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 Events this Weekend in Columbus, Ohio:
1. Play Unstoppable Festival Event at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus
From March 23-May 12, 2024 at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus you can enjoy the new LEGO Friends 4D Movie, design your own flowers, enjoy dance parties, go on a MINILAND scavenger hunt, create a festival animal and more during the Play Unstoppable Festival Event. This event takes place during regular hours and is included with admission.
2. Blooms and Butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory
Blooms and Butterflies will be open at Franklin Park Conservatory through July 7! You can walk through the Pacific Island Water Garden to see free-flying butterflies. Check out the Metamorphosis Lab to see new butterflies emerge from their chrysalis. Daily hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
3. Be an All-Star! Donate Gently Used Sports Gear with Seeds of Caring
You can help expand access and equity within youth sports with Seeds of Caring! Kids 2-12 will learn how sports keep our brains and bodies happy and complete an empathy-building exercise. Then helping hands will collect new and used sports equipment that Leveling the Playing Field will distribute to local kids. This project is available through May 19, 2024.
4. Touch a Truck in Hilliard
Climb on and touch community trucks like a fire truck, police cruiser, tow truck and more! There will be activities, inflatables and a visit from a Paw Patrol character! The event takes place on Friday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Wayne and Center Streets parking lot.
5. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey at the Schottenstein Center
The Greatest Show on Earth is returning to Columbus May 10-12 at the Schottenstein Center! There are 5 shows throughout the weekend beginning Friday night and ending Sunday night. Enjoy awe-inspiring acts including acrobatics, world dance and jaw-dropping thrills!
6. UNEXTINCT at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
On Friday and Saturday from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM explore a world of illusions and extraordinary wildlife at this special engagement event at the Columbus Zoo. There are 15 scenes to experience. Tickets are available online.
7. Garten Markt at German Village Meeting Haus
This annual plant sale and festival includes arts & crafts vendors, food trucks, the German Village Farmer’s Market, and all kinds of plants for sale. It takes place on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the German Village Meeting Haus.
8. Mother’s Day Flower Craft at Franklin Park Conservatory
Plant a flower in a pot you decorate yourself to give to someone special at Franklin Park Conservatory on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM! The cost is $3/craft and no registration is required (just admission).
9. I-Spy Nature Challenge at Sharon Woods
Stop by the Naturalist Office at Sharon Woods Metro Park to pick up an I-Spy Nature Challenge sheet and see how much wildlife you can spot in the park to win a prize! This activity takes place between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Saturday.
10. World Migratory Bird Day at Blendon Woods Nature Center
Stop by the Nature Center at Blendon Woods Metro Park to learn about bird migration through games, crafts and activities! These activities will be available on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
11. Hilltop Spring Jamboree at Hilltonia Park
On Saturday from 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM in Hilltonia Park enjoy music by MOJOFLOW and more! The event will also include community partners, food trucks, art-making, an instrument petting zoo and more!
12. Mini Market and KPop Performance at Main Library
Shop a mini vendor market on Kaufman Plaza featuring baked goods, jewelry and a DJ from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday. Enjoy a performance by KPop Dance Columbus from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, too!
13. Saturday Morning Cartoons at Gateway Film Center
On Saturday at 2:00 PM watch retro cartoons at Gateway Film Center! The theme is TV Moms! Tickets are $5/person.
14. Paint Your Own Pottery Pop-up at Olentangy Caverns
On Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, enjoy a mocha for mom and cocoa for the kids. There will be a photographer on site to take your photo and you can make a keepsake picture frame. The cost is $25 for mom and 1 child and $5 for each additional child.
15. Nature’s Bad Moms at Blacklick Woods
Take a 1.5 mile hike at Blacklick Woods Metro Park to learn about Ohio animals who are “bad moms”! HIke begins at 3:00 PM on Saturday.
16. Mother’s Day Market at Understory
This Mother’s Day Market takes place on Sunday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Understory. There will be over 30 vendors, $5 mimosas, free professional photos with mom, a bouquet-making station, live music and more!
17. Drop-In: Mother’s Day Spring Craft at Highbanks Nature Center
Make a spring craft for mom between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Sunday at Highbanks Nature Center.
18. Mother’s Day Craft at Homestead Metro Park
Stop by the craft table at the Barn Shelter at Homestead Metro Park to make a gift for mom on Sunday between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
19. Sunday in the Swamp at Blacklick Woods
Scoop up slimy critters in the swamp at Blacklick Woods on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
20. Craft and Plant at Inniswood Metro Gardens
Create a special card and planter mom or a special person in your life at Inniswood Metro Gardens on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
21. Wonders on the Web at Whetstone Library
Join author Sarah Rose at the Whetstone Library on Sunday at 2:00 to learn interesting facts about spiders!
*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!*