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. COSI Science Festival
The COSI Science Festival is taking place at partner locations around the city from May 3-6! Check the link for local events like the science of ice cream, a touch-a-truck, firefighting history and more sorted by date!
2. Touch A Truck at Adventure Park
Climb on, learn about and explore various kinds of vehicles from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Friday at Adventure Park in Powell.
3. Celebrate Kora’s First Birthday at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Celebrate baby koala Kora turning 1! The first guests to arrive will receive a birthday hat (while supplies last) and then they will sing happy birthday to Kora and learn all about koalas! The party begins at 1:00 PM on Friday.
4. Friday Farmers Market Opening Day at Canal Market District
The first Canal Market District Farmers Market begins on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. There will be vendors, food trucks and live music in downtown Newark, Ohio.
5. Worthington Star Party at Worthington Community Center
Part of the COSI Science Fest, this STEM-themed event features an outer space glow party, games, crafts and STEM activities! The event takes place in the parking lot of the Worthington Community Center and is free to attend.
6. In-Person Service Project for Kids: Mother’s Day NICU Bags with Seeds of Caring
Join Seeds of Caring in person Saturday, May 6, to do something special for new moms spending Mother’s Day in the NICU with their baby. We’ll have fun celebrating all moms while making cards, decorating gift bags, and assembling Mother’s Day bags filled with comfort and self-care items that will be donated to local hospitals. A morning session and 2 afternoon sessions are available.
7. Free Comic Book Day at Packrat Comics
Free Comic Book Day will be celebrated at Packrat Comics on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM and each person can select up to 3 free comic books. Additional comic books can be “purchased” with a donation of a non-perishable food item. A costume contest starts at 1:00 PM and there will be prizes! There will be outdoor fun for kids until 5:00 PM and a sensory friendly hour from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
8. Free Comic Day at Laughing Ogre Comics
Free Comic Book Day will be celebrated at Laughing Ogre Comics with free comics and comic signings by special guests! Check the link for the schedule of signings and appearances. The event runs from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM on Saturday.
9. Ohio Village Weekends
Ohio Village at Ohio History Center is now open on the weekends! Visit this historical village on Saturdays and Sundays through May 21st from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Included in regular admission or membership.
10. Culture and Artisans’ Fair at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
The Culture and Artisans’ Fair is hosted by St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in partnership with Community Refugee & Immigration Services on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Artisans from Eritrea, Ukraine, Peru, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Sudan, Bangladesh, Uganda, and Mexico will be selling handmade goods and proceeds will go directly to each artisan. There will also be traditional East African coffee roasting, food trucks, global music, and hand henna artists.
11. 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 new techniques! May’s theme is Myths and Legends.
12. The 2023 Big Science Celebration at COSI
The Big Science Celebration takes place outside of COSI on the Scioto Peninsula on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM and is free to attend (regular admission is required to enter COSI). The day includes dance performances, live music, science trivia, a show by biologist Jeff Corwin plus over 100 exhibitor stations with hands-on STEM activities and more!
13. Central Ohio Folk Festival at Highbanks Metro Park
This folk music festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday at Highbanks Metro Park and includes 3 performing stages, 30+ music workshops, kids’ programming, crafts and more! The festival takes place in the Big Meadows area. Donations are accepted. The festival begins at 11:00 AM each day.
14. An Afternoon with Author Polly Farquhar at Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers
Author Polly Farquhar will share about her middle reader novel Lolo Weaver Swims Upstream. This event takes place on Saturday at 1:00 PM at Cover to Cover.
15. Washday Blues at Slate Run Metro Park and Living Historical Farm
Help with the laundry at Slate Run Living Historical Farm! Try out the scrub board and the wringer and watch a soap making demonstration. This event takes place from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM on Saturday.
16. Bigfoot Scavenger Hunt at Scioto Grove Metro Park
Look for Bigfoot on Saturday at 1:00 PM at this free scavenger hunt! Learn facts about Big Foot as you go! Meet at the Arrowhead Picnic area at Scioto Grove Metro Park.
17. Wildlife of Star Wars at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Learn about creatures that live in a galaxy far, far away at Blendon Woods Metro Park on Saturday at 2:00 PM.
18. Powell Street Market
Powell Street Market takes place on Olentangy Street and features over 70 local artisans, craftsman and more on Sunday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
19. OTE Art Walk
OTE Art Walk takes place along Parsons Avenue and features over 60 local vendors, businesses, food trucks and more! Hours are 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday.
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*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!*