Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
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
- The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Columbus, Ohio and Beyond
- Halloween Events and Trick-or-Treat Times in Columbus
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. Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival
From July 31 – October 5, the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival will take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Asian lanterns will highlight wildlife scenes throughout the zoo. Tickets are available online.
2. Thank Local Veterans with Operation Thank You and Seeds of Caring
Calling all kind kids! In this do-anywhere project from Seeds of Caring, kids 2-12 will explore the meaning of respect and the many ways we can show it through age-appropriate discussion and a hands-on activity. Then, helping hands will decorate paper grocery bags for veterans supported by the Military and Service Heroes’ food pantry. Participate any time through Oct. 26!
3. Delaware County Fair
The Delaware County Fair runs September 13th – 20th and includes rides, motorsports events, harness racing, exhibitors, animal shows, crafts, live performances, contests, food and more!
Sponsored
Leeds Farm features fall family fun on the farm! We have enough farm and fun activities to keep your family moving all day, including the brand new Low Ropes Challenge Course, Pumpkin Express, Tree House, hayrides, feeding farm animals, Pumpkin Plunge slide, two Pumpkin Jumps, John Deere Combine Slide, Mountain Slides, Zip Lines, Rolling Tubes, Straw Forts, Pig Races, Pedal Carts, Trike Track, Tractor Tire Tower, pumpkins galore, and more!
- Admission includes all activities except the Big Zip.
- Save $4 on each General Admission ticket by pre-purchasing tickets online instead of at the farm gate.
- The early season rate for general admission tickets is in effect through Sept. 28. Visit soon and save $4 per pass!
- Group Rate Discount: When 10+ General Admission passes are purchased at the same time, you receive a $2 discount per ticket.
Visit www.LeedsFarm.com for details and to purchase tickets.
Leeds Farm is open weekends only from Sept. 20 to Oct. 26, plus one Friday: Oct. 17. Hours: 10am-5pm. The farm is located at 8738 Marysville Road, Ostrander.
4. Young Art Explorers at Miller Park Branch of UAPL
This event offers the opportunity for kids ages 2-5 to create art using a variety of provided supplies! Drop into the library between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Friday.
Read a list of fun things to do in Upper Arlington!
5. STEM Station: Anime & Cartoon Drawing at Barnett Library
Participants will learn about Japanese cultures through games, crafts and activities centered around manga, anime and cartoon drawing on Friday at 4:00 PM at the Barnett Branch of CML.
6. Scioto Fest at Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Scioto Fest takes place on Friday from 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Scioto Audubon Metro Park. The event includes a Yappy Hour, s’mores, food trucks, kayaking, rock climbing, live music, overnight camping, volleyball, yoga, a visit from Ohio Wildlife Center and much more!
7. Arts in the Alley
The Arts in the Alley Festival takes place in Town Center Park in Grove City on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and features art displays, live demonstrations and local arts for sale. There will be a Voice of Grove City competition on Saturday and a Community Parade beginning at 9:30 AM on Saturday. There is a Kids’ Fun Street and live entertainment. Hours are Friday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
8. Bingo Night at Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop
Play Bingo on Friday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM to win prizes and treats. All ages are welcome. This event is free.
Read more about Family Room on my list of coffee shops in Westerville!
9. Touch a Truck at Hannah Park
On Saturday from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM there will be a Touch-a-Truck event at Hannah Park in Gahanna. Get up close to ambulances, police cruisers, snow plows, dump trucks and more! There will also be food trucks and arts and crafts.
10. Opening Weekend at Leeds Farm
Leeds Farm opens for the season this weekend, and there are two special events happening. The Leeds Farm Autism Harvest Festival takes place on Saturday, beginning at 9:30 AM, and the Military Farm Salute, which gives active duty and retired military personnel a free bag of kettle corn with ID on Saturday and Sunday. General hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Read my list of 18 things to do at Leeds Farm to plan your visit.
11. Fall Fun at Olentangy Caverns
A Fall Fun Activity Area will opens at Olentangy Caverns on Saturday, September 20th and will run through October 31st. The area includes rubber duck races, shooting hoops, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin bouncers, straw bale obstacle course and more! Activity area is available for guests who purhcase admission to any paid activity. Pumpkins and mums will also be for sale. There will also be a free Sedgie the Hedgehog & Kids Magic Show by Erica Carlson at 3:30 PM on Sunday.
12. Opening Weekend at Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm
Enjoy special events celebrating opening weekend! Saturday includes a live ventriloquist show, balloon art, highland cows, free face painting, live music, Monster Truck meet and greet. Sunday includes a craft show featuring over 100 vendors. Hours are 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM both days.
13. Annual Wool Gathering at Young’s Jersey Dairy
This family-friendly event features shearing demonstrations, wool spinning, weaving, live animals on site and more at Young’s Jersey Dairy on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
14. Cartoon Crossroads Columbus at Columbus Metropolitan Library
Cartoon Crossroads Columbus is a free city-wide celebration of cartooning and comics happening September 20–21 at Main Library. This family-friendly expo brings together 125 creators selling comics and original art. The event includes panels, workshops, screenings, international guests and a special Kids Track featuring storytelling, crafts, and hands-on comic-making fun. Hours are Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
15. Scrawl 19 in Franklinton
This mural festival takes place in Franklinton on Saturday and Sunday and features mural artwork in process, creative vendors, live performers, dance exhibitions, a live DJ, food trucks and more! Hours are Saturday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
16. Fall Fest at HTH Farm Market
This free festival takes place on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM and includes a foam party, pumpkin bowling, glitter tattoos, a balloon twister (1:30 PM – 3:30 PM only) baked goods, food and samples.
17. Costume Swap: Free Shopping Day at Westerville Public Library
Free costumes will be available to “shop” from at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. No cost and no donation is required!
18. Baile Folclorico at Gahanna Library
Enjoy costumes and Latin dances by Folclor Hispano, a group at the Ohio State University that will perform traditional dances from Spanish-speaking countries on Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Gahanna Branch of CML.
19. Mini Masterpieces at Northwest Library
Create art on a tiny canvas at Northwest Library in Worthington on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. All supplies will be provided. Dress for a mess!
20. THE Buckeye Tree at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Take a short hike to learn about Buckeye Trees! Attendees are encouraged to wear OSU gear! Meet at the Nature Center at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park on Saturday at 4:00 PM.
21. Fall Festival at Quest Vineyard Church
This free festival includes bounce houses, inflatables, carnival games, sand volleyball, cornhole, live music, food and more at Quest Vineyard Church in Westerville on Saturday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
22. Pumpkin Float and Flick at Hlliard Municipal Park
Bring your own pumpkin (5 lbs or less) and watch it be launched into the pond! There will also be a lantern-lit trail and you can watch the movie Wicked in the park afterward. There will be popcorn, face painting, balloons, a photo station, and a pumpkin character! This event takes place on Saturday from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Browse this list of 13 fun things to do in Hilliard!
23. LEGO Butterfly Build at Nocterra Brewing Co
On Sunday at 12:00 PM, Bricks & Minifigs will host a LEGO Butterfly Build at Nocterra Brewing. Tickets include a LEGO kit and 1 beer ticket.
24. Forts, Fire & Fun at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Roast marshmallows by the fire at Blacklick Woods and then build a fort in the natural play area. Meet at the Nature Center on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Check out these 5 family-friendly things to do at Blacklick Woods!
25. Visit with a Fire Truck at Hanby Park
Explore a fire truck in Hanby Park. Learn about fire safety and different parts of a fire truck. There will be books about fire trucks and an activity packet to take home. This event takes place on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Hanby Park is behind the Westerville Public Library.
26. Kids: Fall Discovery Hike at Highbanks Metro Park
Join a naturalist for a 1-mile hike in the forest to look for animals, plants and insects. Meet at the Big Meadows Picnic Area at Highbanks Metro Park at 2:00 PM on Sunday. Ages 6-8.
27. Sundays at Scioto
Enjoy a free concert featuring Angela Perley with opener High Definitions at Scioto Park in Dublin on Sunday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. There will be food trucks on site. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs.
Check out this list of things to do in Dublin before the concert!
*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!*