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:
These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events 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. Sharks at COSI
Explore dozens of life-sized models of sharks at this temporary exhibit at COSI that also includes fossils and interactive exhibits! The exhibit will be on display from April 12 through September 1, 2025. COSI opens at 10:00 AM on Saturday. See video on my Instagram page!
3. Salute Those Who Served: Thank a Veteran with Seeds of Caring
Through May 18, kind kids can honor Ohio’s service men and women at home, school, or wherever you are! In this Seeds of Caring Anywhere Project, kids ages 2-12 will decorate cards and write caring notes for Ohio veterans participating in Honor Flight Columbus. Donations may be mailed or directly dropped to the Seeds of Caring office.
4. Weekend of the Arts in Historic Downtown Canal Winchester
This weekend of creativity includes an Art Walk on Thursday, live music in the park, a touch-a-truck on Friday, and an Art Stroll on the Canal on Saturday that includes a Kids Creation Station. Check the link for exact times on each day!
5. Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest
Friday through Sunday, head to Buckeye Lake for a Pirate Marketplace, Pirate Ship Playland, a Tri-County Treasure Hunt, Pirate Parade, special offers at local businesses, food trucks, vendor booths, kids’ entertainment and more.
6. Picture Worthington Art Walk
Picture Worthington: Art Walk is an outdoor gallery in historic Worthington that features 15 works of art created by artists who live, work, or create in Worthington, as well as 5 historical works of art. The Art Walk will be on view May through October, and it kicks off with a ribbon cutting on Friday at 9:00 AM.
7. Friday Storytime at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Enjoy a storytime at Blendon Woods Nature Center on Friday at 10:00 AM. This story time will include books, rhymes and songs about the natural world and are great for kids ages 2-5 and their caregivers.
Read about all there is to do at Blendon Woods Metro Park!
8. Stories & Songs from the Jewish Heritage with Joanie Calem
Enjoy an interactive performance of Jewish stories, songs, and movement performed by Joanie Calem at the Westerville Public Library on Friday at 10:00 AM. Suitable for ages 2-7.
9. Touch a Truck at Worthington Community Center
Kids can explore, climb on and discover emergency vehicles, construction equipment, trucks and more on Friday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Worthington Community Center parking lot. This will be a sensory-friendly event with no horns throughout the entire duration of the event. Bring a non-perishable food donation for the Worthington Food Pantry.
Check out this list of playgrounds in Worthington!
10. Adaptive Adventures: Sensory Storytime at Blendon Woods
Enjoy a storytime about herbs and then smell, touch and taste herbs and do a craft. This activity is located at the shelter house at the inclusive playground at Blendon Woods Metro Park on Saturday at 9:00 AM.
11. Alicia’s Closet Fun Run
At 9:00 AM on Saturday, the inaugural Alicia’s Closet 5K will take place at the Dublin Community Recreation Center. Alicia’s Closet 5K is a family-friendly, stroller and wheelchair-accessible event that will include a 5k run & walk and kids fun run. Register online. All proceeds directly benefit local children & families impacted by foster care in our community.
12. Hilltop Spring Jamboree
This free event features live musical acts by local artists, a musical petting zoo, bounce house, hands-on art projects and it takes place during the Westgate Farmer’s Market at the West Gate Lodge on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Plan a visit to Westgate Park when you’re there!
13. Breakfast with the Bees at Barley Moon Botanicals
On Saturday at 9:00 AM, participants can put on a beekeeper suit and see honeybees in action. Breakfast will be honey-infused featuring biscuits, waffles, fruit and more! Tickets are available online. Best for ages 10 and up. Veterans and first responders attend free.
14. Ask A Doc Q&A Series at Sweet Peas Gymnastics
Join local experts at Sweet Peas Gymnastics on Saturday at 9:30 AM to ask questions about childhood development and milestones in a non-judgmental environment. This is a free event.
15. Kids and Cops at Ohio University Lancaster
This event includes helicopters, Air Evac, S.W.A.T. vehicles, police cars, motorcycles and more. There will be goody bags and hot dogs available. This free event takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Brasee Hall Parking Lot.
Read my list of things to do with kids in Lancaster, Ohio to plan your trip!
16. Touch a Truck at Prairie Township Sports Complex
On Saturday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM kids can climb and get up close to Prairie Township vehicles.
17. Delaware Arts Festival
The Delaware Arts Festival features two days of art, entertainment and food in downtown Delaware! In addition to artists displaying their work, there will be live music and performances and food trucks. Hours are Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
18. Canopy Walk 1st Birthday Party
Celebrate the 1st birthday of the Canopy Walk at Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. There will be food trucks and special activities.
See photos of the Canopy Walk!
19. Percussion Party at Main Library
On Saturday at 11:00 AM, enjoy learning traditional rhythms on drums and playing musical games at Main Library.
20. Author Marcy Campbell and Illustrator Shelley Johannes at UAPL
Meet author Marcy Campbell and illustrator Shelley Johannes on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Upper Arlington Public Library (Tremont) in celebration of their picture book, What Are You Waiting For?
21. Pokémon Club at Northwest Library
Trade cards, play games and make crafts on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Northwest Library. For ages 6-11.
22. AMA Hall of Fame Bike Night
Bike Night on Saturday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM includes free entry to the Hall of Fame Museum, music, motorcycle-oriented vendors, food trucks, bike shows, and racing or open riding on a pitbike track and adventure loop. This is a family-friendly event.
Read about the AMA Hall of Fame Museum!
23. German Village Makers Market
This market features over 65 makers and food trucks in German Village. The market takes place from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Sunday.
24. Sunday in the Swamp at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Scoop up slimy critters from the Buttonbush swamp on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Blacklick Woods.
25. Washday Blues at Slate Run Farm
Head to Slate Run Farm to help the farmwife hand-wash the laundry on Sunday between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
26. Family Concert Series at Hilliard Library
Enjoy a performance by the NACHO Saxadillas featuring classical, jazz, sacred, popular and folk songs at the Hilliard Branch of CML on Sunday at 3:00 PM.
Browse my list of 13 things to do in Hilliard!
*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!*