Looking for a fun way to seize the day without going broke? Thankfully, there are several unique, adventurous, and enlightening ways to do so in beautiful Ohio. Here are our picks for 12 of the best cheap fun things to do in Ohio.

1) Catch a classic film at the Ohio Theatre in downtown Columbus.
39 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Andrew Blight/Flickr
The annual CAPA Summer Movie Series usually kicks off around September, and it features classic films for just $6.00 a ticket. Check out the official CAPA website for the most up-to-date events and showtimes.
2) Visit the U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton.
1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, OH 45431, USA
willie___/Flickr
Learn about the history of our nation’s development in aviation at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, where admission is FREE.
3) Escape to your favorite lake.
Dan Bergstrom/Flickr
Ohio is FULL of beautiful, tranquil lakes that will give you the serenity you seek or the fun in the sun you're longing for. Swim, kayak, canoe, fish, or sit back and enjoy the scenery at your favorite lake destination. Let's face it. A day at Lake Erie is the closest you can get to a day at the beach here in Ohio, but there are some truly amazing lakes in Ohio that try to make up for it (and do pretty well).
4) Check out the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati.
44 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
The Pug Father/Flickr
With ever-changing exhibits, the CAC offers viewers a fresh and unique art experience for free, with limited registration per day. Make sure to check out the official website to reserve your space.
5) Discover the Chateau Laroche in Loveland.
12025 Shore Dr, Loveland, OH 45140, USA
April Dray/Only In Your State
Explore this historic medieval-style structure (more commonly known as the Loveland Castle) and its beautiful gardens in Loveland for just $5.00. Built brick-by-brick by one man alone, this gem along the banks of the little Miami River will surely charm you. Make sure to check out the official Chateau Laroche website for the most up-to-date hours and programs!
6) Tour the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.
Capitol Square, 75 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Arlenz CHEN/Flickr
Free, guided tours, as well as self-guided tours of the Statehouse are offered Monday through Friday on the hour from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 3 p.m. When it comes to cheap things to do in Ohio, you really can't beat free.

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7) Take a hike. Literally.
April Dray/Only In Your State
Ohio is FULL of breathtakingly beautiful state parks and forests to explore at no cost. Discover waterfalls, caves, gorges, wildlife, and more. Turns out, the hiking trails in Ohio are pretty amazing! Pictured: Old Man's Cave at Hocking Hills State Park.
8) Visit the Cleveland Museum of Art.
11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Tim Evanson/Flickr
Viewing fine art is free of charge at the Cleveland Museum of Art. It's currently open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are limited per day, so make sure to check out the official Cleveland Museum of Art website for the most up-to-date information.
9) Explore the shores of Lake Erie and Marblehead Lighthouse.
110 Lighthouse Dr, Marblehead, OH 43440, USA
Chris Landis/Flickr
Picnic at Marblehead Lighthouse and visit the lighthouse’s museum in the Keeper’s House. Please make sure to check out the website for important information about closures, seasonal hours, and more! This is a trip worth taking, just make sure it's open first.
10) Walk the Scioto Mile in Columbus.
233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Bob Hall/Flickr
This beloved riverfront park features miles of recreational trails, a cultural arts center, water fountains, local food vendors, and even complimentary Wi-Fi. There is no cost. This riverfront destination in Ohio is a local favorite - come see why!
11) Tour/explore our college campuses and universities.
April Dray/Only In Your State
Ohio is home to multiple BEAUTIFUL college campuses that could bring out the learner in anyone! Pictured: Ohio University, Athens.
12) Check out "The Money Museum."
The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, 1455 E 6th St, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
Craig Hatfield/Flickr
Ironically (and appropriately) enough, the Federal Reserve Bank Museum of Money in Cleveland is free to attendees and features a 23-foot-tall money tree. Currently, they're offering virtual tours online. Make sure to check out the official website for the most recent schedules, hours, and closures.

Interested in ideas for your next day trip in OH? Check out some of the most amazing day trips in Ohio for inspiration!

What other cool, inexpensive things to do in Ohio for $10 or less? How do you seize the day when you’re low on cash? Let us know!

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More to Explore

Cheap Fun Things to do in Ohio

Tori Jane | March 10, 2021

What are some free things to do in Ohio?

Ohio is full of all kinds of fun and interesting things to do for free! Take your pick from over 175 amazing trails spanning more than 5.5 thousand miles all over the state. There are also over 50,000 lakes in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. If you'd rather check out some places in the city, the Cleveland Art Museum features free admission, and so does the United States Air Force Museum in Dayton. There are lots more, too, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled - there are so many ways to kill an afternoon in Ohio.

What are the best fun activities in Ohio?

Whether you're a nature lover or a city-slicker, there's undoubtedly something for everyone in Ohio. From strange and unusual roadside attractions to amazing forests, beautiful lakes, photogenic landscapes, and more, we encourage everyone to get out and explore. For the city-slickers, try out the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, or take a tour of the elegant and historic Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. Even better yet, you can take a guided tour or, if you prefer peace and quiet, self-guided tours are also a thing.

Where are the best parks in Ohio?

Ohio has plenty of parks to go around, with two National Historic parks, 83 state parks, and three National Wildlife Refuges. Among the most popular with Ohio locals are the beautiful Hocking Hills State Park, where you'll get your fix of incredible forest scenes and amazing waterfalls, and the awe-inspiring Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park in Portage County, Ohio. If you've already been to these two, or they're a little too distant for you - that's alright. There are dozens more all over the state, so go out and get exploring!

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