Looking for things to do in Columbus, Ohio this weekend? Here are over 45 family-friendly events happening in Columbus, and Central Ohio this weekend!
Family Friendly Events in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend:
FRIDAY:
9:00 AM – Ohio State Fair – the Ohio State Fair runs from July 24 – August 4, 2019 and features rides, food, live performances, vendors, animals, kids activities, contests, and so much more!
9:00 AM – Mini Camp- Intro/ to LEGO Boost Robotics at The SIMPLR STEAM Playground – build a robot made of LEGO blocks and electronic components while learning programming language and competing in an obstacle course! Register online.
10:00 AM – For Kids: Explore Natural Play Area at Highbanks Metro Park – go off trail to look for wildlife. Ages 6-12.
10:00 AM – Forest Fridays at Sunbury Urban Farm – enjoy a nature activity plus free play in the woods. All ages welcome. $5 suggested donation.
10:00 AM – Commons for Kids at Columbus Commons – Commons for Kids offers activities for all ages including carousel rides, inflatables, activities and more! This week’s theme is Character Day!
10:00 AM – Back To School Kick Off at Once Upon A Child – Columbus, OH – tax free weekend includes shopping at Once Upon A Child! They are offering 50% off clearance plus the chance to win an Amazon Fire Tablet. All locations.
10:00 AM – Wands and Wizards Weekend in Lancaster and Beyond – locations throughout Lancaster and beyond will be offering wizard themed treats, art, contests, crafts and more! Check the link for the schedule of what’s going on where, August 1-3!
10:00 AM – Teacher Appreciation Month at Legoland Discovery Center (Columbus) – teachers can show their school ID or pay stub and receive free admission to LEGOLAND through August 31! Up to 6 friends or family can visit with you and receive $10 off standard admission!
10:30 AM – KidX: Game Time at Polaris Fashion Place – KidX is a free event featuring games, crafts, face painting, balloon artists and more! This week’s theme is all about sports, health and fitness safety!
3:30 PM – Open Gaming for Kids and Teens at Bexley Public Library – kids ages 8-18 can drop in to play Minecraft, board games, card games, video games and more in the auditorium!
4:00 PM – Dublin Irish Festival – this 3 day festival features live entertainment, food, vendors, a 5K and Kids Dash, a full Irish Mass, children’s activities including a playland, inflatables, rides, and activities. A $10 wristband is required for the playland but there is also a free play area for toddlers.
4:00 PM – St. James 36th annual Brats Festival Aug. 2-4 at St. James Lutheran Church (Hilliard, Ohio) – this event will feature authentic German food and beer, live polka music, a 1860’s base-ball game on Saturday, a mime and juggling performance and a worship service on Sunday.
5:30 PM – First Fridays at Reeb Avenue Center – COSI will be at this monthly event for families!
7:00 PM – Friday Night Bandstand in Lancaster – enjoy a live concert in downtown Lancaster!
7:00 PM – Story Time at Night Under the Stars at Wyman Woods Park – kids of all ages can enjoy a camping story time hosted by Grandview Library and Grandview Heights Parks and Rec. There is a free camp out overnight – see link to register for the campout.
7:00 PM – Russell Blue Band | Summer Sizzle Concert Series in Grove City Town Center – this free concert takes place at the George Edge Music Park in Grove City Town Center.
8:30 PM – Uptown Movie Series in Westerville – this is a free movie on the City Lawn Hall. This week’s movie is Jurassic Park (PG-13).
8:45 PM – Lights, Cameras, Movies at Polaris Fashion Place – watch a free movie int he Polaris Lifestyle Center, bring a blanket or chairs. This week’s movie is Dumbo.
SATURDAY
8:00 AM – Westerville Mom2Mom Sale at Westerville Christian Church – shop for bargains at this consignment sale featuring baby, kids and maternity items.
9:00 AM – Ohio State Fair – the Ohio State Fair runs from July 24 – August 4, 2019 and features rides, food, live performances, vendors, animals, kids activities, contests, and so much more!
9:00 AM – Market Day at Westgate Farmer’s Market – YMCA Hilltop Educare will be at this week’s market to do story times and offer sensory activities! There will be live music, vendors and Explorer’s Club food truck.
9:00 AM – Hills Famous $5 Pancake Breakfast at Hills Market – on Saturdays and Sundays you can get 2 pancakes, sausage links and coffee for $5!
9:00 AM – FIT4MOM Columbus North’s Free Family Anniversary Party at Highbanks Metro Park – this is a free family event with FIT4MOM Columbus North! This celebration includes a family workout, a playdate and giveaways! RSVP online.
10:00 AM – Author Visit: Lindsay Bonilla at Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers – Lindsay Bonilla will read and sign copies of her book Polar Bear Island!
10:00 AM – Kingwood Kids Day – “Arts in the Garden” at Kingwood Center Gardens – take a road trip to Mansfield for this event that includes activities from local partners, art projects, demonstrations, music and activities! Food and ice cream will be available for purchase and admission is free for all.
- Related: Day Trip: Downtown Mansfield
10:00 AM – SunflowerFest 2019 at Branstool Orchards – this festival runs August 3-11 and will include hayrides, yoga, vendors, food trucks, live music, painting, and more! Tickets are available online or at the gate as space allows. Tickets are cheaper throughout the weekdays. Buy online to save more.
- Related: Peach Picking Fun at Branstool Orchards (Branstool Orchards does not have peach picking available this year due to weather conditions.)
10:00 AM – Wands and Wizards Weekend in Lancaster and Beyond – locations throughout Lancaster and beyond will be offering wizard themed treats, art, contests, crafts and more! Check the link for the schedule of what’s going on where, August 1-3!
10:00 AM – Teacher Appreciation Month at Legoland Discovery Center (Columbus) – teachers can show their school ID or pay stub and receive free admission to LEGOLAND through August 31! Up to 6 friends or family can visit with you and receive $10 off standard admission!
11:00 AM – Riddles me these, please at Slate Run Metro Park and Living Historical Farm – pick up a list of riddles at the farmhouse and explore the farm to find the answers!
11:00 AM – Dublin Irish Festival – this 3 day festival features live entertainment, food, vendors, a 5K and Kids Dash, a full Irish Mass, children’s activities including a playland, inflatables, rides, and activities. A $10 wristband is required for the playland but there is also a free play area for toddlers.
11:00 AM – Back-To-School with Easton Town Center – take advantage of Tax Free Weekend at Easton where there will be live entertainment, a fashion preview, giveaways and more!
11:00 AM – Summer Reading Carnival at Marysville Public Library – celebrate the end of the Summer Reading program with games, prizes, treats and more!
11:30 AM – St. James 36th annual Brats Festival Aug. 2-4 at St. James Lutheran Church (Hilliard, Ohio) – this event will feature authentic German food and beer, live polka music, a 1860’s base-ball game on Saturday, a mime and juggling performance and a worship service on Sunday.
1:00 PM – 2019 Pickerington KidsFest at Pickerington Mount Carmel Sports Complex – this event features a foam run, a free family festival with contests, performances, food trucks, scavenger hunt, $5 bounce park and more.
2:00 PM – Storytime LIVE! Hang Out with Curious George and Pinkalicious at Kiddie Academy of Reynoldsburg, OH – RSVP online for this free story time and character meet and greet!
6:00 PM – Free Concert featuring The Navigators at Columbus Commons – enjoy a free concert at Columbus Commons! Food trucks and bar open at 6:00 PM, concert starts at 7:00 PM.
6:00 PM – Game Night! at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park – hang out in the Nature Center or play various outdoor yard games!
6:00 PM – Hilltop Art Hop at 3060 Artworks – this monthly Art Hop features live music, featured artists, snacks, games and various activities at the surrounding businesses at the Westgate BusinessWorks.
9:00 PM – Movie In The Park: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban at Glacier Ridge Metro Park – watch a free movie in the park! Bring a blanket or chairs.
SUNDAY
9:00 AM – Hills Famous $5 Pancake Breakfast at Hills Market – on Saturdays and Sundays you can get 2 pancakes, sausage links and coffee for $5!
9:00 AM – Ohio State Fair – the Ohio State Fair runs from July 24 – August 4, 2019 and features rides, food, live performances, vendors, animals, kids activities, contests, and so much more!
10:00 AM – Community Days at Franklin Park Conservatory – on the first Sunday of each month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the City of Columbus (with valid ID) during regular operating hours of 10am to 5pm.
10:00 AM – SunflowerFest 2019 at Branstool Orchards – this festival runs August 3-11 and will include hayrides, yoga, vendors, food trucks, live music, painting, and more! Tickets are available online or at the gate as space allows. Tickets are cheaper throughout the weekdays. Buy online to save more.
10:00 AM – Teacher Appreciation Month at Legoland Discovery Center (Columbus) – teachers can show their school ID or pay stub and receive free admission to LEGOLAND through August 31! Up to 6 friends or family can visit with you and receive $10 off standard admission!
11:00 AM – Dublin Irish Festival – this 3 day festival features live entertainment, food, vendors, a 5K and Kids Dash, a full Irish Mass, children’s activities including a playland, inflatables, rides, and activities. A $10 wristband is required for the playland but there is also a free play area for toddlers.
11:30 AM – St. James 36th annual Brats Festival Aug. 2-4 at St. James Lutheran Church (Hilliard, Ohio) – this event will feature authentic German food and beer, live polka music, a 1860’s base-ball game on Saturday, a mime and juggling performance and a worship service on Sunday.
3:00 PM – Family Tram Rides at Sharon Woods Metro Park – take a guided tour of the park on the tram! Hop on at one of the “tram stop” signs throughout the park.
6:00 PM – Climbing for Clouds at Vertical Adventures – support research for Clouded Leopards by participating gin an indoor obstacle course, visiting with animal ambassadors from the Columbus Zoo, enjoying outdoor games and more! $19/person includes a donation to the research. ($7 for members) Register online.
*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. Enjoy what you do today!*