Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
1. Little Adventures at Columbus Museum of Art
Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers can take a kid-friendly tour of the Columbus Museum of Art that includes storytelling and play! This activity will take place on Friday from 10:30 AM -11:15 AM and is free for members and $20 for nonmembers. Register online.
2. Newark Strawberry Festival
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11:00 AM each day, enjoy entertainment, food, rides, games and Strawberry Shortcakes at the Newark Strawberry Festival!
Related: 9 Fun Things to do in and Around Newark, Ohio
3. From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center
On Friday at 1:30 PM, get free admission to see Shrek at Gateway Film Center with your library card as part of the Book to Film series!
4. Indoor Carnival Games at Westerville Public Library
This event on Friday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM is great for ages 0-7 and features indoor carnival games, prizes, temporary tattoos, and bubbles!
5. Conservatory Explore Nights: Pirate Palooza
Visit Franklin Park Conservatory at night for this special event on Friday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. The theme of this event is Pirate Palooza and there will be crafts, sand art, live entertainers, food trucks and more! Special Engagement rates apply. Tickets are available online.
6. Pizza & LEGO Planes at Bricks & Minifigs Powell
Head to BAM Powell for pizza and LEGO plane building on Friday at 6:00 PM. This is idea for ages 7-15 and each registration includes pizza, water and 1 plane set.
7. Kick-Off Party: Summer Reading Club at Worthington Park Library
This party celebrating the Summer Reading Club will include an obstacle course, games and more throughout the Worthington Park Library from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Friday.
Related: 11 Fun Things to do in Worthington
8. Waffle Bar at Coffee Connections of Hilliard
Waffle Bar is back at Coffee Connections of Hilliard on Saturday from 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM. For $5 you can get 2 waffle squares and unlimited toppings from the toppings bar. For $10 you can get a waffle and a large latte.
9. Summer Reading Kickoff Party at Marsyville Public Library
Kick off the Summer Reading Program with bounce houses, face painting, snow cones and more at the Marysville Public Library on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
10. Summer Reading Challenge Kickoff Party at Columbus Metropolitan Library
Beginning at 11:00 AM on Saturday, celebrate the kick-off of the Summer Reading Challenge! There will be a bubble and beach ball Family Storytime, games, snacks, and the Muppet Mayhem Band providing a sing-a-long concert! Some activities will take place on the Kaufman Plaza outside.
11. Hops on High in the Short North Arts District
Hops on High are special Gallery Hops taking place 3 times this year that will include street closures for a pedestrian-only experience, live entertainment, a Hops on High Market, live art, extra community programming and gallery exhibitions! The first one takes place on Saturday from 12:00 PM-8:00 PM and will have a Pride theme.
Related: 10 Fun Things to do in the Short North
12. Outdoor Adventures at Infirmary Mound Park
Take a trip to Granville to try out kayaking, canoeing, zip-lining, rock climbing, archery, crafts and more! All activities are free and there will be food trucks on site. This event takes place on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
13. Farm Animal Event at Whetstone Library
Visit with farm animals at the Whetstone Library on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
14. Kick-Off Party: Summer Reading Club at Northwest Village Green
On Saturday from 3:00 PM-5:00 PM celebrate the Kick-Off of the Summer Reading Club with a concert by The Shazzbots, crafts and games! In the event of inclement weather, crafts and games will be moved into Old Worthington Library.
15. Kid’s Summer Kick-off Party at Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop
Celebrate the start of summer on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop. This event will include crafts, games, and a kid’s drink and snack. Cost is $15/kid.
16. Sunday Funday in Worthington
Sunday Fundays are monthly events in Old Worthington featuring themed food, entertainment and specials at local merchants. This month’s theme is Worthington Pride and the event takes place on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
17. Tri-Village Family Fun Fest
On Sunday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM enjoy a street festival featuring food trucks, local vendors, games and free music lessons!
18. Make Hay While the Sun Shines at Slate Run Metro Park
Watch the farmhands and horses make hay at Slate Run Farm from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM on Sunday.
19. Nature Adventure Day at Livingston House
Reynoldsburg Parks and Recreation is hosting a Nature Adventure DAy featuring tree climbing and informational stations with local naturalists, rangers and other professionals. Learn plant care tips, about bugs and bees and much more on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Livingston House.
20. Natural Play Area Open House at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
A naturalist will be on hand at the Natural Play Area at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park to offer suggestions on how to enjoy the space on Sunday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
21. Evening Creeking at Highbanks Metro Park
Explore the Olentangy River looking for animals that live there on Sunday at 5:00 PM. Be prepared to get wet. Shoes are required. Meet at the Big Meadows Picnic Area.
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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!*