37 family-friendly things to do in Columbus, Ohio this weekend!
Friday
9:00 AM – Friendship Friday at Tree of Life Play Cafe – BOGO Free admission all day at Tree of Life Play Cafe!
10:00 AM – Preschool Open Lab at Simplr STEAM Playground – kids ages 3-5 can explore the Simplr STEAM Playground in an open environment! $10/kid
11:00 AM – Touch-A-Truck at Adventure Park – touch, climb and pretend to drive various vehicles!
3:30 PM – Author Storytime & Origami: Debbi Michio Florence at Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers – enjoy a story time, origami activity and book signing!
5:00 PM – First Friday Film Series at Ohio History Center – Watch Star Wars: The Force Awakens and lightsaber demonstrations! Admission is reduced after 5:00 PM!
5:00 PM – May the 4th Be With You! in Uptown Westerville – Celebrate Star Wars Day in Uptown during First Friday! Costumes encouraged!
5:00 PM – $5 Friday Pony Rides & Free Petting Zoo – visit some of your favorite farm animals and ride a pony for $5!
7:00 PM – Evening Campfire & Smores at Homestead Metro Park – enjoy s’mores around the campfire!
7:30 PM – Annie with Columbus Children’s Theatre – the beloved musical is brought to life at Lincoln Theatre. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Showtimes continue through May 13, 2018!
7:30 PM – The Throne of OZ with CATCO is Kids – Tip travels through the lands of Oz meeting new friends along the way. Showtimes continue through May 13, 2018!
8:00 PM – Dorothy and the Prince of OZ at Ohio Theatre – Dorothy Returns to save the land of Oz. Performance times are available through May 6, 2018.
Saturday
9:00 AM – Visit with Animals from the Ohio Wildlife Center at Duck Donuts – visit with Ambassador Animals from 9:00 AM — 1:00 PM. Donate a 1lb bag of unsalted nuts or a container of laundry detergent at this Duck Donuts location anytime in May and receive a 1/2 dozen donuts for FREE!
9:00 AM – Grandview Heights Great Garage Sale in Grandview Heights – search other people’s “junk” to find your treasure throughout Grandview Heights!
10:00 AM – Community Celebration of the McCoy Center at Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts – celebrate their 10th anniversary with a free screening of Moana, live performances, inflatables, balloon artists, face painting and more!
10:00 AM – Kids Terrarium Class at Aprons and Easels – kids can learn how to make a terrarium!
10:00 AM –Derby Day at the Play Space at PARTY Like it’s Your Birthday – enjoy derby-themed crafts, games and activities inside the play space at PARTY Like it’s Your Birthday!
10:00 AM – 2018 GeoTrail Kick-Off at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park – today marks the opening of the GeoTrail treasure hunt at Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks!
10:00 AM – Children’s Theatre Performance at Hilliard’s Station Park – watch Columbus Children’s Theatre perform The Three Little Pigs for free! Recommended for grades K-4.
10:00 AM – Free Comic Book Day at Packrat Comics – each person gets up to 5 free comics on this special day! There will be crafters and vendors, food truck, bounce house, costume contests, karaoke and more!
10:00 AM – Free Comic Book Day at Laughing Ogre Comics – there will be free comics, escape room demos, Ghostbusters vehicles, caricatures, sword demos, games and more!
10:00 AM – Star Wars Day at OHC – pose for pictures with Darth Vader and stormtroopers, learn about the creatures of Star Wars and enjoy several other Star Wars related exhibits and events!
10:00 AM – Butterflies at Polaris Fashion Place – Visit the butterfly conservatory, feed a butterfly and do a craft during this limited time exhibit at Polaris Fashion Place. $5/person. M-Sat 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Sundays 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
10:00 AM – Master Model Builder Search at Legoland – Watch contestants in the search for the Master Model Builder will be participating in building challenges! There will be meet and greets with Bertie the mascot, giveaways and more! This event will continue on Sunday afternoon!
10:30 AM – Read it, Make it, Eat it – Dragons Love Tacos at PARTY Like it’s Your Birthday! – Enjoy the story, crafts and snack based on the book Dragons Love Tacos! $15/child.
10:30 AM – Super Hero Fun Run at Pickerington Public Library – this is a free fun run for kids sponsored by the YMCA! Everyone who finishes gets a ribbon!
10:30 AM – Popsicle Sticks Chics at Avery Park – Join Fit4Mom Dublin for a fun spring craft – workout optional!
11:00 AM – Nature Tram at Blacklick Woods Metro Park – take a tram ride through the park!
11:00 AM – Family Fun Day at The Shops at Worthington Place – this free event for the whole family includes a bounce house, balloon twisting, fire truck and music!
11:00 AM – 2018 Ohio Made Spring Market at Hollywood Casino Columbus – shop over 80 handmade vendors local to Ohio! Admission at this time is free and kids are welcome, check the website for Early Access and 21 and over opportunities!
1:00 PM – Franklinton Farms Spring Festival at Franklinton Farms Learning Garden – celebrate the opening of the Learning Garden with free music, food and kids’ activities!
2:00 PM – Childrens Concert at Franklin Park Conservatory – enjoy a kid-friendly orchestra performance by Ohio Capital Winds! Included with admission or membership.
4:00 PM – Kentucky Derby $5 Pony Rides at Horse -N- Round Fun – see horses dressed in Derby gear, visit the petting zoo and take $5 pony rides!
5:30 PM Mother-Son Ninja Nerf Night at Gahanna/John E. Bickley YMCA – mothers and sons can practice their ninja moves with target practice, ninja games, bounce houses, snacks and a Nerf battle! $25/pair, $5/additional child
6:00 PM Sensory Friendly Free Comic Book Evening at Packrat Comics – a sensory friendly option of Free Comic Day is available with minimum noise, lower lights and less people.
Sunday
11:00 AM – Authors Maria Carluccio, Betsy Snyder, and Suzy Ultman at Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers – join 3 crafty authors as they introduce their interactive books!
1:00 PM – Sunday in the Swamp at Blacklick Woods Metro Park – explore the buttonbush swamp at Blacklick Woods Metro Park!
3:30 PM – Tea with Elsa & Anna at La Chatelaine – bring your princess for tea and special treats with Elsa and Anna! There will be a story time, sing-a-long, craft time and a coronation!
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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. Enjoy what you do today!*
ICMI: Fun for the Whole Family at EnterTRAINment Junction
Melia Wolf
Thursday 3rd of May 2018
Hello! Thank you for including Cover to Cover in your weekend events. The Debbi Michiko event is on Friday afternoon at 3:30. You listed on Saturday afternoon.
Julie Miller
Thursday 3rd of May 2018
Thank you! I've updated it!!