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:
Events are in chronological order. Events that are ongoing 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. Build the Thrill Event at LEGOLAND®
From March 6 – April 27 visitors can create the ultimate race car and beat the clock in an awesome race during the Build the Thrill Event. There will be building challenges, special scenes in MINILAND and special activities and photo ops!
Read more about visiting LEGOLAND Columbus!
3. Grove City Bunny Hunt
Print a Bunny Hunt entry sheet and find 14 bunnies throughout Grove City Town Center now through April 19th. Submit your completed form to win a prize. Check the link for all the details!
Read my blog post featuring 9 fun things to do in Grove City!
4. Extended Hours at COSI
COSI has extended hours for Spring Break! They will be open every day from March 16-April 6, 2025. Regular hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. On the weekend (March 27, 28 and 29) they will be open from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Plan your visit to COSI with this blog post!
5. Photos with the Bunny at Polaris Fashion Place
Photos with the Bunny begin on Friday, March 21 and run through April 19th at Polaris Fashion Place! Book your reservation online and receive a complimentary gift. Walk-ups are also welcome. This year’s theme is Alice in Wonderland. All kids that visit the Bunny will receive a coupon good for 1 free small gelato at I Scream Gelato at Polaris Fashion Place.
6. Friday Storytime at Blendon Wood Metro Park
Enjoy songs, rhymes and stories about the natural world at this storytime for kids ages 2-5 on Friday at 10:00 AM at Blendon Woods Nature Center.
Read more about the Nature Centers in Columbus!
7. Elephant and Piggie Storytime at Westerville Public Library
Enjoy an Elephant and Piggie themed storytime featuring stories, songs and rhymes! There will also be crafts, games and a photo op with Piggie and Gerald on Friday at 10:00 AM. Recommended for ages 7 and under.
8. Jurassic Quest at Ohio Expo Center
Jurassic Quest is the world’s largest Dino event with unique and exciting experiences for the whole family including a herd of life-size dinosaurs including Apatosaurus, Spinosaurus, and T.rex! There are lots of hands-on activities and a special Kids Dino-Mite Experience for kids ages 2-10. The show will take place Friday from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Tickets are available online.
I’m giving away 4 tickets to Jurassic Quest on my Instagram page! The winner will be chosen on Thursday, March 27th so make sure to enter here before then!
9. Sunset and S’mores at Quarry Trails Metro Park
Make a s’more at the campfire at Quarry Trails and enjoy the sunset on Friday at 7:30 PM.
10. The Traveling Bookshop Pop-Up at REV Coffeehouse
The Travelling Bookshop offers gently used books for all ages. They will be popping up at REV Coffeehouse on Saturday from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Read my list of coffee shops in Hilliard!
11. Sing – a Sensory Friendly Screening at McConnell Arts Center
Part of the MAC Family Series, this sensory-friendly screening of Sing will take place on Saturday at 10:00 AM. There will be modifications for this screening including reduced volume and lighting levels, extra space for movement and a judgment-free zone for attendees with autism and other sensory processing challenges. Tickets are available online.
12. Storytime with Author Kate Hoefler
Join Ohio author Kate Hoefler for a storytime on Saturday, March 29 at 10:00 AM at Cover to Cover to celebrate her latest picture book (ages 4+), The Couch in the Yard.
Check out my list of wonderful bookstores in Columbus!
13. OSU National Champions Autograph Session at Wilder Side of Sports
Meet 20+ OSU football players at the Wilder Side of Sports card and autograph show on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Shows are free to attend but tickets are needed to get autographs.
14. Opening Day at Carfagnas
Celebrate the Opening Day of baseball season with free hot dogs and food samples, giveaways and a meet and greet with Lou Seal from the Columbus Clippers. This event will take place on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
15. Family Fun Day – Spin Art at Franklin Park Conservatory
Create spin art to celebrate Spring babies waking up from winter hibernation at Franklin Park Conservatory on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The cost is $3 per craft (in addition to admission).
16. Rock & Roll Playhouse Concert: The Music of the Beatles at Main Library
The Rock and Roll Playhouse band will perform the music of The Beatles for kids at this family-friendly concert at Main Library on Saturday at 12:00 PM. Recommended for ages 10 and under. This is a free event.
Check out these photos of the Rock Hall of Fame set up at Main Library!
17. Signs of Spring at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Take a 1.25-mile hike through the Walter Tucker Nature Preserve at Blacklick Woods to look for early signs of spring on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Meet at the Nature Center.
18. Kids: Meet the Woodwinds with Zephyr Chamber Winds at Highbanks Nature Center
Enjoy an educational music program with Zephyr Chamber Winds on Saturday at 3:00 PM at Highbanks Nature Center. This event will include a 30-minute musical performance and a musical instrument “petting zoo” where kids will be introduced to instruments and how they sound. Recommended for ages 3-8.
19. Ohio Roller Derby at Ohio Expo Center
Doors open at 4:00 PM on Saturday for Ohio Roller Derby. Games will take place at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Games are kid-friendly and children 7 and under are free.
20. C-Bus Comic Book Show at The Clintonville Women’s Club
This comic book show will have 14 vendors selling thousands of comic books, toys, Funko Pops and more. Local legend Michael Neno and IDW Sonic the Hedgehog and My Little Pony cover artist Natalie Haines will be on site. This event will take place on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Kids 8 and under receive free admission.
21. Baby Buckeyes: Author Visit with John Biemer at Westerville Public Library
Local author John Biemer will read from his book Baby Buckeyes. There will be a book signing, Q&A, and a photo op with mascot Brutus Buckeye on Sunday at 2:00 PM at Westerville Public Library. Best for kids ages 7 and under.
22. Read All About It! Kids’ Book Drive through with Seeds of Caring
This Spring, you can help make sure every child has access to books in their home! In this FREE service activity from Seeds of Caring, kids ages 2-12 will collect 2 or more gently used or new children’s books and make bookmarks for distribution by Columbus-based youth literacy group 2nd & 7. This Anywhere Project can be done at home, school, or wherever you are through April 13!
*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!*