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 Events this Weekend in Columbus, Ohio:
1. Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Hilliard Davidson High School
Watch a performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid by Hilliard Davidson High Schoolers. There are 4 performances this week beginning Thursday at 6:30 PM. Additional shows are at 7:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday and 2:00 PM on Sunday.
2. Mama Mia at Westerville South
Enjoy ABBA’s hits through this story of a young woman’s search for her birth father performed by students at Westerville South. There are 4 shows this weekend with the first on Thursday night at 7:00 PM. Additional shows are Friday and Saturday at 7:00 PM, and Sunday at 2:00 PM.
3. Play Unstoppable Festival Event at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus
From March 23-May 12, 2024 at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus you can enjoy the new LEGO Friends 4D Movie, design your own flowers, enjoy dance parties, go on a MINILAND scavenger hunt, create a festival animal and more during the Play Unstoppable Festival Event. This event takes place during regular hours and is included with admission.
4. Mission: Kid Possible Nature Trail at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Complete mission activities on the Ripple Rock/Hickory Ridge Trail Loop at Blendon Woods to become a Nature Expert! Available during regular park hours throughout the whole month of April!
5. TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition at COSI
See over 200 authentic artifacts rescued from the wreckage site of Titanic including full-room recreations! There is an additional cost for this exhibit which will be available at COSI daily during regular hours through September 2, 2024. Reservations are strongly encouraged!
6. Blooms and Butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory
Blooms and Butterflies will be open at Franklin Park Conservatory through July 7! You can walk through the Pacific Island Water Garden to see free-flying butterflies. Check out the Metamorphosis Lab to see new butterflies emerge from their chrysalis. Daily hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
7. Help Give Local Moms a Happy Mother’s Day with Seeds of Caring
Celebrate moms in our community with this fun family activity from Seeds of Caring! Children ages 2-12 will engage in a kid-friendly conversation about kindness, then make Mother’s Day Care Kits with items like mints, a small journal, lip balm, and a handwritten note for moms staying at the Van Buren Family Shelter. This project is ongoing, so families and groups can participate any time through May 3.
8. Bluey & Bingo Family Party
On Friday night at 6:00 PM, enjoy a sing-a-long, freeze dance, story time, sensory, play, crafts and more with Bluey, Bingo and the Poodle Girls. Tickets are available online.
9. Monster Jam at The Schottenstein Center
Monster Jam® Arena Championship Series Central will be at The Schottenstein Center April 26-28. There will be pit parties at 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 where fans can see the massive trucks up close, meet their favorite drivers and crews, get autographs, take pictures and enjoy other family-friendly activities. This weekend’s show times are Friday at 7:00 PM, Saturday at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Sunday at 1:00 PM.
10. UNEXTINCT at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
On Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM explore a world of illusions and extraordinary wildlife at this special engagement event at the Columbus Zoo. There are 15 scenes to experience. Tickets are available online.
11. Tree Planting at Stratford Ecological Center
Celebrate Earth Day by planting a tree at Stratford Ecological Center on Saturday from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Registration is required. You can visit the farm and animals afterward!
12. Morning Chores at Slate Run Farm
Register in advance to help the farmer feed the animals and do other barnyard chores at Slate Run Farm on Saturday from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM. This activity is for age 5 and up and you must register in advance.
13. Earth Day Celebration at Sawmill Wetlands
On Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, celebrate Earth Day at Sawmill Wetlands. Take boardwalk tours, learn about birds and flying squirrels, meet the Fairy Shrimp Princess and more!
14. Duckling Day at Whetstone Library
The 37th annual Duckling Day at Whetstone Library will feature a celebration of the book Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey on Saturday from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
15. Touch the Truck at Grove City UMC
Get up close to and touch trucks and vehicles and meet their drivers on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. There will be vendors and food trucks, too. Bring a gently used clothing and non-perishable food drive for a local mission project with Wide Open Hearts. (See more things to do in Grove City here!)
16. Earth Day Celebration at Genoa Park
This free event will feature activities for kids and adults, food and drinks, local music, sustainability-focused vendors and local organizations. The celebration will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday and will last until 8:00 PM.
17. Spring Open Farm at Harrison Farm
This event takes place from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Meet baby lambs and goats, shop the Farm Stand, tour the farm and shop from local vendors at Harrison Farm in Groveport.
18. Music Series at the Gahanna Library
Enjoy the Dhvani Indian Performing Arts Society performing traditional Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam (classical Indian dance) at the Gahanna branch of CML on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. (See more things to do in Gahanna to plan your day!)
19. Ohio Roller Derby at Ohio Expo Center
Doors open at 4:00 PM on Saturday for two games of flat track roller derby featuring Ohio Roller Derby vs. Team Ontario. This is a family-friendly game to watch and kids 7 and under are free. Tickets are available online and may sell out quickly!
20. Marysville Toy Show at Union County Fairgrounds
This toy show will feature up to 300 tables of toys including action figures, farm toys, model kits, trains, die-cast cars, Barbie, LEGO, Funko, Marvel and more! The show is from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM on Sunday and admission is $6. Children 12 and under are free. (See more things to do in Marysville!)
21. Children’s Garden Day at Inniswood Metro Gardens
From 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Sunday, enjoy an afternoon of fun and learning about water, soil, fire and air and how they support life in the gardens at Inniswood. There will be informational displays, crafts, a scavenger hunt, hands-on activities and more!
*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!*