Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
Family-Friendly Things to do in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend:
This weekend’s list includes events on Labor Day! These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event occurs multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence. Therefore, be sure to read through the entire list, especially for festivals taking place over Labor Day Weekend. Have a great weekend!
1. Unofficial Galaxies at COSI
This is the last weekend to see Unofficial Galaxies! 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.
2. 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!
3. Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival
From July 31 – October 5, the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival will take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Asian lanterns will highlight wildlife scenes throughout the zoo. Tickets are available online.
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4. Bug Balloon Scavenger Hunt at Main Library
Search for bug-inspired balloon creations made by Erica Carlson at the Main Library in downtown Columbus all day, every day through Saturday. Hours are 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM on Saturday and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Sunday.
5. Friday Storytime at Blendon Woods Metro Park
On Friday at 10:00 AM, enjoy a story, rhymes, songs and more featuring the natural world at Blendon Woods Nature Center. Best for ages 2-5.
5. Labor Day Family Value Weekend at Young’s Dairy
Friday through Monday, enjoy a special Family Value wristband good for all day, unlimited family fun at Young’s Jersey Dairy. Each wristband is good for all day fun on the date purchased. Cost is $22.50 (ages 12 & over) $16.50 (ages 11 & under). Activities include mini golf, batting cages, a driving range, a carousel, fast slides a corn maze and more!
6. Labor Day Weekend Skate Pass at United Skates of America
Get a Labor Day Weekend Pass at United Skates of America. It includes: 4 Admissions, 4 Skate Rentals, 1 Whole Pizza, 1 Pitcher of Pop and 1 Game Card with 50 Credits, a $104.50 value for $65. The pass is redeemable August 29-September 1.
7. Columbus Greek Festival
Celebrate the culture of Greece with music, dance, food, shopping, and cathedral tours all weekend. Located at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the Greek Festival begins on Friday and runs through Monday. Hours are Friday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Sunday: Noon – 11:00 PM and Monday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Adults are $5 each and kids under 12 are free. Weekend passes are $10.
8. Obetz Zucchinifest
The Obetz Zucchinifest takes place Friday night through Monday and includes a car show, live music, a parade, food, rides and activities for kids. The festival and concerts are free to attend, but there is a cost for ride wristbands. Hours are Friday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM and Monday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
9. Princesses & Superheroes at Boardman Arts Park
On Friday from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Boardman Arts Park in Delaware, Ohio, the park will be transformed into an interactive stage show featuring princesses and superheroes! There will be meet-and-greet opportunities, photo ops, a concert, food trucks and more. This event is free but RSVP is requested.
Check out my list of fun things to do in Delaware, Ohio, including Boardman Arts Park!
10. Teens at The Pizzuti
On Friday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, teens ages 13-19 can enjoy a special viewing of the new exhibit Las Vegas Ikebana: Maren Hassinger and Senga Nengudi at The Pizzuti. Learn about art and artists and create your own art at this teens-only event. Registration is free and drop-ins are welcome.
11. Saint Michael Festival
The St. Michael Festival takes place in Worthington from August 29-31: Friday 7-11pm, Saturday & Sunday 5-11 pm. The festival includes live performances, rides (a wrist band is required), a silent auction, food, and more!
12. Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival
On Saturday and Sunday, almost 30 vintage base ball teams from all over Ohio will play in the Ohio Cup Base Ball Festival at Westerville Sports Complex. Each day begins at 9:00 AM and the last game of each day will start at 4:00 PM. Games last about 1 hour and are free to watch. Food trucks will also be on site. Bring your own chair.
13. Pint-Sized Paint Party at Westerville Public Library
Kids ages 5 and under can use taste-safe paint during a free play time on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Clean and messy options are available.
14. 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.
Check out this list of 9 wonderful bookstores in Columbus!
15. Butterfly Weekend at Blendon Woods Nature Center
Drop by the Nature Center at Blendon Woods Metro Park for a daily puppet show, crafts, games, a butterfly hunt and a daily butterfly release. This event will take place from 10:00 AM – 2:00PM on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
16. All in a Day’s Work at Slate Run Farm
Stop by the farmhouse at Slate Run Living Historical Farm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to play a matching game and learn about the history of Labor Day and 19th-century occupations.
17. Trick Roping at Main Library
All ages are welcome to join lariat artist Doug Smith as he demonstrates trick roping. Learn about the origins of roping and watch Doug do tricks! You can also take a turn at learning how to make a rope spin on Saturday at 11:00 AM.
18. West Jefferson Ox Roast
This annual festival takes place Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It begins with a parade on Saturday at 12:00 PM and continues with vendors, crafts, bounce houses, live entertainment, games, contests, a community church service, kiddie tractor pull, a 5K, Cruise In, and, of course, Ox Roast Sandwiches. Click on the full schedule to see times for all events.
19. From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center
Get free admission to see The NeverEnding Story (1984) (PG) at Gateway Film Center with your library card as part of the Book to Film series! Showtimes are Saturday at 1:30 PM or Sunday at 11:00 AM.
20. Local Author Festival at Bexley Public Library
On Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM you can discover and meet local authors at this Local Author Festival at the Bexley Public Library. Gramercy Books will be on hand to sell books that you can have signed by the authors.
21. Scioto Social at the Scioto Mile Fountain
This end-of-summer block party takes place at the Scioto Mile Fountain on Saturday from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM. The party includes free caricature drawings, free games, dance classes, drinks, food trucks, free glow sticks and splashing in the fountain! There will also be free Trolley Pub rides between The Junto Hotel and Land Grant Brewing.
22. Soberfest at Franklin County Fairgrounds
Soberfest features alternative and rock performances, food trucks and vendors, a KidZone with games, arts and crafts, plus info and resources from community organizations focused on recovery, mental health and community support. The festival takes place on Sunday from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. It’s free to attend. Parking is $10.
23. Tram Tour at Blacklick Woods
Hop on the Tram between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Sunday to take a tour of Blacklick Woods Metro Park.
Check out this list of things you won’t want to miss at Blacklick Woods before you visit!
24. Glow Kayaking at Prairie Oaks Metro Park
Solo kayaks for ages 10 and up and tandem kayaks for all ages will be available for use on Sunday night from 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM at Darby Bend Lakes. First come, first served.
25. Labor Day Arts Festival at Northam Park
The Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival takes place at Northam Park on Monday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and will include around 120 artists, hands-on art activities, and live music. The Tremont Library will offer a sensory room, nursing station, and baby changing room.
*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!*