Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
Check out these blog posts to plan your Summer Fun in Columbus!
- Your Essential Guide to Summer in Columbus, Ohio
- Free Fountains and Splash Pads in Columbus, Ohio
- Farmers Markets in Columbus and Central Ohio
- Summer Nights: Movies, Concerts and More for Every Night of the Week
- Outdoor and Drive-In Movie Experiences in Columbus
- 35 Free Things to do with Your Kids in Columbus This Summer
Family-Friendly Things to do in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend:
These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend!
1. Unofficial Galaxies at COSI
Unofficial Galaxies is one of the largest Star Wars fan collections in the world and it will be on display at COSI now through September 1, 2025. General Admission and Live Shows tickets are required to experience Unofficial Galaxies.
2. Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects at Franklin Park Conservatory
This temporary, special exhibit includes horticulture displays made from LEGO bricks! It will be on display throughout the conservatory until September 7, 2025. See my Reel on Instagram for more info!
3. Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival
From July 31 – October 5, the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival will take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Asian lanterns will highlight wildlife scenes throughout the zoo. Tickets are available online.
4. Bring Smiles to Seniors with Seeds of Caring
In this FREE Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring, kids 6-12 will explore why seniors can experience loneliness through an empathy-building exercise. Then you’ll decorate cards and write messages of caring for seniors living at National Church Residences. Register your family, youth group, or team now and participate any time through August 31!
5. Dick’s House of Sport Grand Opening
The grand opening of Dick’s House of Sport at Polaris Fashion Place will include prizes, special appearances, giveaways and more on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Wristbands are required for special appearances of Archie Griffin and Jeremiah Smith. They will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at store open on the day of the event. The store opens at 9:00 AM on Friday and Saturday and at 10:00 AM on Sunday.
6. Alphabet Walk at Slate Run Farm
Explore the farm while learning 26 alphabetical facts about tools, animals and farm life in the 1880s at Slate Run Farm in Canal Winchester. This activity can be done any time on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
7. Cinema Under the Stars in Friendship Park
Watch the movie Madame Web at Friendship Park in Gahanna on Friday night. Activities like a bounce house, Kona Ice and Ohio Wildlife Center begin at 5:30 PM. The movie begins at 8:00 PM.
8. End of Summer Bash in Stradley Park
Celebrate the end of summer in Stradley Park in Canal Winchester on Friday from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Activities include a dunk tank, bounce house, balloon animals, live performances, face painting, food trucks, crafts and more! Live music will be provided by The Treble Catz.
9. Little Grand Market’s 1st Birthday Celebration
Celebrate the Little Grand Market’s 1st birthday on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Activities include special drinks, live music, yoga in the park, the Little Grand Farmers Market, surprise happy hours, and a Crew Watch Party. Sunday will be more family-friendly with activities on the patio like face painting, bubble stations and piñata smashing. At 1:00 PM on Sunday, there will be an official cutting of the cake! Festivities begin at 7:00 PM on Friday, 9:30 AM on Saturday and 11:00 AM on Sunday. Check the link for the full schedule.
10. Breakfast with the Bees at Barley Moon Botanicals
Anyone age 10 and up can don a beekeeper suit and get a hands-on look at honeybees in action. This event also includes a honey-infused breakfast and a wellness talk. The event takes place on Saturday at 9:00 AM. Tickets are available online. Veterans and first responders are free.
11. Once Upon Ohio at Ohio History Center
This event is perfect for young children and includes book-themed activities and crafts, Ohio authors and illustrators, a performance by the Shazzbots, bilingual story times, and more! Timed tickets are available online for this event on Saturday, beginning at 10:00 AM.
Read more about visiting Ohio History Center!
12. The Barbie Sports Club Tour at Easton Town Center
Shop for active-inspired apparel, accessories and drinkware at the Barbie Sports Club Truck which will be popping up at Easton Town Center near Crate & Barrel on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
13. Cartoon Capers at the Ohio Theatre
Watch classic cartoons on the big screen at the Ohio Theatre on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Tickets are available online.
14. Columbus Food Truck Festival
Try out a wide selection of food trucks at this annual festival on Saturday and Sunday at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard. Tickets are $5 online and $10 at the door. There will be live music, a crafters market and over 40 food trucks. Hours are 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM on Saturday and 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM on Sunday.
15. Magical Balloon Mystery at Main Library
Enjoy an interactive read-aloud with Erica Carlson and Drew Dittmar at Main Library on Saturday at 11:00 AM. There will be magic tricks, drawing tutorials, costumed characters, a balloon scavenger hunt, animal friends and more. Best for ages 6 and under.
Check out my Instagram post featuring the Giant Bugs at Main Library!
16. Try It! Archery at Scioto Grove Metro Park
Try out archery for free between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM on Saturday at Scioto Grove Metro Park in Grove City. All equipment and instruction will be provided. Ages 8 and up.
Read about all the fun things to do in Grove City!
17. Shrek: The Musical at The Avalon Theatre
Watch Shrek: The Musical on Saturday at 2:00 PM at The Avalon Theatre in downtown Marysville. Tickets are available online.
18. Japan FestOH! at Riverside Crossing Park
This festival takes place on Saturday from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Riverside Crossing Park in Dublin. It will include live performances, workshops, cultural displays, vendors and food and drink, all celebrating Japanese culture. General Admission is free but a donation of $10/per adult is suggested. An Activity Pass is required for the hands-on activities for kids. Tickets for workshops are available online.
19. Summer Movie Series at New Albany Parks and Recreation
Watch The Wild Robot on Saturday in Bevelhymer Park in New Albany. Festivities begin at 6:30 PM on Saturday and the movie begins at sunset.
20. Columbus Princess Ball Benefiting the Butterfly Guild
Meet and greet 12 princesses at this event that benefits The Butterfly Guild of Nationwide Children’s Hospital! There will be singing and dancing performances, pictures, balloon sculptures, crafts, a sensory area, face painting, glam station and more! It takes place at 12:00 PM on Sunday at Polaris Fashion Place and tickets are available for a $20 donation. Click the link to get your ticket in advance.
21. A.P.E.S. Summer Open House
Meet the White-Handed Gibbons and help care for them at the American Primate Educational Sanctuary in Blacklick on Sunday between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Tickets are $10/person.
22. Summer Fungi at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Search for mushrooms and learn about them on a 1.25-mile hike at Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Sunday at 3:00 PM. Meet at the Nature Center.
See 5 Fun Things to do at Blacklick Woods Metro Park!
23. Concerts on the Green in Worthington
On Sunday, beginning at 7:00 PM, there will be a free concert on the Northwest Village Green in Worthington. Bring a blanket or chair to enjoy a concert by the George Barrie Band.
*Please be aware, information is gathered from multiple community sources. Times, dates and locations are subject to change. There may be a fee to participate in a featured activity. Please call ahead or check links to confirm activities. Inclusion of an event on this list is not considered an endorsement. Please use your best judgement when attending public events and consult your doctor if you have questions regarding the safety level of a public event. Read my disclaimer here. Enjoy what you do today!*