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City Recreation & Parks

Bold Girl Collective (Formerly Brown Girls Mentoring)

Provides empowering, social-emotional programs for girls grades K-9 to build confidence, self-awareness, resiliency, character development, and sisterhood. They focus on girls from historically marginalized communities to help every girl recognize her inherent value. They offer 6-week cohorts in fall, winter, and spring with a small fee per cohort. The group program includes lectures, affirmations, field trips, guest speakers, and fun activities. They offer in-school, after-school, and Saturday programs.
(614) 749-3141
boldgirlcollective.org

Camp Public Health

A week-long summer day camp for youth ages 13-17. Campers explore how professionals like doctors, nurses, and epidemiologists protect different populations and promote healthy communities. Participants learn from professionals at Columbus Public Health and Ohio State University College of Public Health. There is a small fee for participation but financial assistance may be available. Interested students should register through the Columbus Recreation and Parks website.
(614) 645-2694
columbusrecparks.com/summer-camps/camp-public-health

Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)

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, story times for kids, and community events. Programs include:

  • Adaptive Services: Request accommodations, adaptive audio and visual equipment, and large print reading materials.
  • Adult Education:  ESOL and GED referrals; free technology business, and coding classes; history and genealogy experts, Digital Navigator staff can help you access hardware and software, and Excel Adult High School allows adults to get their high-school degree in an online, self-paced program.
  • Business & Nonprofit Resource Center: Visit Main Library for access to co-working space, specialized professional help, access to community partners, tools, and resources.
  • Culture Pass: Use your library card to check out a Culture Pass for free admission to a variety of Columbus organizations and events; including Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus Clippers, Columbus Symphony, and more.
  • Kindergarten Readiness: Find Storytimes, Play to Learn, and Kindergarten readiness classes for ages 0-5. They also have Skill Builder videos with activities you can do together at home.
  • Notary Service: Free basic notary service with an Ohio Notary Public at most library locations. Schedule an appointment online.
  • School Help: K-12 students can get after-school homework help, K-3 students can get extra reading practice with Reading Buddies in person or online, HelpNow offers 24/7 online homework help and test prep, and some locations host After School Snack times.
  • Teen Programs: YouMedia Discord for ages 13-17 to work on music, podcasts, videos, and more with skilled mentors; homework and test prep help, and monthly Teen Spotlight videos.

Locations:

  • Barnett (Temporary Location): 3227 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43227
  • Canal Winchester: 115 Franklin Street, Canal Winchester, Ohio 43110
  • Driving Park: 1422 Esat Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43205
  • Dublin: 75 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43017
  • Franklinton: 1061 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
  • Gahanna: 310 Granville Street, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
  • Hilliard: 4500 Hickory Chase Way, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
  • Hilltop: 511 South Hague Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43204
  • Karl Road: 5590 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  • Linden (Temporary Location): 1990 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
  • Main Library: 96 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
  • Marion-Franklin: 2800 Lockbourne Road, Columbus, Ohio 43207
  • Martin Luther King: 1467 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
  • New Albany: 200 Market Street, New Albany, Ohio 43054
  • Northern Lights: 4093 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224
  • Northside: 1423 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
  • Parsons: 1113 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
  • Reynoldsburg: 1402 Brice Road, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
  • Shepard: 850 North Nelson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
  • South High: 3540 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43207
  • Southeast: 3980 South Hamilton Road, Groveport, Ohio 43125
  • Whetstone: 3909 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
  • Whitehall: 4445 Esat Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43213

(614) 645-2275
Upcoming Events: events.columbuslibrary.org/events?
Website: columbuslibrary.org

Columbus Recreation & Parks Afterschool Rec Club (Formerly Capital Kids)

Free afterschool program for children K-8 to get homework help, a nutritious snack, and recreation activities. The Capital Kids program is hosted at Columbus Recreation & Parks Community Centers. Visit for locations and registration.
columbusrecparks.com/community/arc

Columbus Recreation & Parks APPS Job Readiness Program (AJRP)

Workforce development initiative for youth ages 14-23. Participants gain paid work experience with Columbus city departments and local businesses. Youth development specialists provide linkage to support services and mentorship to ensure participants’ success. Applications typically open in February for summer placements. Visit the website to apply and find additional contact information.
columbusrecparks.com/youth-success/apps

Columbus Recreation & Parks City Leaders Academy

A nine-month leadership program for youth entering grades 6-9, who are residents of the City of Columbus. Participants receive mentorship from city leaders and improve teamwork, public speaking, community awareness, and leadership skills. Participants must complete the application with recommendation letters and be available for monthly meet-ups during the school year. Applications typically open in May.
Jerry Hammond Center: 1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 323-0886
columbusrecparks.com/youth-success/city-leaders-academy 

Columbus Recreation & Parks School’s Out Program

Columbus Recreation & Parks Community Centers open for extended hours during Columbus City Public Schools’ spring, fall and winter breaks. The program allows youth to take part in a variety of activities during the day to help meet the needs of working parents. Visit the website for community center locations and to register.
columbusrecparks.com/community/schoolsout

Columbus Recreation & Parks Therapeutic Recreation

Sponsors recreational activities that are modified to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities at Columbus Community Centers. Families can fill out an Inclusion Support Request online and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist will coordinate accommodations. They also offer an adaptive fitness center, inclusive summer camps, adaptive sports clubs, and events.
Adaptive Fitness Center at Franklin Park Adventure Center: 1755 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 645-5648
Inclusion Support Request: columbusrecparks.com/wellness/therapeutic-recreation/inclusion-support
Website: columbusrecparks.com/wellness/therapeutic-recreation

Community Parks & Recreation Programs in Your Neighborhood

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. Financial assistance/Scholarships for programs may be available. Click below to find local programs in your neighborhood.

Mezzacello Urban Farm

Operates sustainable gardens and an urban farm at several sites in downtown Columbus. They also offer school and community visits with mobile labs. The Urban Garden operates as an Applied STEM Learning Lab for youth, families, and community members to learn about composting, bioengineering, biodiversity, sustainability and renewable energy. Families can take a stroll through their gardens or sign up for educational workshops. They offer several hands-on STEM Summer Camps through partnerships with The PAST Foundation and Columbus Recreation and Parks each year. The Environmental and Climate Justice Academy is a free, year-round program for middle and high school students to learn about environmental crime scene investigation, climate change, and complete hands-on STEM projects. They also offer several volunteer and internship opportunities. Visit the website to register for a program or to contact the organization.
33 North 20th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
mezzacello.org

National Park Service America the Beautiful Interagency Passes

Most of the sites managed by the National Park Service are free to visit, but some require an entrance pass. Passes cover entrance fees at lands managed by the National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. They are also used for day use fees at lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Free Interagency Passes are available for 4th graders, senior citizens, U.S. military families, and individuals with permanent disabilities. Find program details and park locations online.
nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm

Ohio Department of Natural Resources & Ohio Trails

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website has information on parks, trails, state park lodges, and historic places to explore throughout Ohio. Find upcoming events, hunting licenses and regulations, safety tips, or make a camping reservation. Use the Ohio Trails Partnership Map to find out where to go hiking, biking, birding, paddling, and horseback riding in Ohio.
ohiodnr.gov/home

Preservation Parks of Delaware County

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

Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center

Part of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department network, they offer year-round art classes, workshops, exhibitions, and meeting spaces. Week-long or 7-8 week class sessions for youth and adults include ceramics, enameling, painting, and much more. Conversations & Coffee meets every other Thursday for artist talks and community discussion. Class fee assistance is available, apply online.
139 West Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7047
culturalartscenteronline.org/classes-workshops/art-classes

Teen Corps at Franklin Park Conservatory

A paid summer work experience for 15-18 year-olds to gain hands-on experience in urban farming. Participants receive a stipend for working in the Franklin Park Conservatory Community Garden for 8 weeks, and sell the produce they grow at the Conservatory’s Farmer’s Market. Students learn about gardening, cooking, customer service, and more. Participants must have a Columbus address or attend at Columbus City School to qualify, and complete an application and interview process.
Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: 1777 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 715-8000
fpconservatory.org/education-programs/outreach-programs/teen-corps

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