There’s something magical about summer — and Powell delivers BIG fun in a charming little package. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning adventure, an all-day outing, or a spot to cool off with ice cream, Powell’s got something for every kind of family. From caves and animal encounters to splash pads and sweet treats, it’s the perfect place to make some core memories this summer.
Here’s your ultimate Powell summer bucket list—save it, share it, and let the exploring begin!
Oh, and I will update this throughout the summer with more details/events/updates!
Explore Underground and all around at Olentangy Caverns
This local gem is way more than just caves. Families can explore underground limestone passages (don’t forget a jacket—it’s chilly down there!), feed deer in the hands-on animal area, and even try gem mining or a maze. There’s also a wooden playground with a firetruck slide, a Bigfoot-themed nature trail, and a super cute gift shop filled with crystals and fossils. It’s perfect for a half-day of unplugged fun.
📍 1779 Home Rd, Delaware, OH
💵 Activities priced individually; cave tour is self-guided
📝 Keep an eye on their social media for special summer events like arts & crafts and magicians!
Visit the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Home to over 9,000 animals from 650 species, the Columbus Zoo is more than just a visit—it’s a full-day adventure packed with hands-on fun, up-close wildlife encounters, and unforgettable learning moments. Recently voted the Best Zoo in Ohio and one of the top 3 in the U.S. by USA Today, this world-class destination is right here in the heart of Central Ohio!
Must-Do Experiences
- Early Member Mornings (Zoo & Gold Members only)
🗓️ June 29–30 & July 27–28 | ⏰ 8–9 AM
✨ Games, giveaways, character meet & greets, early access to train, carousel & more
💸 $3 off ZooMore wristbands - Up-Close Animal Encounters (Paid Tours)
- Bathe an elephant 🐘
- Meet a cheetah up close 🐆
- Seal & sea lion experience 🦭
- Animal wellness tour
- Interactive Digital Art: Found inside Manatee Coast’s under-the-sea gift shop—create your own sea creature digitally and watch it come to life!
- Lorikeet Aviary: Feed nectar to rainbow-bright lorikeets and get up close in their habitat
- Stingray Bay: Touch and observe these graceful swimmers—don’t miss the baby rays in the center pool! Plus, you can even feed them!
- Keeper Talks: Hear from zookeepers daily with fun, educational sessions included with admission
Money-Saving Tips:
- Franklin County residents get 50% off on Community Days (June 1–2, Aug 17–18, 2025)
- Ride the COTA ZooBus for $5 zoo admission + $10 off Zoombezi Bay
- Use a Columbus Metropolitan Library Culture Pass for FREE zoo entry (up to 6 guests)
- Members can attend Early Member Mornings and save on wristbands and experiences
- The Discovery Family Membership offers a reduced-price annual membership for eligible Ohio families
📍 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH
Cool Off with Ice Cream from Johnson’s or Handel’s
You can’t do summer in Powell without stopping for a scoop. Johnson’s Real Ice Cream is a local classic with nostalgic charm, while Handel’s serves up huge portions and tons of flavors. Both spots have outdoor seating so you can enjoy your cone in the sunshine. It’s a simple pleasure that never gets old.
📍 Johnson’s: 4290 Home Rd | Handel’s: 399 W Olentangy St
Dance Along at a Free LolliPOPS! Concert
These kid-focused concerts at Village Green are pure summer magic. They’re short, fun, and totally free—designed to keep little ones entertained and moving. Bring a blanket, a few snacks, and let the music do its thing. Concerts typically take place Monday mornings, and dates will be announced soon!
📍 Village Green Amphitheater
🕰️ Check the City of Powell or Library website for dates
Join Storytime at Adventure Park
Hosted by the Powell Library, these outdoor storytimes are perfect for littles ages 0–6. They include songs, rhymes, movement, and (of course) great books—all in the sunshine at Adventure Park. Don’t forget a blanket or towel to sit on. These are relaxed, easy mornings that blend nature and early literacy beautifully.
📍 260 Village Park Dr, Powell, OH
🗓️ Held in summer months – dates TBD
☀️ Don’t forget to sign up for summer reading club. Fun prizes + fun events all summer!
Play Wild at the Natural Play Area at Highbanks
Right behind the main playground and zipline at Highbanks Metro Park is a secret spot we love: the natural play area! It’s 15 acres of woods, climbing structures, musical rocks, balancing beams, and nature trails along the Olentangy River. It’s the perfect place for unstructured, creative play—and it’s totally free. Bring bug spray and water, and let the kids roam wild. Check out this reel from our last visit.
📍 9466 Columbus Pike (US 23), Lewis Center, OH — Drive towards the back and you will see Big Meadows Park, that’s where you’ll find it. It’s behind the HUGE (and very awesome) playground!
🚽 Bathrooms + picnic shelter nearby
Celebrate Summer at Powell Festival
This is Powell’s signature summer event—and it’s a BIG one. With live music, inflatables, food trucks, beer tents, and fireworks, it’s two days of nonstop fun. Admission is free, and there’s a Kids’ Zone with activities like bounce houses and obstacle courses (some for a small fee). Pro tip: come early to grab a shaded spot!
📍 Village Green Park
🗓️ June 20–21, 2025
Splash Around at Village Green Splash Pad
Need a quick cool-down on a hot day? The Village Green splash pad is a local favorite, especially if you’re already downtown for a LolliPOPS! concert or checking out the park. It’s open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day and has plenty of space to run and play. While it’s not fenced in and doesn’t offer shaded seating, it’s a great add-on stop for a short summer outing. Just bring towels, sunscreen, and maybe a picnic blanket if you want to stay a bit!
📍 Village Green Park – 47 Hall Street, Powell, OH 43065
🕒 9 AM – 9 PM daily (weather permitting)
Visit the Ohio Wildlife Center on Free Second Sundays
Once a month, this local nonprofit opens its education center for free tours, activities, and up-close animal encounters. You’ll meet native Ohio wildlife and explore the trails around their barn-style education space. It’s peaceful, hands-on, and very kid-friendly. They also offer a monthly Wild Storytime for kids ages 3–6 (registration required).
📍 9000 Dublin Rd, Powell, OH
🗓️ Second Sunday each month | 1–3 PM
Jump + Climb at Recreation Outlet’s $4 Play Sessions
Rainy day? Too hot? This indoor play space is a lifesaver. Kids can run, jump, climb, and bounce on swingsets, trampolines, and basketball hoops. On Tuesdays–Thursdays from 9–11 AM, they host Charitable Play—and it’s just $4 per child! Bonus: 50% of proceeds support a local nonprofit.
📍 484 W Olentangy St, Powell, OH
💵 $4 for Charitable Play (Tues–Thurs 9–11 AM)
Coming Soon — Construction Corner Indoor Play Space
💬 Up Next: DUBLIN!
Stay tuned for the next stop in our Summer Bucket List series—where I’ll be sharing playgrounds, splash pads, free events, and hidden gems just a few miles down the road. You’re gonna want to bookmark it!
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