What Should We Do This Weekend? Columbus, Ohio, July 28-30, 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 in Columbus, Ohio this Weekend:

1. Lancaster Festival

The Lancaster Festival takes place July 20-29 all over the city of Lancaster and features tons of live music and concerts, a children’s corner, bike races, a drum circle, and more! This weekend includes a pottery class, a Children’s Corner dance performance and free concerts on Zane Square.

2. Ohio State Fair

The Ohio State Fair takes place from July 26 – August 6, 2023! Don’t miss the Butter Cow, free performances, rides, concessions, fair foods, animals, petting zoo, horse shows and more! Kids will love the Natural Resources Park with tons of free activities!

3. New/Used Art Supply Drive for New Americans with Seeds of Caring

Help welcome New American families in our community! In this FREE, do-anywhere service project from Seeds of Caring, kids ages 4-12 will collect new or gently used art supplies and decorate welcome cards for New Americans supported by Community Refugee & Immigration Services. This project is available through August 28, 2023.

4. Kids Dream Family Film Series at Marcus Theatres

On July 25-29 watch DC League of Super-Pets 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!

5. 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 Sports!

6. 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.

7. Tots on Trails at Blacklick Woods Metro Park

Take a slow-paced half mile hike to discover nature at Blacklick Woods Metro Park. Meet at the Nature Center at 10:00 AM on Friday.

8. Food Truck Friday at RMHC

On Friday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Mt. Airy Beef, Roosters and J-POPS 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!

9. Book to Film Series at Gateway Film Center

This movie series featuring movies based on books is free with your library card! July 28-30 the film will be How to Train Your Dragon and the showings are at 2:00 PM each day.

10. Bat Hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park

Take a short hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park to learn about bats and look for them at 9:00 PM on Friday night.

11. Night Hike at Battelle Darby Metro Park

Friday at 9:00 PM take an interpretive night hike through the forests and prairies of Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. The hike will be 2 miles.

 12. 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 Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban and it will be shown at 10:30 AM.

13. Japanese Garden Festival at The Dawes Arboretum

On Saturday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM enjoy a celebration at the Japanese Garden at Dawes Arboretum in Newark. There will be hands-on activities, food trucks, yoga, origami, calligraphy and information about the history of the Japanese Garden. The Columbus Bonsai Show will also be taking place at that time. These events are included in admission.

14. Free Kayak Day on the Scioto Mile

Experience free kayaking, tandem kayaking and SUP rentals on the Scioto River this Saturday from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. The boat launch is under the Main Street Bridge near Bicentennial Park.

15. Summer Reading with Julie Dinges at Griffey’s Book Emporium

Enjoy a summer reading and activity session for kids of all ages with local author Julie Dinges at Griffey’s Book Emporium. There will be coloring pages, a scavenger hunt and a reading for her book The Search for the Scepter. This event takes place on Saturday at 1:00 PM.

16. Splash Circus at Kaufman Plaza

Head to Kaufman Plaza at the Main Library downtown for a hilarious juggling adventure featuring water on Saturday at 1:30 PM.

17. The Grandview Hop

From 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Saturday head to Grandview Avenue for an open air market, food trucks, live music, a charity beer garden, kids activities and more! Many local shops and restaurants in Grandview will stay open late!

18. Summer Music Series in Historic Dublin

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

19. 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 Dom Deshwan.

20. Christmas in July at Clay Street Ceramics

Make your reservation to paint a Christmas Tree at Clay Street Ceramics on Sunday between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. These ceramic trees include an electric kit and pin lights. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

21. Sundays in the Park in Topiary Park

This Sunday in Topiary Park and Kaufman Plaza enjoy the Kid’s Day Edition with food trucks, live music, games, face painting, a balloon artist, stilt walkers and more! Event begins at 1:00 PM.

22. Baking a Difference for Children’s Neurosurgery

This bake sale fundraiser benefits Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Neurosurgery Department and it takes place at Kona Craft Kitchen + Bar on Sunday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. There will be STEM activities, raffle prizes, a photo wall, adult trivia and the option to purchase sweet treats!

23. Jazz in the Park at Havenwood Park

On Sunday beginning at 5:00 PM enjoy food trucks and a free jazz concert by Sydney McSweeney in Havenwood Park in Bexley.

 24. 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 The Select Phase.

25. Concerts on the Green at Worthington Village Green

Enjoy a family-friendly concert by the Sons of Gladys Tribute – Tom Petty at 7:00 PM on Sunday on the Northwest Quadrant of the Village Green in Worthington.

*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!*