Columbus Cooling Stations & Resources to Beat the Heat!

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Central Ohio 11AM to 8PM Tuesday, July 29. Check out the resources below to beat the heat!
An Air Quality Alert has also been issued for Franklin County for Wednesday, July 30.

Cooling Centers & Timely Programs

Columbus Metropolitan Libraries
All 23 locations are open until 8 or 9PM Monday-Thursday. They offer AC, comfortable seating, public computers with Internet access, free Wi-Fi, and tons of great reading material. Participate in the Summer Reading Challenge to win prizes.
Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
More Library Programs: cap4kids.org/columbus/columbus-metropolitan-library

COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) – Free Fare
All transit is free throughout all days with heat advisories.
Fare Announcement: cota.com/blog/cota-announces-no-fares-for-tuesday-july-29-after-national-weather-service-issues-heat-advisory
More COTA Programs: cap4kids.org/columbus/cota

Helpful Links

Sign Up for Extreme Weather & Air Alerts from MORPC
Extreme Heat Safety Tips from Ohio Emergency Management Agency
Understanding Heat Watch vs. Warning Alerts from National Weather Service
Extreme Heat: Tips to Keep Kids Safe When Temperatures Soar from AAP
Prevent Child Deaths in Hot Cars from AAP
Symptoms of Heat Related Illness from CDC
Heat-Related Illness and Psychiatric Medications from ODMHA (Updated 2025)
Free Box Fans for Franklin County Seniors
Free Box Fans from LifeCare Alliance for Seniors & those with chronic illness

More Fun OUT of the Sun!

CAP4Kids List of Upcoming Free & Fun Family Events and Resources
Free Summer Movies at Lennox 24 Phoenix Theater
FunBox Bounce Park at Polaris Fashion Place ($20 Day Pass)
Kids Bowl Free All Summer
Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass
Indoor Play Places for Kids in Columbus
Sesame Street At-Home Activities