 3-entering Kindergarten. youth participate in a variety of activities designed to have fun and promote environmental awareness, including hands-on animal experiences. ZooKids is a preschool program for ages 3-5 multiples days per week during the school year. They also offer Dayventures and Summer Camps at The Wilds conservation center in Cumberland, Ohio. Scholarships 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. Click below to find local programs in your neighborhood.
Science center offering hands-on STEAM education for all, through interactive exhibits and programs. Families can purchase tickets or memberships to enjoy their live shows, special events, opportunities to volunteer, resources for educators, and more. They offer a special Family Access Membership that is available for families who get WIC, EBT, or Ohio Medicaid. They also offer Sensory Bags and a Sensory Environment Map to help individuals with sensory needs enjoy their visit. The COSI Connects website has lots of STEAM information, videos, and activities for families and educators.
333 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-2674
cosi.org
cosi.org/connects
Arboretum enriching lives through the conservation of trees, nature and history in Newark, Ohio. They offer regular programs and events for families including Home School Investigations, Preschool Storybook Science, and Camp Dawes summer day camp for ages 5-14. Scholarships are available for family programming. The campus has nearly 2,000 acres of plant collections, gardens, hiking trails and natural areas for anyone to learn and explore.
7770 Jacksontown Road, Newark, Ohio 43056
(740) 323-2355
dawesarb.org
Nature center providing vital education services in downtown Columbus, Ohio. The center is pet-friendly, public space and admission is always free. They host regular STEAM programming and events for all ages, including bird walks, preschool story time, and art shows. They offer day summer camps for grades PreK-6, with limited scholarships available.
505 West Whittier Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 545-5475
grange.audubon.org
Note: CAP4Kids does not recommend or endorse any specific organization. We encourage families to carefully review and evaluate all services.
INFOhio is Ohio’s PreK-12 digital library. Use the website to find free reading materials, websites, videos, and games organized by age and grade level. Topics range from early learning and learning to read, world languages, STEM, crafts, and more. Parents and Educators can also find parenting resources and professional literature databases. All resources align with the Ohio Department of Education Standards.
infohio.org
Find free, high-quality, educational videos on K-12+ topics by subject or by grade. Topics include math, science, computing, arts and humanities, economics and finance, music, philosophy, and more. The Life Skills section includes internet safety, social media literacy, personal finance, college admissions, and social-emotional learning. They also provide free test prep tools for AP tests, SAT, MCAT, and LSAT. Khan Academy Kids is a free educational app for kids ages 2-8 with fun games, videos, printables, and more. The Khan Academy website can be translated into many different languages. Teachers can sign up for additional resources.
Outlines the school options available for students in Ohio including community/charter schools, private schools, career-technical education, STEM schools, College Credit Plus (formerly known as PSEO and Dual Enrollment), home schooling, scholarships, high school equivalence/GED, and adult diploma programs.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-Education-Options
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 or (800) 686-6124
ohiohistory.org
Museum & Historic Site Locator: ohiohistory.org/sites
OSU College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences works with families, farmers, business owners, and community leaders to build better communities in Ohio. They offer soil testing kits, 4-H Youth Development Clubs, community courses on Urban Agriculture, Beginner’s Grant Writing, and Food Safety. Their Family & Consumer Sciences office offers nutrition and lifestyle resources including SNAP education, Dining with Diabetes, Food Preservation, and more.
2548 Carmack Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 866-6900
franklin.osu.edu/home
Nature and history conservatory offering parks & trails, facilities, and programs for families to explore. They offer group hikes, community events, and more.
2656 Hogback Road, Sunbury, Ohio 43074
(740) 524-8600
preservationparks.com
National literacy initiative providing many free resources for families, teachers, and librarians. Go online for resources on teaching kids to read, help for struggling readers, help for kids with dyslexia, literacy apps, webcasts, common core information, book lists, reading classes and more.
readingrockets.org
This project through the National Science Foundation provides a database of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs and opportunities near you. Search by name, location, or activity type to find after school programs, community events, citizen science projects, and more.
sciencenearme.org
Teaches and inspires kids to engage in service, social action, and community-building. They partner with local non-profits to provide free or low-cost monthly service projects, learning opportunities, and family events. They host in-person events as well as Anywhere Projects for families to complete at home. Kindness Corps is an in-school program for grades 2-4, interested educators can sign up for an educator training session. Visit their website to register for an upcoming project, event, or training.
355 East Campus View Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 219-9467
seedsofcaring.org/columbus
This non-profit educational organic farm and nature preserve offers workshops and classes for children, farm tours, and family programs. Programs include Farm School, which qualifies as an Alternative Learning Experience credit in Ohio. They offer a variety of summer camps for youth and families which include learning the rhythms of nature and a farm, fun activities, and leadership opportunities for high schoolers. Their internships for adults provide opportunities in sustainable agriculture, non-profit administration, family programming, and more.
3083 Liberty Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 363-2548
stratfordecologicalcenter.org
Manages landfills, waste collection, and recycling in Franklin County. Use their website to find drop-off locations for recyclables and household hazardous waste, and FAQs on food waste, yard waste, and more. SWACO also hosts community events throughout the year, and landfill tours for students. The Recycle Right website has resources on how to get started with recycling, how to sort recyclables, and an interactive quiz for kids and families.
Administration: (614) 871-5100
Landfill Tours: (614) 782-9429
Recycle Right: recycleright.org
swaco.org
Center located in Newark, Ohio with interactive STEM 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, including a STEMfest for high schoolers during spring break. Summer Camps are available for ages 3-12 and financial assistance is available for camp fees. They also provide teacher professional development across east central Ohio. Go online for program details and to plan your visit.
55 South First Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 349-9277
attheworks.org
Community teen center in Gahanna serving students grades 3-12. Students from Gahanna and surrounding communities are invited to build relationships, play games, craft, snack, get homework help, and hang out in a safe and inclusive environment for free. They also offer special events and trips, family nights, a space for community organizations to meet, and opportunities to volunteer.
254 Agler Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
(614) 414-2326
gaap4gahanna.org
Offers a variety of services including early childhood center, after-school and summer programs, sports and exercise programs, free health clinic, free legal clinic, food pantry, and immigration counseling services (DACA). Other programs include daytime and evening GED prep classes, English as a Second Language (ESL), programs for homeschoolers, men’s and women’s support and recovery groups, marriage and parenting programs, financial counseling, mental health counseling, career development services, dance, art, and music classes.
6000 Cooper Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 259-5238
vineyardcommunitycenter.org