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 this Weekend in Columbus:
1. Celebrate National Library Week at Grandview Heights Public Library
Celebrate National Library Week all week beginning Sunday, April 23 through April 29th with fun activities in the Youth Services department!
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Scavenger Hunt at Lane Road Library
This scavenger hunt is open anytime during the month of April at the Lane Road Library. Search for The Very Hungry Caterpillar and the foods he eats in the story.
3. Tots on Trails at Blacklick Woods Nature Center
Meet at Blacklick Woods Nature Center on Friday at 10:00 AM for a slow-paced, half-mile walk with your toddler to discover nature.
4. You-Know-Hoo Paint and Sip Event at Pinot’s Palette Short North
This Family Day class takes place on Friday at 4:00 PM and is perfect for all experience levels. Perfect for ages 7 and up.
5. Swan Lake Performed by BalletMet
Swan Lake is a family friendly performance and there are performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Ohio Theatre. The show is a 2 hour ballet with intermissions.
6. Healthy Kids Day 2023 at Central Ohio YMCA Locations
Healthy Kids Day is a national initiative celebrated at local Y’s and will include a variety of activities and events taking place at 12 Central Ohio YMCA locations! Check the link for specific times at the individual locations. Activities include touch a truck, snacks, games, exercise classes, swim tests, wellness walks and much more! Most activities take place on Saturday with the exception of Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA which will take place on Friday evening.
7. Discovery Station in the Children’s Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory
Drop in to this hands-on learning activity at the Learning Pavilion in the Children’s Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory between 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM each day beginning April 22 through April 30, 2023.
8. Arbor Day Festival at Franklin Park Conservatory
The Arbor Day Festival includes tree climbing for kids, touch-a-truck, sapling giveaways, hikes, puppet shows and more. Food trucks will also be onsite. This event is included with admission and membership. It takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
9. Ohio Village Weekends
Ohio Village at Ohio History Center is now open on the weekends! Visit on Saturdays and Sundays through May 21st from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Included in regular admission or membership.
Read More: 3 Historical Village in Ohio to Visit This Summer
10. Kids Flicks at Cinema Columbus Film Festival
Kid Flicks is part of the Cinemas Columbus Film Festival and is geared towards ages 8-13. There are three locations where you can watch the films on Saturday at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Tickets are available online.
11. Ashville Viking Festival
This festival takes place at the village park in Asheville on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Activities include live performances, a viking-themed market, historic encampments, a play area for kids and more. The festival is free but they ask for canned donations for a local food pantry.
12. The 36th Annual Duckling Day at the Whetstone Branch of CML
The 36th Annual Duckling Day will take place at the Whetstone Branch of CML and will include a duck parade, live ducks, live music, a puppet show and more! The event takes place on Saturday from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
13. Open Studio at Columbus Museum of Art
Open Studio takes place every Saturday from 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM and kids can drop in to work with art supplies and learn from a guest artist (from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM). This week’s guest artist is Mindy Staley and the theme is In Bloom.
14. Arbor Day Festival at Dawes Arboretum
This festival takes place at Dawes Arboretum from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM and includes hands-on activities for kids, talks with plant experts, tree climbing, live music, free tree seedlings, food trucks and more! Admission is FREE on April 30th!
See more info about Dawes Arboretum in my list of fun things to do in Newark, Ohio!
15. May The Fourth Be With You Storytime at Main Library
This story time takes place on Saturday at 11:00 AM at Main Library and will include stories for Star Wars fans and a special guest!
16. Jr. NBA Skills Challenge at Hilltop YMCA Healthy Kids Day Event at Hilltop YMCA
Register by April 28th for this Jr. NBA Skills Challenge for kids ages 13 and under at the Hilltop YMCA. Participants may qualify for National Finals in NYC. The competition takes place on Saturday from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM.
17. Authors Kristy Boyce and Debbi Michiko Florence in Conversation at Tremont Road Library
Young Adult readers can hear local author Kristy Boyce talk about her newest book on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Registration is required.
18. Home Opener of the German Village 9 Ball Club at Schiller Park
Watch an 1860’s base ball match in Schiller Park on Sunday at 1:00 PM.
19. Mother’s Day Care Kits: Share Kindness with Seeds of Caring
Celebrate Mother’s Day wherever you are with a fun family activity from Seeds of Caring! Kids ages 2-12 will engage in a kid-friendly conversation about kindness, then make Care Kits with chocolates, a journal, lip balm, and more for moms staying at the Van Buren Family Shelter. This project is on-going: Families and groups can participate any time through May 7.
*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!*