Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: August 16-18, 2024

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 in Columbus, Ohio this Weekend:

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical by CCT will run August 9-18 at Riffe Center with multiple shows each weekend. This is a 2 act musical with intermission featuring the popular series by author Jeff Kinnney.

2. Lantern Festival at Columbus Zoo

Enjoy larger-than-life Asian lanterns shaped like animals from around the world at the Columbus Zoo. This event takes place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM until September 29th. Tickets are available online.

3. Share ART from the HEART with Seeds of Caring

Looking for a kid-friendly service project to do at home, school, or wherever you are? Here’s a fun (and caring) craft kids can do anywhere! In this project from Seeds of Caring, kind kids ages 6-12 will create bedside art for hospice patients served by OhioHealth. Use our free template and any art supplies you have on hand to share smiles and happiness through August 31!

4. Open Playtime at Westerville Public Library

Enjoy an open playtime at Westerville Public Library that will include self-directed activities for kids ages 5 and under. This event takes place on Friday from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM.

5. From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center

On Friday or Saturday at 1:30 PM, get free admission to see How to Train Your Dragon (PG) at Gateway Film Center with your library card as part of the Book to Film series!

6. Nature Kids at Blacklick Woods

Go on a 1-mile hike through the prairie and catch insects at Blacklick Woods on Friday at 2:00 PM.

7. End of Summer Bash at Stradley Park

On Friday night from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM enjoy live music by Creek Don’t Rise, free activities like a bounce house, balloon animals a living statue, face painting and more! There will be 3 food trucks on-site as well.

8. Scioto Mile Fountain Night Light Show

On Friday and Saturday from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM the Scioto Mile Fountain will be illuminated with color and lights and set to music.

9. Summer Movie Series at Northwest Library

Enjoy outdoor games and activities beginning at 8:30 PM on Friday and then watch Kung Fu Panda 4 at dark.

10. Book Sale at Old Worthington Library

Find gently used books at clearance prices at the Old Worthington Library on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. and Sunday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

11. The Traveling Bookshop Pop-Up at Coffee Connections

The Traveling Bookshop pop-up store will be popping up at Coffee Connections in Hilliard on Saturday from 9:30 AM – 11:30 Am. Find secondhand books for all ages.

12. Kids Beach Party Tram Ride at Blendon Woods Metro Park

Take a tram ride at Blendon Woods and enjoy water fun on Saturday at 10:00 AM! Tram rides leave at 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM. Bring a towel.

13. Open Studio at Columbus Museum of Art

Open Studio takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM with the first hour being sensory friendly. All ages can explore monthly themes and learn to think and create like an artist. Free with admission.

14. Columbus Food Truck Festival Hilliard Edition

Enjoy your favorite food trucks, artisan vendors and music acts on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM at Franklin County Fairgrounds.

15. The Ultimate Comedy Magic Show at Northside Library

Enjoy a hilarious magic show by Rory Rennick at the Northside Library on Saturday at 1:00 PM.

16. Summer Fun Day at Blacklick Woods Metro Park

Head to Blacklick Woods Metro Park to fly a kite, play with bubbles or draw with chalk on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Ash Grove Picnic Area.

17. Dairy Bingo at Slate Run Farm

Head to Slate Run Farm on Saturday between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to complete a Dairy Bingo Card. You can also visit rare, heritage shorthorn cattle on the farm.

18. CBUS Soul Fest at Genoa Park

Celebrate Columbus’ vibrant Black culture with live music, food trucks and more on Saturday from 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM at Genoa Park. Admission is free.

19. After Dark in the Park at Clear Creek Metro Park

Experience nature at night with crafts, face painting, roasting s’mores, a lantern hike, and more! This event takes place on Saturday from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Clear Creek Metro Park.

20. Free Family Movie Night at Columbus Commons

Watch A Goofy Movie on Saturday night at 8:15 PM at Columbus Commons. Free popcorn while supplies last and food trucks on site. Bring lawn chairs and/or blankets.

21. Movies at the Dam

On Saturday at 9:00 PM watch Wonder Park at Alum Creek Below Dam Recreation Area. Bring a blanket. This is a free event and snacks will be available for purchase.

22. Kids Craft Workshop at Olentangy Caverns

Go gem mining and then pick your favorite rock to turn into a necklance at Olentangy Caverns on Sunday afternoon. Choose a 30-minute time slot beginning at 1:00 PM. Tickets are available online.

23. River Walk to the Giant Sycamore at Highbanks Metro Park

Take a rugged 1.5-mile hike over water and rocks to visit a 400-year-old Sycamore tree at Highbanks River Bluff. Wear closed-toed shoes and expect to get wet! Ages 6 and up. (Check the link by 12:00 PM on Sunday to see if this event will be on – it is contingent on Olentangy water levels.)

24. Meet and Greet the Animals at Blendon Woods Metro Park

Meet the animal ambassadors at Blendon Woods Metro Park on Sunday at 2:00 PM.

*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!*