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 Events in Columbus, Ohio this Weekend:
1. Ohio State Fair
The Ohio State Fair runs from July 24 – August 4 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.
2. Commons for Kids at Columbus Commons
Each Friday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Columbus Commons, kids of all ages can enjoy activities like free carousel rides, lawn games, and activities by community partners. This week’s theme is STEM.
3. From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center
On Friday or Saturday at 1:30 PM, get free admission to see Paddington 2 (PG) at Gateway Film Center with your library card as part of the Book to Film series!
4. Grove City Food Truck Festival and Shop Hop
Head to Grove City Town Center for food trucks and specials at local shops. Hours are Friday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
5. LEGO Building Contest at BAM Powell
This LEGO building contest is divided by age groups and a winner from each group will receive a gift certificate to BAM Powell. This event takes place on Friday at 6:00 PM. Register online.
6. Franklinton Night Market
The Franklinton Night Market takes place on Friday from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM and will feature live music, local art, food trucks, activities, food trucks and an open-air market.
7. 1999 Movie Rewind at Easton Town Center
Watch the movie Tarzan (Rated G) at the Town Square at Easton Town Center. Beginning at 6:00 PM on Friday there will be family-friendly activities and the movie will start at 8:00 PM.
8. 4th Friday in Uptown Westerville
Explore Uptown Westerville on Friday night from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM where there will be live music, entertainment, food trucks, vendors and more. This month’s band is Three Ton Toad.
9. Movie Night at Topiary Park
Friday night in Topiary Park, watch the movie National Treasure and enjoy trivia beforehand. There will be food trucks and lawn games before the movie which starts at sunset.
10. Symbols of Summer at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Take a walk with a naturalist at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park to look for signs of summer on Saturday at 9:00 AM. Meet at the Ranger Station.
11. Touch at Truck at Olentangy Berlin High School
Get up close to emergency vehicles, helicopters, trucks and more at this Touch-a-Truck in Delaware. Hours are 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Saturday. Bring canned food and box fan donations for People in Need of Delaware County.
12. Saturday Morning Storytime at Cover to Cover Bookstore
Attend a free storytime at Cover to Cover featuring interactive activities for ages 4 and under on Saturday at 10:00 AM.
13. Try It! Kayak and SUP at Prairie Oaks Metro Park
Try out standup paddle boarding or kayaking at Prairie Oaks Metro Park on Saturday between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Ages 10 and up. First come/first served.
14. Founders Day at Ohio Village
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ohio Village with two concerts, local artisans, Vaudeville performances, a vintage baseball game and more! This event takes place from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday is also included with your admission to the Ohio State Fair.
15. Scavenger Hunt at Quarry Trails Metro Park
Stop into the park office at Quarry Trails Metro Park to pick up a scavenger hunt sheet between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Turn it in to receive a prize!
16. Family Jigsaw Puzzle Race at Worthington Park Library
Families can race against the clock to see how many 100-piece puzzles they can finish in 60 minutes on Saturday at 10:30 AM. Ages 6 and up.
17. Kids Series at Grandview Theater & Drafthouse
This Saturday at 11:00 AM, watch Paw Patrol at Grandview Theatre and Drafthouse. Admission is free for kids!
18. Bats and Their Predators at Main Library
On Saturday from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM kids ages 7-11 can test their Bat IQ and learn about bats! There will be live bats and predators on site.
19. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
Monster Trucks Live Glow Party will take place at Nationwide Arena on Saturday and Sunday. There will be a laser light show, dance parties, and your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks. Show times are 12:30 PM and 7:30 PM on Saturday and 2:30 PM on Sunday.
20. Farm Animal Event at Dublin Library
Get up close and touch chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits and more at this event at the Dublin Branch of CML on Saturday at 2:00 PM.
21. Christmas in July in Hilliard
On Saturday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, sip shop and stroll down Main Street in Hilliard. Make 5 purchases from participating locations to earn an exclusive tote and entry into a raffle.
22. Movies at the Dam
Enjoy a free movie at the Alum Creek Dam on Saturday at 9:30 PM. There will be snacks available for purchase. This Saturday’s movie is Barbie.
23. Goodale Park Music Series
Enjoy a free concert by The Whiles on Sunday from 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM at the Goodale Park Gazebo.
24. Summer Sunday Splash at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Stop 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. Creeking supplies will be provided but clsoed-toed shoes are recommended.
25. Spiders! at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Learn about different kinds of spiders and go for a walk to find them at Blendon Woods Metro Park on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
26. Jazz in the Park in Bexley
Enjoy a concert by Clave Sonic at Havenwood Park. Food trucks will begin serving at 5:00 PM on Sunday and the concert begins at 5:30 PM.
27. Concerts on the Lawn at Livingston House
Enjoy a concert on the lawn at the Livingston House on Sunday. Tortilla Food Truck will be on site from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM and the concert begins at 6:30 PM. The band is Ronstadt Heatwave.
28. Kindness Matters All Summer Long with Seeds of Caring
Did you know that small acts of kindness can add up to a big difference?! In this Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring, kids 6-12 will learn about the importance of self-kindness and explore its connection to being kind to others. Our Be Kind to Yourself & Others project is ongoing so families and groups can participate 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!*