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:
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. Cheer on Special Olympics Athletes with Seeds of Caring
In this free and fun Anywhere Project, kids 2-12 will learn about the importance of inclusion through a video and age-appropriate discussion. Then helping hands will pack Good Luck Kits and decorate cheer cards to encourage Special Olympics Ohio athletes on competition day. Families and groups can participate any time through April 27!
3. Spring Big Book Sale at Columbus Metropolitan Library
The Spring Big Book Sale takes place during regular business hours on Friday and Saturday at Main Library. Books begin at $1 each. On Sunday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM there will be a clearance sale where you can fill a bag for $5.
4. Rock Star Story Time at Columbus Metropolitan Library
This Family Storytime at the Main Library will include music and a celebration of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Friday at 10:30 AM. (Check out the new Rock Hall of Fame display in the lobby while you’re there!)
5. Classic Cartoons at The Avalon Theatre
On Friday at 12:00 PM, the Avalon Theatre will show Classic Cartoons on the big screen. Tickets are $2/person. Tickets can be purchased online.
6. Pi Day 5K at Quarry Trails
Take a 3.14 mile walk at Quarry Trails Metro Park and enjoy pie afterwards on Friday at 6:00 PM.
7. Hidden Leprechaun Hunt at Quarry Trails Metro Park
Take a hike around Quarry Trails Metro Park to look for hidden leprechauns. When you find one, call or find a Ranger to receive a prize on Saturday and Sunday between 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM.
8. Dinosaur Storytime & Dance Party at Westerville Public Library
Kids ages 2-7 can enjoy dinosaur stories and songs at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 10:45 PM. Costumes are encouraged.
Check out this list of coffee shops in Westerville to pick one up before the party!
9. Storytime with Author Emily Ferjencik at Cover to Cover
Join author Emily Ferjencik in celebration of her picture book, Funny Bunny: What’s That Sound for a storytime at Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers on Saturday at 10:00 AM.
See photos of Cover to Cover on my list of bookstores in Columbus!
10. LEGO Building Club at Plain City Public Library
All ages can build with LEGO at the Plain City Public Library on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
Find more fun things to do in Plain City!
11. Mad Hatter Tea Party at Northwest Library
Register online for this “Alice in Wonderland” tea party at Northwest Library that includes hat making, cookie decorating and playing card creating on Saturday at 10:30 AM. For ages 8 and under.
12. Parsons Avenue Winter Art Hop and Mural Tour
Take a shuttle around Parsons Avenue to visit local galleries and businesses and see outdoor murals. There will be live music at Community Grounds. Pick up a map and the shuttle at Community Grounds on Saturday between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
13. Minecraft Scavenger Hunt at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Kids ages 6 and up can take a Minecraft scavenger hunt through the woods to look for natural objects found in the game. There will be additional activities inside the Nature Center at Blendon Woods after the Hike. This event takes place at 2:00 PM on Saturday.
14. Music of Women with Urban Strings at Shepard Library
Enjoy inspiring and upbeat music by female composers and arrangers performed by Urban Strings on Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Shepard Branch of CML.
15. I Spy Photo Scavenger Hunt at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Stop by the Nature Center at Blacklick Woods to pick up a scavenger hunt and take photos of the items listed. Finish the hunt and get a small prize at the Nature Center on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Read about all the things to do at Blacklick Woods to plan your day!
16. The Magic Duel at The Avalon Theatre
Erica Carlson and Magic Nate will put on a magic show together at The Avalon Theatre in Marysville. After the show there will be a magic workshop and balloon twisting. This event takes place on Saturday at 2:00 PM and tickets are available online.
17. Fun with LEGO at Old Worthington Library
Build with LEGO and Duplo blocks on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Old Worthington Library.
18. Teen Tabletop Games at the Hilltop Library
Teens ages 12-17 can enjoy tabletop role-playing games at the Hilltop Branch of CML on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
19. The Columbus Toy and Game Show
The Columbus Toy & Game Show takes place on Sunday from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Lausche Building at the Ohio Expo Center. Kids 10 and under get in free. There will be free arcade games in the Arcade Alley, celebrity guests, photo ops, toys for sale and more!
20. Hunger Games Kit at Westerville Public Library
Teens can pick up a free take-home activity kit celebrating the new The Hunger Games book release while supplies last, beginning Sunday at 1:00 PM.
21. Drop in: Leprechaun Trail at Highbanks Nature Center
Families can drop into the Highbanks Nature Center on Sunday between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to pick up a scavenger hunt and take a short trail around the Nature Center to look for hidden leprechauns and other St. Patrick’s Day items! Afterward, receive a small prize and enjoy other activities inside the Nature Center.
22. Women’s History Month Pop-up Concert at Columbus Museum of Art
On Sunday at 2:00 PM there will be a pop-up concert featuring the Columbus Cultural Youth Orchestra at the Columbus Museum of Art. Admission is free on Sundays!
*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!*