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 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.
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.
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!
Address: Hocking Hills State Park Cabins, Benton Township, OH 43138, USA
Address: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Address: Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, 16062 OH-104, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USA
Address: Fossil Ave, Sylvania, OH 43560, USA
Address: Lake Erie, Lake Erie
Address: Ohio, USA
Address: 77 Jefferson Ave, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Address: Cleveland, OH, USA
Address: 39 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Address: National Museum of the US Air Force, 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45433, USA
Address: German Village, Columbus, OH, USA
Address: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, 4139 Girdham Rd, Swanton, OH 43558, USA
Address: Lighthouse Drive, Lighthouse Dr, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Free Things To Do In Ohio
January 29, 2021
Megan McDonald
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.
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.
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!
Address: Hocking Hills State Park Cabins, Benton Township, OH 43138, USA
Address: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Address: Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, 16062 OH-104, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USA
Address: Fossil Ave, Sylvania, OH 43560, USA
Address: Lake Erie, Lake Erie
Address: Ohio, USA
Address: 77 Jefferson Ave, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Address: Cleveland, OH, USA
Address: 39 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Address: National Museum of the US Air Force, 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45433, USA
Address: German Village, Columbus, OH, USA
Address: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, 4139 Girdham Rd, Swanton, OH 43558, USA
Address: Lighthouse Drive, Lighthouse Dr, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, USA
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April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
