Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
Check out these blog posts to plan your Summer Fun in Columbus!
- Your Essential Guide to Summer in Columbus, Ohio
- Free Fountains and Splash Pads in Columbus, Ohio
- Farmers Markets in Columbus and Central Ohio
- Summer Nights: Movies, Concerts and More for Every Night of the Week
- Outdoor and Drive-In Movie Experiences in Columbus
- 35 Free Things to do with Your Kids in Columbus This Summer
Family-Friendly Events in Columbus, Ohio this Weekend:
1. Ohio State Fair
The Ohio State Fair runs from July 24 – August 4 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.
2. Dublin Irish Festival
August 2-4 enjoy over 800 performers celebrating Irish culture, music and food! Hours are Friday from 4:00 PM – Midnight, Saturday from 11:00 AM – Midnight and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM. For kids there is a Wee Folk Stage with family-friendly activities and entertainment plus a Pot O’ Gold Playland (wristband required). Tickets are available online or at the door. Kids 11 and under are free (not including the playland).
3. Help Ronald McDonald House Families this Summer with Seeds of Caring
In this Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring, kids 4-12 can help hospitalized children and their families by packing toiletry kits for their stay at Ronald McDonald House. Families and groups can participate any time this summer: Just drop off your completed kits at Ronald McDonald House any day between 9am-9pm, now through Aug. 31.
4. Commons for Kids at Columbus Commons
Each Friday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Columbus Commons, kids of all ages can enjoy activities like free carousel rides, lawn games, and activities by community partners. This week’s theme is Arts + Crafts.
5. Family Storytime at Main Library
Enjoy books and activities with your toddler at the Main Library at 10:00 AM on Friday.
6. Lunch Time Live at Weaver Park
Pack an lunch and enjoy a concert in Weaver Park in Hilliard on Friday from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM.
7. Rock on! Art in the Park at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Enjoy art and nature at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park on Friday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Supplies will be provided. For ages 6 and up.
8. From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center
On Friday or Saturday at 1:30 PM, get free admission to see The Iron Giant (PG) at Gateway Film Center with your library card as part of the Book to Film series!
9. Extended Hours at Little Diggers
Take advantage of extended hours at Little Diggers on Fridays and Saturdays throughout August. They will be open until 8:00 PM each night.
10. Grove City Summer Concert Series at Town Center Park
On Friday from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM enjoy an open-air concert in Grove City Town Center. This Friday’s band will be Rezes-Hall Band.
11. Free Movie Night at Columbus Commons
Watch The Secret Life of Pets at Columbus Commons on Friday night at 8:15 PM.
12. For Kids: Twilight Hike at Highbanks Metro Park
Take a 2-mile hike to learn about the creatures that come out when the sun sets at Highbanks Metro Park on Friday beginning at 8:15 PM. Meet at the Nature Center. The hike will be on an unimproved trail.
13. Summer Movie Series at Northwest Library
Watch the movie Kung Fu Panda 4 in the backyard of Northwest Library on Friday night. Activities and games will begin at 8:30 PM and the movie will start at dark.
14. Morning Chores at Slate Run Farm
Join in the morning chores like feeding the animals and other barnyard chores at Slate Run Farm on Saturday from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM. You must register in advance to participate.
15. Columbus Trading Card and Collectibles Show at Franklin County Fairgrounds
On Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, buy, sell and trade collectible cards. There will be over 100 tables, door prizes and a food truck. Parking and admission are free.
16. Alphabet Walk at Slate Run Farm
From 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday, explore Slate Run Farm while learning 26 facts about tools, animals and farm life in the 1880’s.
17. Picture Perfect Ranch at Westerville Public Library
Get up close to live barnyard animals at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. This event will be outside on the front lawn.
18. Kids Series at Grandview Theater & Drafthouse
This Saturday at 11:00 AM, watch SpongeBob SquarePants at Grandview Theatre and Drafthouse. Admission is free for kids!
19. PlayStreets at Linden Fresh Market
This event is a free block party featuring activities, Little Ladies Soft Serve food truck, face painting, music, a Star Wars obstacle course and more from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Saturday at the Linden Fresh Market.
20. Goodale Park Music Series
Enjoy a free concert by Whitley Jean on Sunday from 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM at the Goodale Park Gazebo.
21. Fairy House Building at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Help build homes for the fairies in Blendon Woods Metro Park on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Meet at the Nature Center.
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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!*