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Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: April 17-19, 2026

Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohiobased events and activities!

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!

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1. Blooms and Butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory

Walk through hundreds of butterflies inside the Pacific Island Water Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory. In the Metamorphosis Lab, you can watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalises. This activity is included in general admission and takes place daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM through July 5, 2026.

2. Mythic Creatures at COSI

Learn about the natural and cultural roots of mythological creatures from Asia, Europe, the Americas and beyond at this temporary exhibit at COSI. This exhibit will be on display through September 7th and is included in general admission during daily COSI hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM).

3. World Heritage Week at Ohio History Connection

Celebrate the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, Ohio’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site at Great Circle Earthworks, Fort Ancient Earthworks and Octagon Earthworks with events all week from April 15-18.

4. Urban Birding Basics with Nicole Jackson at Parsons Library

Teens can learn to recognize birds in urban settings at this event on Friday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Parsons Branch of CML. There will be information and hands on activities. Ages 12-17 and adults are welcome.

5. Clintonville Jamboree

This event on the third Friday of each month features live music, food trucks, a treasure hunt for kids, pop-ups and more. Hours are 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Friday and the event is centered on High Street from Global Gallery to Combustion Brewing.

6. Bingo Night at Family Room Coffee

Bingo Night takes place on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month and all ages can participate to win prizes and treats at Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Read more about Family Room Coffee on this list of Coffee Shops in Westerville.

7. Beetlejuice Jr. at McCoy Center for the Arts

New Albany Middle School presents Beetlejuice Jr., a “frightfully funny musical” based on the movie and Broadway show. Performances take place at the McCoy Center on Friday at 7:00 PM, Saturday at 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM. and Sunday at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Tickets are available online.

8. Spring Scavenger Hunt at Quarry Trails Metro Park

Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet at the Park Office at Quarry Trails Metro Park and look for items on the list. Return your sheet for a prize on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

9. Adventures of Frog and Toad at Columbus Children’s Theatre

This performance of Adventures of Frog and Toad is a 30-minute, live performance with interactive activities. Show times are Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Tickets are available online. Recommended for ages 5 and under.

10. Healthy Kids Day at YMCA of Central Ohio

Healthy Kids Day is a free community event on Saturday at all 13 YMCA locations in Central Ohio. There will be family-friendly activities and special events that are different at each location. Highlights include storytimes, face painting, bounce houses, zumba, a photo booth, open swim, and much more. Check the link to see specific hours and what’s happening at each location.

11. Waste Not, Want Not at Slate Run Farm

Learn about recycling and reuse in the 1880’s at a display at the Farmhouse at Slate Run Farm from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Saturday.

Read all about Slate Run Farm!

12. 2026 Kids as Planet Protectors: An Earth Day Celebration

Celebrate Earth Day with Seeds of Caring. This event includes hands-on activities for kids ages 2-12. There will be games, tree planting, wildlife encounters, and much more. The event takes place at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center on Saturday and you can register for either 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM or 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.

13. Storytime with a Pilot at Westerville Public Library

Meet a real pilot and learn about flying a plane at this story time that also includes plane-themed crafts and a flight simulator. The event takes place at 10:00 AM on Saturday at the Westerville Public Library. Suitable for ages 2-7.

14. Earth Day Adventure at Northwest Library

On Saturday from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM, kids can make bird feeders, play composting games and create recyclable crafts at this event at Northwest Library. For ages 11 and under.

15. Earth Day Free Tree Giveaway at Franklin Park Conservatory

Celebrate Earth Day at Franklin Park Conservatory, where kids can do a tree cookie craft, and families can take home a free tree sapling. Included in admission on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

16. Superman Day at Packrat Comics

Celebrate Superman Day at Packrat Comics with free comics, 15% off all Superman-related graphic novels and more on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

See pics of Packrat Comics in Hilliard.

17. Community Workshop – Elijah the Cup Guy at Main Library

Meet Elijah the Cup Buy and build your own sculpture with cups at the Main Library on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.

18. Ohio State Spring Game at Ohio Stadium

The OSU Spring Game is a scrimmage between Scarlet and Gray (offense vs. defense), and a fun chance to see the OSU Football team play before the season starts. Tickets are available online for the game that starts at 12:00 PM on Saturday.

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19. Flyers Pizza 50th Anniversary Open House Celebration

This celebration takes place on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Flyers Pizza & Subs Grove City South. The event includes food, giveaways, phot ops, a prize wheel for kids and adults and more.

20. Fairy Door Trail 10th Birthday Party at Riverside Crossing Park

Celebrate 10 years of Dublin’s Fairy Door Trail at this party on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Riverside Crossing Park. Pick up a Fairy Finder Kit in the park and explore the trail where you can meet a real fairy, enjoy special activities, experiences and discounts at participating shops.

Check out this list of 31 things to do in Dublin, Ohio!

21. Vintage Base Ball Day at Ohio History Center

Vintage Base Ball Day takes place on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and includes a make-and-take activity, an education station, interpreters dressed in authentic uniforms, formal talks and hands-on activities. This event is included in admission.

22. Sheep on the Farm at Slate Run Farm

Watch sheep shearing and see the lambs at Slate Run Farm on Sunday between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

23. Life-Sized Chutes and Ladders at Worthington Park Library

Play a life-sized version of Chutes and Ladders at the Worthington Park Library on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM> Ages 11 and under.

24. Fairy House Fun at Blacklick Woods Metro Park

Build your own fairy house or toad abode at Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Dressing up as your favorite mythical character is encouraged!

25. Family Concert Series at Hilliard Library

Enjoy a family-friendly concert by the Columbus Children’s Choir at the Hilliard Branch of CML on Sunday from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

26. Learn About Kindness, Fairness, & Action with Seeds of Caring

In this free project from Seeds of Caring and YWCA Columbus, kids ages 6-12 can build empathy, practice identifying fair and unfair situations, and take action to create a more inclusive and caring community through April 26. One action includes collecting new or gently used books that contain a character of color for the families supported by YWCA Columbus!

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*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!*