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 Events in Columbus, Ohio this Weekend:
Local farms are gearing up for Fall Festivals and activities! Start your planning by checking out these posts:
- 6 Farms Where You Can Pick Your Own Apples
- A Complete List of Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals Near Central Ohio
- Get Lost in One of these Corn Mazes in Central Ohio
1. Delaware County Fair
The Delaware County Fair takes place September 14-21 and includes kiddie rides, live shows, contests, animal showings, a movie night on Sunday and much more! See the link for the full schedule and admission details. Read more about things to do in Delaware!
2. The Great Benjamins Circus
The Great Benjamins Circus takes place at the Franklin County Fairgrounds September 12th-15th. The show features clowns, aerialists, acrobats, daredevils and more! The show lasts 90 minutes and there are 8 show times to choose from.
3. Help Local Kids Have a Happy Birthday with Seeds of Caring
All kids deserve to celebrate their special day in style! In this kid-friendly service opportunity from Seeds of Caring, children 4-12 will make cheer cards and pack birthday bags with cake mix, candles, decorations, and more for families supported by Columbus Early Learning Centers. Participate until the project ends October 2!
4. Lantern Festival at Columbus Zoo
Enjoy larger-than-life Asian lanterns shaped like animals from around the world at the Columbus Zoo. This event takes place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM until September 29th. Tickets are available online.
5. Summer Concert at Bicentennial Park
Enjoy a free concert in Bicentennial Park on Friday at 5:30 PM. There will be a DJ, live music and food trucks. The Columbus Jazz Orchestra will be performing.
6. Fall Friday at Ethos
Head to Ethos + Co. Cafe will be open from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Friday night and offer a food truck, live music, kids activities including balloon animals and an inflatable slide, tractor rides, a petting zoo, yard games and s’mores station.
7. Grove City Summer Concert Series
The Grove City Concert Series will take place on Friday night from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at Town Center Park. This week’s performance is by Simba Jordan Band.
8. 934 Fest
This free festival takes place at 934 Gallery on Friday night and Saturday and features live music, the reveal of the Outdoor Gallery and vendors. There will be an interactive kids area on Saturday. Hours are Friday 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM and Saturday 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
9. Hilltop Hop at Broad & Westmoor
Head to Broad & Westmoor on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM for a local vendor market at Best Side Studio, treats from Slice of Heaven Bakery, free hot dogs at Clay Street Ceramics and AJ’s Tacos food truck at Third Way Coffeehouse.
10. 2024 Ohio Fire Marshal Festival
This festival will feature helicopter landings, K-9 fire dog training exercises, food trucks, fire safety demonstrations, a magic show, face painting, bounce houses, and more on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the State Fire Marshal’s office in Reynoldsburg.
11. Farm Animal Event at Miller Park Library
Come meet farm animals at the Miller Park Library on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM!
12. PBJ & Jazz
Enjoy a family-friendly jazz concert at Topiary Park on Saturday! Story time at the Columbus Metropolitan Library takes place at 11:00 AM and the concert will begin in the park at 12:00 PM.
13. Fall Festival at Carfagnas
On Saturday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM drop into Carfagna’s for a free festival featuring a DJ, photo booth, caramel apples, a craft area for kids, vendors, free samples and more!
14. Second Saturday at Tanger
On Saturday from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM the TangerKids Carnival takes place at Tanger Columbus featuring carnival games and prizes. There will be live music, food trucks, face painting, a bounce house and more!
15. See Brilliance STEAM Festival at MPACC Box Park
On Saturday from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM enjoy hands-on STEAM activities, stage events and interactive areas at the MPACC Box Park.
16. Kids Create at South High Library
Tweens can enjoy art, games and more at the South High Library from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM on Saturday. Ages 7-11.
17. Milk Carton Birdhouse Craft at Highbanks Metro Park
On Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:45 PM, drop in to make an upcycled milk jug birdhouse at Highbanks Nature Center. You will also learn about the nesting habits of local birds. A limited amount of supplies will be provided.
18. Franklin County Community Days at Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Franklin County residents will receive half-off admission to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Sunday and Monday. To receive the discount, you must bring your valid Franklin County, OH ID to the main gates to purchase tickets. There will be community organizations on site with info and interactive experiences. Hours are 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM each day.
19. ¡Celebrando! at Ohio History Center
Celebrate Latinx and Hispanic culture with a vendor market, a community dialog with community leaders, ongoing craft activities for kids and performances by Mariachi Garibaldi Columbus and Ballet Folclorico Xochihua. This event takes place on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Free tickets are available online and the ticket will be good for all day admission to Ohio History Center (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
20. Hilliard Fall Festival
On Sunday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park enjoy a fall festival with games, live music, pumpkin decorating, food trucks, hay rides, chalk art, a petting zoo and much more!
21. Animal Olympics at Highbanks Metro Park
Kids can take part in physical challenges and compare their results to wildlife on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Highbanks Big Meadow Picnic Area. Ages 5 and up.
22. Night at the Museum at Grove City Museum
Visit the Grove City Museum during extended hours on Sunday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM to enjoy family-friendly activities. See more things to do in Grove City!
23. Fall Fest 2024 at Ohio Wildlife Center
This family-friendly event takes place on Sunday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Ohio Wildlife Center. Bring a picnic and enjoy s’mores, outdoor activities and visits with animal ambassadors. Registration is required and the cost is $5/person.
24. Sundays at Scioto
On Sunday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM enjoy a free concert by the OSU Active Alumni Band and food trucks at Scioto Park in Dublin.
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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!*