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 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. Ohio State Fair
The Ohio State Fair runs from July 23 – August 3 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.
Sponsored
At Five Star Home Services, we deliver expert HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services across Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, driven by our F.A.S.T. Promise: Fast Service, Accountable Always, Service with Purpose (we give 10% back to local charities), and Transparent Pricing. With over 50 years of trusted service, we make home repairs simple, stress-free, and reliable—because you deserve five-star service, every time.
4. Lancaster Festival
The Lancaster Festival begins on Thursday, July 24th and runs through Saturday, August 2nd. Highlights this weekend include Chalk the Block, ArtWalk in downtown Lancaster on Friday night from 6:00 PM. – 9:00 PM and Festival Fair Day on Saturday from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM.
Read my list of fun things to do with kids in Lancaster, Ohio!
5. 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.
6. Preschoolers: Creeking at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Splash in the creek at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park and look for animals. Best for ages 3-5. Wear closed-toed shoes. Meet at the Indian Ridge Picnic Area on Friday at 9:30 AM.
7. Baby Olympics: Diaper Dash at Westerville Public Library
Babies age 3 and under can complete physical feats like walking a balance beam, crawling through a tunnel, digging in a ball pit and the main attraction, the Diaper Dash! There will be medals and photo ops for all on Friday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Westerville Public Library.
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 STEM.
Read about all of the fun things to do at Columbus Commons this Summer!
9. Live Animals with Cool Critter Outreach at the Hilltop Library
Visit with live animals like snakes, lizards and tortoises at the Hilltop Branch of CML on Friday at 2:00 PM.
10. Teens Connect – Pokémon Battle at Karl Road Library
Learn how to play Pokémon and hang out with friends at the Karl Road Library on Friday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Ages 12-17.
11. Fourth Friday in Uptown Westerville
Fourth Friday takes place on Friday in Uptown Westerville from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. There will be live music, roving entertainment, food trucks, pop-up vendors and special activities.
12. Summer Movie Night at Topiary Park
Watch the movie Clueless at Topiary Park on Friday night. Food truck and activities begin at 7:30 PM and the movie starts at 8:30 PM. This is a free event.
Check out the cool topiary sculptures at Topiary Park!
13. Scavenger Hunt at Quarry Trails Metro Park
Pick up a scavenger hunt in the lobby of Quarry Trails Metro Park and take a hike to search for the items. Return it and get a prize! You can do this activity on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
14. Saturday Morning Storytime at Cover to Cover
Head to Cover to Cover for a storytime every Saturday at 10:00 AM. Pefect for ages 4 and under.
Check out this list of 9 wonderful bookstores in Columbus!
15. Squishmallow Arts and Crafts at Northwest Library
Enjoy Squishmallow arts and crafts at the Northwest Library on Saturday from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM. Ideal for ages 6-11.
16. Central Ohio Model Railroad Club Open House
Visit the COMRC for their Summer Open House and view 6 model train layouts, including a Thomas the Train layout that kids can run. Hours are 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.
17. Grandview Hop
On Saturday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, head to Grandview Ave for live music, local shopping, art, food trucks and fun activities for kids!
Read my list of restaurants in Grandview to plan your night!
18. Cinema Saturday at Riverside Crossing Park
Watch an outdoor movie at Riverside Crossing Park on Saturday. The first movie is Super Mario Bros. Movie beginning at 6:00 PM and the second is Jurassic World: Dominion, beginning at 8:00 PM.
19. Christmas in July in Downtown Hilliard
Christmas in July will take place on Saturday in downtown Hilliard from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. There will be shopping at local businesses, vendors, live music, and a Shop Local Passport to complete for a prize!
P.S. Check out my Reel featuring 5 Things to do in Hilliard, including a $50 gift card giveaway to Coffee Connections!
20. Family Sundays at Land-Grant
Family Sunday at Land-Grant includes free face painting, coloring pages, a kids’ menu at Ray Ray’s BBQ, Hawaiian shave ice, and an outdoor showing of the movie Tangled. This event is from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Sunday.
21. A.P.E.S. Summer Open House
Meet the White-Handed Gibbons and help care for them at the American Primate Educational Sanctuary in Blacklick on Sunday between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Tickets are $10/person.
22. Butterfly Hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Start at the Nature Center at Blendon Woods for a butterfly talk and then take a 1-mile guided hike to search for butterflies on Sunday at 2:00 PM.
23. Magic in the Park at Weaver Park
Enjoy two magic shows on Sunday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM in Weaver Park. The first show at 5:00 PM will be Erica Carlson and Magic Nate and the second swow at 6:00 PM will be COSI Live Science. This is a free event.
24. YUM, YUM! Make Snack Kits for Kids with Seeds of Caring
In this Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring, kids ages 6-12 can take a virtual tour to get an inside look at a local food pantry and build empathy for our hungry neighbors. Then, helping hands will assemble snack bags and decorate cheer cards for families supported by the New Albany Food Pantry. Participate any time through August 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!*