Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: May 30-June 1, 2025

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. Unofficial Galaxies at COSI

Unofficial Galaxies is one of the largest Star Wars fan collections in the world and it will be on display at COSI now through September 1, 2025. General Admission and Live Shows tickets are required to experience Unofficial Galaxies.

3. Kick-Off Party: Summer Reading Club at Worthington Libraries

Worthington Libraries kicks off its Summer Reading Club with three events this week. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, there will be events at Northwest Library, Worthington Park Library and Old Worthington Library, respectively. Check the link for all the details.

4. CLUE: A Walking Mystery with CAPA

Explore local businesses in the Short North (with discounts available at each location!) to solve puzzles, and piece together clues to determine WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT during this walking mystery event! Recommended for ages 8 and up. Tickets are available online. There are several opportunities to take part in this event all weekend.

See my Facebook Post with pictures from the event!

5. Family Storytime at Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop

Enjoy a story time at Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop that also includes movement rhymes and songs on Friday at 10:00 AM.

Read more about Family Room on my list of Coffee Shops in Westerville!

6. Newark Strawberry Festival

The Newark Strawberry Festival celebrates all things strawberry with vendors, kids activities and strawberry treats! Hours are Friday: 11 am – 10 pm, Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm and Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm.

Browse my list of family-friendly things to do in Newark before you go!

7. Salamandar Stroll at Quarry Trails Metro Park

Take a 1-mile hike to look for salamanders and learn all about them at Quarry Trails Metro Park on Friday at 12:00 PM. Meet at the Dog Park Parking Lot.

8. Indoor Carnival Games at Westerville Public Library

Play indoor carnival games at the Westerville Public Library on Friday from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM. Earn prizes, get a temporary tattoo and enjoy a bubble dance.

9. Cap City Festival at Driving Park Community Center

Cap City Festivals will feature free entertainment in Columbus neighborhoods from April to October. The festival will take place from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM and will include entertainment, activities, community resources and free food. This month’s festival will take place at Driving Park Community Center and Driving Park Pool on Friday.

10. The Main Event in Bexley

The Main Event takes place on the lawn at Capital University on Friday, beginning at 6:00 PM. There will be inflatables, games, crafts, live music by The Shazzbots, food trucks and more! At 9:00 PM, there will be an outdoor showing of The Wild Robot.

11. Fore!Fest at Bridgepark

This two-day music and street festival features live music, food trucks, vendors, Pins Playground, beverage stations, a golf simulator and more. It takes place Friday from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Saturday from 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM. On Friday at 9:45, the Memorial Tournament Drone Show at Fore!Fest will take place over Bridge Park.

12. Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects at Franklin Park Conservatory

This new exhibit opens on Saturday at 10:00 AM. It includes horticulture displays made from LEGO bricks! It will be on display throughout the conservatory until September 7, 2025.

13. Will Hillenbrand at Cover to Cover

Join author and illustrator Will Hillenbrand on Saturday at 10:00 AM to celebrate his new picture book Summer Is Here: A Bear and Mole Story.

14. Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff Party at Main Library

On Saturday, celebrate the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge at Main Library from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. There will be farm animals, outdoor games, free refreshments, face painting, button making, roaming characters and more! This is an indoor/outdoor event.

15. For Kids: Who’s Under Where? at Blacklick Woods

Take a half-mile hike to search for worms, spiders, salamanders and more at Blacklick Woods at 11:00 AM on Saturday.

Read my list of 5 Fun Things to do at Blacklick Woods (including the Canopy Walk)!

16. East Side Block Party at Columbus Brewing Company

This summer party includes a DJ, drink specials, face painting, balloon twisting, chalk art, $6 kids meals, vendor market, yard games and more on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

17. Geocache Kick off Event at Dragonly Camp

At this kick-off event, you can learn about geocaching, get Metro Parks swag, and take a hike to find your first cache. The event takes place on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at the Dragonfly Day Camp at Highbanks Metro Park.

18. Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory

Residents of Columbus and Franklin County receive free General Admission to Franklin Park Conservatory on Sunday, June 1st from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Identification is required. Sunday’s theme is Summer Fun. From 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM there will be children’s activities, school supplies and athletic shoes giveaways, community resources and Joy Local Coffee.

19. Storytime at Barnes and Noble Sawmill

Celebrate the new location of Barnes and Noble at Sawmill all month! On Sunday, children’s author Becky Gehrisch will offer a storytime and activities featuring her picture book Escape to Play at 1:00 PM.

20. STEAM Sundays at Cover to Cover

On Sunday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM enjoy STEAM-focused activities at Cover to Cover including special guests and experts. Best for ages 5 and up.

21. Superhero Run at Blacklick Woods Metro Park

Kids and families can dress as superheroes and complete a half-mile fun run and obstacle course! Afterwards, you will make a mask craft. Meet at the fitness station at Blacklick Woods on Sunday at 1:00 PM.

22. Bring the Zoo to You at Britton Farms Park

Meet animals up close and learn more about them with the Columbus Zoo on site at Britton Farms Park during this event that also includes crafts, airbrush tattoos, and balloon twisting. The event is from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday and the Columbus Zoo will be there from 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM.

Check out this list of 13 things to do in Hilliard!

23. Summer Concert Series in Westerville

On Sunday from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, enjoy a free concert at Alum Creek Amphitheater. This week’s concert is by ATTABOY.

24. Concerts on the Green in Worthington

On Sunday at 7:00 PM, enjoy a free concert on the Northwest Village Green in Worthington. This week’s band is the Worthington Chamber Orchestra. Bring a blanket or chairs.

25. Start your Summer of Caring by Bringing Smiles to Seniors with Seeds of Caring

Your family, youth group, or team can share smiles with local seniors all summer long! In this free Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring, kids 6-12 will explore why seniors can experience loneliness through an empathy-building exercise. Then they’ll decorate cards and write messages of caring for seniors living at National Church Residences. Register now and participate any time through August 31!

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*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!*