What Should We Do This Weekend? Columbus, Ohio, June 9-11, 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. Columbus Arts Festival

The Columbus Arts Festival features your favorite artists, local bands, hands-on activities, live music and food vendors! Kids can enjoy the Hands-On Activities Village and a Children’s Gallery. The festival takes place Friday through Sunday on the Scioto Mile.

2. 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 Characters and Superheroes!

3. Storytime in the Park at Delaware State Park Campground

Meet at the Delaware State Park Campground Shelter House on Friday at 2:30 PM for a hike, creeking, campfire s’mores and hands on exploration.

4. Shack Sounds at Shake Shack at Polaris

Enjoy live music at the Shake Shack at Polaris every Friday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. This week’s musician is Kevin Sutton.

5. Creekside Live in Gahanna

Friday from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM there will be live music at Creekside Park and Plaza. This Friday’s artists are Chaz & Nicki opening and Sean Carney and the Syd Experience as the headliner.

Related: 5 Super Fun Playgrounds in Gahanna

6. Movies in the Park in Upper Arlington

Friday at 7:30 PM there will be a drive-in movie at Mountview Christian Church. The movie is Clifford the Big Red Dog.

7. BrickUniverse at Ohio Expo Center

BrickUniverse takes place this Saturday and Sunday at the Ohio Expo Center! It features incredible LEGO Exhibits, LEGO building stations, professional LEGO artists and more! Tickets available online.

8. Kids’ Day at the Lancaster Farmers Market

Visit the Lancaster Farmers Market on Saturday from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM for a special new program for kids ages 5 to 12. The ‘Seed Money’ youth program will provide kids with $10 in free “seed money” vouchers that they can spend like cash at the farmer’s market. There will also be special guests and free kids’ activities like crafts, story time, healthy snacks, outdoor school and more!

Related: 13 Fun Things to do with Kids in Lancaster, Ohio

9. Hilltop Hop at Broad & Westmoor

Head to the Broad & Westmoor businesses on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM for the monthly Hilltop Hop! Shop local vendors and businesses and get brunch from Explorer’s Club Food Truck.

10. StoryTrail Opening Celebration at The Dawes Arboretum

On Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, head to The Dawes Arboretum to celebrate the grand opening of the 2023 StoryTrail! This year’s story is Trees Make Perfect Pets by Paul Czajak. Admission will be free for kids 15 and younger during these hours. There will be a visit from the Licking County Library’s mobile library, a book giveaway and an animal ambassador!

11. Big Machines at COSI

Learn about the Science of Big Machines and get up close to real machinery and equipment. This event will be taking place at COSI from June 10-18! It will be held outside next to Dorrian Green Park.

12. Storybook Village at Ohio Village

Visit your favorite storybook characters at Ohio Village at this event on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The theme is “Be a Water Hero” and you can learn about water advocacy and conservation. There will be special activities, dance performances, story times and more!

13. Westerville Cops & Kids Day at Hoff Woods Park

Kids can get up close to cruisers, helicopters, motorcycles, tactical vehicles and K-9 units! There will be crafts, inflatables and local organizations. The first 1000 kids in attendance will receive a free gift. This event takes place on Saturday in Hoff Woods Park from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Related: 5 Super Fun Playgrounds in Westerville

14. Mother’s Cookies® ‘Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out’ Plain City Town Takeover

On Saturday from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Mother’s Cookies will be taking over Plain City with frosting! There will be interactive activities, outdoor games, carnival-style challenges, a sticker shop, treat window, frosted hair and face painting stations, a DJ, food trucks and more! This is a free event. Check the link for parking options.

15. Heritage Day Celebration at Century Village

This annual Heritage Celebration takes place on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Fryer Park. Learn about daily life in the mid- to late-1800’s, tour historic buildings, and learn from reenacts. There will also be music from The Village Pickers Band.

16. PBJ & Jazz at Topiary Park

PBJ & Jazz is a free, kid-friendly jazz concert in Topiary Park! It takes place on Saturday at 12:00 PM.

17. Conservatory Explore Nights at Franklin Park Conservatory

On Saturday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Franklin Park Conservatory will stay open late for a Special Engagement event! This month’s theme is Backyard Bugs. This night will feature a lively festival experience including live entertainment, food trucks, facilitated discovery stations, signature cocktails & mocktails, crafts, and a scavenger hunt! Tickets available online.

18. Kids Fest 2023 at Covenant Church

This event takes place on Sunday from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM and includes carnival games, crafts, a balloon artist, face painting, inflatables, coffee and donut trucks and a show by Gene Cordova. Bring school supplies to donate to kids in need!

19. Sundays in the Park at Topiary Park

Sundays in Topiary Park include food trucks, live music and games! This event starts at 1:00 PM.

20. Play Day for a Cause at Victory Park

This event includes obstacle races, hand-eye-coordination games, races and more! Donations to Joseph’s Coat are being accepted. This event takes place on Sunday in Victory Park from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

21. The Mouse and the Weasel at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Hear one of Aesop’s fables and enjoy activities from the story. Take a short walk afterwards. Ages 5 and up. Meet at the Indian Ridge Picnic area at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park at 3:00 PM on Sunday.

22. Second Sunday Music Series and Beach Party at Deer Creek State Park

Second Sunday Music Series at Deer Creek State Park is a Beach Party this month! On Sunday from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, explore the park’s new beach facilities, enjoy a live animal demonstration, and enjoy the music of Acoustic Horizon. This event is free and there will be food trucks on site.

23. 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.

24. Support LGBTQIA+ Youth with Seeds of Caring

Celebrate Pride Month by learning how to be an ally and packing Care Kits for the Kaleidoscope Youth Center! Kids 4-12 will explore the meaning of Pride and build empathy for the LGBTQIA+ community, then pack Care Kits and decorate encouragement cards for individuals supported by KYC. Do this free Seeds of Caring Anywhere Project anywhere & anytime through June 26!

*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!*