Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: August 9-11, 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. Farm Days at COSI

From August 7-11 at COSI, kids can get up close to tractors and farm vehicles, learn how plants grow and where food comes from, see farm animals and more! This event will be located outside, on the west side of the building at Dorrian Green and is free to attend. (Admission to COSI is not included.)

2. Wands & Wizards Weekend in Fairfield County

Wands & Wizards weekend includes activities and events throughout Fairfield County. The dates are August 8-10 and you can see all events here!

3. 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.

4. Final Weekend: Back-to-School Drive with Seeds of Caring

Help make sure local kids have the supplies they need in time for the first day of school! Through August 12, kids can make a difference with a supply drive and packing Back-to-School Kits for families supported by Student Success Stores. This is the perfect opportunity to get your team, group, family, or whole neighborhood involved in a summer of service!

5. Midway on the Mile

Midway on the Mile is a free event on Friday and Saturday from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM on the Rich Street Bridge. This carnival-style event includes a trackless train, obstacle course, putt-putt course, wipeout attraction and more.

6. For Families: Slime Mold Hike at Blacklick Woods

Take a 1.25 mile hike at Blacklick Woods Metro Park to learn about slime molds on Friday at 3:00 PM.

7. Saint Mary German Village Festival

The Saint Mary German Village Summer Festival takes place on Friday and Saturday from 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM each evening. There will be food, music, games and more!

8. City of Gahanna 175th Anniversary Celebration

The City of Gahanna is celebrating 175 years with several events this weekend including a special Creekside Live on Friday from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, an old-fashioned baseball game on saturday at 11:00 AM, Gahanna’s 175th Annivesary Jubilee on Saturday from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM and an old-fashioned Sunday social on Sunday at 12:00 PM. Check the link for details on all the weekend’s events in Gahanna!

9. Movies in the Parks at Thompson Park

Watch Trolls Band Together on Friday at 7:00 PM in Thompson Park in Upper Arlington. Bring chairs and blankets!

10. Finding Nemo at Powell Community Amphitheater

Powell Civic Theatre will hold its inaugural show: Finding Nemo Kids at Powell Community Amphitheater on the Powell Village Green on Friday and Saturday. The show is held outside (bring your chairs and blankets) and is 30 minutes long. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM.

11. Night Hike at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Take a 0.8-mile hike using UV lights to look for nocturnal insects at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. Meet at the Ranger Station on Friday at 9:00 PM.

12. Hilltop Hop at Broad & Westmoor

Visit the businesses at the corners of W. Broad St. and Westmoor Ave. in the Hilltop for the monthly Hilltop Hop on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Featured is a pop-up by Slice of Heaven Bakery at Best Side Studio.

13. Smokey’s 80th Birthday Party at Central Ohio Fire Museum

Celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday at Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The day will include special visitors and events, including a visit from Smokey himself. Standard admission rates apply.

14. Festival Latino at Genoa Park

This family-friendly festival is free to attend and features children’s activities, music, food, fashion, art, and dance from the heart of Latin America. Hours are Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM each day at Genoa Park

15. PBJ & Jazz at Topiary Park

This free event begins with a story time at 11:00 AM on Saturday at Columbus Metropolitan Library and includes a kid-friendly jazz concert in Topiary Park at 12:00 PM.

16. Second Saturday at Tanger Outlets

Second Saturdays at Tanger Outlets will be from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and include food trucks, live music, activities and more! The events are free and family-friendy.

17. Free Kayak Day on the Scioto River

On Saturday from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM there will be free kayaking on the Scioto River beginning at the Main Street Bridge in downtown Columbus. Wristbands for kayaks will be distributed until they run out beginning at 1:00 PM.

18. Butterfly Hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park

Head to Blendon Woods Metro Park on Saturday at 2:00 PM to look for butterflies, caterpillars and eggs in the field and to visit the butterflies in the tent.

19. Conservatory Explore Nights: Hawaiian Luau

Come in your favorite Hawaiian-themed costume for a family-style luau at Franklin Park Conservatory on Saturday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. There will be a Mermaid Princess, dance performances, beach volleyball and more activities for kids. This is a special engagement event and tickets are required.

20. Columbus Water Lantern Festival

Create a lantern and launch it into the water with hundreds of other lanterns celebrating love, happiness, healing, peace and connection. Each participant will receive a floating lantern kit, LED candle, conversation cards and more. There will also be food trucks at the event at Franklin Park on Saturday from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Tickets are available online.

21. Sunday Fundays in Worthington

This Sunday Funday takes place on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM throughout Old Worthington and the theme is an End of Summer Fair. There will be food trucks, a balloon twister, face painting, sales at local businesses, a hot dog cart, a dunk tank, and more!

22. Kids: Off-trail Ravine Hike at Highbanks Metro Park

Families can take a challenging hike in the ravine at Highbanks Metro Park. The hike is 3 miles round trip and includes hiking through water! Bring water bottles and a change of clothes. Meet at the Big Meadow Picnic Area at 1:00 PM on Sunday.

23. Summer Sunday Splash at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Drop by the creek at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park on Sunday between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to look for crawdads, fish and aquatic bugs. Closed-toes are recommended and creeking supplies will be provided.

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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!*