The temperatures are in the 80’s, some schools are out, it’s Memorial Day Weekend and Columbus events are in full-swing! It’s the unofficial start of SUMMER! (Just for saying that, it will probably snow next week (thanks, Ohio!) but I’ll take my chances!)
First off, this weekend kicks off the summer season at Columbus Commons, a great, multi-purpose green space in the middle of downtown. All summer there will be concerts, festivals and my first event on the list, Commons for Kids!
1. Commons for Kids at Columbus Commons
When: Friday, May 27, 2016
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: 160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
Free carousel rides, bouncy houses and open play are available every Friday, but each week has different special activities. This week Lowe’s will be on hand to help your child plant a plant to take home and Mr. Puppet will give a performance!
2. Family Fun Day at Columbus Commons
When: Saturday, May 28, 2016
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: 160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
Saturday at Columbus Commons you can join in lots of fun activities like face painting, inflatables, crafts, Lego play, maker space, photo booth and more! Some (but not all) activities require a $5 wristband purchase. The event opens at a 3:00 PM for children with sensory sensitivities. There will be food trucks on location and visits from special characters! Stick around for:
3. Free Movie Night at the Commons
When: Saturday, May 28, 2016
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: 160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
The busy weekend at the Commons concludes with an outdoor showing of The Good Dinosaur, rated PG.
4. Story Trail Opening Day at Friendship Park
When: Friday, May 27, 2016
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: 138 Oklahoma Ave., Gahanna, OH 43230
Celebrate the opening of the new Story Trail at Friendship Park, a collaboration between Gahanna Parks & Recreation, Columbus Metropolitan Library and Art Garden Studios. Attend the ribbon cutting ceremony, enjoy a live music performance by Casey Redmond and participate in games and other fun activities!
5. Utica Sertoma Ice Cream Festival
When: Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 28-30, 2016
Time: Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: 11339 Mt Vernon Rd., Utica, OH 43080
If you’re up for a short road trip this weekend, the Utica Ice Cream Festival offers tons of fun for kids (not to mention ice cream)! Kid friendly events include arts and crafts, magic shows, kiddie tractor pull, visits from the Columbus Zoo, water balloon toss and a whole lot more! Admission is $5 per car.
6. Asian Festival at Franklin Park
When: Saturday & Sunday, May 28 & 29, 2016
Time: Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: 1755 E Broad St, Columbus OH
This celebration of Asian culture includes performances, food, a marketplace, and more. Specifically for kids, there will be a children’s area with games, crafts, dress up and the opportunity to learn calligraphy and make a handprint dragon!
7. Opening Day at Ohio Village
When: Saturday, May 28, 2016
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus Ohio, 43211
Phone: 614-297-2300 or 800-686-6124
Ohio Village opens for the season and steps into the 1890s! Opening day offers a look at the changes the village has undergone and a chance to meet new residents of the village, try croquet, make ice cream, listen to live music and more! Check the link for the schedule of activities.
8. For Kids – Wildlife at Homestead Park
When: Saturday, May 28, 2016
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: The Barn, 4675 Cosgray Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026
Phone: 614-971-5211
Homestead Metro Park offers kids ages 3-10 the opportunity to meet live animals and learn more about Ohio’s wildlife!
9. Bob Evans Family Days at the Columbus Clippers
When: Sunday, May 29, 2016
Time: 1:05 PM
Location: Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 462-5250
Ticket Line: (614) 462-2757
Family Day Admission is $15 for two adults and up to four youth ages 18 and under! Admission includes access to left-field bleachers, lawn seating and standing room only. After the game, kids can run the bases in the Commit to be Fit Fun Run!
10. Farmer’s Markets
Check out this link from Columbus Moms Blog where every Farmer’s Market in the Columbus area is listed by day! Many take place on the weekend and would make for a fun outing this weekend as the season gets underway!
11. Memorial Day Parades and Other Events
Here is a link to Memorial Day events in the Columbus area, most happening on Monday, as we remember those we’ve lost in active military service.
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ICYMI: Playdate in Uptown Westerville
*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!*