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. Kids Can Make a Difference! Collect and Donate Used Sports Gear with Seeds of Caring
Through May 11, help Seeds of Caring and Leveling the Playing Field expand access and equity within youth sports! 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 will be distributed to local kids.
4. Free Movie Night at Columbus Commons
Enjoy a free movie at Columbus Commons on Friday night at 7:00 PM. This month’s movie is Finding Nemo.
5. Green on the Green at Northwest Village Green
On Saturday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, enjoy interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and displays that will encourage you to live sustainably. This family-friendly event will include local organizations, a puzzle and game swap, native plant sale, a pop-up library and more! The Worthington Farmers Market will be going on as well!
Read my list of more fun things to do in Worthington!
6. Hilltop Hop at Broad and Westmoor
The Hilltop Hop takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and includes handmade vendors and community organizations, mini cakes for Mom from Slice of Heaven Bakery, food trucks and specials at local businesses.
7. Family Bird Hike on World Migratory Bird Day
Take a family bird hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park on Saturday at 10:00 AM to look for migrating birds. Bring binoculars and meet at the Nature Center.
Read about all there is to do at Blendon Woods!
8. Pint-Sized Prom at Westerville Public Library
Get dressed up for a toddler dance party at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. There will be limo (wagon) rides, a crown craft, photo ops and more!
9. Instrument Petting Zoo at Main Library
Touch, explore and try musical instruments on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM at the Main Library.
10. Authors at the Library with Katherine Applegate
On Saturday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, author Katherine Applegate will give a family-friendly talk on her new picture book ODDER. The book giveaway and talk begin at 11:00 AM and is followed by a book signing and meet and greet. At 12:00 PM, the Columbus Zoo will offer an animal encounter on the front plaza. This is a free event but registration is required for the book signing line.
11. 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!
12. Archery Fest at Prairie Oaks Metro Park
On Saturday from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM take part in an Archery Tournament or just try out archery and plastic axe throwing, plus make flower crowns, arrow quivers and enjoy a knighting ceremony at this festival at Prairie Oaks Metro Park.
13. Hops on High
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.
14. Alley Islands 2025 in the Discovery District
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. National Train Day at Ohio Railway Museum
On Saturday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, celebrate the magic of railroads at Ohio Railway Museum. There will be historic trains and hands-on exhibits.
16. Spring Tram Ride at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Take a tram ride around Blacklick Woods to learn about its cultural and natural history on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Meet at the Ash Grove Picnic Area.
17. K-pop Dance for Beginners at Worthington Park Library
K-pop Dance Columbus will give an introduction to Korean pop music and will lead a K-pop line dance for participants on Saturday at 3:30 PM.
18. Saturday Cinema in Downtown Lancaster
Watch a free outdoor movie at the Downtown Lancaster Bandstand beginning at dusk. Pre-movie activities begin at 7:30 PM on Saturday. This month’s movie is Trolls. Bring blankets and chairs to sit on. Concessions will be available.
Read my list of things to do with kids in Lancaster, Ohio!
19. Growing Vegetable Soup Story Walk at Slate Run Farm
Enjoy a “Growing Vegetable Soup” Story walk at Slate Run Farm to find stuffed vegetables hidden around the farmhouse. This is an ongoing activity on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
20. Not Your Mama’s Mother’s Day Craft Market
On Sunday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM shop from over 55 handmade vendors vintage boutiques, bakeries and more, enjoy drinks, on-site tattoos, free entry and free parking at this annual Mother’s Day Market!
21. Mother’s Day Market at BrewDog New Albany
From 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Sunday, shop from handmade and vintage vendors at BrewDog New Albany.
22. Mother’s Day Craft at Homestead Metro Park
Make a gift for a special person in your life at the barn shelter at Homestead Metro Park on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. (Check out my list of 9 things to do at Homestead while you’re there!)
23. Mother’s Day Bouquet Bloom Bar at Easton Town Center
On Sunday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM make a Mother’s Day bouquet with Petals that Inspire by the Central Park Fountain. Mix and match to create your own bouquet.
24. Mother’s Day Market & Mimosas at Henmick Farm & Brewery
This Mother’s Day Market takes place on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM and includes local vendors, food trucks, mimosas and local beer.
25. Mother’s Day Arts & Crafts for Kids at Olentangy Caverns
Register online for this Mother’s Day Arts & Crafts event at Olentangy Caverns. Kids can make felt flowers on a grapevine wreath for mom on Sunday at 1:30 PM.
Read about all the fun things there are to do at Olentangy Caverns to plan your visit!
26. Let’s Make Paper at Old Worthington Library
Learn how to turn discarded books, mail and egg cartons into paper at this event on Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Old Worthington Library.
27. Mother’s Day Tweets and Treats at Quarry Trails Metro Park
Enjoy a treat and a 1-mile hike at Quarry Trails to look for bird. Binoculars will be provided. Meet at the Kingfisher Shelter on Sunday at 2:00 PM.
*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!*