Free & Low-Cost Back-to-School Resources (CAP4Kids.org/Columbus/School)

Check back often! This page is being updated in real time as more events and resources become available. Click the menu or scroll down for free school supplies, school physicals and vaccinations, clothing, discounts, and more!

• Back to School Events & School Supplies
• Clothing & Essentials
• Physicals, Immunizations & Healthcare
• Discounts
• Donate
• Childcare, After-School & Early Learning

Back to School Events & School Supplies

Tanger Outlets | Back to School Bash
Friday, August 7 | 1-3PM
400 South Wilson Road, Sunbury, OH 43074
Enjoy live music, kids’ activities, and giveaways.
tanger.com/columbus/events/24559

Westgate Community | Happy Backpack 2026
Saturday, August 8 | 10AM-2PM
455 South Westgate Avenue, Columbus, OH 43204
Free backpacks and school supplies will be given while supplies last. Families can also enjoy live music, food, soccer, face painting, and more.
hilltopusa.org/?event-item=happy-backpack-2026-free-backpack-giveaway

CML Main Library | Community Partner & Back-to-School Event
Saturday, August 8 | 11AM-1PM
96 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215
Bring the family to learn about local programs, resources, and experiences. Free school supplies and COSI Science Kits will be provided while supplies last.
events.columbuslibrary.org/event/16788448

Faith Life Church | Back-to-School Bash
Saturday, August 8 | 11AM-2PM
284 South Liberty Street, Powell, OH 43065
Free backpacks, school supplies, and gently used clothing for ages 16 and under will be given while supplies last. Families can also enjoy face painting, bounce houses, music, and snacks.
eventbrite.com/e/back-to-school-bash-tickets-1996126040722

KidsLinked & Once Upon A Child | Powell Back to School Bash
Saturday, August 8 | 11AM-2PM
7940 Liberty Road North, Powell, Ohio 43065
Free school supplies will be provided for the first 200 children, limit 2 per family. Families can also enjoy fun carnival activities.
kidslinked.com/Home/CalendarEvent/11350

Kaleidoscope Youth Center | BBQueer
Saturday, August 8 | 12:30-2:30PM
Fairwood Park: 1392 Fairwood Avenue, Columbus, OH 43205
Community event for Queer youth and young adults ages 12-20. School supplies, hygiene items, and community resources will be provided.
facebook.com/photo?fbid=1449481903892189&set=pb.100064911781816.-2207520000

Community Bridge Builders Annual Backpack Giveaway
Saturday, August 8 | 1-3PM
350 Norton Road, Columbus, OH 43228
200 backpacks stuffed with school supply essentials will be given away while supplies last. Children must be school-aged and present to receive a backpack.
facebook.com/events/1015823491366918

Columbia Heights United Methodist Church | Welcoming Every Student Together Back-to-School Drive
Saturday, August 8 | 1-4PM
775 Galloway Road, Galloway, OH 43119
Free backpacks and school supplies will be given while supplies last. Free haircuts and food will also be available. Families can enjoy music, raffles, and community resources.
facebook.com/events/3434053523435273

Providence Glen Back to School Bash
Monday, August 10 | 10AM-12PM
Providence Glen Apartments Community Room: 2421 Adonai Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43219
(380) 400-3739
This event is intended to support Providence Glen families. They will be providing school-aged children with essential school supplies as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
providenceglencommunities.com

CML Reynoldsburg Branch | Openhouse Afterschool Experience
Tuesday, August 11 | 5-7PM
1402 Brice Road, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Drop by to learn about the resources available at the library, and exciting events happening this fall.
events.columbuslibrary.org/event/17055118

Best Impression Painting & Mr. Brown’s Barbershop | Back to School Event
Wednesday, August 12 | 12-5PM
Worthington Park: 1475 Schrock Road, Columbus, OH 43229
Columbus students and families are welcome to attend for back-to-school support. Backpacks and school supplies will be given while supplies last. Free haircuts will also be available.
facebook.com/events/1546537207008006

CML Karl Road Branch | Back to School Bash
Wednesday, August 12 | 5-6PM
5590 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43229
Enjoy fun games and activities while learning about the programs and resources available at the Karl Road library branch.
events.columbuslibrary.org/event/16889806

St. John Community Center | Back to School Giveaway
Thursday, August 13 | 5-6PM
640 South Ohio Avenue, Columbus, OH 43205
Backpacks and school supplies will be given while supplies last. Youth must be present to receive supplies.
eventbrite.com/e/back-to-school-giveaway-tickets-1996424252682

Grove City | Back to School Bash
Saturday, August 15 | 9AM-12PM
Town Center Park: 3359 Park Street, Grove City, OH 43123
Enjoy hands-on activities and find local resources for families in Grove City. Free school supplies will be provided while supplies last.
grovecityohio.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=2666&month=8&year=2026&day=29&calType=0

Columbus City Schools | Back-to-School Resource Fair
Saturday, August 15 | 10AM-1PM
Fort Hayes Campus: 546 Jack Gibbs Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43215
This event is intended to support families of Columbus City Schools. Free backpacks, books, and school supplies will be provided. Vaccines and physicals will also be provided by appointment, with some walk-ins available. Families can also find health resources, after school programs, and social service information. Free parking at Columbus State Community College with a shuttle bus to the event will be provided. Visit the website to register.
ccsoh.us/our-district/departments/engagement/ways-to-engage-with-us/back-to-school-resource-fair

Franklin County UMADAOP | Tree of Life Community Cookout
Saturday, August 15 | 12-3:30PM
Krumm Park Recreation Center: 854 Alton Avenue, Columbus, OH 43219
Enjoy free food music, games, and more. School supplies will be given while supplies last.
instagram.com/p/DbqAKwMDvsY/?img_index=1

Refuge Temple | We Are The Community
Saturday, August 15 | 12-4PM
555 East Moler Street, Columbus, OH 43207
This event will have community resources for health and wellness, employment, housing, and more. Free haircuts and school supplies will be available.
mcusercontent.com/d9b519b0e779595bba9186f6d/images/cf906da0-006c-9976-d1a0-3fc5b0f6e2ec.png

Columbus Urban League | Back to School Community Block Party
Sunday, August 16 | 2-6PM
3443 Agler Road, Suite 102, Columbus, OH 43219
Enjoy an afternoon of music, food, free haircuts, family-friendly activities, and connections to community resources. Backpacks, school supplies, and wellness kits will be distributed while supplies last. Students must be present to receive a bookbag.
facebook.com/TheColumbusUrbanLeague/posts/pfbid02uf76Nn62qwS8UoHrQJSF2t8Eds5TiPeWb2qd4utGtXTrXQyaEJKEsEzWXkAAdoWQl

Directions for Youth & Families | Back-to-School Bash
Wednesday, August 19 | 5-6:30PM
Crittenton Community Center: 3840 Kimberly Parkway North, Columbus, OH 43232
Enjoy an outdoor concert and evening of family fun. Free school supplies, community resources, and refreshments will be provided.
facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1661258719342068&set=a.128810115920277

A Step in the Right Direction | Back to School Bash
Sunday, August 23 | 12-3PM
Westgate Park: 455 South Westgate Avenue, Columbus, OH 43204
intherightdirection.org/event-details/7th-annual-back-to-school-bash

Kingdom Image Arts | Back to School Festival
Saturday, August 29 | 12-3PM
2501 Mock Road, Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 934-5012
Enjoy free food, entertainment, and family fun beginning at noon. Resources and school supplies will be given away beginning at 3PM while supplies lsat.
kiarts.live/event-details/back-to-school-festival

FACCESS Fall Family Gathering: Back to School Re-Up
Wednesday, September 2 | 5:30PM
2515 Lockbourne Road, Columbus, OH 43207
(614) 319-6070
Enjoy family-friendly games, activities, and a free meal. FACCES Marketplace will provide school supplies and local organizations will be available to provide resources. Families must be registered with FACCES to participate.
eventbrite.com/e/facces-fall-family-gathering-back-to-school-re-up-tickets-1992442971563

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Community Events

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Clothing & Essential Resources

Liberty PTA | Back to School Style Drop
Friday, August 7 | 5-8PM
Saturday, August 8 | 9AM-1PM
6465 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229
Free, gently used clothes and shoes will be available for every age. This event is intended for students at Liberty Elementary School.
facebook.com/events/2203963713493607

Groveport United Methodist Church | Free Clothing Giveaway
Saturday, August 8 | 9AM-1PM
512 Main Street, Groveport, OH 43125
facebook.com/GroveportUMC/posts/pfbid02EePHXarLfxhVECinCvTqnPuW4mLF3PLdsyr7qniW8qAXCWYQuijvuhVHTVeJFfDdl

Charity Newsies Clothe-A-Child Program
Applications are currently closed. Check back early next summer for the 2027-2028 school year.
(614) 263-4300
Eligibility Requirements: charitynewsies.org/eligibility-requirements
Apply: charitynewsies.org/clothe-a-child-program

👚 Homegoods, Clothing & School Supplies
🍴 Food

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School Physicals, Immunizations & Low-Cost Healthcare

Columbus Public Health Summer Back to School Vaccine Clinics
Free back to school vaccine clinics will be provided at the dates and locations listed below. A $50 incentive will be provided for each child vaccinated at these clinics. Please bring vaccine record, ID, and insurance card if insured.
(614) 645-6881
columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health/Health-Clinics-and-Services/Immunizations

• Saturday, August 1 | 12-4PM | Columbus Public Health: 240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215
• Monday, August 3 | 1-4PM | Linden Community Center: 1350 Briarwood Avenue, Columbus, OH 43221
• Wednesday, August 5 | 12-6PM | Watkins Elementary School: 1520 Watkins Road, Columbus, OH 43207
• Wednesday, August 12 | 12-6PM | Woodward Park Middle School: 5152 Karl Road, Columbus, OH 43229

Franklin County Public Health (FCPH) Vaccination Clinics
Offers vaccines throughout the county regardless of ability to pay. Clinics are offered at the FCPH office in downtown Columbus, Clinton Township fire Department, Dublin Community Recreation Center, and Groveport Recreation Center. Call or visit the website to schedule an appointment at your preferred location.
(614) 525-3719
myfcph.org/vaccines

• Franklin County Public Health: 280 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
  Open Monday-Thursday
• Clinton Township Fire Department: 3820 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43224
  Open 2nd Tuesday of every month
• Dublin Community Recreation Center: 5600 Post Road, Dublin, OH 43017
  Open 1st Tuesday of every month
• Groveport Recreation Center: 7370 Groveport Road, Groveport, OH 43125
  Open 3rd Tuesday of every month

Ohio Guidestone Lorain Health Center
Currently offering free physicals for Loraine County residents at the Lorain Health Center. Services are currently offered Monday-Thursday 8:30AM-5PM. Call to schedule an appointment.
2173 North Ridge Road, Suite E, Lorain, OH 44055
(440) 260-6100
ohioguidestone.org/services/primary-care-services

❤️‍🩹 Mobile Health Units Around Columbus
🩺 Low-Cost Healthcare Lists
💉Franklin County Vaccine Clinics
⚠️ Ohio K-12 Vaccine Requirements
⚕️ Breathing Association Mobile Medical Unit Schedule
🦋 Summer & Back-to-School Health Guide from Nationwide Children’s

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Discounts

Columbus School Supply Sales
Check out this list from Columbus on the Cheap for a full list of school supply discounts. Retailers include Kroger, Meijer, Walmart, Office Depot, Walgreens, and Target.
columbusonthecheap.com/back-to-school-best-school-supplies-sales-this-week

Ohio Sales Tax Holiday
A state-wide tax exemption will be available August 7-9. The exemption will apply to clothing items priced $75 or less, school supplies priced $20 or less, and school instructional materials priced $20 or less. Prices are for each individual item. Sales tax usually ranges from 5.75-8%, so you will save $5.75-8 for every $100 spent.
tax.ohio.gov/business/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday

JC Penney Student Haircuts
JCP Salons are offering $12 haircuts, or 30% off hair styling of $30 or more for students grades K-college. Teachers get an extra 10% off with a valid teacher ID. The offer is good now – September 19 at participating salons. Call your local salon to schedule and ask if they are participating.
columbusonthecheap.com/10-haircuts-kids-jcpenney-salons

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Donate School Supplies

Driven Foundation | Backpack Giveback
Backpacks filled with supplies and wellness items will be provided for 400 Central Ohio elementary and middle school students.  Donate supplies or volunteer for the Giveback event.
staydriven.org/driven-foundation-back-to-school-giveback

Kaleidoscope Youth Center | BBQueer
Help provide school supplies, clothing, and hygiene items to be given to Queer youth ages 12-20 at the BBQueer community event. Items may be dropped off or shipped to the Center. Visit the website for a list of acceptable items or to schedule a drop-off appointment.
kycohio.org/wishlist.html

NBC4 & United Way of Central Ohio | Stuff The Backpack
Backpacks stuffed with essential supplies will be given to local students in grades K-12. Donate supplies from the list provided or make a monetary donation.
nbc4i.com/stuff-the-backpack

Volunteers of America | Operation Backpack
This program distributes backpacks and school supplies to local families each school year. Shop their supply list and deliver items to one of the drop locations on the website. Columbus drop locations include Columbus Metropolitan Libraries and Volunteers of America Thrift Stores. They also accept monetary donations online. Visit the website for details.
voaohin.org/operation-backpack

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Child Care & After School Programs

🎒 Low-Cost After School Programs
🍼 Searching for Child Care

Early Learning

✏️ Getting Ready for Kindergarten
📚 Ohio Imagination Library

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** All CAP4Kids material is for general information purposes. While we carefully review all of the information on our website, we cannot endorse any particular organization. We are updating this list in real time; however, availability may change quickly. Please contact agencies directly to verify details and access services. **