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😎 15 Cool (Literally) Indoor Activities To Beat The Heat In Columbus

Plus: 💦 Community Pools Are Open. Here’s Where to Make a Splash

Author

Chelsea Wiley
June 23, 2025

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 🖼️
From neighborhood block parties to music, food, and cultural festivals, there’s something happening almost every weekend in Columbus. Don’t miss your chance to explore the city through art, creativity, and a whole lot of fun. Find your next summer favorite at columbusmakesart.com/events.

Hello, Monday! Chelsea here.

This first full week of summer is no joke, friends. Columbus is absolutely baking right now. And if you're trying to keep kids entertained without melting into the sidewalk, I’ve got just the thing. From air-conditioned museums to indoor roller slides and even a glow-in-the-dark mini golf course, we rounded up 15 fun, creative ways to beat the heat (and the boredom).

P.S. Not all of these are kid speciic, so feel free to treat yourself to some fun in the AC as well. 👍

🔥 What Was On Fire? A Tanker Explosion Shut Down I-270 On Sunday
If you saw that massive cloud of dark, black smoke on the freeway yesterday, you weren’t imagining things. There was a tanker on fire and it caused quite a scene.

💦 Community Pools Are Open. Here’s Where to Make a Splash Near You
Ready to fling yourself into the nearest body fo water? Well, instead of doing that, what if you just made time to hit up one of the many pools around Columbus? There’s a pool party out there waiting for you, friends.

🥵 How To Cool Off During Heat Waves In Columbus
Sometimes, riding out the heatwave at home isn’t an option. Whether you’re experiencing the dreaded AC breakdown (that always seems to happen during a heatwave), don’t have air conditioning at all, or just need a place to pop-in and cool off, you can definitely find somewhere in Columbus to get out of the heat today. Take care of yourselvces and be sure to check on your friends and neighbors!

Headlines 📰 

🌡️ A new study suggests young adults may be more at risk from extreme heat than you'd think. Local experts weigh in on what it means for children here in Central Ohio. (NBC4)

🛒 Kroger just announced plans to close 60 stores—but hasn’t said which ones. Here’s what we know so far, and why it matters to Ohio shoppers. (WOSU)

💰 Rambling House, the Old North music bar known for live tunes and soda-fueled cocktails, is up for sale. The team’s hoping for new owners who’ll keep the spirit (and spirits) alive. (Columbus Monthly)

☀️ Weather: 97 and sunny with heat index values as high as 104

Sponsored by Dublin Irish Festival 🍀
Get ready to shamrock and roll at the Dublin Irish Festival! From August 1-3, Dublin transforms into the ultimate Celtic celebration with nonstop live music, high-energy Irish dancing, and all the Guinness your heart desires. Snag your tickets now and let the craic begin! 

Coming Up 📆

Today's Photo 🤳

☀️ If you’re heading out today, don’t forget to pop some sunscreen on. It’s going to be a doozy out there!

Want your photo to be featured? Use #columbusnavigator or tag us!

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- Chelsea