Summer Safety 2026(CAP4Kids.Org/Columbus/Summer-Safety)

An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for Franklin County from until 8PM on Thursday, July 2. Residents are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, limit outdoor activity and stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors. Do not leave young children or pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

Columbus Cooling Centers

Columbus.gov 
This webpage has a list and interactive map of community centers and pools that are open as cooling centers across Columbus.
columbus.gov/Government/Mayors-Office/Find-Nearest-Cooling-Centers

Columbus Metropolitan Libraries
All 23 locations 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

Columbus Recreation & Parks
Dodge, Driving Park, Glenwood, Linden, and Marion Franklin Community Centers will be open for extended hours as cooling stations, from 8AM-8PM. Spraygrounds at Blackburn, Barnett, Linden, and Scioto Southland will also be open for extended hours, from 12-8PM.
columbusrecparks.com/wellness/keep-cool-with-us

Community Development 4 All People
Their doors will be open for extended hours 9AM-8PM through Friday, July 3.
946 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43206
Announcement: facebook.com/photo?fbid=1433028682194276&set=a.318522836978205
More CD4AP Programs: cap4kids.org/columbus/community-development-for-all-people

COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) – Free Fare
All transit is free throughout all days with heat advisories.
Announcement: cota.com/blog/cota-announces-no-fares-for-june-30-july-2-after-national-weather-service-issues-heat-advisory
More COTA Programs: cap4kids.org/columbus/cota

Helpful Links

Sign Up for Extreme Weather & Air Quality Alerts from MORPC
Heat Alerts & Safety Information from Heat.gov
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)
Ohio Extreme Weather & Disaster Safety
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 Phoenix Theaters
Kids Bowl Free All Summer
Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass
Indoor Play Places for Kids in Columbus
Sesame Street At-Home Activities