15 Great Things To Do In Ohio Without Opening Your Wallet

Here in Ohio, you don't always have to break out some cash to have a good time. From inspiring nature getaways to impressive art museums, our state holds some of the best places that enable you to get out and seize the day without having to spend any money at all. There are tons of great free things to do in Ohio that will make you fall in love with our state again and again!

1) Explore the caves, waterfalls, and trails of Hocking Hills State Park in Logan.

This is a wonderful place to spend the day! If you’re looking for more trails and places to explore in Hocking Hills, be sure to peruse this article!

2) Visit the Cleveland Museum of Art, where viewing fine art is always free of charge.

For hours of operation and a list of their current exhibitions, the Cleveland Museum of Art website is a treasure trove of information.

3) Discover Mound City (Hopewell Culture National Historical Park) in Chillicothe.

This cool Ohio gem is a treasure trove of information, and a wonderful place to go to learn about the past.

4) Release your inner paleontologist and fossil hunt at the Olander Park System's Fossil Park in Sylvania.

This is one of the fun activities in Ohio that will make you feel like a kid again! Hike the trails, bring a picnic, and explore this cool spot with the whole family.

5) A day on the shores of Lake Erie is the closest you can get to a day at the beach in Ohio.

This gorgeous lake is a blast to visit all year round!

6) Map out and road trip "The World's Largest____" in Ohio.

Some of the world's largest roadside attractions are in Ohio, and you can use our A-Z guide to map out exactly what sort of wacky objects are the world's largest in the state and where they are located.

7) And while you're at it, map out and road trip a splendid tour of Ohio's waterfalls.

We share our absolute favorites in our epic Ohio Waterfalls Road Trip.

8) Walk through the historical home of 20th century humorist James Thurber in Columbus at no cost.

We love this beautiful home, and we think it’s one of the greatest places to visit in Ohio.

9) Picnic at Marblehead Lighthouse and visit the lighthouse's museum in the Keeper's House.

Tour the actual lighthouse for just $2. Learn more about hours of operation, the history of this lighthouse, and upcoming projects on their website.

10) Photograph an array of beautiful trees at Oak Openings Preserve in Swanton.

It's one of the country's top centers for biodiversity. You can explore the interactive map that Oak Openings Preserve Metropark offers on their website.

11) Tour the state's largest collection of outdoor murals and street art.

You'll find this artistic area at the Short North Arts District in Columbus. Read about the history of this great area, and some of the artists that adorn these walls.

12) Stroll the streets of Ohio's charming German Village.

While you're there, be sure to explore the village's 32-room Book Loft and charming Schiller Park. German Village has a long and storied history, that’s fascinating to learn about.

14) Learn about the history of our nation's development in aviation at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, where admission is always FREE.

Not only is this aviation museum a stunning treasure trove of information, it’s actually the world’s largest, too!

14) Catch a classic film at the CAPA Summer Movie Series at the Ohio Theatre in Columbus.

Movie tickets are jus a few dollars each, and you can learn more on their website, including showtimes of the longest running classic film series in America!

15) Ironically (and appropriately) enough, the Federal Reserve Bank Museum of Money in Cleveland is free to attendees and features a 23 foot tall money tree.

Make sure to visit their website to get their up to date hours of operation.

Whoever said the best things in life are free was undeniably onto something. What else can you do in Ohio for fun without spending any money? Are there more free things to do in Ohio that you want us to mention? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re looking for more great ways to enjoy Ohio without spending a dime, read about how 10 Of The Greatest Hiking Trails On Earth Are Right Here In Ohio.