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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!
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. 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 Environmental Day.
Read about all the Fun Events at Columbus Commons this Summer!
6. Party in the Parking Lot at Union Bank
This free community celebration at Union Bank includes family-friendly activities such as face painting, balloon animals, and the opportunity for kids to explore emergency vehicles in a hands-on “touch-a-truck” experience. Enjoy complimentary lunch and giveaways, with a live DJ and entertainment provided by Sunny 95 on Friday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
7. Columbus Arts Festival
The Columbus Arts Festival takes place downtown Friday through Sunday. Hours are: Friday, June 6: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday, June 7: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday, June 8: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. There will live performances on 4 stages, over 250 artists, a Hands-On Activities Village for kids, food trucks and more!
8. Bug Bonanza at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Drop by the Nature Center Overflow Parking Lot at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park on Friday at 2:00 PM to search for insects in the prairies! Nets will be provided.
9. 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 Wicked, Part 1.
10. Summer Movie Series at Northwest Library
Head to the backyard of Northwest Library in Worthington for an outdoor movie and games. Activities begin at 8:30 PM on Friday and at dark there will be a showing of Kung Fu Panda 4.
11. Bear’s Bash Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate the 1st anniversary of Bears Bagels in Hillard with a free popcorn bar, local vendors and a flower bouquet bar on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
12. Touch A Truck at Buckeye Valley High School
This huge Touch-a-Truck event includes all kidns of vehicles, fire trucks, police cars, tow trucks, a helecopter and more on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Canned Food donations will be collected to benefit People in Need of Delaware.
13. 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.
14. Performance Dogs of Ohio at Hanby Park
Watched trained dogs do stunts, frisbee skills and more outside at Hanby Park on Saturday at 10:00 AM. There will be a second opportunity to see the same performance at 11:00 AM.
See photos of Hanby Park here!
15. Family Tram Rides at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Take the Metro Parks tram for a 30-minute narrated tour of Blendon Woods Metro Park. The tram departs from the Nature Center beginning at 10:00 AM on Saturday. The last pickup is at 12:00 PM.
16. Dairy Bingo at Slate Run Farm
Complete a Dairy Bingo Card by finding answers to questions at Slate Run Farm on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. You can also see rare heritage shorthorn cattle.
17. 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 Hugo and it will be shown on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Tickets are available online.
18. Grand Opening Lego Build Event at Barnes and Noble
On Saturday at 3:00 PM, build an F1 McLaren race car at the new Barnes & Noble in Dublin. There are limited spots for this event and it is requested that you check in with a bookseller to reserve your spot.
19. Gallery Hop in the Short North
June’s Gallery Hop takes place on Saturday from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM and includes live performances, public art demonstrations, the Gallery Hop Mini Market and the beginning of the Summer Spray live mural series!
20. Conservatory Explore: Brick Nights
Explore Franklin Park Conservatory in the evenings at these Brick Night events. This weekend’s event has a Scarlet and Grey theme. Guests can build a LEGO race car, participate in bridge and tower challenges and do other LEGO building activities from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Saturday. Tickets required.
21. Concert Night on the Green in Powell
Head to Village Green Park in Powell for a night of live music. Ian Thomas Hayes begins at 6:00 PM and Arch City at 7:00 PM on Saturday.
Read my list of things to do in Powell!
22. For Kids, Drop In: Bug Hunt at Highbanks Metro Park
Kids ages 2-12 can use nets, magnifying glasses, and bug jars to explore the incredible world of insects with a naturalist on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Big Meadow Picnic Area! Some nets and jars will be provided, but you can also bring your own.
23. Free LEGO Build at Standardized Brewing
On Sunday from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, get creative with a free LEGO build presented by BAM Powell at Standardized Brewing.
24. 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.
25. Sprouts Night Out at Hilliard’s Station Park
On Sunday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM there will be a free activity for families featuring live music and fun activities for kids at Hillard’s Station Park. The theme is Sports Extravaganza.
26. Free Concert at Columbus Commons
Enjoy a free concert at Columbus Commons by Parker Louis with The Deeptones on Sunday night. There will be a Good Market marketplace from 5 pm – 8 pm., and The Parachute People from 5 pm – 7:30 pm! No tickets necessary. Bring a blanket or chair. Food trucks will be on site beginning at 5:00 PM.
27. Share a Smile – and a Snack! Pack Kids’ Snack Kits 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!*