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. The Science of Big Machines at COSI
From June 7-15 there will be Big Machines on the plaza at COSI from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day. Explore the science and technology of construction by getting up close and operating construction vehicles and machinery. It is free to participate in this outdoor event, but you will need tickets if you plan to go inside COSI.
Watch my Instagram Reel to see the Big Machines!
2. Blooms and Butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory
Visit the Pacific Island Water Garden between now and July 6th to walk amongst the butterflies! You can also view butterflies emerging from their chrysalises in the Metamorphosis Lab. This activity is available during regular hours (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and is included in admission.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. Power Down for a Brighter Future with Seeds of Caring
This summer, kids ages 6-12 can learn about renewable resources and the importance of conserving energy! Register for this FREE Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring to receive a service packet with project instructions, guided discussions, and more that you can complete anywhere, any time through August 31.
6. CLUE: A Walking Mystery with CAPA
Explore local businesses in the Short North (with discounts available at each location!) to solve puzzles, and piece together clues to determine WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT during this walking mystery event! Recommended for ages 8 and up. Tickets are available online. There are several opportunities to take part in this event all weekend.
See my Facebook Post with pictures from the event!
7. Superhero Hedgehog Magic at Hilliard Library
Erica Carlson will be at the Hilliard Branch of CML for a comedy magic show with Sedgewick, a real hedgehog on Friday at 10:00 AM.
Read this list of 13 things to do in Hilliard to plan your outing!
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 Animal Day.
Read about all the Fun Events at Columbus Commons this Summer!
9. Click Clack Moo at Slate Run Farm
All weekend at Slate Run Farm, kids can look for stuffed animals hidden around the farmhouse, enjoy the Click, Clack, Moo Story Walk and visit with real animals. This activity is available Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
10. Columbus Pride 2025
On Friday, head to Goodale Park for the Pride Festival & Resource Fair from 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM on Friday and 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM on Saturday. There will be live performances, over 200 non-profit and corporate vendors, food vendors and community resources for all. The Pride March will step off at Broad & High at 10:30 AM on Saturday.
11. Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival
The Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival takes place Friday (beginning at 5:00 PM) through Sunday in Gahanna. There will be three performance stages (including a Children’s Stage), food vendors, free paddleboat rides, an open-air art studio and more. Children 10 and under are free. Tickets are available at a presale price online and BOGO tickets are available for Sunday only. There will also be a Juneteenth celebration at the Blues Stage on Saturday at 11:00 AM. The first 200 guests get in free.
12. Friday Night Flicks at Easton Town Center
Friday Night Flicks take place on the Town Square at Easton Town Center each Friday night in June. Entertainment begins at 6:00 PM and the movie starts at 7:00 PM. This weekend’s movie is The LEGO Movie.
13. Movie in the Park at Galloway Sports Complex
Watch the movie The Wild Robot outside at the Galloway Road Sports Complex on Friday night. Gates open at 8:00 PM and the movie will begin at sunset. Concessions will be available for purchase.
14. Worthington Arts Fest
The Worthington Arts Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday on the Village Green in Old Worthington. There will be over 120 artists, food vendors and more! Hours are Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Check out this list of fun things to do in Worthington!
15. Flag Day Celebration at Whitehall Library
Come to the Whitehall Branch of CML all day on Saturday to make your own personal flag to display at the branch. Kona Ice Truck will be there, too! Branch hours are 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
16. Dinosaur Encounter at Westerville Public Library
Dino Buddies will be at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM with real dinosaur fossils, giant dinosaur puppets and photo ops. Recommended for ages 11 and under.
Afterwards, visit one of these fun playgrounds in Westerville!
17. 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.
18. Hilltop Hop at Broad & Westmoor
Head to the corners of Broad and Westmoor in Columbus for a vendor market, ceramics painting, food trucks, artists and more at this monthly event on the Second Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
19. Berry Bash at Retreat 21 Tap House
This free event takes place on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM and features a celebration of summer berries including berry-themed food and drinks, live music, face painting balloon twisting, strawberry picking and local food vendors.
20. PBJ & Jazz at 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.
21. Grove City Heritage Celebration
On Saturday at Century Village in Fryer Park, you can learn about daily life in the mid to late 1800s from period costumed teachers, live music and tours of the buildings. This event will take place from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
See pics of the updated Fryer Park here!
22. Family Creeking at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Explore the stream at Blendon Woods Metro Park to look for aquatic creatures. Wear closed-toe shoes. Meet at the Nature Center on Saturday at 1:00 PM to take a 1/2 mile walk to the creek.
23. Films for Families at The Wex
The Wex is offering family-friendly movies during the month of June for just $3 per person! This weekend’s movie is Big Hero 6 and it will be shown on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Tickets are available online.
24. Cinema Saturdays at Riverside Crossing Park
Watch the movie Wicked at Riverside Crossing Park at 6:30 PM on Saturday. Bring a blanket/seating.
25. Movies at McNamara
Watch a movie under the stars in McNamara Park on Saturday evening. Bring a blanket/chairs and enjoy free popcorn. The movie Moana 2 will start at dusk. Beforehand, there will be luau entertainment by DJ Justice, a limbo contest and the Kona Ice truck.
26. STEAM Sundays at Cover to Cover
On Sunday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM enjoy STEAM-focused activities at Cover to Cover including special guests and experts. Best for ages 5 and up.
27. Summer Sunday Splash at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Drop by the creek at Battelle Darby Creek Cedar Ridge Area between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Sunday to search for crawdads, fish and aquatic bugs. Supplies provided.
28. Honey & Blue at Inniswood Metro Gardens
Enjoy a free concert by Honey and Blue at the Education Pavilion at Inniswood Metro Gardens on Sunday, beginning at 5:00 PM.
Read more about Inniswood Metro Gardens!
29. Sounds of Summer Concert at Alum Creek Park
Enjoy a free concert at Alum Creek Park North featuring Fleetwood Gold – America’s Fleetwood Mac Experience. The concert takes place from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM on Sunday. Bring chairs or a blanket.
*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!*