Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
1. Over the Edge
Rappel for a Cause during the Over the Edge event benefitting Gracehaven. You can register to rappel or just watch over 100 people rappel off the Chase Tower at 100 E. Broad Street on Friday between 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. COSI’s mobile lab will be on-site as well as community mural-making and an 18-wheeler on site for an interactive Truckers Against Trafficking exhibit.
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 Animals.
3. The Science of Big Machines at COSI
Kids can experience the science and technology of construction by climbing inside real pieces of machinery and operating them first-hand. Learn more about construction careers and discover how big jobs get done. This event will take place on the west side of COSI near Dorrian Green Park and is included in general admission. This event will be going on during regular COSI hours June 8-16, 2024.
4. From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center
On Friday or Saturday at 1:30 PM, get free admission to see The Bad Guys at Gateway Film Center with your library card as part of the Book to Film series!
5. Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival
This festival features over 200 non profit and corporate vendors, 2 performances stages, a community wellness area, a DJ/dancing pad and more. Hours are Friday from 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Saturday from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM) in Goodale Park. The Pride March will take place before the festival on Saturday at 10:30 AM at Broad & High.
6. Plain City Touch-a-Truck at Pastime Park
On Friday from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, kids can climb and explore a variety of trucks, emergency vehicles and construction equipment at the Plain City Touch-A-Truck in Pastime Park. There will also be food trucks and community partners.
7. 614 Day at The Junto
From 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM celebrate 614 Day at The Junto with live music, lawn games, cocktails and $6.14 poutine!
8. St. Mary Parish Festival
The St. Mary Parish Festival takes place from 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM Friday and Saturday in Delaware, Ohio. It includes a Royal Princess Party, midway rides, games, food, music and more! Click the link for the schedule of performances.
9. Movies in the Park at Thompson Park
On Friday at 7:00 PM watch Wonka at Thompson Park. Bring a lawn chair, blankets and snacks.
10. Movie in the Park at Prairie Township Sports Complex
Watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem at Prairie Township Sports Complex on Friday at 8:00 PM. Concessions will be available for purchase.
11. Worthington Arts Festival
The Worthington Arts Festival will take place on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. There will be over 120 artists selling their work. There will be a festival-wide scavenger hunt and activities for kids on the will be Southeast Quadrant of Village Green Park in Worthington.
12. Puzzles, Pleasures, and Pasttimes at Slate Run Farm
Try games, riddles, and activities that Victorian families did for fun at Slate Run Farm on Saturday, ongoing between 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
13. Kids Series at Grandview Theater & Drafthouse
This Saturday at 11:00 AM, watch Trolls: We Band Together at Grandview Theatre and Drafthouse. Admission is free for kids!
14. Cops and Kids Day in Westerville
On Saturday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Hoff Woods Park, kids can see cruisers, helicopters, motorcycles, K-9’s and more on display. There will be arts and crafts, inflatables, local organizations and more! Admission is free and the first 1000 children will receive a gift.
15. Columbus Sports Cards & Augograph Show
This card show will take place at Polaris Fashion Place in the vacant Forever 21 location on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Check the link for featured athletes.
16. JuneteenthOhio Festival at Genoa Park
This festival will take place in Genoa Park on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free before 3:00 PM. (Events begin at 12:00 PM each day.) There will be a marketplace, fashion show, live performances, a car show, a career fair, Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony, storytelling for children, food and more!
17. Ignite! Powering up with Renewables – Makerspace Central at Main Library
Compete in a hands-on design engineering challenge at Main Library on Saturday at 12:00 PM. Build usable devices while learning about the design engineering process. Help design, build and test a power source for a home. Ages 7 and up.
18. Tie Dye Extravaganza at Hilliard Library
Teens ages 12-17 can enjoy tie-dye fun on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM at the Hilliard Library. Items to die will be provided or you can bring your own.
19. Groove: Music at the Park
Enjoy a free concert at Boardman Arts Park on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Bring a blanket/chair.
20. For Kids: Butterflies at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Learn about butterflies and try to catch them with a net at Blendon Woods Metro Park on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Ages 5 and up.
21. Ohio Roller Derby
On Saturday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM watch two Roller Derby matches! These games are family-friendly and tickets are available online!
22. Movies at the Dam
Watch Black Panther on Saturday night at Alum Creek Below Dam Recreation Area. The movie will start at 9:30 PM. There will be snacks available for purchase.
23. Juneteenth – Jubilee Day Festival at Ohio Village
This festival will take place at Ohio Village on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM and is free to attend. There will be a Jubilee Parade, storytime, historical interpretations, storytelling and dance.
24. Father’s Day Event at Homestead Metro Park
Go fishing with dad and make crafts at Homestead Metro Park between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Sunday.
25. Family Creeking at Highbanks Metro Park
Families can go creeking in the Olentangy River on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Highbanks Metro Park in the Big Meadow Picnic Area. Shoes are required. Bring a towel and change of clothes.
26. Father’s Day Fishing at Quarry Trails
Go fishing with dad at Quarry Trails Metro Park. Bring your own pole or use one of the limited poles provided. Bait will be provided, too. This event takes place on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
*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!*