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:
1. Go Apple Picking
Check the link for a list of 6 local orchards where you can pick your own apples!
2. Visit a Pumpkin Farm or Fall Festival
There are so many Fall Festivals going on in Central Ohio that there are too many to put on this list individually! Make sure to click the link to find a local farm where there are hayrides, pumpkin picking, farm activities and more! Most, but not all, of the Fall Festivals happen on the weekends only!
3. Find Your Way Out of a Corn Maze
Click the link for a list of corn mazes in Central Ohio to find one to visit this weekend!
4. Hoovers Haunted Maze
Choose between two levels of “scary” at the Haunted Maze at Hoover Gardens! The maze is open any time the store is open (generally 10AM – 5PM) and is $3/person for all-day access.
5. Fall Farm Family Fun at Young’s Jersey Dairy
Fall Fun at Young’s Dairy includes pumpkin picking, Cowvin’s Corny Maze & Playland, haunted wagon rides, and more! a Moo-It-All wristband is available for $25 and includes a two-dip waffle cone! Hours are daily from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
6. Make Birthday Celebration Kits for Local Kids with Seeds of Caring
Help Columbus kids have a very happy birthday! 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!
7. 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.
8. Cartoon Crossroads
This free festival takes place around town from September 26-29. Events will happen all over Columbus. Highlights include an Expo at Columbus Metropolitan Library, a drawing workshop for kids, author signings, and more. Check the schedule on the website for complete details.
9. Big Bounce America at Scioto Downs
Friday through Sunday bounce in huge inflatable bounce houses that feature different themes. Your ticket gets you 3 hours of bounce time. Choose your session time online.
10. Family Tram Tours at Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Take a tram ride around Scioto Audubon Metro Park to learn about park history and wildlife. The tram will run continuously between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Friday and 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Saturday.
11. Friday Fun at the Canal Winchester Library
The Ohio Craft Museum will help kids (ages K-12 grade) to make their own stuffies on Friday at 4:00 PM at the Canal Winchester Branch of CML.
12. Heart of Grove City Food Truck Festival & Shop Hop
On Friday night from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM enjoy food trucks and Shop Hop Specials at local businesses in Grove City Town Center.
13. Night at the Museum! Wizarding World of the Works
Explore The Works at night on Friday from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The theme is Wizarding World of The Works. This event will feature stations that unlock the magic of science with family-friendly activities throughout the museum. Included in admission/membership.
14. Minecraft! at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Go on a scavenger hunt in Darby’s woods on Friday at 5:00 PM to look for things from Minecraft! Ages 5 and up.
15. Parents Night Out at BAM Powell
Register in advance for Parents Night Out at Bricks & Minifigs Powell on Friday at 5:30 PM. Drop the kids off for pizza, LEGO free play and a movie. $25/child.
16. Movie Nights at Topiary Park
Watch the original West Side Story (PG) on Friday night at dusk. Beforehand there will be food trucks, lawn games and entertainment at Topiary Park.
17. Rocket Day at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
This free event takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Kids can build their own model rockets, launch paper rockets, enjoy Rocket Trivia, STEM presentations and dmore!
18. Touch-a-Truck at Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm
On Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM the Radnor Fire Department will have emergency vehicles on-site at Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm!
19. Chalk the Block + ’90s Vintage Fest at Easton Town Center
On Saturday from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM celebrate the 90’s with live music, art and fashion! On Town Square, the annual Chalk the Block event will take place with artists creating 90s-inspired street murals. (You can come back on Sunday to view the finished chalk art designs.) There will be a 90s Vintage Fest with local vendors, a skate rink, and more!
20. Grand Opening of The Nook
From Noon to 5:00 PM on Saturday, attend the first event at The Nook! There will be books, a storytime, a collage corner, mini mural making, AJ’s taco truck and coffee/tea drinks available at Third Way Coffeehouse.
21. Paddle the Peninsula at Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Paddle around the Scioto Audubon Peninsula in a solo kayak on Saturday from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM. You must register in advance for this event. Ages 10 and up.
22. Beginner Ukulele Class at Music Royale
Take a free beginner ukulele group class on Saturday at 1:00 PM. All ages are welcome.
23. 2024 Festival for Good
This festival features a marketplace full of local social enterprises! This year it takes place in combination with the Grandview Hop on Grandview Avenue on Saturday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. There will be activities for the whole family.
24. Free Karaoke at the Commons
Take part in a free karaoke party at Columbus Commons on Saturday from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. There will be live DJ’s, food trucks and more!
25. Night Hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Go on a half-mile Night Hike at Blendon Woods to discover the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. The hike begins at 8:00 PM on Saturday.
26. Marysville Toy Show at the Union County Fairgrounds
This toy show takes place on Sunday from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM and features new and vintage toys. Admission to the Marysville Toy Show is $6 for ages 13 and up. (Download the flyer online for $3 off).
27. Family Fun Fest at Northwest Chapel
This free fall festival includes food, inflatables, face painting, games and more on Sunday from 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM at Northwest Chapel.
28. Live Music at Olentangy Caverns
Enjoy live music from Mark Reinhart at Olentangy Caverns on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Olentangy Caverns will also have pumpkins for sale and fall activities in addition to their regular attractions.
29. Potato Harvest at Slate Run Farm
Drop in to learn about potatoes and help harvest them at the farmhouse at Slate Run Farm on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
30. Sundays at Scioto
On Sunday beginning at 5:00 PM enjoy music from Devi + Liz and Angela Perley at Scioto Park in Dublin. There will be food trucks on-site as well.
*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!*