Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: August 1-3, 2025

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. 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. Ohio State Fair

The Ohio State Fair runs from July 23 – August 3 and includes rides, concessions, art displays, live music, strolling performers, kids’ entertainment, farm animals, competitions and more. Kids will love the Natural Resources Park with free fishing, kayaking and kid-friendly activities.

4. Lancaster Festival

The Lancaster Festival begins on Thursday, July 24th and runs through Saturday, August 2nd. Highlights this weekend include Chalk the Block, ArtWalk in downtown Lancaster on Friday night from 6:00 PM. – 9:00 PM and Festival Fair Day on Saturday from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Some of the musical events have been cancelled due to flooding, but other activities will go on.

Read my list of fun things to do with kids in Lancaster, Ohio!

5. Junie B Jones The Musical Jr. at Columbus Children’s Theatre

This fun musical is filled with songs and stories of June B’s first day of first grade. It’s 60 minutes long and great for ages 5 and up. The show will run from July 24 to August 10th with several show times each weekend. It takes place at Studio One at the Riffe Center.

6. 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.

7. What Is It? at Slate Run Farm

Find out what mystery objects were used for in the 1880’s at Slate Run Farm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

8. Commons for Kids

On Friday mornings from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Columbus Commons, enjoy free kid-friendly activities including lawn games, carousel rides, face painting, and educational activities from community partners. This Friday’s theme is Music.

Read about all of the fun things to do at Columbus Commons this Summer!

9. Baby & Me Tour at Columbus Museum of Art

Explore art with your baby during a multi-sensory experience at the Columbus Museum of Art. Perfect for ages 0-2 and their caregivers, this tour takes place on Friday at 10:30 AM. Register online. (Free for members).

10. Dublin Irish Festival

The Dublin Irish Festival takes place Friday through Sunday. Hours are Friday: 4:00 PM – Midnight, Saturday: 11:00 AM – Midnight and Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM. There will be live music, vendors, food trucks, a Wee Folk Area and Pot-o-Gold Playland for kids, cultural exhibits and much more! Tickets are available online. Those arriving between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM will recieve free admission on Sunday.

11. Family Movie Night at Columbus Commons

Watch a free, outdoor showing of Tangled at Columbus Commons on Friday night at 7:00 PM. Free popcorn while supplies last. Bring chairs or a blanket.

12. Bugstravaganza at Walnut Woods

This celebration of insects includes the OSU Bugmobile, crafts, a beekeeper, and of course lots of bugs and insects! Free food will be served. This event takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM in the Buckeye Area of Walnut Woods Metro Park.

13. Animal Visit at Westerville Public Library

See, touch and learn about farm animals at this live animal visit at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. This event will take place on the front lawn.

Read this list of fun things to do in Westerville!

14. Don’t Let the Pigeon Plan a Party at Northwest Library

Enjoy crafts and activities inspired by Mo Willems’ books on Saturday from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM! Plus there will be a visit from a special guest! Ages 8 and under.

15. Storytime at Clintonville Books

Enjoy a visit and story time with authors Paula Vertikoff and Marie Weller featuring their new book Cranium Critters: Teaming Up with the Memory Keeper on Saturday at 11:00 AM.

16. Flower Power at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Learn about native plants and do a flower-themed craft at Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

17. Baby Block Party at the Hilltop Library

Enjoy stories, a Bubble Dance Party and more at the Hilltop Branch of CML on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

18. Gallery Hop in the Short North

Gallery Hop takes place on Saturday, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Explore the Short North Arts District, with new art, live music, community pop-ups and hands-on activities.

19. Cave Yoga at Olentangy Caverns

Enjoy a yoga class inside the cave at Olentangy Caverns on Saturday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Ages 12 and up. Tickets are available online.

Read 10 Things to do at Olentangy Caverns!

20. CMA Community Day

Community Day is free for all on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Columbus Museum of Art. Celebrate 10 years of the Margaret M. Walter Wing and enjoy a day of activities.

21. August Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory

Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory takes place on the first Sunday of each month from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Residents of Columbus and Franklin County receive free General Admission. Identification is required. This month’s theme is Plant the Power Veg Fest. There will be a performance by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at 12:00 PM and a wellness festival on the Community Garden Campus from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

22. Fairy House Building at Blendon Woods Metro Park

Collect natural materials and make Fairy Houses for the Blendon Woods fairies on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. meet at the Nature Center.

Check out all there is to do at Blendon Woods Metro Park!

*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!*