What Should We Do This Weekend? Columbus, Ohio, July 14-16, 2023

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, Ohio:

1. Love Art? Share Art! Picture Pals with Seeds of Caring and Goodwill Artists

This art-inspired project from Seeds of Caring lets kids 2-12 connect and exchange works of art with artists of varying abilities in our community! Introduce children to the intellectual and developmental disability community in a positive and age-appropriate way, then create and mail your own piece of art to the Goodwill Art Studio by Aug. 13. Your Goodwill picture pal will send a piece of art back in the weeks that follow!

 2. Kids Dream Family Film Series at Marcus Theatres

On July 11-15 watch Minions: Rise of Gru at participating Marcus Theatre. There is also a $3.00 Popcorn & Drink Special. You can see the movie for free with a voucher from American Family Insurance. See link for details!

3. Commons for Kids at Columbus Commons

Every Friday this Summer from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM enjoy activities for kids at Columbus Commons! There will be free carousel rides, inflatables, face painting, balloon twisting and a theme each week. This week’s theme is Animals!

4. EcoKids at The Works

Learn about habitats and the natural world in the outdoor habitat exhibit at The Works! This event takes place every Friday from 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM and is included with admission. Perfect for ages 3-6.

5. Summer Fairy Village Storytime at Bexley Community Garden

This event takes place on Friday at 10:30 AM and features a story time at the Fairy Village in the South Bexley Community Gardens. Come dressed in your favorite costume! There will be also music and movement activities!

6. Food Truck Friday at RMHC

On Friday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Explorer’s Club, Cousins Maine Lobster and Graeter’s Ice Cream will be at Ronald McDonald House and a portion of the sales will be donated to RMHC of Central Ohio. Click the link to order ahead!

 7. Book to Film Series at Gateway Film Center

This movie series featuring movies based on books is free with your library card! July 14-16 the film will be Curious George and the showings are at 2:00 PM each day.

8. Food Truck Friday at JFK Park

Head to JFK Park in Reynoldsburg on Friday from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM for food trucks in the park!

9. An Evening with Author Ellen O’Clover at Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers

Author Ellen O’Clover will be at Cover to Cover for a conversation about her YA book Seven Percent of Ro Devereux. This event takes place on Friday at 6:00 PM. Ideal for ages 13 and up.

10. Franklinton Fridays

On Friday from 6:00 PM – 10:00 AM explore the Franklinton Arts District featuring art, performances, food and local businesses staying open late!

11. Free Movie Night at Columbus Commons

Watch Shrek at Columbus Commons for free! There will also be free popcorn while supplies last. Movie begins at 8:00 PM on Friday.

12. Dozers & Diggers at The Works

Get up close to big trucks and machines! There will be demonstrations, activities, food trucks and more! It’s free to explore the outdoor area and they are having a special event rate of $7/person to enter the museum. The event begins on Saturday at 9:00 AM.

13. The Columbus Book Festival

The Columbus Book Festival takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Main Library and Topiary Park! Meet over 200 authors, shop for books and enjoy family-friendly entertainment. There will be local food and drink, live music and activities for kids!

14. Kids Series at Grandview Theater & Drafthouse

Grandview Theater and Drafthouse is offering free admission for kids to movies on Saturdays and Wednesdays! This Saturday’s movie is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and it will be shown at 10:30 AM.

15. Great Meals & Hot Wheels: Duck, Duck, Jeep! at Swensons Drive-In

Enjoy dinner and a [car] show at local Swensons Drive-In locations! As part of their “Great Meals & Hot Wheels” series, this week’s featured automobile is the Jeep. The first 100 Jeeps to arrive at each Swensons location on Saturday between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM will receive a free Swensons logo duck.

16. PBJ & Jazz in Topiary Park

Enjoy a 1 hour jazz concert geared towards kids in Topiary Park! The concert begins at 12:00 PM on Saturday.

17. Cap City Experience at Eakin Elementary School

This festival connects families and service providers and provide free food, live music, games, activities and entertainment! This event takes place on Saturday from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Eakin Elementary School.

18. Summer Music Series in Historic Dublin

Enjoy live music in Historic Dublin on Saturday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

19. Ice Cream Social/Touch a Truck at Jefferson Community Park

On Saturday at 6:00 PM enjoy an ice cream social in Jefferson Community Park in Blacklick. There will be a touch-a-truck and other activities. This event is free but donations are accepted.

20. Kids Craft Event: Make Your Own Gemstone Jewelry at Olentangy Caverns

Join Kristin from Out on the Prairie at Olentangy Caverns to turn your gem mining treasures into a wire-wrapped necklace! Your ticket reserves a 30-minute slot to gem mine and then immediately create your jewelry. Time slots are available on Sunday from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM.

21. National Ice Cream Day at Ye Olde Mill

Celebrate National Ice Cream day with a BOGO sale on single scoops at Ye Olde Mill! Thee will be horse and carriage rides, live music, and a balloon artist! This event takes place on Sunday from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

22. Goodale Park Music Series

Enjoy live music in The Gazebo at Goodale Park from 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM on Sundays. This Sunday’s band is The Spikedrivers.

23. Natural Paints at Blacklick Woods Nature Center

On Sunday at 2:00 PM, gather natural materials to make your own paints at Blacklick Woods Nature Center. Materials are provided.

24. Fun & Funky Fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House at Edison Brewing

Listen to NACHO Street Band at Edison Brewing Company on Sunday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM! The band is raising money for the Ronald McDonald House expansion!

25. Sounds of Summer Concert Series in Westerville

This free concert takes place at the Alum Creek North Park Amphitheater at 6:30 PM on Sunday. This week’s music is provided by British Invasion.

*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!*