Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: July 11-13, 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. Learn to Lead with The Empowerment Project with Seeds of Caring

Empower kids to be leaders and changemakers in their community! In this FREE Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring, kids ages 6-12 will use their unique strengths to promote self-confidence, mental wellness, and the power of everyday leadership. This project is available through 8/31/25.

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4. 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 Sports.

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

5. The Lorax at Highbanks Nature Center

Enjoy an interactive reading of The Lorax and learn about caring for the environment, followed by a fun take-home craft at Highbanks Nature Center on Friday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. For ages 3–8.

6. Ping-Pong-Palooza at Whitehall Library

Play games and activities with ping pong balls at the Whitehall Branch of CML on Friday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Geared toward ages 3-11.

7. All About Ohio’s Owls at Westerville Public Library

Inniswood Metro Gardens educators will be at the Westerville Public Library on Friday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM to teach kids about owls. Kids can ask questions and touch pelts, skulls and other animal artifacts. Recommended for ages 4-11.

Check out this list of things to do in Westerville to plan your day.

8. STEAM Club – Fascinating Fossils at Whetstone Library

Learn about fossils and what Ohio looked like millions of years ago at the Whetstone Branch of CML on Friday from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

9. The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition

New Albany Youth Theatre presents The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition at the McCoy Center July 11-13th. There will be familiar songs and characters in this production that suitable for all ages! Showtimes are Friday at 7:00 PM, Saturday at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available online.

10. Lego Free Build at Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop

On Saturday from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, stop by Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop to pick up a drink while the kids enjoy a LEGO Free Build courtesy of Bricks & Minifigs Powell.

Read about Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop!

11. Pioneer Day at Gahanna Historic Settlement

This free event on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM features Gahanna history and includes farm animals, music, demonstrations and take-home crafts.

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 Around the World.

13. Westerville Area Chamber Music & Arts Festival

The festival at Heritage Park & Everal Barn features 125 fine arts and crafts exhibitors, food trucks, live musical performances, kids’ entertainment, a youth art exhibit, silent auction, and more on Saturday and Sunday. Hours are Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Admission is $2 for anyone over age 10.

14. 14th Arts and Gardening Festival at Scioto Gardens

The Arts & Gardening Festival takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. It features live music, local artisans, and Pitabilities food truck.

15. Fly Fishing for Beginners at Clear Creek Metro Park

Learn the basics of fly fishing on Saturday at 10:00 AM. This will be the first of two programs to help develop skills. The second will be in August. Ages 8 and up. All equipment is provided.

16. Hilltop Hop at Broad and Westmoor

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.

17. Columbus Book Festival

The Columbus Book Festival takes place at Main Library on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The festival features author panels and presentations, bookish vendors, book signings, indie authors, live entertainment, food trucks and the Big Book Sale!

18. The Big Splash at Three Creeks Metro Park

On Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, enjoy water activities like canoeing, a water slide, a squirt zone and a tabletop pond filled with critters at Three Creeks Metro Park.

19. Tie Dye in July at Northwest Library

Bring your own socks, shirts, pillowcases, etc. for a tie-dye workshop on Saturday from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM at the Northwest Library. Ages 6 and up.

20. Author & Illustrator Jashar Awan at The Columbus Book Festival

Head to the Cover-to-Cover booth at the Columbus Book Festival on Saturday at 11:00 AM to meet author and illustrator Jashar Awan and see his latest picture book, Every Monday Mabel.

21. Open Barn Days 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.

22. Blacklick Creek Exploration

Take a 2- mile hike to Blacklick Creek and back. Wade in the creek to look for crayfish, frogs, fish and insects. Meet at the Nature Center on Saturday at 1:00 PM.

Check out these cool Nature Centers to visit in Central Ohio!

23. Family Yoga at Hilltop Library

All ages can join in on this class to learn yoga, breathing and meditation on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Bring your own yoga mat.

24. Rugrat Rave at Martin Luther King Jr Library

This event is for kids ages 1-3 and their families. There will be classic kid music with an EDM twist, glow sticks and special lights. This event takes place on Saturday from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM.

25. Magic Nate at Granville Public Library

Enjoy a magic show mixed with comedy, music and mime from Magic Nate at the Granville Library on Saturday at 6:00 PM. Registration is not required.

26. Dog Man: Movie Screening at McNamara Park

Visit community booths and then watch the movie Dog Man on Saturday in McNamara Park. This event begins at 7:30 PM and the movie starts at 9:15 PM.

27. Family Tram Tours at Scioto Audubon Metro Park

Take an open-air tram ride around Scioto Audubon Metro Park on Sunday between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM. Tram will run continuously during that time. Meet at the parking lot of the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. This activity is stroller and wheelchair friendly.

Read more about Scioto Audubon Metro Park!

28. Free LEGO Play at Olentangy River Brewing

On Sunday from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, head to Olentangy Brewing Company for a free LEGO build courtesy of Bricks & Minifigs Powell. All LEGO bricks will be provided for a time of creative building.

29. For Kids: Tree Identification at Three Creeks Metro Park

Kids can learn the basics of tree identification on a short walk at Three Creeks Metro Park. Ages 6 and up. Meet at the Three Creeks Confluence Area bulletin board on Sunday at 1:30 PM.

30. Nature Kids: Choose Your Own Adventure Trail

Choose Your Own Adventure through the Walter Tucker Nature Preserve at Blacklick Woods on Sunday at 2:00 PM.

Check out these 5 things to do at Blacklick Woods Metro Park before you visit!

*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!*