Columbus Parks and Recreation Youth Programs

Columbus Parks and Recreation Youth Programs include a free summer-long Come Out & Play playground recreation program with fieldtrips, recreational games, sports, crafts, and visits to Donner Aquatic Center, as well as disc golf and disc golf putting practice. The programs also offer Bike to Work Day, Movies in the Park, a kids craft table, bingo, basket classes, Japanese Taiko drumming, and fencing. Family events include Community Fun Days, Chaotic Tuesdays, and a Family Bingo and Make Your Own Sundae Night.

• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Seasonal and year-round options, including weekday afternoon summer sessions, four-week fencing and disc golf putting sessions, single-evening basket classes, and multi-week Japanese Taiko drumming sessions across late fall, winter, and early spring
• Price: Mix of free programs and paid classes, with free options such as Come Out & Play, disc golf course use, Disc Golf Putting League, Bike to Work Day, Movies in the Park, Community Fun Days, Chaotic Tuesdays, and Family Bingo Night, and paid options such as basket classes, Japanese Taiko drumming, and fencing

The Columbus Parks and Recreation Board’s mission is “To enrich lives” within the department’s planning area. The Board operates under the provision of the “Indiana Parks and Recreation Law” (IC 36-10-3) in accordance with City Ordinance, and the City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Board includes President Dave Bush, Vice President Brian Wilson, Secretary Miriam Portaluppi, and member Chaz Smith, with Mary K. Ferdon serving as Mayor and Frank Miller serving as City Council Liaison.

Come Out & Play campers receive weekly visits from community guests from the library. Movies in the Park Series is sponsored by The Columbus Park Foundation. Columbus Parks and Recreation uses the Remind notification system and its Facebook page to alert participants of cancellations and closures due to weather.

Last updated May 14, 2026.