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.
Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH, USA
Tabitha Kaylee Hawk/Flickr
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.
The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
David Ellis/Flickr
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.
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, 16062 OH-104, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USA
Matthew Tracht/Flickr
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.
Olander Park, 6930 W Sylvania Ave, Sylvania, OH 43560, USA
Kevin/Flickr
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.
Lake Erie, Lake Erie
buschap/Flickr
This gorgeous lake is a blast to visit all year round!
6) Map out and road trip "The World's Largest____" in Ohio.
David Becker/Flickr
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.
Tom Gill/Flickr
We share our absolute favorites in our epic Ohio Waterfalls Road Trip.

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8) Walk through the historical home of 20th century humorist James Thurber in Columbus at no cost.
Thurber House, 77 Jefferson Ave, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Thurber House / Google Maps
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.
Marblehead Lighthouse, 110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH 43440, USA
Kevin Vance/Flickr
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.
Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, 4139 Girdham Rd, Swanton, OH 43558, USA
Tanjeer/Flickr
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.
Short North Arts District, Columbus, OH, USA
Bab Hall/Flickr
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.
German Village, Columbus, OH, USA
Lee Kreider/Flickr
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.
National Museum of the US Air Force, 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45433, USA
marada/Flickr
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.
Ohio Theatre, 39 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Brook Ward/Flickr
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.
The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, 1455 E 6th St, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
Craig Hatfield/Flickr
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.

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More to Explore

Free Things To Do In Ohio

Megan McDonald | January 29, 2021

Are there a lot of budget-friendly things to do in Ohio?

Absolutely! Besides our beautiful outdoor spaces, there are many museums and attractions all across the state that are absolutely free. In fact, you can read more about some of our favorite free museums in Ohio in this article. Some notable free things to do in Ohio on the list include:

  • Cincinnati Art Museum
  • The Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Tour
  • Fossil Park in Sylvania *and* Trammel Fossil Park in Sharonville
  • The Scioto Mile.

 

Where are the best places to go for free things to do in Ohio?

Luckily for you, both cities and the country have amazing places to visit that won’t cost you a dime. Walk through museums, hike along Lake Erie, or visit one of the amazing cultural centers we have in the state. There is so much to see and do here in Ohio that won’t cost you much -- especially in C-Town!

Are there any outdoor activities in Ohio I can enjoy for free?

Yes! Here in Ohio, we have a variety of fun and free places we can visit all the time. From free state parks to roadside attractions, here are 10 things you can do outdoors that won't cost you a cent!

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