Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based 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!
1. Blooms and Butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory
Visit the Pacific Island Water Garden between now and July 6th to 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.
2. Build the Thrill Event at LEGOLAND®
From March 6 – April 27 visitors can create the ultimate race car and beat the clock in an awesome race during the Build the Thrill Event. There will be building challenges, special scenes in MINILAND and special activities and photo ops! (Watch my Instagram Reel about Build the Thrill!)
3. Sharks at COSI
Explore dozens of life-sized models of sharks at this temporary exhibit at COSI that also includes fossils and interactive exhibits! The exhibit will be on display from April 12 through September 1, 2025. COSI opens at 10:00 AM on Saturday. See photos of the exhibit on my Facebook post!
4. Tots on Trails at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Take a slow, half-mile hike with your toddler to discover nature at Blacklick Woods on Friday at 10:00 AM. Meet at the Nature Center.
See 5 things to do at Blacklick Woods Metro Park!
5. Play to Learn at Whitehall Library
Stop by the kid’s area at the Whitehall Branch of CML to play and work on fun activities with your child on Friday from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Recommended for ages 5 and under.
6. Columbus Indie Bookstore Crawl
All day Saturday, there will be 14 indie bookstores around Columbus participating in the Columbus Indie Bookstore Crawl! Visit at least 7 participating stores and get entered to win one of 5 swag bags with gifts and merch from each of the stores! There will be special events and author visits happening at each of the stores throughout the day. See the link for more info!
See my list of bookstores in Columbus to plan your day!
7. Storytime with Author & Illustrator Katie Mazeika at Cover to Cover
Join Ohio author & illustrator Katie Mazeika on Saturday at 10:00 AM to celebrate her latest picture book, Maybe Just Ask Me! Recommended for ages 3 and up.
8. Arbor Day Festival at The Dawes Arboretum
The Dawes Arboretum’s 32nd annual Arbor Day Festival and Spring Plant Sale takes place from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Saturday and admission is free all day! There will be a free tree giveaway, tree climbing for kids 8 and up, painting activities, face painting, a wagon tour of the North Loop, interactive tables, music, food trucks and more!
9. Touch-a-Truck at Vineyard Community Church
Get up close to and touch construction vehicles, fire trucks and more at Vineyard Community Church in Reynoldsburg on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. This is a free event.
10. Seeds of Change at Rising Park
This free event at Rising Park in Lancaster will include activities, games and info from local organizations. It takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Read about Rising Park in my blog post about things to do in Lancaster!
11. Earth Day Celebration Weekend at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
On Saturday and Sunday, celebrate Earth Day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium with conservation activity stations, local organizations, character ambassador meet and greets, keeper talks, and a Party for the Planet at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. each day at Lakeside Pavilion. This event is included in admission.
12. Duckling Day at Whetstone Library
The 38th annual Duckling Day will take place on Saturday from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM at the Whetstone Branch of CML, celebrating the book Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey.
13. Arbor Day Festival at Franklin Park Conservatory
Celebrate Arbor Day with crafts, a touch-a-truck, demonstrations, tree climbing, food trucks and entertainment at Franklin Park Conservatory on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Included in admission.
14. Earth Day Learning Fair at African American and African Studies Community Extension Center
This Earth Day celebration, presented by Te ‘Lario Watkins II, takes place from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday and includes a learning fair with local organizations. Meet Kendall Rae Johnson, the youngest certified farmer!
15. Sheep on the Farm at Slate Run Farm
Meet the Merino sheep and lambs and learn about fiber arts and uses of wool at Slate Run Farm on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
See what there is to do at Slate Run Farm here.
16. Saturday Afternoon with Kevan Chandler & Joe Sutphin at Cover to Cover
Join author Kevan Chandler and author & illustrator Joe Sutphin on Saturday at 1:00 PM for a celebration of their early reader book The King’s Cadets and Little Joe: A Little Pilgrim’s Progress Adventure. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
17. Visit with a Recycling Truck at Hanby Park
Explore a recycling truck and learn about trash pick up and recycling services on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM in Hanby Park. See photos of Hanby Park!
18. Butterfly Bash at Canal Winchester Library
On Saturday from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM enjoy butterfly-themed activities and a release of the butterflies that were grown at the Canal Winchester branch of CML.
19. Cap City Festival at Adams Community Center
Cap City Festivals will feature free entertainment in Columbus neighborhoods from April to October. The festival will take place from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM and will include entertainment, activities, community resources and free food. This month’s festival will take place at Adams Community Center on Saturday.
20. Earth Day Columbus Celebration
This free, family-friendly celebration will take place at Scioto Audubon Metro Park on Sunday from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, and it will include performances, children’s activities, food trucks, bands, outdoor yoga, local organizations, craft vendors, tours and talks. The children’s tent will be open from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM with live bugs, book readings and crafts.
21. German Village Makers Market
This outdoor market in German Village will feature over 60 local makers, artists and craftsmen as well as food trucks and more on Sunday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Check out these fun things to do in German Village!
22. Spring Wildflower Walk at Wahkeena Nature Preserve
Take a hike around Wahkeena Nature Preserve on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM to identify wildflowers and learn about folklore and natural history topics. This hike will be 1.5-2 hours.
Read my blog post about Wahkeena Nature Preserve!
23. Pokémon Go Hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Hike with Metro Parks staff to look for Pokémon at Blendon Woods Metro Park. Meet at the Ranger Station on Sunday at 2:00 PM.
24. Salute Those Who Served with Seeds of Caring
Let’s thank our brave veterans together! In this free Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring, kids 2-12 will learn why it’s important to honor U.S. veterans. Then helping hands will decorate cards and write caring notes for veterans participating in Honor Flight Columbus. Donations may be mailed or directly dropped to the Seeds of Caring office through May 18.
*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!*