DELAWARE — Staying inside playing video games and watching TV is no way to spend a summer in Delaware County.

So, when your kids tell you, “There’s literally nothing to do!” just pull up this summer activities guide.

This list is not exhaustive, so be sure to check out our other resources, including the:

Be sure to also keep an eye out for our upcoming fireworks guide so you know how to spend the big birthday, Labor Day and other firework-featured events.

Delaware City Jack Florance pool

The Jack Florance Pool, located in Mingo Park, is the city’s public pool which stays open until Sept. 7, Monday-Friday 12-8 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 12-7 p.m.

Kids under $17 can purchase a day pass for $8, but a youth membership for the season costs $110. There are also several family membership plans.

Splash pads

Another great way to beat the heat, there are free splash pads all over Delaware County. All of the following are free, but mechanical splash pads do occasionally close for maintenance, so always be sure to check the respective websites ahead of time.

  • Spray and Play at Veterans Park, 1121 S. Houk Road, is a large, dinosaur-themed splash pad open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. everyday until Labor Day. Also right next door is a large playground and picnic shelter.
  • Village Green Park Splash Pad in Powell, is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily until Labor Day at 47 Hall St. This splash pad sits right in the heart of downtown’s open green space and a short walk from Adventure Park, where there is a skate park, playground, eight new pickleball courts, basketball courts and summer programming.
  • The new Unity Park splash pad, located at 50 Ross St., is open from daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m daily during summer months. Although smaller than the other two, this pad is the start of future development at the park.

And if your kid enjoys a more gritty kind of water play, there are two natural wading areas run by Preservation Parks and Metro Parks in the Lewis Center area.

  • The Shale Hollow Park natural play area is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 6320 Artesian Run.
  • The Highbanks Metro Park features a 15-acre natural play area where kids can explore unstructured environments, build stick forts, and access the Olentangy River. Find it, as well as playgrounds and a zipline, at 9466 Columbus Pike.

Preservation Parks programs and events

Going to any of the 13 Preservation Parks offers great fun, from hiking, to play areas, to nature centers, but summer offers unique events and programs for all ages.

  • Summer Letterbox program: On this scavenger hunt, kids use clues to find the hidden letterbox (think school pencil box), and complete a small activity to show they found it. Stop in any Delaware County library or at Deer Haven Park to sign up and get a Summer Letterbox booklet with further instructions. Once four have been found, bring the booklet back to a library or Deer Haven for a prize.
  • Summer concert series: Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a food truck and music at Gallant Woods Park. 7-8:30 p.m. starting July 2. Every Thursday thereafter, pending the weather, the free concerts will continue until Aug. 6.
  • Adventure Run: July 11, from 10-11:30 a.m., children age 7 and up— adults included— can navigate through mud pits, obstacles and a slip-and-slide on this family friendly, two-mile adventure run on the Gallant Woods primitive trail. This free and muddy run requires registration by July 6.
  • Gallant Farm: Step back in time at this Depression-era farm where costumed interpreters complete their daily chores including plowing the fields, tending the garden or cooking on a wood-burning stove. There are free hands-on history days every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Aug. 25.

Powell’s Lolli-Pops! Children’s Concert Series

Every other Monday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Village Green, there are free concerts specifically for toddlers and young children. It features lively, kid-friendly musicians, storytellers and performers.

Catch them on June 15 and 29; July 13 and 27 and Aug. 10.

Alum Creek State Park beach

From sunrise to sunset, Alum Creek State Park is open, including the free 3,000-feet sandy shoreline. The beach area features restrooms, volleyball courts and a playground right on the sand. The water is shallow and roped off to keep swimmers safe.

Also near the north end of the beach is a half-mile storybook trail.

Olentangy Caverns

Take a self-guided tour of these ancient caves formed millions of years ago by an underground river from 9:30 a.m to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

The tour costs $11.95 for those 13 and older, $8.95 for kids and free for toddlers under two. It takes visitors 55 feet underground to explore winding limestone passages and audio learning stations.

Also on site is a free playground and a Bigfoot walking trail. The petting zoo and gem mining are also options with additional costs.

Ohio Wildlife Center story times, Second Sundays

Ohio Wildlife Center, located at 9000 Dublin Road, Powell, offers free Second Sundays every month where visitors of all ages can tour the center, meet animal ambassadors, hike the trails and participate in wildlife-themed activities.

This event takes place the second Sunday of each month from 1-3 p.m., making the summer dates June 14, July 12, Aug. 9 and Sept. 13.

And on the first Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m., kids aged 3-6 can stop by for a story or two, make an own craft and meet one of the animal ambassadors. This event costs $5 and requires pre-registration.

Also this summer is:

  • Charcuterie for the critters: Family members can prepare “charcuterie board” for the pre-release facility animals and watch as animal ambassadors munch away, coupled with a tour of the outside ambassadors as well. Register for the event on June 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ahead of time here.
  • Enrichment Extravaganza: Help Ohio Wildlife Center staff create enrichment activities for the animals and watch them tear into them later. Staff will provide the materials and instructions, and participants must bring a small donation and their creativity.

Discounted Columbus Zoo admission

The zoo can be expensive, but not if you plan in advance with these discounts.

Culture pass

At select Columbus Metropolitan Libraries locations, library cardholders can check out a Culture Pass, which will grant them a free visit to the Zoo. 

Cardholders will receive a Zoo Culture Pass, which they can use once within two days of acquiring it, and take it with them to the Zoo’s entrance. The Culture Pass can be redeemed for up to six adults and/or children, according to the zoo’s website.

The pass can only be checked out in-person. Find the list of participating libraries and how to check availability of a Culture Pass here. It also offers free admission to other organizations and events, including the Columbus Symphony, The Dawes Arboretum, Franklin Park Conservatory and more.

Cota Bus discount

By riding a COTA Bus to the zoo, you receive $5 admission to the zoo or $10 off Zoombezi Bay tickets, according to COTA’s website. There are daily rides to the zoo until Sept. 7.

The ride costs $2 each way, and COTA recommends large groups or families bring exact cash because buses cannot make change. Buses do feature digital payment methods, such as Tap to Pay or the Transit app, but it can only be used for one rider. 

Once on the bus, ask the operator for a Zoo Bus coupon; they will distribute one per customer. Once at the zoo, present the coupon to verify your discount eligibility at the admissions window.

Find more information about participating bus stops and park-and-ride stops here.

Powell Wetland Wednesdays

Bring your boots and prepare to get muddy as you join MAD Scientist Associates for free hands-on learning about Seldom Seen Park’s wetlands environment and animals.

This free nature exploration event takes place June 24 and July 22 from 6:30-7:30 p.m at 3232 Seldom Seen Road.

Stratford Ecological Center

Stratford Ecological Center is free and open to small-group, self-guided visits on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. During that time, visitors can check out the farm store, walk four miles worth of hiking trails, pet the livestock, splash in the creek and more.

It is free to visit, but recommends a donation of $5 per person, or $20 per family.

We know this list didn’t cover every event, so if you know of one you think absolutely needs to be on this list, email taylor@delawaresource.com.

General assignment reporter at Delaware Source, writing about education, government and everything in between. Ohio University alumna, outdoor enthusiast and cat lover. Share your story ideas or tips with...