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 photos of the exhibit on my Facebook post!
3. Share kindness! Virtual Food Pantry Tour & Snack Kits with Seeds of Caring
Join Seeds of Caring on a virtual tour of a food pantry any time through August 31! In this Anywhere Project, children ages 6-12 will get an inside look at a local food pantry and build empathy for our hungry neighbors. Then, helping hands will assemble snack bags and decorate cheer cards for families supported by the New Albany Food Pantry. Have a large group that’s short on time? Use the self-guided tabletop resource included in your service packet.
4. COSI Science Festival
The COSI Science Festival takes place over the course of 4 days (April 30-May 3) and features community STEAM events all over Central Ohio. Check the link for listings of events for each day! The festival culminates in the Big Science Celebration outside COSI on Saturday (see below).
5. Powell Touch-A-Truck at Seldom Seen Park
Part of the COSI Science Festival, enjoy a touch-a-truck in Powell featuring all kinds of vehicles kids can climb on, touch and pretend to drive on Friday from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
Read my list of things to do in Powell to plan your day!
6. Wild Earth & Wild Creatures at Columbus Museum of Art
Enjoy a custom gallery exploration and hands-on creating opportunities inspired by the exhibition Wild Earth: JB Blunk and Toshiko Takaezu. This activity is part of COSI’s Science Festival and it is a drop-in program between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Friday.
7. Fine Motor Fridays at Karl Road Library
Between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Friday, enjoy hands-on activities that build fine motor skills at the Karl Road Branch of CML. For ages 3-5.
8. STEM in the Park in Friendship Park
Enjoy STEM activities at Friendship Park on Friday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. See photos of Friendship Park here!
9. Worthington STEAMfest at Worthington Community Center
STEAMfest is part of the COSI Science Festival and includes interactive exhibits, hands-on STEAM activities and a Solar Dance Party on Friday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Worthington Community Center.
Read my list of fun things to do in Worthington!
10. Spring Migration Bird Hike at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Take a 1.25 mile hike to look for migrating song birds at Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Saturday, beginning at 9:00 AM. All ages are welcome. Meet at the Nature Center.
11. May the 4th Be With You at Main Library
On Saturday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM enjoy a day of Star Wars fun at Main Library. There will be crafts, activities, recreated Star Wars sets and props, a Star Wars Storytime, trivia and a non-perishable food drive.
12. Big Science Celebration at COSI
On Saturday, from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, head to the Scioto Peninsula surrounding COSI for the Big Science Celebration, the grand finale of the COSI Science Festival. This free, family-friendly event features over 100 exhibitor stations with hands-on science activities led by STEAM professionals, researchers, and experts from Central Ohio and beyond. Enjoy live performances, explore exciting displays, and grab a bite from local food trucks as you celebrate science, technology, and discovery.
13. Ohioana Book Festival
The Ohioana Book Festival takes place on Saturday at the State Library of Ohio from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. There will be over 76 Ohio authors and illustrators who will be offering storytimes, book signings, author panels and more. There will also be food trucks and family-friendly activities.
14. Alley Islands 2025 in the Discovery District – Rescheduled for May 10
This mural festival takes place on Saturday from noon to 10:00 PM and features over 20 performeers including live music, magicians, circus performances, poetry, storytelling and more! Enjoy the new murals around Blockfort Gallery and Studios, shop from local artisans, food trucks and breweries.
15. Hops on High – Rescheduled for May 10
Enjoy pedestrian-only streets in the Short North Arts District featuring live performances, hands-on activities for the whole family, yard games, vintage screen printing, artist booths, food trucks and a vendor market on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
16. Drive-In Car Show in Worthington
The businesses in Old Worthington North will offer activities for families and there will also be classic cars, live music, a bounce house, vendors, a 9-hole mini golf course, prizes and more. This event will take place on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
17. Derby Day at Crooked Can Brewing Company
This Derby Day event on Saturday includes Wiener Dog Races from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM and a kids craft activity available throughout the event. Don your best Derby-style hat for the festive parade at 5:00 PM followed by the Derby race at 6:00 PM Stick around for live music from The Dan Orr Project, performing from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
18. Zoo Day at BalletMet’s Sleeping Beauty
At the Saturday (2:00 PM) performance of Sleeping Beauty by BalletMet, the Columbus Zoo will be on site before the show with animal and character ambassadors. Zoo Members and guests can use the special discount code ZOOSB25 and save up to $25 off tickets for the Zoo designated performance. The code is also good for several other performance times on Saturday and Sunday.
19. Powell Street Market
Powell Street Market and Business Expo will take place on Sunday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM an dwill feature over 60 vendors, a business expo, food trucks, and more!
20. Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory
Residents of Columbus and Franklin County receive free General Admission to Franklin Park Conservatory on Sunday, May 4th from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Identification is required. Sunday’s theme is Outdoor Fitness. There will be a compass scavenger hunt, an obstacle course, and a kindness booth in the in the Children’s Garden, a used sports equipment drive and more! Activities will take place between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
21. May the 4th at The Little Grand Market
Head to The Little Grand Market for all-day movie screenings, a kids craft table, inflatable lightsabers, Star Wars trivia and a DJ on May the 4th. Check the link for exact times on all activities. The market opens at 11:00 AM on Sunday.
Read my list of things to do in Grandview to see pictures of The Little Grand Market!
22. Musical Concert with Columbus Youth Jazz at Main Library
Enjoy a free concert by Columbus Youth Jazz in the Reading Room at the Main Library on Sunday from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM.
23. Star Wars Archery at Scioto Grove Metro Park
Aim at Star Wars-themed targets at the Scioto Grove Archery range on Sunday from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM. Equipment and instructions will be provided. For ages 8 and up.
24. May the 4th Be with You at Worthington Park Library
On Sunday from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM stop by the Worthington Park Library for Star Wars-themed games, crafts and a scavenger hunt. Costumes are encouraged.
*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!*