Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: August 23-25, 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. 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.

2. Baby Laptime at the Dublin Library

You and your baby can enjoy books, rhymes and music on Friday at 10:00 AM at the Dublin Branch of CML. Perfect for ages 18 months and under.

3. From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center

On Friday or Saturday at 1:30 PM, get free admission to see Little Women (2019) (PG) at Gateway Film Center with your library card as part of the Book to Film series!

4. Bracelets and Book Talk at Storyline Bookshop

This event, recommended for kids ages 10-16, will offer the opportunity to make free friendship bracelets while discussing your favorite books at Storyline Bookshop on Friday from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM.

5. Grand Opening of Near East Cafe

Celebrate the Grand Opening of Near East Cafe on Friday from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM with live music, games, activities for kids and the full menu available for purchase.

6. Bison at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Take a walk to the bison pasture with a naturalist to learn about the bison at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park on Friday at 6:00 PM.

7. Parents Night Out at Bricks & Minifigs Powell

Drop the kids off at BAM Powell for pizza, LEGO free play and a movie on Friday night at 6:00 PM. Spots are limited. Cost is $25/child.

8. Fourth Friday in Uptown Westerville

Enjoy a concert at City Hall, roving entertainment, food trucks, vendors and more during Fourth Friday in Uptown Westerville from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Don’t miss the Arts Alley with crafts for kids in the FUSIAN lot or Science Street on East College Ave.

9. 1999 Movie Rewind at Easton Town Center

Watch the movie 10 Things I Hate About You (PG 13) in The Yard at Easton Town Center. Complimentary blankets and popcorn will be available while supplies last. The event starts at 7:00 PM on Friday.

10. 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.

11. Movie Nights at Topiary Park

Watch a movie in Topiary Park on Friday with food trucks, activities and entertainment beginning at 8:00 PM. Movie starts at sunset and this Friday’s movie is Barbie (PG13).

12. Kids’ Batmobile MOC Contest at Bricks & Minifigs Hilliard

Kids can enter a Batmobile MOC (My Own Creation) by Saturday, August 24th at Bricks & Minifigs Hilliard. Build your best Batmobile to win a $25 gift certificate! Just submit your creation to the store by Saturday. Store hours are 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM on Saturday.

13. Chalk Party at Northwest Library

Kids ages 6-11 can enjoy fun chalk activities outside the Northwest Library on Saturday from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.

14. Gahanna History Day at Gahanna Library

Celebrate Gahanna History day with programs and activities presented by the Gahanna Historical Society on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Gahanna Branch of CML.

15. Create in Boardman Arts Park

This is a free, hands-on, immersive experience where attendees can create art that will remain in Boardman Arts Park! The event takes place on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM and the theme is Elements. RSVP online.

16. Columbus ArborFest at Whetstone Park

Celebrate Nature at Columbus ArborFest from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Saturday at Whetstone Park. There will be live music, poe-tree readings, dance performances, children’s activities, booths from local organizations, food trucks, big vehicles to climb into and more!

17. Musicologie’s 10th Birthday Bash at Land-Grant Brewing Company

Celebrate 10 years of Musicologie with student performances, food trucks, face painting, balloon animals, magic and performances by Whirlybirds and Popgun on Saturday beginning at 2:00 PM. The last performance begins at 9:00 PM.

18. Kids Create at South High Library

Create art, play games and more at the South High Branch of CML on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. This event is geared towards tweens ages 7-11.

19. Family Tram Rides at Blendon Woods Metro Park

Take a 30-minute tour of Blendon Woods Metro Park on the tram. Tram rides will begin at 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Saturday.

20. Far South Cap City Festival

This free festival includes free food, live music, games, activities, inflatables and more at Scioto Southland Park on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

21. Columbus Jazz Orchestra at Headley Park

This concert features family-friendly performance by The StarLiners, the Jazz Combo from Gahanna Lincoln H.S. and The Columbus Jazz Orchestra in Headley Park on Saturday beginning at 5:00 PM. There will be food trucks and a playground in the park. Tickets are available online.

22. Summer Concert at Ridgewood Park

On Saturday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM enjoy a summer concert in Ridgewood Park. Bring blankets and chairs and win prizes at the Westerville Public Library booth.

23. Columbus Toy and Game Show at The Ohio Expo Center

This Toy and Game Show takes place on Sunday from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM and features new and retro toys, video games and collectibles. There will be celebrity guests, free arcade games in Arcade Alley, and a Pokémon tournament. Kids 10 and under get in free.

24. Merion Village Festival

On Sunday from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM in Mohler Park enjoy live music, food trucks, artisans, local organizations, interactive art, activities for kids and more at the Merion Village Festival.

25. Send Smiles to Seniors with Seeds of Caring

This fun and creative project for children 2-12 is sure to bring smiles to local senior citizens! Families and groups will decorate cards and write messages of caring for seniors living at National Church Residences. Participate any time this summer: Just drop off or mail your completed cards to the Seeds of Caring office in Worthington through Aug. 31.

*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!*