Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
Local farms are gearing up for Fall Festivals and activities! Start your planning by checking out these posts:
- 6 Farms Where You Can Pick Your Own Apples
- A Complete List of Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals Near Central Ohio
- Get Lost in One of these Corn Mazes in Central Ohio
Family Friendly Things to do This Weekend in Columbus:
1. The Lyndiana Jones Corn Maze at Lynd Fruit Farm
Try out the Lyndiana Joes corn maze on Friday, Saturday or Sunday through October 29th at Lynd Fruit Farm. Hours are every Friday and Saturday, 10am-10pm, and Sunday 10:00-7.
2. Scarecrow Festival in Washington Court House
The Scarecrow Festival in downtown Washington Court House includes live music, food vendors, crafts, car show, carnival rides, games, and more! Hours are Friday – 11 AM – 10 PM, Saturday – 11 AM – 10 PM and Sunday – 11 AM – 5 PM.
3. Fall Fest at Anywhere With You Acres
This fall festival happens Friday through Sunday and includes pumpkin and mum sales, a craft show, food trucks, live music and a Kids Day on Saturday which includes bounce houses and games. The festival begins at 12:00 PM on Friday and 9:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.
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4. Ohio Buckeye Candy: A Sweet History at Chocolate Cafe
Join local author Renee Castle Cook as she talks about her book Ohio Buckeye Candy: A Sweet History at Chocolate Cafe on Friday from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
5. Friday Night Street Fair in Clintonville
Enjoy food trucks, vendors, games and music in Clintonville on Friday night from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
6. Arts in the Alley in Grove City Town Center
Arts in the Alley is an annual event that includes a parade, live entertainment, a craft and fine arts show, and a Kids’ Fun Street space that includes arts and crafts for kids! There is also a Voice of Grove City competition! The festival opens on Friday at 5:00 PM, Saturday at 9:30 AM and Sunday at 12:00 PM.
7. Scioto Fest
Scioto Fest takes place at Scioto Audubon Metro Park beginning on Friday at 5:00 PM and continues through Saturday. There will be food trucks, a Yappy Hour for dogs, climbing demos, kayaking, live bands, s’mores, camping, live animals, a walking tour and more!
8. Uptown Friday Nights
Enjoy live music in Uptown Westerville and merchants will stay open late on this special Friday night event from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
9. Screen on the Green in Goodale Park
Watch the movie Marcel the Shell with Shoes On at Goodale Park at sunset on Friday (around 7:45 PM). There will be food trucks available before the movie starts.
10. Leeds Farm Opening Day and Autism Harvest Festival
Leeds Farm opens for the season on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Pre-purchased tickets are required! Enjoy hayrides, farm animals, mini zip lines, slides, pig races, a corn box, pedal carts, pumpkins, kettle corn and more! On Saturday at 9:30 AM the Autism Harvest Festival is free to children and adults with autism and their siblings, parents and grandparents. Read this flyer carefully for all the details about attending the Autism Harvest Festival.
11. Freeman’s Farm Fall Festival Opening Weekend
Freeman’s Farm opens for the season on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Activities include hayrides, kettle corn, pumpkins, and more. Admission is free and there is a charge for some activities and food.
12. Latino Heritage Month Parade in Downtown Columbus
On Saturday at 11:00 AM the Latino Heritage Parade begins in downtown Columbus! Afterward there will be dancing, food and Latino vendors at City Hall.
13. Pumpkin Patch Season Opening at Hartland Farm
The pumpkin patch opens at 12:00 PM on Saturday for the season at Hartland Farm. There will be hay rides, animals, bounce houses, a corn maze, food and Cinderella will be visiting! Admission is free.
14. Battelle Author Series for Kids with Max Brallier at Columbus Metropolitan Library
Join an Author Talk with author Max Brallier, author of The Last Kids on Earth at the Main Library. Seating opens at 1:00 PM on Saturday and the program begins at 2:00 PM. This is a free event but registration is requested.
15. Ice Cream Social at Slate Run Farm
Enjoy a free ice cream sundae and learn about dairy products at Slate Run Living Farm on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
16. Ohio Buckeye Candy: A Sweet History at Whetstone Branch of CML
Join local author Renee Castle Cook as she talks about her book Ohio Buckeye Candy: A Sweet History on Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Whetstone Branch of CML. Sample candies will be available!
17. Resifest in Pastime Park
This festival promoting mental health features live music, artists, vendors, a restoration station, speakers, a kids corner, community resources and more! The festival takes place in Pastime Park in Plain City on Saturday from 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Bring items to donate to Heer to Serve like gently used clothing, non-perishable food.
18. Movies at the Dam
Watch the movie The Jungle Book at Alum Creek Dam at 8:00 PM on Saturday. Bring a blanket or chair to this free event. Popcorn and candy will be available for purchase.
19. Summer Movie Nights at Glacier Ridge Metro Park
Watch the movie Pan’s Labyrinth at Glacier Ridge Metro Park beginning around 8:00 PM on Saturday.
20. Celebrando – A Dialogue on Latinx and Hispanic Cultural Experiences at Ohio History Center
This free event features a celebration of Latine and Hispanic Americans who have enriched our nation and society! There will be a vendor market, arts and crafts, live mariachi music, a dialogue on placemaking and identity, food samples, dance performances and more! The event takes place on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Ohio History Center and registration is recommended.
21. Family Fun Fest at Northwest Chapel
On Sunday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM there will be food trucks, inflatables, carriage rides, games and more on the lawn of Northwest Chapel. This event is free.
22. Lend a Paw to Local Shelter Dogs with Seeds of Caring
In this free Seeds of Caring project, kids 4-12 will gain compassion for animals through a read-aloud and age-appropriate discussion. Then helping hands will make a homemade dog toy and collect much-needed supplies for pups at the Franklin County Dog Shelter. This project is available through 10/30/23.
*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!*