Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: August 8-10, 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. 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.

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4. Visit with a Live Rabbit at Westerville Public Library

Visit with a live rabbit in the Kids Area at Westerville Public Library, August 5-August 15th, during regular business hours.

5. Farm Days at COSI

From August 6-10, you can learn about farm equipment and the science behind farming on the west side of COSI. There will be baby chicks and other farm animals, as well as farm vehicles for kids to get up close to.

Read more about visiting COSI!

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. Try it! Kayaking and SUP at Quarry Trails Metro Park

Try stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking for free on Friday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Quarry Trails Metro Park. All equipment will be provided. First come, first served. There will be tandem kayaks for all ages. Solo kayaks are for ages 10 and up only.

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 Art. (This is the last Commons for Kids of the summer!)

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

9. Bison at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Learn about bison and take a hike in the park to see them up close on Friday at 10:30 AM. Meet at Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center.

10. Back to School Bash at Tanger Columbus

On Friday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM get ready for Back to School with free crafts, games, caricature artist, live music and more. This event will be located near the Nike and Coach stores at Tanger Outlets.

11. Friday Night Flicks at Easton Town Center

Watch The Lego Movie at Easton Town Square on Friday at 7:00 PM. Beginning at 6:00 PM there will be activities like photos with Emett, a Lego-style caricature artist and food available for purchase.

12. Scioto Arts Market

The Scioto Arts Market takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the National Veterans Memorial & Museum. Shop dozens of local artists and makers, live music, food trucks, face-painting, a bounce house for kids and on-site parking. Admission to the museum is also free on market day. Saturday’s theme is Sports, Fitness & Outdoors.

12. Grand Opening of the Blue Couch Bookshop

Celebrate the grand opening of a new bookstore in Grandview with free coffee and other giveaways. There will be a visit with Esteban the Magnificent from The Day the Crayons Came Home at 3:00 PM. Doors open at 10:00 AM on Saturday.

Read this list of 16 fun things to do in Grandview!

13. Hilltop Hop

Hop around the businesses of Broad & Westmoor for a local vendor market, coffee specials, pottery painting, a used bookstore, records and food trucks on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

14. Get-Ready-for-School Storytime at Northwest Library

This story time will help kids 6 and under get ready for preschool and kindergarten with books, songs and activities at 10:30 AM on Saturday.

15. August Open Barn Day at Sunrise Sanctuary

Visit with the animals at Sunrise Sanctuary on Open Barn Day, Saturday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Tickets are available online.

16. Hello, Summer! at Main Library

Enjoy a crafting experience with Ohio Craft Museum and learn how to transform dyed wool into felt at the Main Library on Saturday at 11:00 AM.

17. Festival Latino in Genoa Park

On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy a free, family-friendly celebration of Latin America with children’s activities, music, food, fashion, art and dance in Genoa Park. Hours are 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM each day.

18. PBJ & Jazz at the Topiary Park

Enjoy a kid-friendly jazz concert on the lawn at Topiary Park on Saturday. There will be a story time at the Columbus Metropolitan Library at 12:00 PM and the concert will begin at 1:00 PM. This is a free event. This month’s concert will feature Laura Camara.

19. Free Kayak Day on the Scioto River

From 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Saturday there will be free kayak, tandem kayak or stand-up paddleboard rentals under the Main Street Bridge in downtown Columbus. This is a first come, first-served opportunity for anyone ages 5 and up. Kids 12 and under must ride with a parent. You must arrive early and get in line to get a wristband. The line will close when maximum capacity is reached.

20. Big Darby Creek Stream Exploration & Lecture

This is a two-part event that includes an introductory lecture at the Ohio History Center about the Big and Little Darby Creek State and National Scenic River on Saturday, August 9th at 1:00 PM. The second session will take place on August 23rd and participants will wade into Big Darby Creek to use nets to collect aquatic bugs and learn to identify them. You must attend the first session in order to attend the second! Sign up online.

21. Craft a Creature at Blacklick Woods Metro Park

Piece together different animal parts to create your own species at the Blacklick Woods Nature Center on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

22. Learn to Crochet with Friends at Shepard Library

Anyone ages 12 and up can learn to crochet at the Shepard Branch of CML on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Bring a hook if you have one.

23. Made by Me Market at Olentangy Caverns

Made By Me Market is a kids’ craft market that takes place on the second Sunday of each month from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM at Olentangy Caverns. Items are handmade by local entrepreneurs ages 5-17. Also, on August 10th, there will be free face painting from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

Read about all there is to do at Olentangy Caverns!

24. Science Sunday at Blacklick Woods Metro Park

Learn about which snakes live in Ohio and take a short walk to look for snakes at Blacklick Woods On Sunday from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM.

25. Sunday Funday: End of Summer Fair in Historic Worthington

From 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Sunday, there will be music, balloons, food trucks, games, activities, and more to celebrate the end of summer in Historic Worthington.

26. Calling all Caring Kids! Kid-friendly service meet-up with Seeds of Caring

Join Seeds of Caring Sunday, Aug. 10 at 1:30 pm as we partner with Alicia’s Closet to support children living in foster care spaces. Kids 4-12 and their families will meet at the Seeds of Caring Office to learn about different types of foster care, then help assemble snack bags and fun activity kits. All supplies will be provided.

27. For Kids: Walking Sticks at Blendon Woods Metro Park

Learn about walking stick bugs and make a craft to take home at Blendon Woods Metro Park on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

28. Family Concert Series at Hilliard Library

Enjoy a family-friendly concert by Chamber Brews at the Hilliard Branch of CML on Sunday at 3:00 PM.

29. Concerts on the Green in Worthington

On Sunday, beginning at 7:00 PM, there will be a free concert on the Northwest Village Green in Worthington. Bring a blanket or chair to enjoy a concert by Columbus Soul & Salvage.

*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!*