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. 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 Going Green and there will be face painting, balloon twisting, build your own bird feeder, gardening, art activities, games, a planting project and more!
2. Columbus Arts Festival
The Columbus Arts Festival takes place June 7-9 on the Scioto Mile and it’s FREE to attend. Enjoy fine art live music, tons of food trucks, four stages of performances, and over 250 artists from around the country! Don’t miss the Hands-On Activities Village for kids! Hours are Friday: 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m., Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. and Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
3. From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center
On Friday or Saturday at 1:30 PM, get free admission to see Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) at Gateway Film Center with your library card as part of the Book to Film series!
4. Heart of Grove City Food Truck Festival and Shop Hop
On Friday from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, enjoy food trucks, shop specials, DORA and more at this food truck festival in Grove City Town Center.
5. Superhero Night at the Grove City Visitor’s Center
Visit the Grove City Visitor’s Center on Friday night from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM to meet heroes from the Jackson Township Fire Department, Grove City, OH Police, and more! Dress up as your favorite hero and enjoy treats, photo opportunities, and more fun at the visitor center.
6. ForeFest at Bridge Park
Fore!Fest is a two day festival taking place in Bridge Park. There will be live music, food trucks, drinks, activities, a PINS playground, vendors and more! Hours are Friday and Saturday from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
7. First Friday at Ethos + Co Cafe
This inaugural event will take place on Friday from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM and will include a food truck, inflatable bounce houses, kids activities, free balloon animals, live music, fire pits, yard games, and more at Ethos + Co Cafe.
8. Lancaster Farmers Market Kids’ Day
Kid’s Day at the Lancaster Farmer’s Market will include free kids’ activities such as a storytime, nature collage, coloring, cookie decorating and more! The market is from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM on Saturday. The storytime will take place at 9:30 AM.
9. 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.
10. Storybook Village at Ohio Village
Meet your favorite storybook characters as they roam Ohio Village! Mascots include Clifford, Elephant & Piggie, Zoom Squirrel, Daniel Tiger, Katerina Kittycat, SuperWhy, Princess Presto and Donkey Hodie! There will be activities, crafts and more! This event takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM and advanced tickets are required.
11. Hilltop Hop
Visit the businesses of Broad & Westmoor for a vendor market, activities from Columbus Metropolitan Library, goodies from Slice of Heaven Bakery, pottery painting at Clay Street Ceramics, food trucks, and the new spring menu at Third Way Coffeehouse. This event takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
12. Hilltop Summer Safety Bash
This free event at Ohio Department of Public Safety on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM will include family-friendly activities, art contests, food, first responder vehicles, inflatables and more! This is an opportunity to gather resources for the summer.
13. Touch a Truck at Buckeye Valley High School
Join DCEMS, Tri-Township Fire District, and more for a fun, free, family day featuring lots of vehicles big and small to see up close and in person. Ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, tow trucks and more will be on display, including a helicopter if the weather permits. Canned Food donations will be collected to benefit People in Need of Delaware. Hours are Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
14. Alum Creekend at Alum Creek State Park
Alum Creekend takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and will include a Touch-a-Truck, kayaking, food trucks, archery, community partners and more!
15. Kids Series at Grandview Theater & Drafthouse
This Saturday at 11:00 AM, watch Chicken Run at Grandview Theatre and Drafthouse. Admission is free for kids!
16. PBJ & Jazz at Topiary Park
Enjoy a story time at Columbus Metropolitan Library and a free, family-friendly jazz concert in Topiary Park. The story time starts on Saturday at 11:00 AM and the concert starts at 12:00 PM.
17. Second Saturday at Tanger Outlets
Second Saturdays at Tanger Outlets will be from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and include food trucks, live music, activities and more! The events are free and family-friendy. This Saturday’s theme is: Pride.
18. Olentangy River Festival at Mingo Park
Celebrate the Olentangy River at this festival on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. The festival will include activities, raffles, giveaways, yard games, live music, crafts, food trucks and more!
19. Celebrate Pollinators at Slate Run Farm
Learn about beekeeping, gardening for pollinators and the importance of pollinators on Saturday from 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM at Slate Run Farm.
20. Westside Community Summer Bash at Westgate Park
This family-friendly event will include free food, music, arts & crafts activities and more! The bash will take place in Westgate Park on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
21. Table Top Pond Display at Three Creeks Metro Park
Stop by the Nature Play Area to investigate table top ponds anytime between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Sunday.
22. Mugs & Mochas at Family Room Coffee and Bake Shop
Paint a ceramic mug at Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop on Sunday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Tickets are available online.
23. Sprouts Night Out at Hilliard’s Station Park
Sprouts Night Out will take place on Sunday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM in Hilliard’s Station Park. this free event will include live music and activities.
24. Summer Concert Series at Old Oaks Park
Funk City Show Band 2.0 will play in the gazebo at Old Oaks Park from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday.
25. Send Smiles to Seniors All Summer Long with Seeds of Caring
This fun and creative project helps children 2-12 learn about intergenerational relationships – and bring smiles to local senior citizens! Families and groups will decorate cards and write messages of caring for seniors living at National Church Residences. Participate any time this summer: Just drop off or mail your completed cards to the Seeds of Caring office in Worthington through Aug. 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!*