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! As always, click the links to verify details!
Since Independence Day falls on Friday, this weekend’s list includes local Independence Day celebrations beginning on Thursday! Have a Happy Independence Day! (You can also see a list of 4th of July celebrations here.)
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. Blooms and Butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory
This is the last weekend to visit the Pacific Island Water Garden and walk amongst the butterflies! You can also view butterflies emerging from their chrysalises in the Metamorphosis Lab. This activity is available during regular hours (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and is included in admission. July 6th is the last day.
3. 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!
4. Granville 4th
The Granville Kiwanis July 4th Celebrations take place July 2-5 and include several contests and events! Each day you can enjoy midway concessions and rides! Party in the Park takes place on Wednesday at Wildwood Park from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM and includes live music and food vendors. Fireworks take place on Wednesday, July 2nd at 10:00 PM. The parade takes place on Friday, July 4th at 10:45 AM. See link for the entire schedule of events!
5. Red White and Boom in Downtown Columbus
This day-long event takes place on July 3rd, beginning with the BOOM! Street Festival featuring vendors, food, activities, live music and more! The parade begins at 5:30 PM at the Main Street Bridge. The fireworks begin at 10:00 PM, fired from Genoa Park.
6. Independence Day Celebration in Gahanna
The City of Gahanna holds its Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 3 from 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM at Gahanna Municipal Golf Course. The event includes food vendors, live music and fireworks at 10:00 PM.
7. Independence Day Celebration in Reynoldsburg
The Independence Day Celebration in Reynoldsburg takes place on July 3 and July 4! On the 3rd, enjoy a celebration including entertainment, food vendors, a fun zone for kids and the fireworks. Gates open at 6:00 PM and fireworks begin at 9:45 PM. The Fourth of July Parade begins on the 4th at 10:00 AM at the corner of Rosehill Rd. and Main St.
8. Famous Fortress Fireworks in Obetz
Famous Fortress Fireworks takes place on Thursday, July 3 at Fortress Obetz. Gates open at 6:00 PM for this free event. Actives include food trucks, inflatables, yard games, live music, and fireworks at 9:50 PM!
9. Pickerington’s 4th of July Celebration
Pickerington’s fireworks take place on Thursday, July 3rd, launched from Pickerington High School Central. The parade takes place on July 4th at 10:00 AM in Olde Pickerington Village.
10. Clintonville July 4th Celebration
July 4th in Clintonville includes a community breakfast, patriotic pet parade, bike decorating contest and parade, a pet parade, baseball and softball games, a community festival in Whetstone Park and a car show. The day begins at 8:00 AM and fireworks will take place at dusk.
11. Upper Arlington Fourth of July
4th of July celebrations in Upper Arlington begin with a community parade at 9:00 AM, the Party in the Park at Northam Park at 5:00 PM and fireworks at 10:00 PM.
12. 4th of July in Bexley
Begin the 4th of July in Bexley with the John Barr 5K Run, a parade at 9:30 AM, Evening Celebrations featuring live music on the front lawn of Capital University beginning at 6:00 PM and fireworks at 10:00 PM.
13. A Hunting We Will Go at Slate Run Farm
Pick up a scavenger hunt list at the farmhouse at Slate Run Farm and go for a hunt for items around the farm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
14. Lancaster 4th of July Parade and Fireworks
The Lancaster-Fairfield County 4th of July celebration begins with a parade at 10:00 AM, leaving from the fairgrounds. Afterwards, you can enter the fairgrounds for a craft show, live music and fireworks beginning at 10:00 PM.
15. Sunbury Independence Day Celebration
Sunbury’s Independence Day Celebration takes place on July 4th on the Town Square. A parade begins at 10:00 AM and fireworks will be set off at dusk from Big Walnut Middle School. Before the fireworks there will be live music, food and a Kids Zone at the school.
16. Gahanna 4th of July Parade
The 4th of July Parade takes place on Friday at 10:30 AM, beginning on Granville St. and ending at Royal Plaza Shopping Center on Stygler Road.
17. Westerville 4th of July
A day of fun is planned for the 4th of July in Westerville! The morning includes a 5K Walk/Run and the parade begins at 10:30 AM in Uptown Westerville. Later, enjoy a free concert, Fun Zone and Food Truck Festival at the Westerville Sports Complex. Activities begin at 5:00 PM. Food trucks begin service at 5:00 PM. Stay for the fireworks which begin at 10:00 PM.
18. Independence Day in Delaware
Independence Day in Delaware includes a parade, concert and fireworks! The parade begins at 11:00 AM on July 4th and begins at the fairgrounds. An outdoor concert takes place at OWU at 7:30 PM and the fireworks begin at 10:00 PM on Friday.
19. Holiday Paddle on the Lake at Prairie Oaks Metro Park
Paddle around the lake at Prairie Oaks Metro Park on Friday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Kayaks and canoes will be available for use. Ages 10 and up.
20. Doo Dah Parade & Party
Celebrate Liberty & Lunacy at the Doo Dah Parade in the Short North on July 4th beginning at 1:00 PM. The parade takes off from Buttles Ave and continues on to High Street. A Block Party in Goodale Park will take place after the parade, including free live music. (This parade may push the boundaries of what you personally consider family-friendly, so don’t say I didn’t warn you!)
21. Freedom Fest in Hilliard
Freedom Fest in Hilliard takes place on Friday, July 4th in Municipal Park. It includes live music, food trucks, swimming, a Kid Zone and fireworks. Food Trucks begin at 3:00 PM. The Kid Zone takes place from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM and requires the purchase of a wristband. All other activities take place between 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Fireworks will be set off at approximately 9:45 PM.
22. Worthington Independence Day Celebration
The Worthington Independence Day Celebration takes place on July 4th. The Rotary Family Picnic will take place at 6:00 PM and the Fireworks begin at 10:00 PM at Thomas Worthington High School.
23. Grove City Fireworks
The Grove City fireworks display will begin at 9:45 PM on July 4th. The fireworks are launched from Murfin Fields. Parking opens at 8:00 PM.
24. Storytime with Author Miranda Kogon Montoya at Cover to Cover
Head to Cover to Cover on Saturday at 10:00 AM for a story time with author Dr. Miranda Kogon Montoya in celebration of her picture book, Petunia Moves Again.
25. PAW Patrol Storytime at Westerville Public Library
Enjoy a story, songs and activities with a PAW Patrol theme at this storytime on Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Westerville Library.
26. Bubble Party at Old Worthington Library
Blow bubbles, pop bubble wrap and make friends at this bubble party at Old Worthington Library on Saturday at 10:30 AM.
27. Jazz Academy on Tour at Dublin Library
Enjoy a concert by the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus where you can lear about musicians, instruments and more at the Dublin Branch of CML on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
28. Drop In: Solar Print Craft at Highbanks Nature Center
Make a solar print craft at the Highbanks Nature Center on Saturday at 1:00 PM. The craft will take around 25 minutes and it can be taken home afterward.
29. Summer Sunday Splash at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Go creeking between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Sunday at the Battelle Darby Creek Cedar Ridge Picnic Area. All supplies provided.
30. Heritage Day at the Historical Society Museum
This event includes live demonstrations of heritage arts like spinning wool, violin making and using a fountain pen. Admission is free and all exhibits will be open on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
31. Power Down for a Brighter Future with Seeds of Caring
This summer, kids ages 6-12 can learn about renewable resources and the importance of conserving energy! Register for this FREE Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring to receive a service packet with project instructions, guided discussions, and more that you can complete anywhere, any time through August 31.
*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!*