Stay educated about fitness and staying healthy with local events and stories of interest.
10tv.com/commit-be-fit
Provides support and resources for schools to engage school professionals, families and communities in actions that lead to healthy eating and physical activity.
actionforhealthykids.org
Visit their website to find information on local races, team sports and recreational activities and camps for kids.
activekids.com
This website is a great source of verified health information for parents on a wide range of health topics, such as healthy living, family life, immunizations, child development, and medical conditions. They offer articles with topics including safety, fitness, school issues, dating, substance abuse, emotional wellness, psychiatric medications, grief and more. You can also use the website to find a pediatrician in your zip code.
healthychildren.org
This organization is the publisher for the official guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC). Use the website to find CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) trainings near you, or to purchase training materials. They also have helpful information on heart-healthy living (such as eating, fitness, quitting smoking), heart conditions (heart attack and stroke symptoms, congenital heart defects, and more), and tools for healthcare professionals and educators.
(800) 242-8721
Main Website: heart.org
CPR Classes: cpr.heart.org
Provides affordable access to bicycles and cycling-related resources for those who rely on bikes as their sole means of transportation. They offer refurbished bikes for sale, bike parts and gear, and walk-in bike repair services, and community group rides. They accept donated bikes and volunteers.
934 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 670-8685
bikes4allpeople.com
Nationally-acclaimed club providing after-school and summer programming for youth 5-18. Programs are oriented around Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, Character & Leadership, and Mental Health & Wellbeing. Club members have access to tutoring, gym space, teen-specific areas, field trips, career-readiness opportunities, and mentoring. Go online for a full list of locations, including Newark, 3 Marion Clubs, and 8 Columbus Clubs.
(614) 221-8830
bgccentralohio.org
This faith-based organization hosts daily Fresh Markets with free produce for families, nutrition education, a Free Store with clothing and household items, after school program at Lincoln Park Elementary, free health and wellness classes, and community events.
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.
Family Adolescent and Child Community Engagement Service (FACCES) is a non-profit providing support for families on the South side of Columbus. Programs include a free fresh market, urban gardening, cooking classes, family fitness classes, access to healthcare through OSU Wexner Medical Center Community Care Coach and family gatherings. FACCES Life Ready Urban Gardening Class is a free, weekly program for youth to learn about how to grow their own food, careers in agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Go online to register for programs and find upcoming events.
2515 Lockbourne Road, Columbus, OH 43207
(614) 319-6070 or (800) 464-0920
thefacces.org
Offers family-friendly exhibits, classes, workshops, and summer camps in gardening, cooking, fine art and wellness. Check the website Calendar for upcoming events and classes, which are sometimes free. General admission is free on the first Sunday of the month for Community Day. Active or Retired service members get $1 off each ticket. SNAP, EBT, WIC and Medicaid recipients get tickets for $3 each with ID and proof of participation.
1777 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 715-8000
fpconservatory.org
A community bike shop specializing in bicycle repair and refurbishment. The Open Shop provides access to work stations and tools for ages 16+ to come and repair their bike for free, with help from volunteer mechanics. They sell new, used, and electric bikes at a variety of price points, and new and used bike parts at an affordable rate. They also offer free bike maintenance courses and programs for youth. Visit the website for shop hours or to shop online.
897 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 228-1852
franklintoncycleworks.org
A ten-week program for girls in 3rd through 8th grade to develop physical fitness, managing emotions, communication, empathy, and friendship skills. Trained coaches lead small teams through activities, running games and lessons and ends in a 5K event. They also offer a summer camp for girls in 3rd-5th grade. Fee assistance is available. Go online for registration details and locations.
Main Office: 1145-L Chesapeake Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 681-4687
girlsontheruncentralohio.org
Provides programs and education on nutrition, wellness and arts in Columbus. Their programs bring together community members of all ages to participate activities such as crafts, open mics, exercise, nutrition / wellness education and more. Go online to volunteer or find their next event.
https://sites.google.com/view/growin-cbus/home
This website promotes better health outcomes through a healthy lifestyle, and provides a free nutrition and weight management course as well as a general exercise course.
healthierwithscience.com
Combats childhood obesity through programs aimed at teaching youth and families healthy lifestyle habits. They provide free resources for parents, schools, and community organizations such as downloadable lesson plans, activities, and Parent Guides focused on physical activity, healthy eating, and achieving personal goals.
(602) 252-3453
healthylifestars.org
Dance company and studio in Clintonville, Ohio. They offer classes in a variety of dance styles and somatic movement for ages 2-5, ages 6-12, teens, and adults. ChoreoLab is a student performing ensemble for students to create and perform a dance together. They also offer online classes, private lessons, and week-long summer camps for ages 3-10. You can also book a trial class before enrolling.
5080 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(380) 222-4196
hixondance.com
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, and summer camp. 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.
1125 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-2731
columbusjcc.org
This website offers a broad range of information on many topics for parents:
This program for boys in 3rd-8th grade inspires boys to be themselves, be active and belong. Twice a week for 7 weeks, two trained volunteer coaches lead an elementary or middle school team through practices that utilize running to help boys gain confidence, self-expression, and respect for peers and coaches. Each fall and spring season culminates in a 5k race. Scholarships and financial assistance may be available. Go online to find out more information.
PO Box 163, Amlin, Ohio 43002
(614) 517-9591
letmerun.org
Community health and wellness center providing free holistic health and wellness programs for everyone, empowering individuals to embrace long-term health behavior changes in a safe, inclusive space. Programs include cooking and nutrition, community meetings, diabetes prevention, exercise classes, wellness and stress management, financial education, healthy babies, and mom support groups. Go online to find healthy recipes, program descriptions, and to register for a program.
(614) 234-4660
777 West State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
mountcarmelhealth.com/about-us/community-benefit/outreach-programs/healthy-living-center
The only museum in the United States dedicated to preserving the stories of veterans from all branches of service. Visitors can experience a narrative journey of veterans’ stories through history, explore curated exhibitions, and enjoy community events. Rally Point is a monthly meeting for connecting and educating veterans and their loved ones, and they offer free Jiu Jitsu and Yoga classes for veterans or civilians. The website also has resources for veterans and Gold Star Families for mental health, educational opportunities, and more.
300 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 362-2800
nationalvmm.org
A medically-supervised, wellness program that teaches children who have health problems ways to practice healthy habits at home by using play and fitness plans designed just for them. Children are referred to this program by their healthcare provider and the cost is billed to their medical insurance.
(614) 355-8735
nationwidechildrens.org/Play-Strong
This website has a lot of information for teens that covers various health topics such as depression, relationships, staying safe, sexual health, smoking, coping with cliques, binge drinking, dealing with an alcoholic parent, marijuana use, body image and much more. There is also information for parents and educators.
kidshealth.org/en/teens
Free program serving vulnerable youth through sports-based positive youth development at various school and community center locations in Columbus. They offer after school programs, summer camps, and sports clinics for youth ages 5-14. The Youth Leadership Academy is a 4 year program for high schoolers to experience professional development, mentoring, career visits, and college prep. Free meals and transportation are provided. Go online or call for registration details.
2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43210
(614) 514-5942
osulifesports.org
Facilities at Ohio State University for indoor and outdoor recreation. OSU students can find information on fitness classes, disability accommodations, and more. Offerings open to the community include Red Cross swim classes and Camp Recky, a sports and recreation summer camp for ages 6-13.
337 Annie & John Glenn Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-7671
recsports.osu.edu/programs/summer-camp
Explore events happening around you on the trails of Ohio. This website was created by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Ohio Trails Partnership. With more than 5,000 of miles of trails (biking, hiking, running, walking, water trails, and equestrian), Ohio has a lot of opportunities to get out and explore.
trails.ohiodnr.gov
Offers online toolkits to educate the community on the issues of obesity and other negative health outcomes, by offering offering ways to support a healthy diet, creative play, and a creative environment for children’s development and growth. They have many practical tips on nutrition and staying healthy and active.
ohioaap.org/education-cme-moc-ii/parenting-at-mealtime-and-playtime/
Provides car seat inspections, educational resources, product recall information and safety tips to help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries. Visit their website for a list of car seat inspection locations.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-6138
Car Seat Inspection Sites: safekids.org/coalition/safe-kids-central-ohio
Main Website: safekids.org
Offers a directory of locally-owned and sustainable businesses and a variety of courses on environmental sustainability, nonviolent communication, healthy living, personal finance, and civic engagement. They host regular free and low-cost community events including yoga, bird-watching, mindfulness, and Empathy Calls weekly support group. They also offer opportunities for internship or volunteering.
659 High Street, Worthington, OH 43085
(614) 447-0296
simplyliving.org
A network of partners in the South Side of Columbus working to holistically improve quality of life for residents. Their website has helpful information and resources for finding healthcare and insurance, healthy eating, resilience, mental and physical wellness, and managing chronic conditions. Use their Resource Map to locate resources like food, childcare, healthcare, legal help, and more in the South Side. Go online to contact the organization.
southsidethrive.org
Provides no-cost baseball and softball helmets with face masks, sports goggles for basketball and soccer, and prescription sports goggles for any activity. Items are available for kids ages 4-18. Parents can find eligibility details and apply online.
Ohio Ophthalmological Society
5115 Parkcenter Avenue, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 527-6799
superspecs.org
Adaptive fitness program for people with physical, neurological, and developmental challenges, and their caregivers, to achieve optimal health and fitness. They certify athletic trainers, gyms, and recreation centers in the program. They provide personal training and group fitness classes at their partner gyms in Central Ohio. Individuals can call or go online for an intake meeting where Valemee will get to know you and your goals, perform an assessment, and find a gym near you.
(614) 937-8309
valemee.com
This free program is offered at several locations throughout Columbus to encourage healthy physical activity in people of all ages. Families and children can join a doctor and other people looking to improve their health at these free Walk With a Doc events each week.
(614) 714-0407
walkwithadoc.org
Provides resources and information for parents and kids ages 8 to 13 on healthy eating, play and physical activity, and screen time.
nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan
Provides bicycle education for individuals and groups, programmed community events and leads fun, accessible rides to places in Columbus, year-round.
921 North Hight Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 470-4220
yaybikes.com
Serves: Single Adults & Families, Youth & Teens
Hosts programs for men, women and children of all ages covering health and fitness, swimming, age-specific activities, childcare, summer camps, juvenile justice, housing, and more.
Administrative Office: 1907 Leonard Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 389-4409
YMCA Locations & Contact Info: ymcacolumbus.org/locations
YMCA Columbus 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. They have sister locations in Columbus, Ohio and in Liberia and players participate in cultural exchange through virtual meetings. They also offer a summer camp. Fees are minimal, call if you need assistance.
2845 Noe Bixby Road, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(614) 699-0229
zionastro.com