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 This Weekend:
1. Kids Dream Winter Film Series At Marcus Theatres
Starting January 13th through April 2nd visit Marcus Theatres for Kids Dream Winter Film Series. This event features a line up of family films and an opportunity for free tickets when you redeem vouchers through American Family Insurance. See link for tickets, times and pricing.
2. Photos and Visits with the Easter Bunny at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing
Visit the Easter Bunny at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing beginning Friday, March 17th. Times are Monday through Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
3. Celebrate Earth Day All Month Long with Seeds of Caring!
Our FREE guided project, Be Kind to the Earth, engages the hearts, hands and minds of Central Ohio youth in environmental stewardship. Children 2-12 can participate in three hands-on activities to keep our Earth clean, explore renewable energy, and practice easy ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. Families can explore these fun activities from now through Earth Day, April 22!
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Looking for family-friendly adventures during spring break? Just 20 minutes north of Columbus you’ll find an unexpected destination for young explorers: Olentangy Caverns.
Take a self-guided tour through the cave (perfect for kids to wander at their own pace). Mine for gems in the running water sluice. Hunt for treasure in Ohio’s only Treasure Hunt Maze. Play on our REAL fire truck. And visit deer, baby goats, cows, chickens, pigs, and bunnies in Columbus’s largest petting zoo. Visit Olentangy Caverns from 9:30am – 5pm every day March 25 – October 31.
4. Easton Egg Hunt at Easton Town Center
The Easter Bunny has scattered eggs all around Easton! Use the list of clues (at the link above) to find the eggs and receive a special treat. Pick up your scavenger hunt worksheet at the Guest Services desk and turn it back in when you find 5 or more eggs to get a prize! This event is going on from March 24 – April 16, 2023.
5. Pizza Party with Author Mindy McGinnis at Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers
This event takes place on Friday from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM an includes a celebration of the latest YA novel from Ohio author Mindy McGinnis. Recommended for ages 14 and up and families willing to discuss mature themes. Register online.
6. The Dispatch Family Value Pack: CBJ vs New York Islanders at Nationwide Arena
This family night out with the Columbus Blue Jackets includes a game ticket, Chiller skate pass and value meal. There will also be a poster making station, photo stations, Bubble Hockey and more. Price starts at $30/person. The match starts at 7:00 PM on Friday.
7. Spring Kiddie Konsignment Sale at Grace Polaris Church
This consignment sale offers the opportunity to buy gently used baby and kids clothing, maternity items, decor, toys and more! The sale takes place on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM or you can pay $5 to shop the early bird sale at 8:00 AM. Half price sale begins at 1:00 PM.
8. Opening Day at Olentangy Caverns
Opening Day at Olentangy Caverns will include free arts and crafts activities for kids, a musical performance, balloon animals, face painting, McGinnis Grill food truck and Bushel and a Bean Coffee Truck! The event takes place on Saturday from 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
9. Easter Open House at Anthony-Thomas Candy Company
This Saturday from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM enjoy free factory tours, meet the Easter Bunny and all the kids get Easter eggs! There will also be in-store specials!
10. Hilliard Kidsfest at Franklin County Fairgrounds
The Hilliard Kidsfest takes place on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM an includes egg hunts, a Bunny Pancake breakfast, the Columbus Bunny Run, a magician, balloon artist, face painting, resources for families, food trucks and more! Register online.
11. Sensory Friendly Saturday at The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology
Sensory-friendly hours are available at The Works in Newark this Saturday from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. This includes lowered lighting, reduced sound and other accommodations. This month’s theme is Fairy Tale STEM.
12. Easter Candy Scramble at Legacy Church
This event takes place on Saturday from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM and includes a candy scramble, bounce house, face painting, games, raffle prizes, cotton candy and more! Bring your own basket or bag.
13. Historian in Training at Ohio History Center
This program at Ohio History Center is great for young historians ages 3-6. It begins at 10:30 AM and runs for 30-45 minutes. Kids can learn new facts about Ohio! The cost is $5 plus admission. Registration is required.
14. Conifer Hike at Blendon Woods Nature Center
Take a 1.5 mile hike to look for conifers at Blendon Woods Metro Park. Hike begins Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Nature Center.
15. Multicultural Storytime at Main Library
This event will feature stories and songs that explore world culture and takes place at 11:00 AM on Saturday at the Main Library. If you can’t make it on Saturday, a similar story time will take place on Sunday at 1:30 PM.
16. Fairy Frenzy at Battelle Darby Nature Center
On Saturday at 11:00 AM at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park learn about moss at the Nature Center and then take a hike to feel moss and look for fairies in the forest. Ages 3 and up.
17. Kid’s Fishing Weekend at Cabela’s
Kids can fish at the pond behind Cabela’s on Saturday or Sunday! All equipment will be provided or you can bring your own. Food and drink will be available! Hours are 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM both days.
18. Sensitive Bunny at Polaris Fashion Place
Kids who would benefit from a sensory-friendly visit with the Easter Bunny can do so before the store opens on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. This event is free, photo packages are available for purchase. Register online.
19. Spring Wildflower Walk at Blendon Woods Nature Center
Take a 1 mile walk in the woods to look for wildflowers at Blendon Woods Metro Park. Meet at the Nature Center on Sunday at 2:00 PM.
20. Kids Easter Cookie Class with Courtney’s Cut Outs at Outerbelt Brewing
Kids will learn how to decorate cookies with 3 different Easter designs. All supplies provided. There will also be Easter crafts to do in between cookies! The class takes place on Sunday at 3:00 PM and tickets must be purchased online by March 24th. There will be a monthly Sip & Shop from 1-5 at the same location.
21. For Families: Native Bees at Homestead Metro Park
Learn about native bees and how to attract them to your garden! Meet outside the Nature Center at Homestead Metro Park at 3:00 PM on Sunday.
*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!*