Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: September 5-7, 2025

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. Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects at Franklin Park Conservatory

This is the last weekend to see this exhibit! This temporary, special exhibit includes horticulture displays made from LEGO bricks! It will be on display throughout the conservatory until September 7, 2025. See my Reel on Instagram for more info!

2. 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.

3. Central Ohio Home and Design Show

The Home and Design Show takes place September 5 -7 at the Ohio Expo Center. Hours are Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The show features two stages of live demonstrations, local design experts and workshops. They will also be having a Fastest Baby Race where babies ages 6-12 months can race for prizes. Admission is free and parking is $7.

4. Fine Motor Fridays at Karl Road Library

Children ages 3-5 can explore activities that build fine motor skills and prepare for school on Friday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Karl Road Branch of CML.

5. Erica Carlson and Friends and Miller Park Library

This event takes place outdoors at the Miller Park Branch of UAPl on Friday at 10:30 AM. Enjoy magical stories and fun with Erica Carlson and musician Mark Reinhart. There will be live animal appearances. Perfect for ages 2-10.

Check out this list of things to do in Upper Arlington after the event!

6. Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest

The Columbus Oktoberfest takes place in three covered halls that resemble the beer halls of Germany. You can enjoy bratwursts, sauerkraut, cream puffs and more! You can also shop at the “marktplatz” featuring over 80 arts and crafts vendors and there is a children’s zone with bounce houses and crafts. Admission is free, parking is $15. Hours are: Friday: 5 pm – 12 Midnight. Saturday: 12 Noon – 12 Midnight and Sunday: 12 Noon – 8 pm.

7. Free Movie Night at Columbus Commons

Watch the movie Moana 2 at Columbus Commons on Friday at 7:00 PM. Free popcorn while supplies last. No tickets needed.

8. Grandparents & Grandkids on the Farm: Meet the Animals at Slate Run Farm

Between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Saturday, grandparents can explore the farm with their grandkids and meet the animals at Slate Run Farm. Read this blog post to find out what to expect at Slate Run Farm!

9. For the Love of Hilliard

On Saturday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, explore downtown Hilliard and enjoy live music, games and hands-on activities. The Shop Local Passport will be available to collect stamps and win prizes.

Browse this list of 13 fun things to do in Hilliard!

10. I-Spy Trail at Blendon Woods Metro Park

Walk the paved lake trail at Blendon Woods Metro Park to spot critters hidden in the woods on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

11. Johnson’s 75th Anniversary Celebration

This free event takes place on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM at Johnson’s Real Ice Cream in Bexley. There will be a 22 ft slide, carnival games, ice cream eating contests, a kiddie play yard, face painting, a dunk tank, and live music by the Shazzbots at 5:00 PM.

12. Hops on High in the Short North

Hops on High takes place on Saturday, from 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Explore the Short North Arts District, with interactive arts experiences, live music, community pop-ups, a special market and a one-day-only Hops on High Trail where you can earn a sweet treat for stopping into local businesses.

13. Electric Fair on Gay in Downtown Columbus

From 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Saturday, experience a carnival-style event in Downtown Columbus that includes escape games, bumper cars, science experiments from COSI, tabletop games, live music and more!

14. Free Harvest Fair at Columbus Commons

On Saturday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM enjoy free fall fun at Columbus Commons with inflatables, face painting, a petting zoo, mini pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, pumpkin carving and much more!

15. September Open Barn Day at Sunrise Sanctuary

Visit with the animals at Sunrise Sanctuary on Open Barn Day, Saturday from 1:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Tickets are available online.

16. Miniature Horses at Westerville Public Library

Learn about working with horses, horse equipment and horse. health with Dreams on Horseback at Westerville Public Library. Miniature horses will be there, too on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

Afterwards, check out one of these fun things to do in Westerville!

17. Football Funday at Mosers Farm Market

This event features a corn maze, food for purchase (including hard cider and slushies), outdoor games, live music, and the OSU game on the big screen. Tickets are $5 per person (Kids under 3 years are free). Tickets must be purchased in advance and all proceeds will be donated to Grace Clinic. The event takes place on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

18. Bridge the Gap at Riverside Crossing Park

This free event takes place on Saturday from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM with a special bridge lighting to follow. The event includes games, crafts, giveaways and community resources.

19. Grandparent’s Day Paddle at Quarry Trails Metro Park

On Sunday from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, kayaks and tandems will be available for use at Quarry Trails Metro Park. First-come, first-served. All equipment and instruction will be provided.

See what else there is to do at Quarry Trails Metro Park (including a new playground)!

20. Powell Street Market

Shop from over 60 vendors and food trucks in downtown Powell as well as a business expo on Powell Village Green on Sunday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Get a head start by reading this list of 10 things to do in Powell when you visit!

21. August Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory

Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory takes place on the first Sunday of each month from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Residents of Columbus and Franklin County receive free General Admission. Identification is required. This month’s theme is Local Food and Agriculture. cooking demonstrations and food samples, local food and agriculture resources, a mini farmers market and special activities for families.

22. Ballet Folclórico Xochihua at Westerville Public Library

Enjoy a free dance performance celebrating Mexican folklore by Ballet Folclórico Xochihua at Westerville Public Library on Sunday at 2:00 PM.

23. All Horse Parade in Delaware

Watch a parade of horses, ponies, wagons, cowgirls and carriages through the streets of Delaware. The parade steps off at 3:00 PM on Sunday at the main gate of the Delaware County Fairgrounds and admission is free.

24. Family Concert Series at Hilliard Library

Enjoy a concert by Dublin Taiko Ensemble featuring traditional drumming and choreography from Japan on Sunday at 3:00 PM at the Hilliard Branch of CML.

25. Warm Cups, Warm Hearts with RMHC and Seeds of Caring

Kids ages 4-12 can spread kindness to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House this fall! In this FREE Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring, children will learn how even small acts of kindness can make a big impact, then decorate cardboard coffee sleeves for families supported by the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio. Participate any time through Sept. 28!

*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!*