Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: March 20-22, 2026 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, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! Follow Us on Social Media! * Instagram * Facebook * Pinterest * YouTube ### 1. Blooms and Butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory Walk through hundreds of butterflies inside the Pacific Island Water Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory. In the Metamorphosis Lab, you can watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalises. This activity is included in general admission and takes place daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM through July 5, 2026. ### 2. Mythic Creatures at COSI Learn about the natural and cultural roots of mythological creatures from Asia, Europe, the Americas and beyond at this temporary exhibit at COSI. This exhibit will be on display through September 7th and is included in general admission during daily COSI hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Plan your visit to COSI. ### 3. Photos with Bunny at Polaris Fashion Place Visit with the Bunny at Polaris Fashion Place through April 4. You can book your reservation online or just walk up. All kids 13 and under will receive a coupon for a free small gelato from I Scream Gelato while supplies last. Check the link for exact hours because they change as Easter gets closer. You can also register for a Sensory Bunny event on March 15th. * * * Sponsored At Five Star Home Services, we deliver expert HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services across Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, driven by our F.A.S.T. Promise: Fast Service, Accountable Always, Service with Purpose (we give 10% back to local charities), and Transparent Pricing. With over 50 years of trusted service, we make home repairs simple, stress-free, and reliable—because you deserve five-star service, every time. **Don’t forget to use my code whatshouldwedotoday_cbus25 for $25 off a service call**! * * * ### 4. Family Adventures at Columbus Museum of Art On Friday beginning at 10:30 AM, families can take a specialty tour at the Columbus Museum of Art that will include storytelling and play. REcommeded for ages 12 and under and their caregivers. Registration is free for members and $22 for nonmembers. Registration includes admission for one child and one adult. ### 5. DIY Sundials at Scioto Grove Metro Park Learn about the history of sundials and make your own on Friday at 5:00 PM at The Grove lodge at Scioto Grove Metro Park. Find out what there is to do at Scioto Grove Metro Park! ### 6. Bingo Night at Family Room Coffee Bingo Night takes place on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month and all ages can participate to win prizes and treats at Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. See pictures of Family Room Coffee! ### 7. Spring Equinox S’mores at Scioto Grove Metro Park Enjoy a campfire and s’mores at Scioto Grove Metro Park on Friday from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Meet at the Arrowhead fire pit. ### 8. Signs of Spring Hike at Quarry Trails Metro Park Take a 1.5 mile hike at the Quarry Trails Metro Park on Friday at 6:00 PM to look for signs of spring in the park. Check out Quarry Trails Metro Park before you visit! ### 9. The SpongeBob Musical at the Abbey Theatre The SpongeBob Musical: Theater for Young Audiences Edition includes singing and dancing at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:00 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available online. ### 10. Winnie the Pooh Kids at Big Walnut Middle School Watch a performance of Disney’s Winnie the Pooh by Sunbury Performing Arts at Big Walnut Middle School on Friday at 7:00 PM and Saturday at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. ### 11. Family Open Studio at Oh What A Space Enjoy Fun With Peeps at this Open Studio at Oh What A Space on Saturday. There are two times for this event that include crafts, science experiments and playful challenges inspired by peeps. Children and caregivers play together at this event. Times are 9:30 AM or 11:00 AM. Tickets are available online. ### 12. Opening Season Event at Olentangy Caverns Opening Season events begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday at Olentangy Caverns. There will be food trucks and free indoor arts and crafts for kids. Check the link for details. See all the fun things to do at Olentangy Caverns! ### 13. Delaware County Model Railroaders Open House Stop by the model railroad open house at Sandel Legacy Trail in Sunbury this Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. ### 14. Loon the Therapy Dog at Westland Area Library Meet a therapy dog named Loon at the Westland Area Library on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. All ages welcome. ### 15. Columbus Aviators Fan Fest at Polaris Fashion Place Kick off the Columbus Aviators season with a DJ, games, activities, giveaways and autograph sessions with players and coaches. Located in the Dick’s House of Sport parking lot on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. ### 16. Welcome to Spring Event at Highbanks Nature Center Drop in to the Highbanks Nature Center on Saturday between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM for spring crafts, a campfire and s’mores and hands-on activities. ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Get my list of family-friendly events for the coming weekend delivered straight to your email box each Wednesday night! Email Please wait... Subscribe #### Thank you for signing up! ### 17. Nintendo Day at Worthington Park Library Enjoy crafts, life-sized games, console gaming and more at Nintendo Day at Worthington Park Library on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. There will be activities all throughout the library with a costume parade at 3:00 PM. ### 18. Frog Walk at Rocky Fork Metro Park Go on a short walk at Rocky Fork Metro Park to look for frogs and other animals in the vernal pool on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Meet at the Millstone Shelter. ### 19. Bunny’s Breakfast Bash at Dave & Busters Enjoy breakfast with the Bunny, including a banquet-style breakfast, an egg hunt, games, photo ops and more! Tickets are available online and there are two options for brunch/activities. Showtime begins at 9:00 AM on Sunday. ### 20. Darby Card Show at Hilliard Sixth Grade Station Shop for popular collectible cards, including sports, Pokémon, MTG and more on Sunday from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Find something else to do in Hilliard when you’re there! ### 21. LEGO Free Play at Otie’s Tavern Adults can enjoy drinks while kids build with LEGO on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Otie’s Tavern in Hilliard. LEGO building is free. ### 22. Junior Chemists Storytime at Northwest Library Take part in a chemistry-themed storytime with crafts and experiments at the Northwest Library on Sunday from 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM. ### 23. Dig into Archeology at the Westerville Public Library Local archeology expert Akeighla Jenkins will lead kids through hands-on archeology activities where they can explore history, science and culture at the Westerville Public Library on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Recommended for ages 6-11. When you’re at the library, check out the Westerville History Museum! ### 24. Coming Up: Free, Kid-Friendly Earth Day Event on April 18 Calling all planet protectors! Families and groups are welcome to this FREE celebration filled with indoor and outdoor environmental activities, hosted by Seeds of Caring. The Grange Insurance Audubon Center has so much space to spread out, learn, and have lots of hands-on fun on their beautiful property. Come and explore at 10am or 12 noon! _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: March 20-22, 2026 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: March 13-15, 2026 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, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! Follow Us on Social Media! * Instagram * Facebook * Pinterest * YouTube ### 1. Blooms and Butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory Walk through hundreds of butterflies inside the Pacific Island Water Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory. In the Metamorphosis Lab, you can watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalises. This activity is included in general admission and takes place daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM through July 5, 2026. ### 2. Mythic Creatures at COSI Learn about the natural and cultural roots of mythological creatures from Asia, Europe, the Americas and beyond at this temporary exhibit at COSI. This exhibit will be on display through September 7th and is included in general admission during daily COSI hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Plan your visit to COSI. ### 3. Photos with Bunny at Polaris Fashion Place Visit with the Bunny at Polaris Fashion Place through April 4. You can book your reservation online or just walk up. All kids 13 and under will receive a coupon for a free small gelato from I Scream Gelato while supplies last. Check the link for exact hours because they change as Easter gets closer. You can also register for a Sensory Bunny event on March 15th. ### 4. Pie Iron Cooking at Scioto Grove Metro Park Celebrate Pi Day Eve with pie iron sandwiches at the Arrowhead fire pit at Scioto Grove Metro Park on Friday from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM. All ages welcome. Read about all there is to do at Scioto Grove Metro Park. ### 5. Kid’s Service Project at the Barnett Library Join with Seeds of Caring to assemble snack bags for a local shelter on Friday from 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM at the Barnett Library. ### 6. Rhea Lana’s Consignment Sale at Polaris Fashion Place Shop for gently used kids’ clothing, shoes, toys, baby equipment, furniture and more at this consignment sale held in the former Forever 21 store at Polaris Fashion Place on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available for early shopping and other “Free Shopping” tickets are available. See link for details. ### 7. Mary Poppins at Watkins Memorial Watkins Memorial High School in Pataskala presents Mary Poppins on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Performances are at 7:30 PM on Friday and Saturday and 3:00 PM on Sunday. Tickets are available online. ### 8. St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Parade in Dublin A day of celebration takes place in Dublin, Ohio, beginning with the Dublin Lions Club Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM at Sells Middle School and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade beginning at 11:00 AM at Metro Center and ending on S. High St. Check out this list of 31 things to do in Dublin, Ohio! ### 9. Second Saturday Kids Day at WOSU This free event takes place at the WOSU headquarters on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. There will be educational activities, crafts and a meet and greet with Alma from Alma’s Way. Register online. ### 10. PBJ & Jazz at the Lincoln Ballroom Enjoy a kid-friendly jazz concert featuring your kids’ favorite songs from Sesame Street, Bluey and more! Tickets include a snack and a drink. Single tickets are $7 and Family tickets for up to 8 people are $30. There are two opportunities to attend this event on Saturday: 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM. ### 11. Storytime with ProMusica at the Canal Winchester Library Families can enjoy a storytime with music by ProMusica at the Canal Winchester Branch of CML on Saturday at 10:00 AM. ### 12. Anniversary Party at Bricks & Minifigs Powell Celebrate with Bricks & Minifigs Powell with a day of free fun! Activities include face painting, temporary tattoos, raffle prizes, a caricature artist who will draw you as a minifig, Cheryl’s Cookies and a gift with purchase. The event takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Plan your trip to Powell! ### 13. Hilltop Hop at Broad & Westmoor The Hilltop Hop takes place on the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. This month, there will be a food truck, a Leprechaun Hunt for kids, a Vintage Record Flea at The Kutt, Girl Scout Cookies for sale, local handmade vendors and more. ### 14. Pi Day Party at Northwest Library Celebrate Pi Day with games, crafts and pie at the Northwest Library on Saturday from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM. ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Get my list of family-friendly events for the coming weekend delivered straight to your email box each Wednesday night! Email Please wait... Subscribe #### Thank you for signing up! ### 15. STEMulating Saturdays at the Martin Luther King Library Dr. Nathan Harris from See Brilliance will be at the Martin Luther King Library on Saturday from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM to help kids create amazing STEM creations. Recommended for ages 7-17. ### 16. Math in Bloom presents Pi Day at Franklin Park Conservatory Learn all about 3.14 and how pi can be found in nature. There will be a scavenger hunt, educational stations, artist demos and a fruit tree giveaway (while supplies last). This event takes place on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, and it is included in admission. ### 17. Pi Day Campfire Pies at Blacklick Woods Metro Park Stop by the Nature Center at Blacklick Woods Metro Park to make pie in a campfire on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. ### 18. World’s Largest Human Shamrock at Riverside Crossing Park Be part of an attempt to set a world record for the Largest Human Shamrock at Riverside Crossing Park on Saturday at 1:30 PM. Arrive before 1:30 PM and wear green! Participants will receive a commemorative gift. ### 19. St. Pawtricks Day Pawty & Costume Contest at Pet Wants Dublin On Saturday from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM stop into Pet Wants Dublin for photo ops, a costume contest, pet prizes and free prizes for kids who find the gold coins hidden in the store. ### 20. Meet a Rocket Engineer at Westerville Library Learn about space travel from rocket engineer, Iddrisu Seidu at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Ideal for ages 8-18. ### 21. LEGO Club at Grove City Library Kids of all ages can take on LEGO building challenges or enjoy free play at this event at the Grove City Library on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. See more about the library on this list of 13 fun things to do in Grove City! ### 22. Ohio Roller Derby at the Ohio Expo Center Watch the Ohio Roller Derby take on the Quad City Rollers on Saturday at 5:00 PM. Games are kid-friendly and roller derby players will pose for pics and give autographs. Children 7 and under are free. Tickets are available online. ### 23. CMA Community Days at Columbus Museum of Art This month’s Community Day celebrates Columbus Creativity with a collaboration between Columbus Museum of Art and Columbus City Schools. The day will feature a CCS Student Art Show, art making, snacks, a photo booth, student performances, Ten Minute on the Dot Tours, and more. Admission is free on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. ### 24. Shamrocks & Shenanigans at Blacklick Woods Metro Park Make a craft at the Nature Center and then hike the Buttonbush Trail to look for lost gold coins and green items at Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. ### 25. Book Tasting for Families at Old Worthington Library Find new books to sample and enjoy at the Old Worthington Library on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Books for ages 4-8 will be separated by genre. Read my list of things to do in Worthington! ### 26. Family Concert Series at the Hilliard Library Enjoy Irish-themed, family-friendly music and songs from Michael O’Loughlin at the Hilliard Branch of CML on Sunday from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: March 13-15, 2026 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: February 27 – March 1, 2026 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, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! Follow Us on Social Media! * Instagram * Facebook * Pinterest * YouTube ### 1. Underground Railroad in Central Ohio Exhibit at the Canal Winchester Library Check out an exhibit featuring info about the Underground Railroad in Central Ohio at the Canal Winchester Branch of CML all day Monday through Saturday. ### 2. The Sound of Music at the Ohio Theatre Watch the Broadway performance of The Sound of Music presented by Broadway Columbus at the Ohio Theatre this weekend: February 24 – March 1. Recommended for ages 7 and up. LIMITED Rush Tickets are available at time of writing. ### 3. Mythic Creatures at COSI Learn about the natural and cultural roots of mythological creatures from Asia, Europe, the Americas and beyond at this temporary exhibit at COSI. This exhibit will be on display through September 7th and is included in general admission during daily COSI hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Plan your visit to COSI. ### 4. Book Sale at Old Worthington Library Shop for gently-used books at the Friends Foundation of Worthington Libraries Book Sale. This event is going on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Old Worthington Library. ### 5. Friday Storytime at Blendon Woods Metro Park Enjoy songs, stories and larger motor activities at this story time at Blendon Woods Nature Center on Friday at 10:00 AM. Recommended for ages 2-6. ### 6. Crafty Tales at Westerville Public Library Listen to stories and make a craft at the Westerville Public Library on Friday from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. Recommended for ages 2-7. ### 7. Jurassic Quest at the Ohio Expo Center Friday through Sunday, dinosaurs come alive at this walk-through Jurassic experience at the Ohio Expo Center. Additional activities include digging for fossils, riding dinosaurs, a LEGO themed play area and more. Tickets are timed and available online. Use the code CBUS15 for 15% off tickets. ### 8. Science Fun at the Canal Winchester Library OSU students from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will be on site to showcase hands-on science demonstrations in the Learning Center at the Canal Winchester Branch of OSU on Friday from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM. ### 9. Riverside Crossing Park Ice Rink This ice rink in Dublin is open through March 15, 2026. Hours are: Fridays from 5–10 p.m., Saturdays from noon–10 p.m. and Sundays from noon–8 p.m. Cost is $15 per person and free skate rental is available for sizes Youth 9 – Adult 13. You may also bring your own skates (admission is the same cost). Check out this list for more things to do in Dublin, Ohio! ### 10. Winter Mammal Tracks at Quarry Trails Metro Park Learn about animal tracks and look for them on a 1-mile hike at Quarry Trails Metro Park on Saturday at 10:00 AM. ### 11. Open Studio at Columbus Museum of Art Open Studio takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (with a Quiet Hour from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM). Explore and experiment with provided art supplies and materials. You can stop in anytime during open hours. Included with admission or membership. ### 12. Jazz & Hip-Hop with The OG Players at the Dublin Library The OG Players will perform a free jazz concert filled with harmonies, frequencies and vibrations at the Dublin Branch of CML on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. ### 13. Maple Time at Slate Run Farm Take a hike through the sugarbrush at Slate Run Farm to learn about tapping trees and collecting sap. At the Farmhouse, you can watch sap boiling and sample a maple treat. This program is ongoing between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Saturday, with hikes leaving at 1:15 PM and 2:00. PM. ### 14. Teen Hangout at Wagnalls Memorial Library Play Switch, Wii and VR games at the Wagnalls Memorial Library on Saturday at 1:00 PM. For ages 12-18. ### 15. Pinecone Birdfeeder Craft at Blacklick Woods Metro Park Create a bird feeder out of a pinecone at Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Saturday. Drop in between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM for this activity. Read about 5 Things to do at Blacklick Woods Metro Park. ### 16. Book and Media Sale at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church On Saturday from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, shop for discounted books, vintage vinyl records, games, craft supplies, puzzles and more at this sale at Saint Mary Magdalene. There will be a soup & sandwich meal available for purchase. On Sunday, the sale goes on from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and they will be serving a pancake breakfast until 11:30 AM (donations accepted). ### 17. Night at the Museum at the Ohio History Center Night at the Museum takes place at the Ohio History Center on Saturday from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Explore the museum after hours when your favorite historical characters come to life, including: Rosie the Riveter, Abraham Lincoln, an astronaut, World War I and Civil War soldiers and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance. See what to expect at the Ohio History Center! ### 18. Brown Bear, Brown Bear at Columbus Children’s Theatre Kids can participate in a 30-minute, interactive experience featuring the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? at Columbus Children’s Theatre on Sunday at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, & 2 PM. Tickets are available online. ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Get my list of family-friendly events for the coming weekend delivered straight to your email box each Wednesday night! Email Please wait... Subscribe #### Thank you for signing up! ### 19. March Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory Residents of Columbus and Franklin County receive free General Admission to Franklin Park Conservatory on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Identification is required. This month’s theme is Autism and Arts and there will be an Open Mic, community organizations and a quiet space available. Visitors will have access to all of the gardens and collections. ### 20. Buckeye Comic Con at Aladdin Shrine Center Buckeye Comic Con takes place on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM featuring over 30 vendors and guest artists. Parking is free and there will be a food truck on site. Kids 8 and under get in free. ### 21. Try It: Trekking Poles at Gallant Farm Learn how to use trekking poles and then hike the primitive trail at Gallant Woods on Sunday at 1:00 PM. All ages welcome. ### 22. ProMusica Family Concert at Main Library Enjoy a free concert by ProMusica on Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Main Library. _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: February 27 – March 1, 2026 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: February 20-22, 2026 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, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! ### 1. Central Ohio Home and Garden Show The Central Ohio Home & Garden Show is coming back to the Ohio Expo Center February 14-22, featuring over 300 local home and garden vendors. In addition to the indoor gardens and vendors, there will be two stages for presentations and demonstrations where you can learn tips and tricks for your home and garden. Monday is Kid’s Day and there will be a whole day of activities for kids including a visit from Ohio Wildlife, hands-on painting activities, teacup make-and-take, cooking demonstrations for kids and more! Tickets are $10 online, or they will be $15 at the door. Kids 17 and under are free. ### 2. Final Weekend: Say “THANKS!” to Columbus First Responders Let first responders from the Columbus Divisions of Fire and Police know kids in our community care! Kids 6-12 can say “thank you!” and share a smile by creating messages of gratitude for first responders in our community. Families and groups can participate in this FREE Seeds of Caring project any time, anywhere through Feb. 22. ### 3. Mythic Creatures at COSI Learn about the natural and cultural roots of mythological creatures from Asia, Europe, the Americas and beyond at this temporary exhibit at COSI. This exhibit will be on display through September 7th and is included in general admission during daily COSI hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Plan your visit to COSI. ### 4. The Science Behind Pixar at COSI Enjoy an interactive exhibit that explores the science and technology behind the animated films of Pixar. This exhibit is open during regular business hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and requires an additional charge. ### 5. Disney on Ice at Nationwide Arena Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party is coming to Nationwide Arena from February 19- 22, featuring your favorite Disney stars with cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, and stunning set designs. Show times will be Thursday: 7:00 PM, Friday: 10:30 AM & 7:00 PM, Saturday: 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM, and Sunday: 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM & 6:30 PM. ### 6. Underground Railroad in Central Ohio Exhibit at the Canal Winchester Library Check out an exhibit featuring info about the Underground Railroad in Central Ohio at the Canal Winchester Branch of CML all day on Friday and Saturday. ### 7. Storytime at Blendon Woods Nature Center Visit the newly remodeled Nature Center at Blendon Woods Metro Park for a storytime at 10:00 AM on Friday. Check out this list of Central Ohio Nature Centers for indoor fun! ### 8. Riverside Crossing Park Ice Rink This ice rink in Dublin is open through March 15, 2026. Hours are: Fridays from 5–10 p.m., Saturdays from noon–10 p.m. and Sundays from noon–8 p.m. Cost is $15 per person and free skate rental is available for sizes Youth 9 – Adult 13. You may also bring your own skates (admission is the same cost). Check out this list for more things to do in Dublin, Ohio! ### 9. Brown Bear, Brown Bear at Columbus Children’s Theatre Kids can participate in a 30-minute, interactive experience featuring the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? at Columbus Children’s Theatre on Saturday or Sunday at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, & 2 PM. Tickets are available online. ### 10. Let’s Have a Story with Lyn Ford at Westerville Public Library Kids ages 2-7 can hear stories in the Affrilachian oral tradition performed by author and educator Lyn Ford on Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Westerville Public Library. ### 11. Blooms and Butterflies Opening Day at Franklin Park Conservatory Walk amongst the butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory and view the butterflies emerging in the Metamorphosis Lab during Blooms and Butterflies. The exhibit opens on Saturday at 11:00 AM. There will also be a special sand art craft available for $5. Blooms and Butterflies will be available through July 5th and it is included in admission. ### 12. Blacklick Woods Frozen Experience Build a snowman craft and go on a scavenger hunt in the town of Arendelle aka Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. ### 13. Community Joy Film Series at McConnell Arts Center Part of the Community Joy Film Series, watch the movie _Selma_ at the McConnell Arts Center on Saturday at 2:00 PM. The screening is free, but reservations are required. ### 14. Kevin Hagans on Violin at the Gahanna Library Celebrate Black History Month with a violin performance from Kevin Hagans at the Gahanna Branch of CML on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Read this list of 9 fun things to do in Gahanna! ### 15. Mini & Me Valentine’s Date at Maker’s Social Maker’s Social is offering Mini & Me Valentine’s Dates on Sundays in February and kids get 50% off projects! There are projects for most ages. Hours are 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM. ### 16. Maple Time at Slate Run Farm Take a hike through the sugarbrush at Slate Run Farm to learn about tapping trees and collecting sap. At the Farmhouse you can watch sap boiling and sample a maple treat. This program is ongoing between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Sunday, with hikes leaving at 1:15 PM and 2:00. PM. ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Get my list of family-friendly events for the coming weekend delivered straight to your email box each Wednesday night! Email Please wait... Subscribe #### Thank you for signing up! ### 17. Science Sunday – Raptors 101 at Blacklick Woods Metro Park The Ohio School of Falconry will be at Blacklick Woods at 1:00 PM on Sunday to teach attendees about birds of prey. ### 18. Encanto Sing-Along at the McCoy Center for the Arts This is a free event featuring a screening of Encanto with on-screen lyrics to sing along on Sunday at 1:00 PM. No ticket required. Rated PG. ### 19. Urban Strings Concert at Main Library Enjoy a performance of upbeat music from popular African-American composers and arrangers by youth string ensembles at the Main Library on Sunday at 2:00 PM. ### 20. Leaping Lizards: Reptile Show at Westerville Public Library Kids can learn about snakes, frogs, and lizards and get up close to a reptile and bug at the Westerville Public Library on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Suitable for ages 4-11. Browse this list of things to do in Westerville! ### 21. Pine Cone Pals at Worthington Park Library Create characters made out of pine cones with googly eyes, yarn hair and more at the Worthington Park Library on Sunday at 3:00 PM. Ages 4-8. ### 22. Little Hikers Club at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Take a 1-mile accessible hike that includes a story and games on Sunday at 3:00 PM. This trail is stroller-friendly. Meet at the Ranger Station at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: February 20-22, 2026 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: January 30-February 1, 2026 Looking for something fun to do **this weekend** in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly **Columbus and Ohio** –**based** events and activities! ### 1. Balloon Scavenger Hunt with Erica Carlson at Main Library Go on a search for winter-inspired balloon creations around the Main Library all day, each day this week, through Saturday. General hours are Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sat: 9:00 AM to 6:00PM and Sun: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. ### 2. Winter Reading Challenge at Grandview Heights Public Library Between now and February 15, register at the library or online to read books and win prizes through the Winter Reading Challenge. Set a weekly reading goal and earn raffle tickets to win prizes throughout the weeks. Adults can register, too! Check out this list of things to do in Grandview when you visit! ### 3. Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus Follow this festive path beginning at Columbus Commons down Town Street and ending at Bicentennial Park! Enjoy holiday lights and special displays along the way! Lights will be lit until February 15 from 5 – 10 pm, daily. Check out my list of more things to do in downtown Columbus! * * * At Five Star Home Services, we deliver expert HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services across Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, driven by our F.A.S.T. Promise: Fast Service, Accountable Always, Service with Purpose (we give 10% back to local charities), and Transparent Pricing. With over 50 years of trusted service, we make home repairs simple, stress-free, and reliable—because you deserve five-star service, every time. **Don’t forget to use my code whatshouldwedotoday_cbus25 for $25 off a service call**! * * * ### 4. The Science Behind Pixar at COSI Enjoy an interactive exhibit that explores the science and technology behind the animated films of Pixar. This exhibit is open during regular business hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and requires an additional charge. ### 5. Pinecone Bird Feeder Craft at Westerville Public Library Caregivers and children can make a bird feeder out of a pinecone at the Westerville Public Library on Friday at 10:00 AM. All supplies will be provided. ### 6. Baby and Me Yoga at the Dublin Library Take a yoga class with your baby from The Balanced Child Method at the Dublin Branch of CML on Friday at 10:00 AM. Bring a mat. ### 7. Riverside Crossing Park Ice Rink This ice rink in Dublin is open through March 15, 2026. Hours are: Fridays from 5–10 p.m., Saturdays from noon–10 p.m. and Sundays from noon–8 p.m. Cost is $15 per person and free skate rental is available for sizes Youth 9 – Adult 13. You may also bring your own skates (admission is the same cost). ### 8. Stuffed Animal Sleepover: Drop-Off at Old Worthington Library Kids ages 8 and under can drop their stuffed animal off at the Old Worthington Library on Saturday between 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Return at 2:00 PM on Sunday for a story time and a slideshow to see what the animals were up to overnight! ### 9. Blendon Woods Winter Hike Hike any trail at Blendon Woods Metro Park on Saturday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM and enjoy cocoa and donuts. Read about all the things to see and do at Blendon Woods Metro Park. ### 10. Storytime with Author & Illustrator Will Hillenbrand at Cover to Cover Join author & Illustrator Will Hillenbrand in celebration of his latest picture book, _The Winding Willow_ , at Cover to Cover on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Check out this list of local bookstores! ### 11. Grand Opening of the New Linden Branch Celebrate the grand opening of the newest branch of Columbus Metropolitan Library: Linden! The ribbon cutting will be on Saturday at 10:00 AM. There will be a dedication at 10:30 AM and a celebration with activities for kids, a balloon scavenger hunt, refreshments, commemorative library cards and more from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. ### 12. Souper Heroes at the Worthignton Farmers Market Please join me for Souper Heroes this coming Saturday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. The Columbus Food Bloggers are coming together to provide food and community for those who don’t have enough of either. Come try some soups made by some of our local Columbus Food Bloggers at the Worthington Farmers Market. This event is free to attend and families are welcome! Donations will be collected at the event and will be donated to the Worthington Resource Pantry. I hope to see you there! Come say hi! ### 13. Storytime with Mesha Griffith at Dragonfly Bookshop Enjoy a storytime with local author Mesha Griffith at Dragonfly Bookshop in Hilliard on Saturday at 11:00 AM. Every purchase of her book _The Bedtime Mantra_ will receive a personalized autograph. ### 14. Grandparent’s Day at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Grandparents can bring their grandchildren to do a craft, help feed the stream and go on an outdoor scavenger hunt on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center. ### 15. LEGO Free Play at Campfire Brewing Build a LEGO masterpiece while enjoying a drink during this free building time from Bricks & Minifigs Powell at Campfire Brewing on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. ### 16. Mini & Me Valentine’s Date at Maker’s Social Maker’s Social is offering Mini & Me Valentine’s Dates on Sundays in February and kids get 50% off projects! There are projects for most ages. Hours are 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM. ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Get my list of family-friendly events for the coming weekend delivered straight to your email box each Wednesday night! Email Please wait... Subscribe #### Thank you for signing up! ### 17. Straw Rockets: Black History in Space at Westerville Public Library Learn about Black pioneers of space history at the Westerville Public Library throughout the month of February. Stop in to learn and make a straw rocket during regular business hours, which are Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM. (This activity begins on Sunday, February 1.) Grab a coffee at one of these coffee shops in Westerville before you go! ### 18. Kid’s Service Project at Southeast or Marion-Franklin Libraries Kids can do a service project with Seeds of Caring all day on Sunday at both the Southeast Branch and the Marion-Franklin Branch of Columbus Metropolitan Library. Drop in any time to make a card for local first responders. All ages are welcome. ### 19. Share Gratitude with First Responders with Seeds of Caring If you can’t attend one of the library events above, you can do this project from home! Help Seeds of Caring make first responders from the Columbus Divisions of Fire and Police feel appreciated, and let them know kids in our community care! Kids 6-12 can say “thanks!” and share a smile by creating messages of gratitude for first responders in our community. This FREE project is ongoing: Families and groups can participate any time through Feb. 22. ### 20. Glow-in-the-Dark Family Yoga at Westerville Public Library Participate in glow-in-the-dark yoga for the whole family at this free class presented by The Balanced Child Method at the Westerville Public Library on Sunday at 2:00 PM. ### 21. Snow Moon Hike at Blacklick Woods Metro Park Go on a 2-mile hike under the full moon on Sunday from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Blacklick Woods. _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: January 30-February 1, 2026 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: January 23-25, 2026 Looking for something fun to do **this weekend** in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly **Columbus and Ohio** –**based** events and activities! ### 1. Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus Follow this festive path beginning at Columbus Commons down Town Street and ending at Bicentennial Park! Enjoy holiday lights and special displays along the way! Lights will be lit until February 15 from 5 – 10 pm, daily. Check out my list of more things to do in downtown Columbus! ### 2. Winter Reading Challenge at Grandview Heights Public Library Between now and February 15, register at the library or online to read books and win prizes through the Winter Reading Challenge. Set a weekly reading goal and earn raffle tickets to win prizes throughout the weeks. Adults can register, too! ### 3. The Science Behind Pixar at COSI Enjoy an interactive exhibit that explores the science and technology behind the animated films of Pixar. This exhibit is open during regular business hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and requires an additional charge. ### 4. Winter Habitat Builders at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Learn about the habitats where animals take shelter in the winter and build your own winter habitat at Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center on Friday at 12:00 PM. Ages 8 and up. Find out what to do at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park! ### 5. Family Art: Watercolor at Westerville Public Library The whole family can create an art piece with watercolors at the Westerville Library on Friday at 2:00 PM. Come dressed for a mess! ### 6. The Art of Flying at Barnett Library Join the National Veterans Memorial and Museum for a chance to learn about the history of the U.S. Air Force and to make and fly a paper airplane at the Barnett Branch of CML on Friday at 3:00 PM. ### 7. Winter Ice Festival at Franklin Park Conservatory The Winter Ice Festival takes place at Franklin Park Conservatory on January 23, 24 & 25. These are special engagement nights and tickets are required. Enjoy ice carving, crafts and games in the Grand Atrium, ice skating, and more. Hours are 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM each night. ### 8. Riverside Crossing Park Ice Rink This ice rink in Dublin is open through March 15, 2026. Hours are: Fridays from 5–10 p.m., Saturdays from noon–10 p.m. and Sundays from noon–8 p.m. Cost is $15 per person and free skate rental is available for sizes Youth 9 – Adult 13. You may also bring your own skates (admission is the same cost). ### 9. Lantern Hike at Blacklick Woods Metro Park Take a lantern-lit 1.5-mile guided hike to look for nocturnal wildlife at the Walter Tucker Nature Preserve at Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Friday at 6:30 PM. Meet at the Nature Center. See 5 things to do when you visit Blacklick Woods! ### 10. Storytime with Author & Illustrator Will Hillenbrand at Cover to Cover Join author & Illustrator Will Hillenbrand in celebration of his latest picture book, _The Winding Willow_ , at Cover to Cover on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Check out this list of local bookstores! ### 11. Music & Moos at Mojica Family Farm This child/parent music class is led by Brandi Sparks at the Mojica Family Farm on Saturday at 10:00 AM. It includes songs, dance, musical instruments, and the opportunity to meet and feed highland cattle, mini donkeys, goats, and more. Tickets are available online. ### 12. Storytime: The Music of Laurie Berkner at Westerville Public Library This storytime features song and dance to the music of Laurie Berkner on Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Westerville Public Library. ### 13. Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange at Gahanna Library Bring a puzzle, take a puzzle and meet other puzzle fans on Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Gahanna Branch of CML. Read through this list of things to do in Gahanna to plan your visit! ### 14. Community Joy Film Series at McConnell Arts Center Part of the Community Joy Film Series, watch the movie _Wish_ at the McConnell Arts Center on Saturday at 2:00 PM. The screening is free, but reservations are required. ### 15. Magic Nate’s Big Night at Hilliard Arts Council Join Magic Nate and other Special Guest Performers for a magic show featuring mind-bending illusions, comedy, and high-energy magic! The show takes place on Saturday at 6:30 PM at the Hilliard Arts Council. Tickets are available online. The performance is 90 minutes long. ### 16. Corduroy at Columbus Children’s Theatre Enjoy a 30-minute theater experience for ages 5 and under. Audience members will be invited to help search for Corduroy’s lost button and help him find a friend. Performance times are Sunday at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. Tickets are available online. ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Get my list of family-friendly events for the coming weekend delivered straight to your email box each Wednesday night! Email Please wait... Subscribe #### Thank you for signing up! ### 17. Kids: Winter Indoor Survival Game at Highbanks Metro Park Learn how animals adapt to survive winter and then test your skills to see if you can survive, too! There will be an interactive game and a craft to take home. This program takes place at the Highbanks Nature Center on Sunday at 1:00 PM. Ages 7 and up. Check out these Nature Centers in Central Ohio that are worth a visit! ### 18. ProMusica Family Concert at Main Library Enjoy a free, family-friendly concert by ProMusica on Sunday at 1:30 PM at the Main Library. ### 19. Jurassic Archery at Blacklick Woods Golf Course Learn archery while also learning about the Jurassic period at the Blacklick Woods Golf Course on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Ages 8 and up. ### 20. All About Hibernators Walk at Three Creeks Metro Park Take a 1-mile walk to learn about groundhogs and other winter sleepers on Sunday at 2:00 PM at Three Creeks Metro Park. Meets at Three Creeks Confluence Area bulletin board. ### 21. CSYO Youth Orchestra Concert at the Riffe Center Enjoy a concert by the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra at the Riffe Center at 3:00 PM on Sunday. Tickets are available online. ### 22. Kids’ Service Activity: Nourishing New Neighbors with Seeds of Caring Help welcome New American families in our community! Kids 4-12 will gain empathy for the refugee experience through a read-aloud and age-appropriate discussion from Seeds of Caring. Then, helping hands will assemble pasta kits and create messages of caring for families supported by Festa. Cost is approximately $7 per kit, including 2 packages of pasta, 1 jar of meat-free sauce, and 1 container of shelf-stable parmesan (optional). This activity is available through March 1, 2026. _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: January 23-25, 2026 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: January 16-19, 2026: MLK Jr. Weekend Looking for something fun to do **this weekend** in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly **Columbus and Ohio** –**based** events and activities! ### 1. Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus Follow this festive path beginning at Columbus Commons down Town Street and ending at Bicentennial Park! Enjoy holiday lights and special displays along the way! Lights will be lit until February 15 from 5 – 10 pm, daily. Check out my list of more things to do in downtown Columbus! ### 2. Winter Reading Challenge at Grandview Heights Public Library Between now and February 15, register at the library or online to read books and win prizes through the Winter Reading Challenge. Set a weekly reading goal and earn raffle tickets to win prizes throughout the weeks. Adults can register, too! ### 3. The Science Behind Pixar at COSI Enjoy an interactive exhibit that explores the science and technology behind the animated films of Pixar. This exhibit is open during regular business hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and requires an additional charge. ### 4. Calling all Kind Kids! Help Columbus families with Seeds of Caring At Seeds of Caring, we believe we all need help sometimes and we can all give help sometimes. Right now, that help looks like creating dental care kits for families supported by Dublin Food Pantry. Register for free today to participate any time through January 25, and put your helping hands to work! ### 5. Winter Ice Festival at Franklin Park Conservatory The Winter Ice Festival takes place at Franklin Park Conservatory on January 14, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24 & 25. These are special engagement nights and tickets are required. Enjoy ice carving, crafts and games in the Grand Atrium, ice skating, and more. Hours are 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM each night. ### 6. Preschool: Where Have the Animals Been? at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Learn about animal tracks and signs during this program for ages 3-5 on Friday, beginning at 9:30 AM. There will be a story, crafts, activities and an option outdoor scavenger hunt. The same program is also taking place at 11:00 AM. Read about all there is to do at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. ### 7. Baby & Me Yoga at the Dublin Library The Balanced Child Method will host this interactive class for babies 18 months old and under on Friday at 10:00 AM at the Dublin Branch of CML. Learn yoga poses, calming techniques and more. Bring a mat. ### 8. Parents’ Night Out in the Short North at The Pizzuti Parents can get a night out and kids (ages 5 and up) will enjoy hands-on art activities and a kid’s meal at the Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizzuti in The Short North. This event will take place on Friday from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM and tickets are required. ### 9. Riverside Crossing Park Ice Rink This ice rink in Dublin is open through March 15, 2026. Hours are: Fridays from 5–10 p.m., Saturdays from noon–10 p.m. and Sundays from noon–8 p.m. Cost is $15 per person and free skate rental is available for sizes Youth 9 – Adult 13. You may also bring your own skates (admission is the same cost). ### 10. Corduroy at Columbus Children’s Theatre Enjoy a 30-minute theater experience for ages 5 and under. Audience members will be invited to help search for Corduroy’s lost button and help him find a friend. Performance times are Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. Tickets are available online. ### 11. Owl Prowl at Blacklick Woods Metro Park Take a 1.25 mile hike with a naturalist to learn about owls and look for Barred Owls in the forest on Saturday at 10:00 AM. All ages are welcome. Read about 5 fun things to do at Blacklick Woods. ### 12. Decorate a Snowman at Westland Area Library Decorate your own paper snowman in the Youth Department at Westland Area Library. Drop in between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM on Saturday. ### 13. Happy Birthday Dolly! Dance Party at Karl Road Library Celebrate Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday with cupcakes and a dance party! Dress in your Dolly-inspired outfit to celebrate on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM at the Karl Road Branch of CML. ### 14. Kitten Yoga at Westerville Public Library Practice yoga with kittens from Fairytales and Tiny Tales and a certified yoga instructor on Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Westerville Public Library. Ages 8-18. #### 15. Mario Kart and Cocoa at Old Worthington Library Play Mario Kart and drink hot cocoa at the Old Worthington Library on Saturday at 3:00 PM. For ages 9-18. Check out my list of things to do in Worthignton! ### 16. Kitten Meet & Greet at Westerville Public Library Meet and play with adoptable cats and kittens at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. All ages are welcome. ### 17. CMA Community Days at Columbus Museum of Art Admission is free during CMA Community Days at the Columbus Museum of Art. Hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Sunday. The day includes an art activity for families, a bilingual story time, a community celebration with improv comedy, snacks and hourly discussions featuring the special exhibition: Tacita Dean: Blind Folly. ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Get my list of family-friendly events for the coming weekend delivered straight to your email box each Wednesday night! Email Please wait... Subscribe #### Thank you for signing up! ### 18. Glow Archery at Blacklick Woods Golf Course Enjoy GLOW archery inside the Blacklick Woods Golf Course Pro Shop on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM. Ages 8 and up. ### 19. Junior Geologists Storytime at Northwest Library Join in a rock-themed storytime that includes crafts and activities at the Northwest Library at 1:30 PM on Sunday. For ages 5-10. ### 20. Handprint Snowflake Craft at Blacklick Woods Metro Park Stop by the Nature Center at Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Sunday between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to make a handprint snowflake craft. Browse this list of Central Ohio Nature Centers! ## Events on Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day: ### 21. Dr. MLK Jr. Day Skating at Skate Zone 71 Special skating times are available at Skate Zone 71 on Monday, including an Early Bird Skate beginning at 11:00 AM, School’s Out Skate and Monday Night Game Skate. See the link for times and details. #### 22. MLK Day Open House at Ohio History Center On Monday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, join the Ohio History Center and The King Arts Complex for the free annual MLK Day Open House at Ohio History Center. This event will feature live performances, civil rights activities, art, and more. Advanced registration is recommended. ### 23. I-Spy Hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park Take the I-Spy Challenge and look for critters hidden in the woods at Blendon Woods Metro Park to win a prize. Stop by between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Monday. Check out more things to do at Blendon Woods! ### 24. MLK Day March & Program at Lincoln Theatre The MLK Day March & Program takes place on Monday at the Lincoln Theatre. The march begins at 3:00 PM and the program takes place at 4:30 PM. _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: January 16-19, 2026: MLK Jr. Weekend - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: December 12-14, 2025 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, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! Plan your holiday fun! Browse these blog posts for the best family-friendly holiday events in Columbus! * 7 of the Most Festive Things You Can Do in Columbus This Holiday Season * 10 of Our Favorite Columbus Christmas Traditions * 16 Drive Through Christmas Lights Displays Near Columbus, Ohio * 5 Best Membership Gifts for Columbus Kids * Christmas Tree Farms in Columbus and Beyond * 5 Holiday Trains in Columbus, Ohio * 25 Things to do in Columbus in December * 14 Free Holiday Attractions in Columbus, Ohio ### 1. Visits with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place Visits with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place are available through December 24th. This year’s set theme is The Polaris Express, including a train display in Center Court. All kids who visit with Santa receive a Santa coloring book, special Santa glasses, and a Polaris Express golden train ticket. Kids 12 and under – bring your golden ticket to Pure Imagination Chocolatier and get a free hot cocoa (valid through 12/31/2025). They will also receive a ‘BELIEVE’ Santa Sleigh Bell that also serves as a Christmas tree ornament while supplies last. ### 2. Photos with Santa at Easton Town Center Visits with Santa at Easton Town Center are available through December 24th. Santa’s workshop will be located in the South District next to Levi’s. Reservations and walk-up visits will both be available but reservations are strongly encouraged. Photo packages are available and you can use your own camera as well. Click the link to see times and make a reservation. ### 3. Winter Wonderland Maze at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center The new Winter Wonderland Maze is open daily at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center in Westerville. It is $3 per person during business hours. General hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. ### 4. Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights runs nightly through January 4, 2026 at the Columbus Zoo! This event includes millions of LED lights, musical light shows, meet and greet with characters, reindeer and more! Hours are Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM. ### 5. Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus Follow this festive path beginning at Columbus Commons down Town Street and ending at Bicentennial Park! Enjoy holiday lights and special displays along the way! Lights will be lit until February 15 from 5 – 10 pm, daily. ### 6. Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory Conservatory Aglow runs through January 4, 2026. Hours are 5-9 pm nightly and 5-10 pm Fridays and Saturdays in December. Enjoy holiday light displays, outdoor games, dancing, festive igloos, the Paul Busse Garden Railway and more! Reservations are strongly encouraged. Check out my Instagram Reel featuring Conservatory Aglow! ### 7. Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights will be open nightly through January 4, 2026. This drive-through light show is open every day, including holidays. Hours are Sunday-Thursday: 5:30pm – 9:00pm and Friday and Saturday: 5:30pm – 10:00pm. Tickets are available online and at the gate. ### 8. The Science Behind Pixar at COSI Enjoy an interactive exhibit that explores the science and technology behind the animated films of Pixar. This exhibit is open during regular business hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.)and requires an additional charge. Plan your trip to COSI with this blog post. ### 9. Season of Celebrations at COSI Visit COSI to see 50 trees decorated by community organizations. COSI will be decorated for the holidays, including in the Progress exhibit where there will be live actors Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM. There will be interactive activities, special demonstrations and hands-on activities. This celebration will go on from November 22, 2025 to January 4, 2026 during regular COSI hours and is included in admission. ### 10. The Nutcracker by BalletMet BalletMet presents The Nutcracker at the Ohio Theater beginning December 11-28. Use my code WSWDTNUT for 25% off any performance of BalletMet’s The Nutcracker! ### 11. Mr. Scrooge at the Riffe Center December 5-23, enjoy a kid-friendly adaptation of _A Christmas Carol_ performed by Columbus Children’s Theatre. This is a 60-minute musical geared toward ages 4-12. There are several performances over the weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. ### 12. Family Craft with Ohio Craft Museum at Westerville Library Ohio Craft Museum will have representatives at the Westerville Public Library to lead a craft for families on Friday at 10:00 AM. All supplies will be provided. For ages 4-11. ### 13. Family Storytime – All Aboard at Main Library Enjoy a train-themed story time at Main Library on Friday at 10:30 AM. Then you can visit the Huntington Holiday train in the lobby! ### 14. Hot Cocoa and Hike at Scioto Grove Metro Park Grab a cup of hot cocoa and go for a staff-led hike at Scioto Grove Metro park at 4:30 PM on Friday. Read more about Scioto Grove Metro Park! ### 15. Wander Nights at Wanderlights On Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM in December, explore all three Wanderlights stops in Downtown Columbus, enjoy free hot chocolate and free carousel rides, a holiday movie at the Scioto Mile Fountain, visit Santa in the Lazarus Building galleria, and take a trolley to view the butterfly light show at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. ### 16. Holly Jolly Lights at The McCoy Cabin Walk through this outdoor lights display on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM through December 24. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available for purchase. Tickets are $7/person. Tickets are available online. ### 17. Campfire & Hot Cocoa at Blacklick Woods Metro Park Take a half-mile hike under the twinkling lights on along the Buttonbush Trail and enjoy a cup of cocoa around the campfire. The Canopy Walk and Nature Center will be open late to explore! This event takes place on Friday from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. See all the fun things to do at Blacklick Woods Metro Park. ### 18. Winter Wonders Walk at the Dawes Arboretum Winter Wonders Walk takes place on December 12 and 13 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Dawes Arboretum. Enjoy ice sculptures, a light display, food trucks, an outdoor immersive projection, live music and visits from Santa and his reindeer! Tickets must be pre-purchased. ### 19. The Happy Elf at Columbus Children’s Theatre Watch a 30-minute live theatre experience inspired by the book The Happy Elf by Harry Connick Jr. This will be a 30-minute interactive experience recommended for ages 0-5. Shows take place at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 1PM and 2 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available online. ### 20. Magic of the Holiday at New Albany Library See Erica Carlson and Sedgie the Hedgie perform a magic show with a holiday theme at the New Albany Branch of CML on Saturday at 11:00 AM. ### 21. Cocoa and Cryptids at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Take a walk and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. There will be opportunities to take photos with Bigfoot and the Grinch! ### 22. The Nutcracker by The New Albany Children’s Ballet The New Albany Children’s Ballet Theatre brings Clara’s enchanting adventure to life in The Nutcracker at McCoy Center for the Arts. At time of posting, Friday is sold out but shows are available on Saturday at 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM and Sunday at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. ### 23. PBJ & Jazz at Main Library Enjoy a free community jazz concert by Jazz Arts Group on Saturday at 11:30 AM. Featuring holiday favorites and a visit from Santa, this event invites the whole family to sing, dance and clap to the music. A snack will be included. ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Get my list of family-friendly events for the coming weekend delivered straight to your email box each Wednesday night! Email Please wait... Subscribe #### Thank you for signing up! ### 24. Holiday Open House at Central Ohio Model Railroad Club This free Holiday Open House takes place on each Saturday and Sunday in December from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. See multiple model train layouts in action and kids can even control a Thomas train. ### 25. Winter Lights Holiday Celebration at Hilltop Library Celebrate the winter holidays with menorahs, lanterns, candles and twinkling trees at the Holiday Celebration at the Hilltop Branch of CML inspired by the book _We Celebrate Light_ on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. ### 26. Gingerbread House Party at Whetstone Library All supplies will be provided to build your own gingerbread house at this part at the Whetstone branch of CML on Saturday at 3:00 PM. Meet Elephant and Piggie and watch a play inspired by The Grinch by Whetstone’s Teen Advisory Board. ### 27. Letters to Santa at Ohio Railway Museum Write letters to Santa and take a trolley ride with Santa and his crew and make a railroad-themed ornament at the Ohio Railway Museum on Saturday with times available from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Book online. ### 28. Christmas on the Farm at Fox’s High Rock Farm Head to Hocking Hills to celebrate the holidays with the animals at Fox’s High Rock Farm. There will be stories, crafts and visits with Santa on Saturday from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Read more about Fox’s High Rock Farm here! ### 29. Columbus Youth Jazz Big Bands: Swing Sunday at Main Library Enjoy a free concert by all four Youth Jazz big bands at Main Library on Sunday at 1:30 PM. ### 30. Winter Crafts at Westerville Library Enjoy family games and winter crafts at the Westerville Public Library on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Suitable for ages 2-7. ### 31. Campfire Cookies at Quarry Trails Metro Park Enjoy cookies and a campfire at Quarry Trails Metro Park on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM. ### 32. Community Concert – ProMusica at Dublin Library ProMusica presents a family-friendly concert at the Dublin Branch of CML on Sunday at 3:00 PM. The concert will include stories and live music by professional musicians. _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: December 12-14, 2025 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: December 5-7, 2025 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, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! Plan your holiday fun! Browse these blog posts for the best family-friendly holiday events in Columbus! * 7 of the Most Festive Things You Can Do in Columbus This Holiday Season * 10 of Our Favorite Columbus Christmas Traditions * 16 Drive Through Christmas Lights Displays Near Columbus, Ohio * 5 Best Membership Gifts for Columbus Kids * Christmas Tree Farms in Columbus and Beyond * 5 Holiday Trains in Columbus, Ohio * 25 Things to do in Columbus in December * 14 Free Holiday Attractions in Columbus, Ohio ### 1. Visits with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place Visits with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place are available through December 24th. This year’s set theme is The Polaris Express, including a train display in Center Court. All kids who visit with Santa receive a Santa coloring book, special Santa glasses, and a Polaris Express golden train ticket. Kids 12 and under – bring your golden ticket to Pure Imagination Chocolatier and get a free hot cocoa (valid through 12/31/2025). They will also receive a ‘BELIEVE’ Santa Sleigh Bell that also serves as a Christmas tree ornament while supplies last. ### 2. Photos with Santa at Easton Town Center Visits with Santa at Easton Town Center are available through December 24th. Santa’s workshop will be located in the South District next to Levi’s. Reservations and walk-up visits will both be available but reservations are strongly encouraged. Photo packages are available and you can use your own camera as well. Click the link to see times and make a reservation. ### 3. Sweet! Pack Cookie and Cocoa Kits with Seeds of Caring This Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring is specially designed for kids ages 2-12! Families, classrooms, teams, and groups can spread holiday cheer by creating tasty cookie and cocoa kits for families served by People In Need of Delaware County through December 7. ### 4. Winter Wonderland Maze at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center The new Winter Wonderland Maze is open daily at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center in Westerville. It is $3 per person during business hours. General hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. ### 5. Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights begins November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026 at the Columbus Zoo! This event includes millions of LED lights, musical light shows, meet and greet with characters, reindeer and more! Hours are Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM. ### 6. Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus Follow this festive path beginning at Columbus Commons down Town Street and ending at Bicentennial Park! Enjoy holiday lights and special displays along the way! Lights will be lit from November 21 – February 15 from 5 – 10 pm, daily. ### 7. Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory Conservatory Aglow opens on Saturday and runs through January 4, 2026. Hours are 5-9pm nightly and 5-10pm Fridays and Saturdays in December. Enjoy holiday light displays, outdoor games, dancing, festive igloos, the Paul Busse Garden Railway and more! Reservations are strongly encouraged. ### 8. Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights will be open nightly through January 4, 2026. This drive-through light show is open every day, including holidays. Hours are Sunday-Thursday: 5:30pm – 9:00pm and Friday and Saturday: 5:30pm – 10:00pm. Tickets are available online and at the gate. ### 9. The Science Behind Pixar at COSI Enjoy an interactive exhibit that explores the science and technology behind the animated films of Pixar. This exhibit is open during regular business hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.)and requires an additional charge. Plan your trip to COSI with this blog post. ### 10. Season of Celebrations at COSI Visit COSI to see 50 trees decorated by community organizations. COSI will be decorated for the holidays, including in the Progress exhibit where there will be live actors Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM. There will be interactive activities, special demonstrations and hands-on activities. This celebration will go on from November 22, 2025 to January 4, 2026 during regular COSI hours and is included in admission. ### 11. Alice in Wonderland at WNHS Performing Arts Center Students at Westerville-North High School will perform _Alice in Wonderland_ on December 4th-6th. Performances are at 7:00 PM each night. Tickets are available online. ### 12. Wander Nights at Wanderlights On Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM in December, explore all three Wanderlights stops in Downtown Columbus, enjoy free hot chocolate and free carousel rides, a holiday movie at the Scioto Mile Fountain, visit Santa in the Lazarus Building galleria, and take a trolley to view the butterfly light show at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. **Please Note: On December 5 and 6 there will be no festivities at the Scioto Mile Fountain due to WinterFest.** ### 13. Holly Jolly Lights at The McCoy Cabin Walk through this outdoor lights display on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM through December 24. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available for purchase. Tickets are $7/person. Tickets are available online. ### 14. Winter Wonders Walk at the Dawes Arboretum Winter Wonders Walk takes place on December 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Dawes Arboretum. Enjoy ice sculptures, a light display, food trucks, an outdoor immersive projection, live music and visits from Santa and his reindeer! Tickets must be pre-purchased. ### 15. Mr. Scrooge at the Riffe Center December 5-23, enjoy a kid-friendly adaptation of _A Christmas Carol_ performed by Columbus Children’s Theatre. This is a 60-minute musical geared toward ages 4-12. There are several performances over the weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. ### 16. Grove City Town Center Christmas Parade The Grove City Christmas Parade begins at 7:00 PM on Friday at Park Street & Broadway and the tree lighting will take place promptly after the parade. Check out this list of things to do in Grove City! ### 17. Scioto PTO Santa Breakfast and Craft Fair On Saturday from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, shop from over 50 craft vendors and enjoy breakfast sponsored by IHOP, crafts and games for kids. Kids can get photos with Santa from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Tickets are available online. ### 18. Santa and Reindeer Meet & Greet at The Union Bank Company This free, family-friendly celebration on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM will feature live reindeer, complimentary professional photos with Santa Claus, hot cocoa and Christmas cookies and fun holiday activities for children of all ages. They will also be collecting donations for People In Need of Delaware County at this event. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item, a new or gently used coat, or an unwrapped toy to help support local families this holiday season. ### 19. WinterFest Columbus Head to Bicentennial Park in downtown Columbus for WinterFest Columbus, taking place on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. There will be food and beverages for purchase, live music, seasonal craft beer and cocktails, food trucks and free activities for all ages, including a mechanical reindeer, a giant snowglobe photo opportunity, cornhole and more. ### 20. Day of Discovery in the Discovery District On Saturday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM spend a day in the Discovery District of downtown Columbus. Pick up a holiday passport and check out stops along the way featuring holiday drinks, artist demonstrations, hands-on experiences, vendor markets, and more. ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Get my list of family-friendly events for the coming weekend delivered straight to your email box each Wednesday night! Email Please wait... Subscribe #### Thank you for signing up! ### 21. Holiday Hop in the Short North On Saturday from 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM, enjoy a pedestrian-only Holiday Hop in the Short North. This festive evnet will include The High Street Holiday Market featuring over 100 vendors, live performances, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a community-made mural experience, ice sculpting and more. Check out these 10 fun things to do in the Short North! ### 22. Santa Family Fun Day at Great Lakes Hyundai Get a free photo with Santa at Great Lakes Hyundai of Dublin on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. There will be a free gift for every child, live performances and activities for kids. ### 23. Columbus Ski/Snowboard Expo & Warren Miller’s SNO-CIETY This family-friendly event includes a showing of Warren Miller’s SNO-CIETY, a film featuring Olympians, urban riders and local ski legends. It also includes a ski and snowboard expo, and door prizes. The event begins at 2:30 PM on Saturday at Phoenix Theatres Lennox Town Center. ### 24. Christmas Under the Clock in Plain City On Saturday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, kick off Christmas in Uptown Plain City with the tree lighting ceremony, pictures with Santa, live music, food truck, carriage rides and local shopping. The tree lighting takes place at 5:00 PM. After the event, Santa’s Parade will take place at 7:30 PM. Browse this list of things to do in Plain City! ### 25. Light the Night at Evans Farm Light up the night at Evans Farm on Saturday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Enjoy a twinkling outdoor market filled with music, carolers, cozy fire pits, local shopping, and festive family fun beginning at 4:00 PM. There will also be food trucks, hot chocolate and drinks. Holiday Choirs begin at 5:30 with the annual tree lighting at 6:00 PM. ### 26. Christmas Kickoff and Parade in Obetz On Saturday from 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM celebrate the holidays in the city of Obetz. There will be a parade, Christmas characters, free ice skating, carolers, pictures with Santa and more. ### 27. Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory takes place the first Sunday of every month. Residents of Columbus and Franklin County receive free General Admission. Identification is required. Hours this Sunday are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The conservatory closes at 4:00 PM this Sunday to prepare for Conservatory Aglow, which is a separate event and not included in Community Day. ### 28. LEGO &. Santa at Bricks & Minifigs Powell Enjoy a LEGO free play with Santa at Bricks & Minifigs Powell on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. ### 29. Hilliard Tree Lighting The annual Tree Lighting in Downtown Hilliard takes place on Sunday from 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM. The event includes family-friendly activities, live performers, horse and carriage rides, face painting, reindeer, a petting zoo and a trolley that will take you between destinations. Read about all the activities there are to do in Hilliard! ### 30. Village Lights in German Village This festive event on Sunday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM in German Village includes luminarias lining the streets, vendor markets, specials at local businesses, free treats, photo ops, live performers, visits with Santa and more all over the neighborhood. _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: December 5-7, 2025 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: November 14-16, 2025 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, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! ### 1. The Science Behind Pixar at COSI Enjoy an interactive exhibit that explores the science and technology behind the animated films of Pixar. This exhibit is open during regular business hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.)and requires an additional charge. Plan your trip to COSI with this blog post. ### 2. YUM! Make Cookie and Cocoa Kits with Seeds of Caring Kids ages 2-12 can start spreading holiday cheer by creating tasty cookie and cocoa kits for families served by People In Need of Delaware County. Families, classrooms, teams, and groups can participate any time until the project ends December 7. Donations may be contact-free, porch-dropped at a Seeds of Caring volunteer’s home in Dublin, Westerville, Hilliard, or Upper Arlington. Register today to share some holiday cheer! ### 3. Friday Fun at Martin Luther King Library Learn about science-y, slimy, and gross things at the Martin Luther King Branch of CML on Friday at 4:00 PM. The OSU science group NEURO will provide a sneak peek into potential college majors and future careers in Neuroscience. Ages K-12. ### 4. STEM Station at Barnett Library Athletes Global will present a program for future filmmakers that includes learning production, editing, directing, cinematography and story skills. This program will take place at the Barnett Branch of CML on Friday at 4:00 PM. Recommended for ages 7 and up. ### 5. Easton’s Grand Illumination On Friday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Easton will come alive with twinkling lights, holiday music and family fun to kick off the holiday season! This event will center around Town Square and feature strolling costumed characters, photo ops, hot beverages and sweet treats. At 6:00 PM there will be live music from Whirlybirds and Santa will arrive around 7:00 PM to light the tree. ### 6. Santa’s Grand Arrival at Polaris Fashion Place Santa will make his Grand Arrival at Polaris Fashion Place on Friday, November 14 at 6:00 PM. He will arrive in a horse and carriage at the Grand Entrance (in between Brio and Molly Woo’s). There will be photo ops for families, real reindeer, and complimentary hot cocoa. Santa will arrive at the Grand Entrance at 6:00 PM and head to his chair in Center Court for Photos with Santa until 8:00 PM. ### 7. Lantern Hike at Blacklick Woods Take a 1.5 mile guided hike through the Walter Tucker Nature Preserve at Blacklick Woods using lanterns to look for nocturnal animals. This hike takes place at 6:00 PM on Friday. All ages are welcome. Read about 5 Fun Things to do at Blacklick Woods Metro Park! ### 8. Visits with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place Visit with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place beginning November 15th through. December 24th. This year’s set theme is The Polaris Express, including a train display in Center Court. All kids who visit with Santa receive a Santa coloring book, special Santa glasses, and a Polaris Express golden train ticket. Kids 12 and under – bring your golden ticket to Pure Imagination Chocolatier and get a free hot cocoa (valid through 12/31/2025). They will also receive a ‘BELIEVE’ Santa Sleigh Bell that also serves as a Christmas tree ornament. ### 9. Photos with Santa at Easton Town Center Visit with Santa at Easton Town Center beginning Saturday, November 15th to December 24th. Santa’s workshop will be located in the South District next to Levi’s. Reservations and walk-up visits will both be available but reservations are strongly encouraged. Photo packages are available and you can use your own camera as well. Click the link to see times and make a reservation. ### 10. Good Night Moon at Columbus Children’s Theatre Enjoy a 30 minute live performance inspired by the book Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. This is an interactive experience geared towards kids ages 0-5. There are performances at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. ### 11. Beginning Birders at Blendon Woods Metro Park Beginning birders can join a naturalist on a short hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park to look for winter birds and migrating waterfowl on Saturday at 9:00 AM. Binoculars will be available to borrow. ### 12. CHA Animal Shelter Visit at Miller Park Library Make crafts and learn about animal adoption at this event for pet lovers at the Miller Park Branch of UAPL on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Adoptable dogs may be on-site based on availability. ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Get my list of family-friendly events for the coming weekend delivered straight to your email box each Wednesday night! Email Please wait... Subscribe #### Thank you for signing up! ### 13. March Through Time at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum The Ohio History Connection and the National Veterans Memorial & Museum are teaming up for a day of hands-on activities, reenactors, scavenger hunts and stories of service through the generations. Ohio History Connection members get $5 off admission with their membership card (digital or physical). This event will take place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at NVMM. ### 14. Ohio Wildlife Center at Westerville Public Library Join Ohio Wildlife Center at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday at 10:00 AM for a presentation about Ohio’s native wildlife and the chance to meet animal ambassadors. ### 15. Indoor Amusements at Slate Run Farm On Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM try indoor games and toys including 19th century puzzles a the farmhouse at Slate Run Farm. See what there is to do at Slate Run Farm when you visit. ### 16. Columbus Trading Card and Collectibles Show at Ohio State Fairgrounds The Columbus Trading Card and Collectibles Show takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Kasich Hall at the Ohio Expo Center. General admissino is $5 and kids ages 12 and under are free. ### 17. Authors at the Library with Derrick Barnes at the Hilliard Library Award-winning author Derrick Barnes will present his picture books in this family-friendly author talk at the Hilliard Branch of CML on Saturday, beginning at 10:30 AM. This free event includes a book giveaway, author talk, book signing and meet and greet. Registration required. ### 18. Storytime with ProMusica at South High Library Enjoy a literacy-rich storytime including music by ProMusica on Saturday at 10:30 AM at the South High Branch of CML. ### 19. Lunchtime Hot Dog Campfire at Three Creeks Metro Park Stop by a campfire at Three Creeks Metro Park to roast hot dogs and marshmallows on Saturday between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Free while supplies last. ### 20. Music at the Library at Gahanna Library The Dhvani Indian Performing Arts Society will perform traditional Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, and other music and dance performances at the Gahanna Branch of CML on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Check out 9 fun things to do in Gahanna! ### 21. Ninja Kidz Live at the Palace Theatre This Ninja Kidz live-action adventure at the Palace Theatre will be filled with audience participation, physical challenges, games, and epic battles. The show takes place on Saturday at 3:00 PM. Tickets are available online. ### 22. Buckeye Comic-Con at Aladdin Shrine Center Buckeye Comic-Con takes place on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Aladdin Shrine Center in Grove City. The show features over 30 vendors with over 150,000 comics and toys. Six guest comic creators will be featured and there will be a food truck on site. Parking is free. Admission is $8. Kids 8 and under are free. ### 23. STEAM Sunday with Author & Illustrator Merrill Rainey at Cover to Cover Meet author & illustrator Merrill Rainey on Sunday at 1:30 PM at Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers in Upper Arlington. The event will include STEAM activities. Scroll through this list of magical Central Ohio children’s bookstores! ### 24. Apple Pie Iron Cooking at Quarry Trails Metro Park Try out Apple Pie Iron Cooking at Quarry Trails Metro Park on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM. All equipment and ingredients will be provided to learn how to cook over the campfire. Plan your holiday fun! Browse these blog posts for the best family-friendly holiday events in Columbus! * 7 of the Most Festive Things You Can Do in Columbus This Holiday Season * 10 of Our Favorite Columbus Christmas Traditions * 16 Drive Through Christmas Lights Displays Near Columbus, Ohio * 5 Best Membership Gifts for Columbus Kids * Christmas Tree Farms in Columbus and Beyond * 5 Holiday Trains in Columbus, Ohio * 25 Things to do in Columbus in December * 14 Free Holiday Attractions in Columbus, Ohio _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: November 14-16, 2025 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: November 7-9, 2025 Looking for something fun to do **this weekend** in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly **Columbus and Ohio** –**based** events and activities! ### 1. The Science Behind Pixar at COSI Enjoy an interactive exhibit that explores the science and technology behind the animated films of Pixar. This exhibit is open during regular business hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.)and requires an additional charge. Plan your trip to COSI with this blog post. ### 2. Warm Hearts, Full Bellies – Make Breakfast Kits with Seeds of Caring Kids ages 2-12 can complete this Anywhere Project at home, school, or wherever you are! Join Seeds of Caring in showing love to hungry neighbors by packing a healthy breakfast kit for families supported by Worthington Resource Pantry. Fill each yummy kit with individual oatmeal packets, cinnamon, small boxes of raisins, and a message of caring. You’ll receive a service packet with more details – along with a guided, age-appropriate discussion about hunger and service – upon registering. This project is available through November 23. ### 3. Book Sale at Old Worthington Library Shop for gently used books at the book sale hosted by Friends Foundation of Worthington Libraries on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Old Worthington Library. Check out this list of things to do in Worthington while you’re there! ### 4. $5 Student Climb at Dick’s House of Sport On the first Friday of every month, middle school, high school and college students can clim the Rock Climbing Wall at Dick’s House of Sport for a discount: $5 for 15 minutes. Student ID is required. Hours are Friday from 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM. ### 5. Crafty Tales at Westerville Public Library Listen to stories and make a craft to take home on Friday at 10:00 AM at Westerville Public Library. Perfect for ages 2-7. ### 6. Baby & Me Tour at Columbus Museum of Art On Friday at 10:30 AM, take a specialty tour for kids ages 0-2 and their caregivers at the Columbus Museum of Art. This event will support language development and social connection through exploring and playing together. Tickets are available online. ### 7. Meet a Police Officer at Miller Park Branch Kids ages 1-6 can meet a police officer at a visit to the library and see a real police cruiser up close on Friday from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM at the Miller Park Branch of UAPL. ### 8. BINGO at Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop All ages can play BINGO at Family Room Coffee & Bakeshop in Westerville on Friday night from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. You can win treats and prizes! Read more about Family Room on this list of coffee shops in Westerville. ### 9. The Harvest Market at Bridge Park On Saturday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM enjoy a fall-themed market with vendors, live music and more on Longshore Street in Bridge Park. ### 10. PBJ & Jazz at the Lincoln Theatre PBJ & Jazz Concerts have moved inside the Lincoln Theatre Ballroom for fall. There are two concerts on Saturday, one at 10:00 AM and one at 11:30 AM. Your ticket includes a family-friendly jazz concert by Dave Powers & Friends, a snack and a drink. Single tickets are $7 and Family Tickets for 5-8 attendees are $30. ### 11. Nature Lab Jr. at Miller Park Branch Learn about nocturnal animals at the Miller Park Branch of UAPL on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. There will be experiments and interactive activities. Recommended for ages 2-5. ### 12. Hilltop Hop at Broad & Westmoor This month’s Hilltop Hop will be holiday-themed and feature a Holiday Market with local vendors, food trucks, activities for kids and specials at local businesses. Hours are 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Saturday. ### 13. Night at the Library: Stuffed Animal Edition at Miller Park Branch Kids 2-9 can drop off their stuffies at the Miller Park Branch of UAPL on Saturday for an overnight at the library and then pick them up on Sunday. Registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Drop off time is 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday. ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Get my list of family-friendly events for the coming weekend delivered straight to your email box each Wednesday night! Email Please wait... Subscribe #### Thank you for signing up! ### 14. Forts, Fire & Fun at Blacklick Woods Metro Park Roast marshmallows by the fire and build a fort in the natural play area at Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. ### 15. Super STEM Saturday at the Shops at Worthington This STEM event is filled with science, technology, engineering and math activities inside The Shops at Worthington on Saturday from 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM. Meet scientists, try hands-on experiments and enjoy interactive displays. This event is for kids in grades 1-8 and is free to attend. ### 16. Sensory Bin Experience at Whetstone Library Families with children with sensory needs can explore bins filled with fun, tactile materials at the Whetstone Branch of CML on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Ages 3-11 welcome. ### 17. Farm Luminary Walk at Slate Run Farm Take a walk around the farm amidst luminaries on Saturday between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM at Slate Run Farm. (Not all livestock will be on display). Read more about Slate Run Farm! ### 18. An Afternoon with Author & Illustrator Suzanne Kaufman at UAPL Join author & illustrator Suzanne Kaufman at the Upper Arlington Public Library (Tremont) on Sunday at 1:30 PM to celebrate her latest picture book, _Blue_. The event is free, but registration is requested. ### 19. Cloud Hike at Blacklick Woods Take a 1 mile hike to learn about the different types of clouds and what they tell us about the weather at Blacklick Woods on Sunday at 2:00 PM. ### 20. Family Library Concert Series at Bexley Public Library This free, family-friendly concert takes place at Bexley Public Library on Sunday at 3:00 PM and features ProMusica’s Woodwind Quintet. The music will link classical music and children’s literature and there will also be a corresponding display of books and stories available. ### 21. Family Concert Series at Hilliard Library Enjoy a free concert featuring Irish and Scottish music on Sunday from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM in the pavilion at the Hilliard Branch of CML. Check out this list of fun things to do in Hilliard! _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: November 7-9, 2025 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: October 24-26, 2025 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 * The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Columbus, Ohio and Beyond * Halloween Events and Trick-or-Treat Times in Columbus ### 1. Fall Festivals This is the season when local pumpkin farms and apple orchards hold Fall Festivals on the weekends! These weekends include hayrides, pumpkin picking, farmyard games, corn mazes and much more! Click the link above to see a list of local fall festivals! ### 2. Fall Fun at Olentangy Caverns A Fall Fun Activity Area will be open at Olentangy Caverns daily through October 31st. The area includes rubber duck races, shooting hoops, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin bouncers, straw bale obstacle course and more! Activity area is available for guests who purhcase admission to any paid activity. Pumpkins and mums will also be for sale. There will be an educational talk and animal ambassadors from Ohio Wildlife Center on Sunday at 2:00 PM. ### 3. Haunted Maze at Hoover Gardens The Haunted Maze will be open at Hoover Gardens every day during business hours. Cost is $3 per person. ### 4. Scarecrow City in Olde Town & JFK Park Walk through Olde Reynoldsburg and JFK Park to check out scarecrow creations every day throughout the month of October. ### 5. Brick or Treat Monster Party at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Now through October 31st, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus is hosting a Monster Party, featuring a special LEGO 4D Halloween movie, a Monster Rockers scavenger hunt in MINILAND, Monster games, a special Halloween build, and more. All activities are included in regular admission and take place daily. Reserve tickets online. ### 6. Wizards & Wands Festival at Westerville Public Library Throughout the entire month of October, there will be a celebration of magic and books at the Westerville Public Library. There will be an enchanted forest in the Kids Area, as well as many other themed areas throughout the library and special events every day! Check the link for all the details and this weekend’s specific events. ### 7. Minion Hunt in Grove City Town Center Find all 14 minions hiding around Grove City Town Center and record each one’s location on a Minion Hunt Card. Turn it in to the Grove City Library, Grove City Welcome Center or Kingston Center for a prize! The deadline is November 1! Check out my list of things to do in Grove City while you’re hunting! ### 8. Pumpkins Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory Wednesday through Sunday you can attend this Special Engagement Event at Franklin Park Conservatory to enjoy over a thousand illuminated pumpkins along the paths, a pumpkin tunnel light show, pumpkin houses, spiders, mermaids, aliens and more! There will be activities for kids, lawn games and refreshments for sale. Hours are 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are required. ### 9. In the Land of Oz at Columbus Children’s Theatre This spooky, immersive theatre experience includes a journey through Oz on cursed yellow brick roads. It’s a 60-minute experience recommended for ages 10 and up. Shows take place on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 PM and also Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM. ### 10. Shrek the Musical at King Avenue UMC Watch the King Avenue Players perform Shrek the Musical, based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the Book by William Steig. Performances are Thursday and Friday at 7:30 PM and Saturday at 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM. ### 11. Fall Big Book Sale at Columbus Metropolitan Library Shop the Big Book Sale at the Main Library for books, DVD’s, CD’, records, comic books, audiobooks and more! Prices start at $1. Hour are Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Sunday is the Bag Sale. Bring a bag to fill for $5. ### 12. Boo at the Zoo at Columbus Zoo Enjoy merry-not-scary activities at the Columbus Zoo during Boo at the Zoo. This is the last weekend! Hours are Fridays: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Sundays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Activities include a trick-or-treat trail, hay maze, Halloween Hoedown, character ambassadors, kid-friendly activities and more! Included in regular admission. ### 13. Great Gahanna Goblin Fest at Academy Park On Friday from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM at Academy Park, enjoy hayrides, live entertainment, stilt walkers, fire breathers, food vendors, storytelling, s’mores and a trick-or-treat trail. ### 14. Halloween on the Green in Worthington On Friday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM in Worthington Village Green, enjoy crafts, games, live entertainment and a trick-or-treat trail. There will be stil walkers, a balloon artist, carnival games, cider pressing and more! Read this list of 13 things to do in Worthington before you go! ### 15. Sawmill Forest Spooky Trail This neighborhood Halloween display is open on Friday and Saturday from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM. You can park your car and walk through this kid-friendly display that includes lights, music, animatronics, bubbles and more! ### 16. Slaybrook Manor in Westerville This haunted house is scary but family-friendly, and it will be open this Friday and Saturday from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM. It’s recommended for ages 7 and up and is less scary between 6:30 PM and 7:45 PM. Tickets are recommended. Walk-ins will be taken as time allows. Check out this list of 11 fun things to do in Westerville! ### 17. Hilliard Halloween Haunt From 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Saturday, kids can dress up and enjoy trick-or-treating at participating businesses along Main Street and Hilliard’s Station Park. There will be treats, photo ops, live music and balloon twisting. ### 18. Grand Opening Party at Bricks & Minifigs Westerville Celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Bricks & Minifigs Westerville on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM with free Halloween Minifigs to the first 100 customers, over $2,000 in LEGO giveaways, raffle prizes, cotton candy, face painting, a costume party, candy and Cheryl’s Cookies! Check the link for the exact times of activities. ### 19. Spooky Open House at The Bibliophile Candle Co. On Saturday at 10:00 AM there will be a Kids Story Hour and then a spooky open house from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Activities will include photo ops, festive treats and cozy candlelight. Costumes welcome. Read more about Bibliophile Candle Co. on my list of bookstores in Columbus! ### 20. Dick’s X Columbus Futsal Street Clash This event takes place in the parking lot of DICK’S House of Sport at Polaris Fashion Place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. There will be a live DJ, local graffiti artist, food carts, a Youth Futsal Clinic and a Street Clash Futsal Tournament. Register online. ### 21. Scarysville in Marysville On Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, kids can enjoy a costume contest, pumpkin painting, candy and more at local businesses in Historic Uptown Marysville. Check out my itinerary for a fun, fall day in Marysville! ### 22. Pumpkin Painting at Hoover Gardens Every weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in October, kids can paint pumpkins at Hoover Gardens for $5 a pumpkin. Hours are 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM both days. (Then go through the Haunted Maze!) ### 23. Fall Fest at The Little Grand Market On Saturday beginning at 11:00 AM, The Little Grand Market will host a Fall Fest featuring a farmers market, a Family Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza (until 3:00 PM) and activities like pumpkin painting, coloring, free hot apple cider and family-friendly Halloween movies. Read more about The Little Grand on my list of restaurants in Grandview! ### 24. Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad Pumpkin Train Head to Zanesville this weekend for a 40-minute scenic train ride to the Pumpkin Patch on the Zanesville and Western Scenic Railroad. This event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 12:00 PM with the last ride beginning at 4:00 PM. Tickets are required. ### 25. Boo Off Broadway in Grove City Town Center Trick-or-treat in Town Center Park in Grove City from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM on Saturday. ### 26. An Afternoon with Author & Artist Misako Rocks at Cover to Cover On Saturday at 1:00 PM join author and artist Misako Rocks to celebrate her new graphic novel Bounce Back 3: Sew Totally Nala at Cover to Cover. This book is recommended for ages 9 and up. ### 27. Halloween Scavenger Hunt at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Go on a scavenger hunt in Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park with Jackie O’Lantern the Pumpkin on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Costumes welcome. ### 28. Haunted Hilltop Spooktacular at Ohio Department of Public Safety This free event takes place on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM in the parking lot of the Shipley building and will include games, a trunk-or-treat and a pumpkin patch. Families can learn about safety while having fun! ### 29. Trunk or Treat at Bevelhymer Park Enjoy a family-friendly Trunk-or-Treat featuring over 60 businesses, food trucks, a magician, fire performers, stilt walkers, special guests and more! Come in costume and bring a candy bucket! This event takes place on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. ### 30. Historic Dublin Halloween Trail Kids can collect candy and enjoy fun activities at 15 stops in Historic Dublin on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Glinda and Elphaba will also be wandering the streets! ### 31. Trick or Treat Trail at Westland High School This free event takes place on Saturday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Westland High School. Trick-or-Treat from local businesses and organizations on the trail in the parking lot. The Central Ohio Ghostbusters will be there as well as food trucks and vendors. ### 32. Haunted Tram Ride at Blendon Woods Metro Park Take a tram ride through Blendon Woods to learn about the spooky animals that live there. Board at the Nature Center between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM on Saturday. ### 33. Fright at the Museum at Ohio History Center Fright at the Museum takes place on Saturday from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Ohio History Center. There will be hands-on activities, old-fashioned apple cider making, a mid-century Monster Mash, spooky stories, visitors from the Ohio Wildlife Center and more! Tickets are available online. ### 34. HighBall Halloween in the Short North This annual event is the nation’s “Most Fabulous Costume Party” and it takes place this Saturday in the Short North from 6:00 PM – Midnight. Admission is free. Events include a public costume contest, a Costume Couture Fashion Show, live music and performances, a vendor market featuring seasonal oddities and spooky finds, yard games, photo ops and street performances. While this event is not geared towards kids, all ages are welcome. ### 35. Family Sunday Halloween Party at Land-Grant On Sunday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, enjoy a Halloween movie, pumpkin painting, face painting, food vendors and more! Costumes welcome. ### 36. UnderCurrent: Walk, Roll, and Play in Downtown Columbus This free event will include local food trucks, pop-up workout classes, live art and more free activities under Current at High & Gay Streets in downtown Columbus. It will take place on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM and guests are encouraged to walk, scoot or skate to the event where the streets will be closed to cars for this special event. ### 37. Pumpkin Patch Express at Ohio Railway Museum This event takes place at Ohio Railway Museum in Worthington on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. It includes a trolley ride to the pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkin and enjoy crafts and treats. This event also includes trick-or-treating through the museum. This is a family-friendly (not scary) event. ### 38. Trunk or Treat at PicNaz Church Enjoy food, a trunk-or-treat, hayride, bonfire and hot cocoa at this free community event in Pickerington on Sunday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. ### 39. Final Weekend! Operation Thank You for Veterans with Seeds of Caring Share thanks with local veterans in this creative and crafty Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring! Kids 2-12 will explore the meaning of respect and the many ways we can show it through age-appropriate discussion and a hands-on activity. Then, helping hands will decorate paper grocery bags for veterans supported by the Military and Service Heroes’ food pantry. Participate any time through Oct. 26. _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: October 24-26, 2025 - Julie Miller #ThisWeekend #UpcomingEvents #Weekend #columbusohio #familyfriendlyevents #thingstodothisweekendincolumbus #upcomingevents

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: October 10-12, 2025 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 * The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Columbus, Ohio and Beyond * Halloween Events and Trick-or-Treat Times in Columbus ## Family-Friendly Things to do in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! Make sure to enter my giveaway for Fright at the Museum at the Ohio History Center on Instagram! Enter here! ### 1. Fall Festivals This is the season when local pumpkin farms and apple orchards hold Fall Festivals on the weekends! These weekends include hayrides, pumpkin picking, farmyard games, corn mazes and much more! Click the link above to see a list of local fall festivals! ### 2. Fall Fun at Olentangy Caverns A Fall Fun Activity Area will be open at Olentangy Caverns daily through October 31st. The area includes rubber duck races, shooting hoops, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin bouncers, straw bale obstacle course and more! Activity area is available for guests who purhcase admission to any paid activity. Pumpkins and mums will also be for sale. There will be a magic show for kids featuring Magic Nate on Sunday at 3:00 PM. ### 3. Haunted Maze at Hoover Gardens The Haunted Maze will be open at Hoover Gardens every day during business hours. Cost is $3 per person. ### 4. Scarecrow City in Olde Town & JFK Park Walk through Olde Reynoldsburg and JFK Park to check out scarecrow creations every day throughout the month of October. ### 5. Brick or Treat Monster Party at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Now through October 31st, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus is hosting a Monster Party, featuring a special LEGO 4D Halloween movie, a Monster Rockers scavenger hunt in MINILAND, Monster games, a special Halloween build, and more. All activities are included in regular admission and take place daily. Reserve tickets online. See my guide to visiting LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus! ### 6. Wizards & Wands Festival at Westerville Public Library Throughout the entire month of October, there will be a celebration of magic and books at the Westerville Public Library. There will be an enchanted forest in the Kids Area, as well as many other themed areas throughout the library and special events every day! Check the link for all the details and this weekend’s specific events. ### 7. Minion Hunt in Grove City Town Center Find all 14 minions hiding around Grove City Town Center and record each one’s location on a Minion Hunt Card. Turn it in to the Grove City Library, Grove City Welcome Center or Kingston Center for a prize! The deadline is November 1! Check out my list of things to do in Grove City while you’re hunting! ### 8. Bob Evans Farm Festival The Bob Evans Farm Festival takes place in Rio Grande, Ohio and includes live music, handmade vendors, farm contests, local food, rides, and more! Hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Tickets are $5 at the gate. Kids 5 and under are free. Rides are an additional cost. ### 9. Wheels on the Farm at Slate Run Farm Play “I Spy” and figure out how all the wheels around the farm work and what they do at Slate Run Farm all weekend. Hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Read about all there is to do at Slate Run Farm! ### 10. Fire Truck Visit at Miller Park Library See a fire truck up close and learn about fire safety at the Miller Park Branch of UAPL on Friday at 10:30 AM. Recommended for ages 1-8. ### 11. Columbus Italian Festival The Columbus Italian Festival takes place on the grounds of St. John The Baptist Italian Catholic Church in Italian Village on Friday from 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Saturday from 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased online. There is free parking and a shuttle at Columbus State. The festival features music, a parade, cultural events, rides and kid-friendly activities, cooking demonstrations, and more. ### 12. Boo at the Zoo at Columbus Zoo Enjoy merry-not-scary activities at the Columbus Zoo during Boo at the Zoo weekends: October 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26. Hours are Fridays: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Sundays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Activities include a trick-or-treat trail, hay maze, Halloween Hoedown, character ambassadors, kid-friendly activities and more! Included in regular admission. ### 13. Flicks & Tricks at the Yard at Easton Watch the movie Beetlejuice outside at The Yard at Easton Town Center. There will be a magician’s performance at 6:00 PM and the movie begins at approximately 7:45 PM on Friday. ### 14. Slaybrook Manor in Westerville This haunted house is scary but family-friendly, and it will be open this Friday and Saturday from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM. It’s recommended for ages 7 and up and is less scary between 6:30 PM and 7:45 PM. Tickets are recommended. Walk-ins will be taken as time allows. Check out this list of 11 fun things to do in Westerville! ### 15. Halloween Hop at Broad & Westmoor Hop around the businesses of Broad & Westmoor for activities for kids, local hand-made vendors, a food truck, Slice of Heaven baked goods and trick-or-treating. Costumes welcome. The event takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. ### 16. Pumpkin Bowling at Grove City Pumpkin Patch This event at the Grove City Pumpkin Patch includes pumpkin bowling and a story time for kids on Saturday at 10:00 AM. ### 17. Pumpkin Painting at Hoover Gardens Every weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in October, kids can paint pumpkins at Hoover Gardens for $5 a pumpkin. Hours are 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM both days. (Then go through the Haunted Maze!) ### 18. Fall Fest at Slate Run Metro Park Enjoy family-friendly activities at Slate Run Metro Park on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, including hay rides, a corn maze, face painting, fall crafts, archery, local vendors and more. This event will take place at the Buzzards Roost Picnic Area. ### 19. Fall in Love with Dawes at The Dawes Arboretum This event takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM and includes wagon tours, a scavenger hunt, coffee trucks, hands-on crafts, a self-guided walking tour and more. ### 20. Bricks & Brews at Standardized Brewing BAM Powell is hosting a LEGO build at Standardized Brewing in Lewis Center. Each ticket is good for 1 custom LEGO pumpkin kitty kit and 1 beer or 16 oz coffee. The event takes place between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Saturday. Tickets are available online. ### 21. October Open Barn Day at Sunrise Sanctuary Visit with the animals at Sunrise Sanctuary on Open Barn Day, Saturday from 1:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Tickets are available online. ### 22. DIY Halloween at Northwest Library Make scary good crafts at the Northwest Library in Worthington on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM. Recommended for ages 9-18. ### 23. Whooo Cooks for You? at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Learn about barred owls and make an edible treat at Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. ### 24. Pumpkin Patch Express at Ohio Railway Museum This event takes place at Ohio Railway Museum in Worthington on October 12, 19 and 26th from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. It includes a trolley ride to the pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkin and enjoy crafts and treats. This event also includes trick-or-treating through the museum. This is a family-friendly (not scary) event. ### 25. Made by Me Market at Olentangy Caverns Made By Me Market is a kids’ craft market that takes place on the second Sunday of each month from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM at Olentangy Caverns. Items are handmade by local entrepreneurs ages 5-17. Read about all there is to do at Olentangy Caverns! ### 26. Mums and Mummies at Westgate Park Enoy a festival of mums and Halloween fun at Westgate Park on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM. There will be food, a bake sale, costume contests, garden mum sale, games, activities and a “trunk” or treat! ### 27. Choose Your Own Adventure with Dan Gemeinhart Head to Beanbag Books in Delaware to meet author Dan Gemeinhart and learn about his two new books. The store will be divided in half so you can choose your own adventure. There will be a mobster scavenger hunt on one side and a creepy science lab hunt on the other. Dan will be in the middle to meet you and sign your books. This event takes place on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Check out my list of things to do in Delaware when you visit! ### 28. For Kids: Tree Identification at Three Creeks Metro Park Learn to identify trees and get tips for collecting leaves at Three Creeks Metro Park on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Best for school-aged kids. ### 29. Spooky Animals at Blendon Woods Metro Park Learn about spiders, snakes, bats and other scary animals at Blendon Woods Nature Center on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. ### 30. Sundays at Scioto Enjoy a free concert featuring Angela Perley with opener High Definitions at Scioto Park in Dublin on Sunday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. There will be food trucks on site. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Check out this list of things to do in Dublin before the concert! _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: October 10-12, 2025 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: October 3-5, 2025 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 * The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Columbus, Ohio and Beyond * Halloween Events and Trick-or-Treat Times in Columbus ## Family-Friendly Things to do in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! ### 1. Fall Fun at Olentangy Caverns A Fall Fun Activity Area will be open at Olentangy Caverns daily through October 31st. The area includes rubber duck races, shooting hoops, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin bouncers, straw bale obstacle course and more! Activity area is available for guests who purhcase admission to any paid activity. Pumpkins and mums will also be for sale. Local teen rock band Short Fuse will perform on Sunday at 3:30 PM. ### 2. Haunted Maze at Hoover Gardens The Haunted Maze will be open at Hoover Gardens every day during business hours. Cost is $3 per person. ### 3. Scarecrow City in Olde Town & JFK Park Walk through Olde Reynoldsburg and JFK Park to check out scarecrow creations every day throughout the month of October. ### 4. Brick or Treat Monster Party at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Now through October 31st, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus is hosting a Monster Party, featuring a special LEGO 4D Halloween movie, a Monster Rockers scavenger hunt in MINILAND, Monster games, a special Halloween build, and more. All activities are included in regular admission and take place daily. Reserve tickets online. See my guide to visiting LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus! ### 5. Wizards & Wands Festival at Westerville Public Library Throughout the entire month of October, there will be a celebration of magic and books at the Westerville Public Library. There will be an enchanted forest in the Kids Area, as well as many other themed areas throughout the library and special events every day! Check the link for all the details and this weekend’s specific events. ### 6. Share Happy Birthday Wishes with Local Kids Now through Oct. 5, you can help local children experience the joy of a birthday celebration! In this Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring, kids 4-12 will learn what it means for families to experience “tight times” and why birthdays are so important for everyone. Then they’ll pack birthday bags with items like cake mix, frosting, and candles for families supported by the YMCA Van Buren Center. ### 7. Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival From July 31 – October 5, the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival will take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Asian lanterns will highlight wildlife scenes throughout the zoo. Tickets are available online. ### 8. Family Storytime: Snug as a Bug at Main Library This story time is ideal for kids ages 0-6 and it will feature bug-themed stories! This storytime takes place at Main Library on Friday at 10:30 AM. ### 9. Baby & Me Tour at Columbus Museum of Art This is a specialty tour for kids 2 and under and their caregivers on Friday from 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM. Explore and engage with art through developmentally appropriate activities. Register online. Free for members. ### 10. Flicks & Tricks at the Yard at Easton Watch the movie Hocus Pocus outside at The Yard at Easton Town Center. There will be a magician’s performance at 6:00 PM and the movie begins at approximately 7:45 PM on Friday. ### 11. Movies Under the Stars at Greenlawn Cemetery Watch the movie _Hocus Pocus_ under the stars at Green Lawn Abbey on Friday night beginning at 6:00 PM. Tickets are available online. There will be food trucks and beverages available for purchase. ### 12. Slaybrook Manor in Westerville This haunted house is scary but family-friendly, and it will be open this Friday and Saturday from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM. It’s recommended for ages 7 and up and is less scary between 6:30 PM and 7:45 PM. Tickets are recommended. Walk-ins will be taken as time allows. Check out this list of 11 fun things to do in Westerville! ### 13. Frolic for All At Groovy Plants Ranch This event celebrates fall and includes live music, local vendors, a petting zoo, face painting and a huge selection of pumpkins. There will also be food trucks on site. Hours are Saturday 9:00 PM – 5:00 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. See 6 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Groovy Plants Ranch! ### 14. Things That Go! Grandview Heights at the Grandview Heights Public Library On Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM the lawn of the Grandview Heights Libraryw ill be filled with a dozen service vehicles including Police and SWAT vehicles, a fire truck, constrution vehilces, the Ghostbuster Ectomobile and more. There will be lawn games, chalk art, bubbles books, music and more! ### 15. Going Nutty: The Nature of Nuts at Three Creeks Metro Park Walk through the woods at Three Creeks Metro Park on Saturday at 10:00 AM to look for nuts, seeds and fruit and learn about the roles they play in Ohio’s ecosystems. All ages welcome. ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Get my list of family-friendly events for the coming weekend delivered straight to your email box each Wednesday night! Email Please wait... Subscribe #### Thank you for signing up! ### 16. Pumpkin Painting at Hoover Gardens Every weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in October, kids can paint pumpkins at Hoover Gardens for $5 a pumpkin. Hours are 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM both days. (Then go through the Haunted Maze!) ### 17. Authors at the Library with Jashar Awan at the Karl Road Library Register in advance for this author talk by Jashar Awan featring his new picture book, Every Monday Mabel. The event begins at 11:00 AM on Saturday and is followed by a book signing and meet and greet. Tickets are required. ### 18. The Pumpkin Walk in Downtown Bellefontaine The Great Pumpkin Walk takes place in downtown Bellefontaine on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. There will be free activities, vendors, treats and family fun, including crafts, trick-or-treating, a puppet show, costume contest, bouncy houses, pumpkin painting, hayrides and more! Some events require a Kid’s Passport for $15. Other activities are free. Related: 5 Fun Things to do with Kids in Bellefontaine, Ohio ### 19. Boo & Brew at Polaris Fashion Place This free event celebrates fall and Halloween with live music, beer sales, food trucks, pumpkin decorating, inflatables and costume contests for kids and dogs! Other activities include face painting, balloon twisting and an appearance by Glinda and Elphaba. It will take place in the outdoor Polaris Lifestyle Center on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. ### 20. Gallery Hop in the Short North Arts District Explore the Short North while galleries and shops stay open late and feature live performances, public art and special events. There will be a Mini Market with local vendors. Hours are 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Saturday. Browse this list of 10 Things to do in the Short North! ### 21. October Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory takes place on the first Sunday of each month from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Residents of Columbus and Franklin County receive free General Admission. Identification is required. This month’s theme is Music in the Palm House. There will be musical performances in the Palm House at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. There will also be a Smart Columbus Ride and Drive Event in the Well’s Barn Parking Lot from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The Children’s Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory is Unlike Anything Else in Columbus! ### 22. LEGO Free Play at Olentangy River Brewing Company Enjoy a free LEGO build on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Olentangy River Brewing Company, provided by BAM Powell. Kids (and adults) can get creative with LEGO bricks while you enjoy a drink. ### 23. Drop In: Animal Signs at Highbanks Metro Park Drop in between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Sunday at the Highbanks Nature Center to learn about the signs that animals leave behind. There will be hands-on activities, too. All ages are welcome. ### 24. Día de los Niños The annual Día de los Niños event takes place at Lincoln Theatre on Sunday and includes music, dance, crafts, food trucks, a theatre show and more! Activities take place from 1:30 PM. 3:00 PM and at 3:00 PM there will be a free performance of MISTER G Presents: Señorita Mariposa: A Bilingual Eco-Adventure. ### 25. Fall Fest at Fancyburg Park This free event takes place from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Sunday at Fancyburg Park in Upper Arlington. There will be hands-on activities for kids, hayrides, pumpkin decorating, food trucks, a corn maze, inflatables, a corn pit, crafts and more. See photos of Fancyburg Park on my list of fun playgrounds in Upper Arlington! ### 26. Darby Creek Day at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Celebrate the anniversary of Darby Creek being named a Scenic River on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. There will be live animals, crafts, archery and more. There will be guided programs at 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM and food trucks will be on site. Read about all there is to do at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park! ### 27. Leaf Rubbing at Quarry Trails Metro Park Go on a 1-mile hike to collect leaves and then use them in a leaf rubbing activitiy at Quarry Trails Metro Park on Sunday at 4:00 PM. Meet at the Kingfisher Shelter. Have you seen the new playground at Quarry Trails? ### 28. Sundays at Scioto Enjoy a free concert featuring Honey & Blue with opener Hannah Hampton at Scioto Park in Dublin on Sunday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. There will be food trucks on site. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Check out this list of things to do in Dublin before the concert! _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: October 3-5, 2025 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: September 26-28, 2025 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 * The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Columbus, Ohio and Beyond ## Family-Friendly Things to do in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! ### 1. Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival From July 31 – October 5, the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival will take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Asian lanterns will highlight wildlife scenes throughout the zoo. Tickets are available online. ### 2. Fall Fun at Olentangy Caverns A Fall Fun Activity Area will opens at Olentangy Caverns on Saturday, September 20th and will run daily through October 31st. The area includes rubber duck races, shooting hoops, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin bouncers, straw bale obstacle course and more! Activity area is available for guests who purhcase admission to any paid activity. Pumpkins and mums will also be for sale. Gus the Squash Carver will be carving a 500lb pumpkin on Sunday from 12:00PM – 4:00 PM. ### 3. Final Weekend! Warm Cups, Warm Hearts with RMHC Do you love art – and spreading kindness?! In this Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring, kids ages 4-12 will enjoy both by decorating cardboard coffee sleeves for families supported by the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio. Register your family, group, team, or class today! This activity is available through 9/28. * * * Sponsored At Five Star Home Services, we deliver expert HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services across Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, driven by our F.A.S.T. Promise: Fast Service, Accountable Always, Service with Purpose (we give 10% back to local charities), and Transparent Pricing. With over 50 years of trusted service, we make home repairs simple, stress-free, and reliable—because you deserve five-star service, every time. * * * ### 4. Family Tram Tours at Scioto Audubon Metro Park Take a tram ride through Scioto Audubon Metro Park on Friday. Trams will run continuously between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Read about 9 fun things to do at Scioto Audubon Metro Park when you’re there! ### 5. Columbus Mac and Cheese Festival This family-friendly event includes mac and cheese samples from central Ohio restaurants, live entertainment, a kid zone, giveaways and more. Proceeds support the OSUCCC-James. The event takes place on Friday from 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM at The Yard at Easton. Tickets are available online. ### 6. Fall Friday at Ethos + Co Cafe Fall Friday includes live music, a food truck, petting zoo, free tractor rides, inflatables, yard games, a fire pit and s’mores station and more! Hours are 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM on Friday. Read about Ethos + Co Cafe and more coffee shops in Westerville! ### 7. Fourth Friday in Uptown Westerville Fourth Friday takes place on Friday in Uptown Westerville from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. There will be live music, roving entertainment, food trucks, pop-up vendors and special activities. ### 8. Free Concert at Columbus Commons Enjoy a free concert by The Navigators at Columbus Commons on Friday night. The activities and food trucks begin at 6:00 PM and the show begins at 7:00 PM. Bring a chair or blanket. The Parachute People will be onsite from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM. ### 9. Fallapaolooza at Hoover Gardens Celebrate harvest at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM both days. There will be bounce houses, food trucks, pumpkin painting, a photo booth, live music, a pumpkin patch and more! The Haunted Maze will be open as well. Check out my list of pumpkin farms for more fall fun! ### 10. Applefest at Lawrence Orchard Applefest will take place at Lawrence Orchards on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. There will be hayrides, music, pony rides, food trucks, ice cream, apple-themed treats and more. Admission is $7/person. ### 11. Firefighter Storytime at Cover to Cover Hear a story and learn fire safety at this storytime at Mallway Park just outside of Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers in Upper Arlington. After the storytime, there will be a touch-a-truck with a real fire truck! This storytime takes place at 10:00 AM on Saturday. Check out my list of 6 amazing children’s bookstores in Central Ohio! ### 12. Oh What A Market at Jaquemin Farms This kids-only craft market takes place on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM and features handmade items by young creators. There will be over 30 kid vendors, local organizations and all the pumpkin fun at Jaquemin Farms. ### 13. Central Ohio Model Railroad Club Open House Visit the COMRC for their Summer Open House and view 6 model train layouts, including a Thomas the Train layout that kids can run. Hours are 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. ### 14. Puzzle Exchange at Whetstone Library Take a puzzle or leave a puzzle at this free puzzle exchange at the Whetstone Branch of CML on Saturday between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. ### 15. Fall Festival at Skate Zone 71 On Saturday from 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM enjoy face painting, a carnival raffle, $1 cotton candy and more at this special fall festival event at Skate Zone 71. ### 16. Grandview Hop On Saturday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, head to Grandview Ave for live music, local shopping, art, food trucks and fun activities for kids! Browse this list of 16 things to do in Grandview! ### 17. Festival for Good While at the Grandview Hop on Saturday night from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, check out vendors and activities provided by the Festival for Good. There will be kids activities like facepainting, cotton candy and the Roochute. ### 18. Welcome to Fall Event at Highbanks Metro Park Saturday from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM celebrate fall at Highbanks Metro Park. There will be free hayrides, inflatables, campfires with marshmallows, archery, and more outdoor activities. The evening ends with an outdoor movie at 8:15 PM. ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Get my list of family-friendly events for the coming weekend delivered straight to your email box each Wednesday night! Email Please wait... Subscribe #### Thank you for signing up! ### 19. Outdoor Movie at Highbanks Metro Park Watch the movie _Shrek 2_ outside at Highbanks Metro Park. The movie starts at dark (around 8:15 PM) on Saturday. Bring a blanket or chairs. There will be free popcorn. (This movie follows the Fall Event which will begin wrapping up at 7:30 PM.) ### 20. Family Sundays at Land-Grant Family Sunday at Land-Grant includes free face painting, coloring pages, a kids’ menu at Ray Ray’s BBQ, Hawaiian shave ice, and an outdoor showing of a movie. This event is from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Sunday. ### 21. UnderCurrent: Walk, Roll, and Play in Downtown Columbus This free event will include local food trucks, pop-up workout classes, live art and more free activities under Current at High & Gay Streets in downtown Columbus. It will take place on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM and guests are encouraged to walk, scoot or skate to the event where the streets will be closed to cars for this special event. ### 22. Worthington Harvest Fest This festival celebrates with harvest-themed treats, games, live music, food specials and more! There will also be a petting zoo with a mini horse. The event takes place on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM in Old Worthington. Read my list of things to do in Worthington before you go! ### 23. Apples: Their History and Uses at Slate Run Farm Between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Sunday, sample heirloom apples, help press cider and stir apple butter at Slate Run Farm. ### 24. Minecraft Hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park Go on a Minecraft-themed scavenger hunt to look for natural objects at Blendon Woods Metro Park on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Meet at the Nature Center. ### 25. Sundays at Scioto Enjoy a free concert featuring Whirlybirds with opener Seth Daily Trio at Scioto Park in Dublin on Sunday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. There will be food trucks on site. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Check out this list of things to do in Dublin before the concert! _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: September 26-28, 2025 - Julie Miller

Some captures taken of our Annual Bike to the Moon ride last weekend by Anne Griepenburg of Boston Cyclists Union.

#groupbikerides #bostoncyclistunion #northernstrandtrail #biketothesea #familyfriendlyevents #gobybike #sharedusepaths #cityofmalden #maldenmassachusetts

Quincy Board Approves Liquor Licenses for Bridal Rock Brewing and Oktoberfest Event Board grants one-day liquor licenses for Quincy 400 and Oktoberfest events in October.

Exciting events are coming to Quincy, including a hot air balloon festival with beer and wine from Bridal Rock Brewing—don’t miss out on the fun this fall!

Click to read more!

#QuincyCityNorfolkCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #FamilyFriendlyEvents #LocalBusinessSupport #CommunityEngagement

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: September 19-21, 2025 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 * The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Columbus, Ohio and Beyond ## Family-Friendly Things to do in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! ### 1. Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival From July 31 – October 5, the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival will take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Asian lanterns will highlight wildlife scenes throughout the zoo. Tickets are available online. ### 2. Thank Local Veterans with Operation Thank You and Seeds of Caring Calling all kind kids! In this do-anywhere project from Seeds of Caring, kids 2-12 will explore the meaning of respect and the many ways we can show it through age-appropriate discussion and a hands-on activity. Then, helping hands will decorate paper grocery bags for veterans supported by the Military and Service Heroes’ food pantry. Participate any time through Oct. 26! ### 3. Delaware County Fair The Delaware County Fair runs September 13th – 20th and includes rides, motorsports events, harness racing, exhibitors, animal shows, crafts, live performances, contests, food and more! * * * Sponsored Leeds Farm features fall family fun on the farm! We have enough farm and fun activities to keep your family moving all day, including the brand new Low Ropes Challenge Course, Pumpkin Express, Tree House, hayrides, feeding farm animals, Pumpkin Plunge slide, two Pumpkin Jumps, John Deere Combine Slide, Mountain Slides, Zip Lines, Rolling Tubes, Straw Forts, Pig Races, Pedal Carts, Trike Track, Tractor Tire Tower, pumpkins galore, and more! * Admission includes all activities except the Big Zip. * Save $4 on each General Admission ticket by pre-purchasing tickets online instead of at the farm gate. * The early season rate for general admission tickets is in effect through Sept. 28. Visit soon and save $4 per pass! * Group Rate Discount: When 10+ General Admission passes are purchased at the same time, you receive a $2 discount per ticket. Visit www.LeedsFarm.com for details and to purchase tickets. Leeds Farm is open weekends only from Sept. 20 to Oct. 26, plus one Friday: Oct. 17. Hours: 10am-5pm. The farm is located at 8738 Marysville Road, Ostrander. * * * ### 4. Young Art Explorers at Miller Park Branch of UAPL This event offers the opportunity for kids ages 2-5 to create art using a variety of provided supplies! Drop into the library between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Friday. Read a list of fun things to do in Upper Arlington! ### 5. STEM Station: Anime & Cartoon Drawing at Barnett Library Participants will learn about Japanese cultures through games, crafts and activities centered around manga, anime and cartoon drawing on Friday at 4:00 PM at the Barnett Branch of CML. ### 6. Scioto Fest at Scioto Audubon Metro Park Scioto Fest takes place on Friday from 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Scioto Audubon Metro Park. The event includes a Yappy Hour, s’mores, food trucks, kayaking, rock climbing, live music, overnight camping, volleyball, yoga, a visit from Ohio Wildlife Center and much more! ### 7. Arts in the Alley The Arts in the Alley Festival takes place in Town Center Park in Grove City on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and features art displays, live demonstrations and local arts for sale. There will be a Voice of Grove City competition on Saturday and a Community Parade beginning at 9:30 AM on Saturday. There is a Kids’ Fun Street and live entertainment. Hours are Friday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. ### 8. Bingo Night at Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop Play Bingo on Friday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM to win prizes and treats. All ages are welcome. This event is free. Read more about Family Room on my list of coffee shops in Westerville! ### 9. Touch a Truck at Hannah Park On Saturday from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM there will be a Touch-a-Truck event at Hannah Park in Gahanna. Get up close to ambulances, police cruisers, snow plows, dump trucks and more! There will also be food trucks and arts and crafts. ## 10. Opening Weekend at Leeds Farm Leeds Farm opens for the season this weekend, and there are two special events happening. The Leeds Farm Autism Harvest Festival takes place on Saturday, beginning at 9:30 AM, and the Military Farm Salute, which gives active duty and retired military personnel a free bag of kettle corn with ID on Saturday and Sunday. General hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Read my list of 18 things to do at Leeds Farm to plan your visit. ### 11. Fall Fun at Olentangy Caverns A Fall Fun Activity Area will opens at Olentangy Caverns on Saturday, September 20th and will run through October 31st. The area includes rubber duck races, shooting hoops, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin bouncers, straw bale obstacle course and more! Activity area is available for guests who purhcase admission to any paid activity. Pumpkins and mums will also be for sale. There will also be a free Sedgie the Hedgehog & Kids Magic Show by Erica Carlson at 3:30 PM on Sunday. ### 12. Opening Weekend at Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm Enjoy special events celebrating opening weekend! Saturday includes a live ventriloquist show, balloon art, highland cows, free face painting, live music, Monster Truck meet and greet. Sunday includes a craft show featuring over 100 vendors. Hours are 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM both days. ### 13. Annual Wool Gathering at Young’s Jersey Dairy This family-friendly event features shearing demonstrations, wool spinning, weaving, live animals on site and more at Young’s Jersey Dairy on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. ### 14. Cartoon Crossroads Columbus at Columbus Metropolitan Library Cartoon Crossroads Columbus is a free city-wide celebration of cartooning and comics happening September 20–21 at Main Library. This family-friendly expo brings together 125 creators selling comics and original art. The event includes panels, workshops, screenings, international guests and a special Kids Track featuring storytelling, crafts, and hands-on comic-making fun. Hours are Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. ### 15. Scrawl 19 in Franklinton This mural festival takes place in Franklinton on Saturday and Sunday and features mural artwork in process, creative vendors, live performers, dance exhibitions, a live DJ, food trucks and more! Hours are Saturday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. ### 16. Fall Fest at HTH Farm Market This free festival takes place on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM and includes a foam party, pumpkin bowling, glitter tattoos, a balloon twister (1:30 PM – 3:30 PM only) baked goods, food and samples. ### 17. Costume Swap: Free Shopping Day at Westerville Public Library Free costumes will be available to “shop” from at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. No cost and no donation is required! ### 18. Baile Folclorico at Gahanna Library Enjoy costumes and Latin dances by Folclor Hispano, a group at the Ohio State University that will perform traditional dances from Spanish-speaking countries on Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Gahanna Branch of CML. ### 19. Mini Masterpieces at Northwest Library Create art on a tiny canvas at Northwest Library in Worthington on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. All supplies will be provided. Dress for a mess! ### 20. THE Buckeye Tree at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Take a short hike to learn about Buckeye Trees! Attendees are encouraged to wear OSU gear! Meet at the Nature Center at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park on Saturday at 4:00 PM. ### 21. Fall Festival at Quest Vineyard Church This free festival includes bounce houses, inflatables, carnival games, sand volleyball, cornhole, live music, food and more at Quest Vineyard Church in Westerville on Saturday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. ### 22. Pumpkin Float and Flick at Hlliard Municipal Park Bring your own pumpkin (5 lbs or less) and watch it be launched into the pond! There will also be a lantern-lit trail and you can watch the movie _Wicked_ in the park afterward. There will be popcorn, face painting, balloons, a photo station, and a pumpkin character! This event takes place on Saturday from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Browse this list of 13 fun things to do in Hilliard! ### 23. LEGO Butterfly Build at Nocterra Brewing Co On Sunday at 12:00 PM, Bricks & Minifigs will host a LEGO Butterfly Build at Nocterra Brewing. Tickets include a LEGO kit and 1 beer ticket. ### 24. Forts, Fire & Fun at Blacklick Woods Metro Park Roast marshmallows by the fire at Blacklick Woods and then build a fort in the natural play area. Meet at the Nature Center on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Check out these 5 family-friendly things to do at Blacklick Woods! ### 25. Visit with a Fire Truck at Hanby Park Explore a fire truck in Hanby Park. Learn about fire safety and different parts of a fire truck. There will be books about fire trucks and an activity packet to take home. This event takes place on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Hanby Park is behind the Westerville Public Library. ### 26. Kids: Fall Discovery Hike at Highbanks Metro Park Join a naturalist for a 1-mile hike in the forest to look for animals, plants and insects. Meet at the Big Meadows Picnic Area at Highbanks Metro Park at 2:00 PM on Sunday. Ages 6-8. ### 27. Sundays at Scioto Enjoy a free concert featuring Angela Perley with opener High Definitions at Scioto Park in Dublin on Sunday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. There will be food trucks on site. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Check out this list of things to do in Dublin before the concert! _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: September 19-21, 2025 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: September 12-14, 2025 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 in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! ### 1. Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival From July 31 – October 5, the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival will take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Asian lanterns will highlight wildlife scenes throughout the zoo. Tickets are available online. ### 2. Help Give Local Kids a Very Happy Birthday with Seeds of Caring Every child deserves the joy of a birthday celebration! In this Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring, kids 4-12 will learn what it means for families to experience “tight times” and why birthdays are so important for everyone. Then they’ll pack birthday bags with items like cake mix, frosting, and candles for families supported by the YMCA Van Buren Center. Participate anywhere, any time through Oct. 5. ### 3. Fall Fest at Anywhere with You Acres Fall Fest takes place Friday through Sunday offering pumpkins and mums, live music, food trucks and a craft show (on Sunday). Hours are Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. * * * Sponsored Looking for a fun Saturday outing? Head to the Scioto Arts Market on Saturday, September 13th from 10am-2pm at the National Veterans Memorial & Museum (300 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215) for a morning of creativity and community! Shop dozens of local artists and makers, live music, food trucks, face-painting, a bounce house for kids, free museum admission, and on-site parking. Free to attend—no registration required! * * * ### 4. Delaware County Fair The Delaware County Fair runs September 13th – 20th and includes rides, motorsports events, harness racing, exhibitors, animal shows, crafts, live performances, contests, food and more! ### 5. Paddle the Peninsula at Scioto Audubon Metro Park Solo, sit-in kayaks and tandems will be available for paddling around the Scioto Audubon Peninsula on Friday between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. You must be 10 and up for solo kayaks and all ages can use tandems. Read about all there is to do at Scioto Audubon Metro Park! ### 6. Uptown Friday Nights in Westerville On Friday from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM enjoy live music and artists throughout Uptown Westerville and many merchants will stay open late. ### 7. Fishing Day at Hilmar Park Go fishing in Hilmar Park in Genoa Township on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Compete for the biggest catch of the day, enjoy hands-on activities, get basic fishing instruction and more. Limited poles will be provided or bring your own. No fishing license is required. ### 8. Harvest Saturday at Lawrence Orchards This Harvest Saturday at Lawrence Orchards in Marion takes place from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. There will be a coffee truck, food truck and Apple Dumpling Day is the theme. Apple picking will be available and the market will be open from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. ### 9. Farm Animal Event at Miller Park Library Visit and interact with farm animals outside the Miller Park Branch in Upper Arlington on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Ages 2 and up. Find more things to do in Upper Arlington! ### 10. Pumpkin Patch Opening Day at Lettuce Work Nursery This new pumpkin patch in New Albany helps young adults with autism make a successful transition from high school into the workplace. Opening day is Saturday, beginning at 10:00 AM, and they will offer u-pick pumpkins and sunflowers. ### 11. Scioto Arts Market The Scioto Arts Market takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the National Veterans Memorial & Museum. Shop dozens of local artists and makers, live music, food trucks, face-painting, a bounce house for kids and on-site parking. Admission to the museum is also free on market day. Saturday’s theme is Cats, Dogs, and Pets. ### 12. Hilltop Hop Hop around the businesses of Broad & Westmoor for a local vendor market, coffee specials, pottery painting, a used bookstore, records and food trucks on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Get my list of family-friendly events for the coming weekend delivered straight to your email box each Wednesday night! Email Please wait... Subscribe #### Thank you for signing up! ### 13. Feria International del Libro Columbus Ohio Connect with more than 25 Latine writers at this International Book Fair on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM at Main Library in downtown Columbus. There will also be a keynote speech by Peruvian Journalist and author Renato Cisneros (requires registration). The book fair is free and open to all. ### 14. Open Studio at Columbus Museum of Art From 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Saturday, stop into the Studio to get creative with all supplies provided! Sensory hour is from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. This activity is included in admission. ### 15. Saturday Storytime with Author Jacqueline Walker Author Jaqueline Walker will share from her book My Secret Birthday Bash at Cover to Cover Children’s Books in Upper Arlington on Saturday at 10:00 AM. ### 16. Second Saturday Storytime at Beanbag Books Enjoy a storytime featuring Little Blue Truck and county fair books at Beanbag Books in Delaware. There will be a Little Blue Truck photo op, too! Storytime takes place on Saturday at 10:30 AM. Check out my list of bookstores in Central Ohio! ### 17. PBJ & Jazz at the Topiary Park Enjoy a kid-friendly jazz concert on the lawn at Topiary Park on Saturday. There will be a story time at the Columbus Metropolitan Library at 11:00 AM and the concert will begin at 12:00 PM. This is a free event. This month’s concert will feature Robert Dove & Friends. ### 18. Bilingual Storytime at Main Library Join a bilingual storytime at Main Library on Saturday at 11:00 AM. There will be stories, songs and puppet stories in both Spanish and English. Recommended for ages 3 and under. ### 19. Bye-Bye Butterflies at Blendon Woods Metro Park On Saturday at 12:00 PM at the Nature Center at Blendon Woods you can watch monarch butterflies be tagged and released for migration and learn about their journey. ### 20. Let’s Go Camping at Northwest Library Spend the night inside or outside the Northwest Library in Worthington on Saturday night beginning at 6:30 PM. There will be campfire tales, games and crafts. You can just stay for the activities from 6:30 PM – 9:00 AM or register to sleep overnight. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register online. ### 21. Wags and Whiskers at West Gate Lodge On Sunday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM celebrate the love of all pets on the lawn at West Gate Lodge. There will be vendor booths, community organizations, a Pet Pageant, raffle prizes and more! ### 22. Fall Festival in Hilliard This festival takes place at Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park in Hilliard on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM and includes food trucks, hay wagon rides, inflatables, homestead games, a petting zoo, pumpin carver, magic show, live music and much more! ### 23. Made by Me Market at Olentangy Caverns Made By Me Market is a kids’ craft market that takes place on the second Sunday of each month from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM at Olentangy Caverns. Items are handmade by local entrepreneurs ages 5-17. Read about all there is to do at Olentangy Caverns! ### 24. Free Blue Jackets Autograph Session at Polaris Fashion Place On Sunday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM there will be a free Blue Jackets autograph session with Denton Mateychuk in the Blue Line store at Polaris Fashion Place. ### 25. Campfire and S’mores at Blendon Woods Metro Park Drop by Blendon Woods on Sunday between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM to make s’mores. Ingredients and roasting sticks will be provided. ### 26. Sundays at Scioto Enjoy a free concert featuring The Ark Band with opener Andy Shaw at Scioto Park in Dublin on Sunday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. There will be food trucks on site. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. ### 27. Sunset with Bison at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Take a short hike to see the bison during the evening hours at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park on Sunday at 7:00 PM. Meet at the Nature Center. _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: September 12-14, 2025 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: Labor Day Weekend 2025 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, Ohio This Weekend: This weekend’s list includes events on Labor Day! These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event occurs multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence. Therefore, be sure to read through the entire list, especially for festivals taking place over **Labor Day Weekend**. Have a great weekend! ### 1. Unofficial Galaxies at COSI This is the last weekend to see Unofficial Galaxies! Unofficial Galaxies is one of the largest Star Wars fan collections in the world and it will be on display at COSI now through September 1, 2025. General Admission and Live Shows tickets are required to experience Unofficial Galaxies. ### 2. Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects at Franklin Park Conservatory This temporary, special exhibit includes horticulture displays made from LEGO bricks! It will be on display throughout the conservatory until September 7, 2025. See my Reel on Instagram for more info! ### 3. Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival From July 31 – October 5, the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival will take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Asian lanterns will highlight wildlife scenes throughout the zoo. Tickets are available online. * * * Sponsored At Five Star Home Services, we deliver expert HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services across Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, driven by our F.A.S.T. Promise: Fast Service, Accountable Always, Service with Purpose (we give 10% back to local charities), and Transparent Pricing. With over 50 years of trusted service, we make home repairs simple, stress-free, and reliable—because you deserve five-star service, every time. Speaking of Five Star, they’re sponsoring a really great giveaway on my Instagram page: there will be two winners and each winner will win a $100 gift card to pour their own candles at Worthington Candle Works. Enter here! * * * ### 4. Bug Balloon Scavenger Hunt at Main Library Search for bug-inspired balloon creations made by Erica Carlson at the Main Library in downtown Columbus all day, every day through Saturday. Hours are 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM on Saturday and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Sunday. ### 5. Friday Storytime at Blendon Woods Metro Park On Friday at 10:00 AM, enjoy a story, rhymes, songs and more featuring the natural world at Blendon Woods Nature Center. Best for ages 2-5. ### 5. Labor Day Family Value Weekend at Young’s Dairy Friday through Monday, enjoy a special Family Value wristband good for all day, unlimited family fun at Young’s Jersey Dairy. Each wristband is good for all day fun on the date purchased. Cost is $22.50 (ages 12 & over) $16.50 (ages 11 & under). Activities include mini golf, batting cages, a driving range, a carousel, fast slides a corn maze and more! ### 6. Labor Day Weekend Skate Pass at United Skates of America Get a Labor Day Weekend Pass at United Skates of America. It includes: 4 Admissions, 4 Skate Rentals, 1 Whole Pizza, 1 Pitcher of Pop and 1 Game Card with 50 Credits, a $104.50 value for $65. The pass is redeemable August 29-September 1. ### 7. Columbus Greek Festival Celebrate the culture of Greece with music, dance, food, shopping, and cathedral tours all weekend. Located at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the Greek Festival begins on Friday and runs through Monday. Hours are Friday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Sunday: Noon – 11:00 PM and Monday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Adults are $5 each and kids under 12 are free. Weekend passes are $10. ### 8. Obetz Zucchinifest The Obetz Zucchinifest takes place Friday night through Monday and includes a car show, live music, a parade, food, rides and activities for kids. The festival and concerts are free to attend, but there is a cost for ride wristbands. Hours are Friday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM and Monday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. ### 9. Princesses & Superheroes at Boardman Arts Park On Friday from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Boardman Arts Park in Delaware, Ohio, the park will be transformed into an interactive stage show featuring princesses and superheroes! There will be meet-and-greet opportunities, photo ops, a concert, food trucks and more. This event is free but RSVP is requested. Check out my list of fun things to do in Delaware, Ohio, including Boardman Arts Park! ### 10. Teens at The Pizzuti On Friday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, teens ages 13-19 can enjoy a special viewing of the new exhibit _Las Vegas Ikebana: Maren Hassinger and Senga Nengudi_ at The Pizzuti. Learn about art and artists and create your own art at this teens-only event. Registration is free and drop-ins are welcome. ### 11. Saint Michael Festival The St. Michael Festival takes place in Worthington from August 29-31: Friday 7-11pm, Saturday & Sunday 5-11 pm. The festival includes live performances, rides (a wrist band is required), a silent auction, food, and more! ### 12. Ohio Cup Vintage Base Ball Festival On Saturday and Sunday, almost 30 vintage base ball teams from all over Ohio will play in the Ohio Cup Base Ball Festival at Westerville Sports Complex. Each day begins at 9:00 AM and the last game of each day will start at 4:00 PM. Games last about 1 hour and are free to watch. Food trucks will also be on site. Bring your own chair. ### 13. Pint-Sized Paint Party at Westerville Public Library Kids ages 5 and under can use taste-safe paint during a free play time on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Clean and messy options are available. ### 14. Saturday Morning Storytime at Cover to Cover Head to Cover to Cover for a storytime every Saturday at 10:00 AM. Pefect for ages 4 and under. Check out this list of 9 wonderful bookstores in Columbus! ### 15. Butterfly Weekend at Blendon Woods Nature Center Drop by the Nature Center at Blendon Woods Metro Park for a daily puppet show, crafts, games, a butterfly hunt and a daily butterfly release. This event will take place from 10:00 AM – 2:00PM on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. ### 16. All in a Day’s Work at Slate Run Farm Stop by the farmhouse at Slate Run Living Historical Farm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to play a matching game and learn about the history of Labor Day and 19th-century occupations. ### 17. Trick Roping at Main Library All ages are welcome to join lariat artist Doug Smith as he demonstrates trick roping. Learn about the origins of roping and watch Doug do tricks! You can also take a turn at learning how to make a rope spin on Saturday at 11:00 AM. ### 18. West Jefferson Ox Roast This annual festival takes place Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It begins with a parade on Saturday at 12:00 PM and continues with vendors, crafts, bounce houses, live entertainment, games, contests, a community church service, kiddie tractor pull, a 5K, Cruise In, and, of course, Ox Roast Sandwiches. Click on the full schedule to see times for all events. ### 19. From Book to Film at Gateway Film Center Get free admission to see _The NeverEnding Story_ (1984) (PG) at Gateway Film Center with your library card as part of the Book to Film series! Showtimes are Saturday at 1:30 PM or Sunday at 11:00 AM. ### 20. Local Author Festival at Bexley Public Library On Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM you can discover and meet local authors at this Local Author Festival at the Bexley Public Library. Gramercy Books will be on hand to sell books that you can have signed by the authors. ### 21. Scioto Social at the Scioto Mile Fountain This end-of-summer block party takes place at the Scioto Mile Fountain on Saturday from 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM. The party includes free caricature drawings, free games, dance classes, drinks, food trucks, free glow sticks and splashing in the fountain! There will also be free Trolley Pub rides between The Junto Hotel and Land Grant Brewing. ### 22. Soberfest at Franklin County Fairgrounds Soberfest features alternative and rock performances, food trucks and vendors, a KidZone with games, arts and crafts, plus info and resources from community organizations focused on recovery, mental health and community support. The festival takes place on Sunday from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. It’s free to attend. Parking is $10. ### 23. Tram Tour at Blacklick Woods Hop on the Tram between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Sunday to take a tour of Blacklick Woods Metro Park. Check out this list of things you won’t want to miss at Blacklick Woods before you visit! ### 24. Glow Kayaking at Prairie Oaks Metro Park Solo kayaks for ages 10 and up and tandem kayaks for all ages will be available for use on Sunday night from 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM at Darby Bend Lakes. First come, first served. ### 25. Labor Day Arts Festival at Northam Park The Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival takes place at Northam Park on Monday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and will include around 120 artists, hands-on art activities, and live music. The Tremont Library will offer a sensory room, nursing station, and baby changing room. _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: Labor Day Weekend 2025 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: August 22-24, 2025 Looking for something fun to do **this weekend** in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly **Columbus and Ohio** –**based** events and activities! Check out these blog posts to plan your Summer Fun in Columbus! * Your Essential Guide to Summer in Columbus, Ohio * Free Fountains and Splash Pads in Columbus, Ohio * Farmers Markets in Columbus and Central Ohio * Summer Nights: Movies, Concerts and More for Every Night of the Week * Outdoor and Drive-In Movie Experiences in Columbus * 35 Free Things to do with Your Kids in Columbus This Summer ## Family-Friendly Things to do in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! ### 1. Unofficial Galaxies at COSI Unofficial Galaxies is one of the largest Star Wars fan collections in the world and it will be on display at COSI now through September 1, 2025. General Admission and Live Shows tickets are required to experience Unofficial Galaxies. ### 2. Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects at Franklin Park Conservatory This temporary, special exhibit includes horticulture displays made from LEGO bricks! It will be on display throughout the conservatory until September 7, 2025. See my Reel on Instagram for more info! ### 3. Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival From July 31 – October 5, the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival will take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Asian lanterns will highlight wildlife scenes throughout the zoo. Tickets are available online. ### 4. Columbus Air Show The Columbus Air Show takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Rickenbacker International Airport. Tickets are available online and kids 15 and under are free when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. The festival features air performances and family-friendly activities. Hours each day are 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. ### 5. Family Craft: Mixed Media at Westerville Public Library Use mixed media to create unique pieces of art at the Westerville Public Library on Friday at 10:00 AM. ### 6. Fourth Friday in Uptown Westerville Fourth Friday takes place on Friday in Uptown Westerville from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. There will be live music, roving entertainment, food trucks, pop-up vendors and special activities. ### 7. Columbus Egyptian Festival This festival takes place at St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Celebrate Egyptian culture and heritage with authentic Egyptian food, church tours, henna drawings, games, children’s activities and more. Hours are Friday from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM. ### 8. LEGO Bulk Smash at Bricks & Minifigs Powell Smash and pick apart LEGO sets and buy pieces at a discount at this event at BAM Powell on Friday night from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. ### 9. Ultraviolet Night Hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park Use a blacklight to look for hidden colors of the night on a hike. Limited supplies will be provided at Blendon Woods Metro Park on Friday from 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM. ### 10. Bug Balloon Scavenger Hunt at Main Library Search for bug-inspired balloon creations made by Erica Carlson at the Main Library in downtown Columbus all day Saturday and Sunday. Hours are 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM on Saturday and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Sunday. ### 11. Saturday Morning Storytime at Cover to Cover Head to Cover to Cover for a storytime every Saturday at 10:00 AM. Pefect for ages 4 and under. Check out this list of 9 wonderful bookstores in Columbus! ### 12. Let’s Make Sock Puppets at the Old Worthington Library Make sock puppets with yarn and beads and learn puppeteering tricks at this event at Old Worthington Library on Saturday at 10:00 AM. ### 13. Grove City YMCA Family Fun Day This free Family Fun Day includes a touch-a-truck, swim assessments, crafts, bounce house, food trucks, horse rides and more activities! It takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Grove City YMCA. ### 14. Back to School Event at Main Library This back-to-school event at the Main Library in downtown Columbus will include local organizations showcasing their programs and resources on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. There will also be a fire truck and Fire Safety House on site and a magic show by Jim Kleefeld at 11:00 AM. ### 15. Weiland’s Party in the Parking Lot This annual party includes live music, local vendors and artisans, a Mini Makers Market, games and activities for kids and food and drink. It takes place on Saturday from 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM and is free to attend. ### 16. Women & Girls Fest at MPACC Box Park This festival takes place on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM and includes vendors, live performances, food trucks and community resources. It takes place at MPACC Box Park and celebrates women and girls with live entertainment and activities for all. ### 17. Central Ohio Model Railroad Club Open House Visit the COMRC for their Summer Open House and view 6 model train layouts, including a Thomas the Train layout that kids can run. Hours are 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. ### 18. Columbus ArborFest in Whetstone Park Arborfest takes place in Whetstone Park in Clintonville on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. There will be live music and poetry readings, nature crafts for kids, a scavenger hunt, story time, special presentations and educational opportunities, food trucks, guided nature walks and much more! ### 19. Dublin Village Community Fest This festival takes place on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM and features live music, food, bounce houses, games, interactive demonstrations, yoga and more. ### 20. Beats and Brews: A Friends of the Library 50th Birthday From 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday, celebrate 50 years of the Friends of the Library at Main Library’s Kaufman Plaza. There will be love music, a storytime, cake, yard games, and more! This is a free event. ### 21. Build a Butterfly Feeder at Highbanks Nature Center Drop in to the Highbanks Nature Center on Saturday between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to build a butterfly feeder to take home. ### 22. Preshistoric Park at Blacklick Woods Metro Park Find prehistoric animals on a half-mile, self-guided hike at Blacklick Woods on Saturday between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. ### 23. Conservatory Explore: Brick Nights at Franklin Park Conservatory Visit Franklin Park Conservatory at night for a special event where you can get creative with LEGO bricks! The theme is Favorite Video Games. Special engagement tickets are required. This event takes place from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Saturday. ### 24. Grandview Hop On Saturday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, head to Grandview Ave for live music, local shopping, art, food trucks and fun activities for kids! ### 25. Family Sundays at Land-Grant Family Sunday at Land-Grant includes free face painting, coloring pages, a kids’ menu at Ray Ray’s BBQ, Hawaiian shave ice, and an outdoor showing of the movie _Encanto_. This event is from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Sunday. ### 26. For Families: Meet Author Tracy Blom & Bug Hunt at Highbanks Metro Park Join local author Tracy Blom as she reads from her new book, _Lissa Loves Bugs_. Afterwards, there will be an off-trail exploration bug hunt! Ages 3 and up. This event takes place on Sunday at 2:00 PM. ### 27. International Festa-val at Franklin County Fairgrounds This festival takes place from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Sunday at Franklin County Fairgrounds. Celebrate the diversity of Central Ohio with international performances, music, a cultural fashion show, art, family-friendly activities and food. This is a free event. ### 28. Merion Village Festival This annual festival takes place on from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday at Moeller Park and it features artists, local businesses and community organizations. There will be food trucks, a beer garden, live musical performances, interactive art and activities for kids. ### 29. UnderCurrent: Walk, Roll, and Play in Downtown Columbus This free event will include local food trucks, pop-up workout classes, live art and more free activities under Current at High & Gay Streets in downtown Columbus. It will take place on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM and guests are encouraged to walk, scoot or skate to the event where the streets will be closed to cars for this special event. _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: August 22-24, 2025 - Julie Miller

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 EAB 2025 is Family-Friendly – Kids Welcome!
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Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: August 15-17, 2025 Looking for something fun to do **this weekend** in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly **Columbus and Ohio** –**based** events and activities! Check out these blog posts to plan your Summer Fun in Columbus! * Your Essential Guide to Summer in Columbus, Ohio * Free Fountains and Splash Pads in Columbus, Ohio * Farmers Markets in Columbus and Central Ohio * Summer Nights: Movies, Concerts and More for Every Night of the Week * Outdoor and Drive-In Movie Experiences in Columbus * 35 Free Things to do with Your Kids in Columbus This Summer ## Family-Friendly Things to do in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! ### 1. Unofficial Galaxies at COSI Unofficial Galaxies is one of the largest Star Wars fan collections in the world and it will be on display at COSI now through September 1, 2025. General Admission and Live Shows tickets are required to experience Unofficial Galaxies. ### 2. Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects at Franklin Park Conservatory This temporary, special exhibit includes horticulture displays made from LEGO bricks! It will be on display throughout the conservatory until September 7, 2025. See my Reel on Instagram for more info! ### 3. Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival From July 31 – October 5, the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival will take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Asian lanterns will highlight wildlife scenes throughout the zoo. Tickets are available online. ### 4. Bring Smiles to Seniors with Seeds of Caring In this FREE Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring, kids 6-12 will explore why seniors can experience loneliness through an empathy-building exercise. Then you’ll decorate cards and write messages of caring for seniors living at National Church Residences. Register your family, youth group, or team now and participate any time through August 31! ### 5. Dick’s House of Sport Grand Opening The grand opening of Dick’s House of Sport at Polaris Fashion Place will include prizes, special appearances, giveaways and more on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Wristbands are required for special appearances of Archie Griffin and Jeremiah Smith. They will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at store open on the day of the event. The store opens at 9:00 AM on Friday and Saturday and at 10:00 AM on Sunday. ### 6. Alphabet Walk at Slate Run Farm Explore the farm while learning 26 alphabetical facts about tools, animals and farm life in the 1880s at Slate Run Farm in Canal Winchester. This activity can be done any time on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. ### 7. Cinema Under the Stars in Friendship Park Wat​ch the movie _Madame Web_ at Friendship Park in Gahanna on Friday night. Activities like a bounce house, Kona Ice and Ohio Wildlife Center begin at 5:30 PM. The movie begins at 8:00 PM. ### 8. End of Summer Bash in Stradley Park Celebrate the end of summer in Stradley Park in Canal Winchester on Friday from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Activities include a dunk tank, bounce house, balloon animals, live performances, face painting, food trucks, crafts and more! Live music will be provided by The Treble Catz. ### 9. Little Grand Market’s 1st Birthday Celebration Celebrate the Little Grand Market’s 1st birthday on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Activities include special drinks, live music, yoga in the park, the Little Grand Farmers Market, surprise happy hours, and a Crew Watch Party. Sunday will be more family-friendly with activities on the patio like face painting, bubble stations and piñata smashing. At 1:00 PM on Sunday, there will be an official cutting of the cake! Festivities begin at 7:00 PM on Friday, 9:30 AM on Saturday and 11:00 AM on Sunday. Check the link for the full schedule. ### 10. Breakfast with the Bees at Barley Moon Botanicals Anyone age 10 and up can don a beekeeper suit and get a hands-on look at honeybees in action. This event also includes a honey-infused breakfast and a wellness talk. The event takes place on Saturday at 9:00 AM. Tickets are available online. Veterans and first responders are free. ### Sign Up for Our Newsletter! Get my list of family-friendly events for the coming weekend delivered straight to your email box each Wednesday night! Email Please wait... Subscribe #### Thank you for signing up! ### 11. Once Upon Ohio at Ohio History Center This event is perfect for young children and includes book-themed activities and crafts, Ohio authors and illustrators, a performance by the Shazzbots, bilingual story times, and more! Timed tickets are available online for this event on Saturday, beginning at 10:00 AM. Read more about visiting Ohio History Center! ### 12. The Barbie Sports Club Tour at Easton Town Center Shop for active-inspired apparel, accessories and drinkware at the Barbie Sports Club Truck which will be popping up at Easton Town Center near Crate & Barrel on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM. ### 13. Cartoon Capers at the Ohio Theatre Watch classic cartoons on the big screen at the Ohio Theatre on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Tickets are available online. ### 14. Columbus Food Truck Festival Try out a wide selection of food trucks at this annual festival on Saturday and Sunday at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard. Tickets are $5 online and $10 at the door. There will be live music, a crafters market and over 40 food trucks. Hours are 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM on Saturday and 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM on Sunday. ### 15. Magical Balloon Mystery at Main Library Enjoy an interactive read-aloud with Erica Carlson and Drew Dittmar at Main Library on Saturday at 11:00 AM. There will be magic tricks, drawing tutorials, costumed characters, a balloon scavenger hunt, animal friends and more. Best for ages 6 and under. Check out my Instagram post featuring the Giant Bugs at Main Library! ### 16. Try It! Archery at Scioto Grove Metro Park Try out archery for free between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM on Saturday at Scioto Grove Metro Park in Grove City. All equipment and instruction will be provided. Ages 8 and up. Read about all the fun things to do in Grove City! ### 17. Shrek: The Musical at The Avalon Theatre Watch _Shrek: The Musical_ on Saturday at 2:00 PM at The Avalon Theatre in downtown Marysville. Tickets are available online. ### 18. Japan FestOH! at Riverside Crossing Park This festival takes place on Saturday from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Riverside Crossing Park in Dublin. It will include live performances, workshops, cultural displays, vendors and food and drink, all celebrating Japanese culture. General Admission is free but a donation of $10/per adult is suggested. An Activity Pass is required for the hands-on activities for kids. Tickets for workshops are available online. ### 19. Summer Movie Series at New Albany Parks and Recreation Watch _The Wild Robot_ on Saturday in Bevelhymer Park in New Albany. Festivities begin at 6:30 PM on Saturday and the movie begins at sunset. ### 20. A.P.E.S. Summer Open House Meet the White-Handed Gibbons and help care for them at the American Primate Educational Sanctuary in Blacklick on Sunday between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Tickets are $10/person. ### 21. Summer Fungi at Blacklick Woods Metro Park Search for mushrooms and learn about them on a 1.25-mile hike at Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Sunday at 3:00 PM. Meet at the Nature Center. See 5 Fun Things to do at Blacklick Woods Metro Park! ### 22. Concerts on the Green in Worthington On Sunday, beginning at 7:00 PM, there will be a free concert on the Northwest Village Green in Worthington. Bring a blanket or chair to enjoy a concert by the George Barrie Band. _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: August 15-17, 2025 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: August 8-10, 2025 Looking for something fun to do **this weekend** in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly **Columbus and Ohio** –**based** events and activities! Check out these blog posts to plan your Summer Fun in Columbus! * Your Essential Guide to Summer in Columbus, Ohio * Free Fountains and Splash Pads in Columbus, Ohio * Farmers Markets in Columbus and Central Ohio * Summer Nights: Movies, Concerts and More for Every Night of the Week * Outdoor and Drive-In Movie Experiences in Columbus * 35 Free Things to do with Your Kids in Columbus This Summer ## Family-Friendly Things to do in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! ### 1. Unofficial Galaxies at COSI Unofficial Galaxies is one of the largest Star Wars fan collections in the world and it will be on display at COSI now through September 1, 2025. General Admission and Live Shows tickets are required to experience Unofficial Galaxies. ### 2. Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects at Franklin Park Conservatory This temporary, special exhibit includes horticulture displays made from LEGO bricks! It will be on display throughout the conservatory until September 7, 2025. See my Reel on Instagram for more info! ### 3. Junie B Jones The Musical Jr. at Columbus Children’s Theatre This fun musical is filled with songs and stories of June B’s first day of first grade. It’s 60 minutes long and great for ages 5 and up. The show will run from July 24 to August 10th with several show times each weekend. It takes place at Studio One at the Riffe Center. * * * Sponsored Looking for a fun Saturday outing? Head to the Scioto Arts Market on August 9 from 10am-2pm at the National Veterans Memorial & Museum (300 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215) for a morning of creativity and community! Shop dozens of local artists and makers, live music, food trucks, face-painting, a bounce house for kids, free museum admission, and on-site parking. Free to attend—no registration required! * * * ### 4. Visit with a Live Rabbit at Westerville Public Library Visit with a live rabbit in the Kids Area at Westerville Public Library, August 5-August 15th, during regular business hours. ### 5. Farm Days at COSI From August 6-10, you can learn about farm equipment and the science behind farming on the west side of COSI. There will be baby chicks and other farm animals, as well as farm vehicles for kids to get up close to. Read more about visiting COSI! ### 6. Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival From July 31 – October 5, the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival will take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Asian lanterns will highlight wildlife scenes throughout the zoo. Tickets are available online. ### 7. Try it! Kayaking and SUP at Quarry Trails Metro Park Try stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking for free on Friday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Quarry Trails Metro Park. All equipment will be provided. First come, first served. There will be tandem kayaks for all ages. Solo kayaks are for ages 10 and up only. ### 8. Commons for Kids On Friday mornings from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Columbus Commons, enjoy free kid-friendly activities including lawn games, carousel rides, face painting, and educational activities from community partners. This Friday’s theme is Art. (This is the last Commons for Kids of the summer!) Read about all of the fun things to do at Columbus Commons this Summer! ### 9. Bison at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Learn about bison and take a hike in the park to see them up close on Friday at 10:30 AM. Meet at Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center. ### 10. Back to School Bash at Tanger Columbus On Friday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM get ready for Back to School with free crafts, games, caricature artist, live music and more. This event will be located near the Nike and Coach stores at Tanger Outlets. ### 11. Friday Night Flicks at Easton Town Center Watch The Lego Movie at Easton Town Square on Friday at 7:00 PM. Beginning at 6:00 PM there will be activities like photos with Emett, a Lego-style caricature artist and food available for purchase. ### 12. Scioto Arts Market The Scioto Arts Market takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the National Veterans Memorial & Museum. Shop dozens of local artists and makers, live music, food trucks, face-painting, a bounce house for kids and on-site parking. Admission to the museum is also free on market day. Saturday’s theme is Sports, Fitness & Outdoors. ### 12. Grand Opening of the Blue Couch Bookshop Celebrate the grand opening of a new bookstore in Grandview with free coffee and other giveaways. There will be a visit with Esteban the Magnificent from The Day the Crayons Came Home at 3:00 PM. Doors open at 10:00 AM on Saturday. Read this list of 16 fun things to do in Grandview! ### 13. Hilltop Hop Hop around the businesses of Broad & Westmoor for a local vendor market, coffee specials, pottery painting, a used bookstore, records and food trucks on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. ### 14. Get-Ready-for-School Storytime at Northwest Library This story time will help kids 6 and under get ready for preschool and kindergarten with books, songs and activities at 10:30 AM on Saturday. ### 15. August Open Barn Day at Sunrise Sanctuary Visit with the animals at Sunrise Sanctuary on Open Barn Day, Saturday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Tickets are available online. ### 16. Hello, Summer! at Main Library Enjoy a crafting experience with Ohio Craft Museum and learn how to transform dyed wool into felt at the Main Library on Saturday at 11:00 AM. ### 17. Festival Latino in Genoa Park On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy a free, family-friendly celebration of Latin America with children’s activities, music, food, fashion, art and dance in Genoa Park. Hours are 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM each day. ### 18. PBJ & Jazz at the Topiary Park Enjoy a kid-friendly jazz concert on the lawn at Topiary Park on Saturday. There will be a story time at the Columbus Metropolitan Library at 12:00 PM and the concert will begin at 1:00 PM. This is a free event. This month’s concert will feature Laura Camara. ### 19. Free Kayak Day on the Scioto River From 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Saturday there will be free kayak, tandem kayak or stand-up paddleboard rentals under the Main Street Bridge in downtown Columbus. This is a first come, first-served opportunity for anyone ages 5 and up. Kids 12 and under must ride with a parent. You must arrive early and get in line to get a wristband. The line will close when maximum capacity is reached. ### 20. Big Darby Creek Stream Exploration & Lecture This is a two-part event that includes an introductory lecture at the Ohio History Center about the Big and Little Darby Creek State and National Scenic River on Saturday, August 9th at 1:00 PM. The second session will take place on August 23rd and participants will wade into Big Darby Creek to use nets to collect aquatic bugs and learn to identify them. You must attend the first session in order to attend the second! Sign up online. ### 21. Craft a Creature at Blacklick Woods Metro Park Piece together different animal parts to create your own species at the Blacklick Woods Nature Center on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. ### 22. Learn to Crochet with Friends at Shepard Library Anyone ages 12 and up can learn to crochet at the Shepard Branch of CML on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Bring a hook if you have one. ### 23. Made by Me Market at Olentangy Caverns Made By Me Market is a kids’ craft market that takes place on the second Sunday of each month from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM at Olentangy Caverns. Items are handmade by local entrepreneurs ages 5-17. Also, on August 10th, there will be free face painting from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Read about all there is to do at Olentangy Caverns! ### 24. Science Sunday at Blacklick Woods Metro Park Learn about which snakes live in Ohio and take a short walk to look for snakes at Blacklick Woods On Sunday from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM. ### 25. Sunday Funday: End of Summer Fair in Historic Worthington From 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Sunday, there will be music, balloons, food trucks, games, activities, and more to celebrate the end of summer in Historic Worthington. ### 26. Calling all Caring Kids! Kid-friendly service meet-up with Seeds of Caring Join Seeds of Caring Sunday, Aug. 10 at 1:30 pm as we partner with Alicia’s Closet to support children living in foster care spaces. Kids 4-12 and their families will meet at the Seeds of Caring Office to learn about different types of foster care, then help assemble snack bags and fun activity kits. All supplies will be provided. ### 27. For Kids: Walking Sticks at Blendon Woods Metro Park Learn about walking stick bugs and make a craft to take home at Blendon Woods Metro Park on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. ### 28. Family Concert Series at Hilliard Library Enjoy a family-friendly concert by Chamber Brews at the Hilliard Branch of CML on Sunday at 3:00 PM. ### 29. Concerts on the Green in Worthington On Sunday, beginning at 7:00 PM, there will be a free concert on the Northwest Village Green in Worthington. Bring a blanket or chair to enjoy a concert by Columbus Soul & Salvage. _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: August 8-10, 2025 - Julie Miller

Augustoberfest 2023 Plans Include Veterans Area and Family Friendly Activities Augustoberfest will feature a veterans area, new games, and volunteer opportunities this year.

Washington County's Augustoberfest is back with exciting new features, including a dedicated veterans' area and family-friendly activities!

Learn more here

#WashingtonCounty #MD #CitizenPortal #FamilyFriendlyEvents #VolunteerismSupport #CommunityFestival #WashingtonCountyVeterans

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: August 1-3, 2025 Looking for something fun to do **this weekend** in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly **Columbus and Ohio** –**based** events and activities! Check out these blog posts to plan your Summer Fun in Columbus! * Your Essential Guide to Summer in Columbus, Ohio * Free Fountains and Splash Pads in Columbus, Ohio * Farmers Markets in Columbus and Central Ohio * Summer Nights: Movies, Concerts and More for Every Night of the Week * Outdoor and Drive-In Movie Experiences in Columbus * 35 Free Things to do with Your Kids in Columbus This Summer ## Family-Friendly Things to do in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! ### 1. Unofficial Galaxies at COSI Unofficial Galaxies is one of the largest Star Wars fan collections in the world and it will be on display at COSI now through September 1, 2025. General Admission and Live Shows tickets are required to experience Unofficial Galaxies. ### 2. Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects at Franklin Park Conservatory This temporary, special exhibit includes horticulture displays made from LEGO bricks! It will be on display throughout the conservatory until September 7, 2025. See my Reel on Instagram for more info! ### 3. Ohio State Fair The Ohio State Fair runs from July 23 – August 3 and includes rides, concessions, art displays, live music, strolling performers, kids’ entertainment, farm animals, competitions and more. Kids will love the Natural Resources Park with free fishing, kayaking and kid-friendly activities. ### 4. Lancaster Festival The Lancaster Festival begins on Thursday, July 24th and runs through Saturday, August 2nd. Highlights this weekend include Chalk the Block, ArtWalk in downtown Lancaster on Friday night from 6:00 PM. – 9:00 PM and Festival Fair Day on Saturday from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Some of the musical events have been cancelled due to flooding, but other activities will go on. Read my list of fun things to do with kids in Lancaster, Ohio! ### 5. Junie B Jones The Musical Jr. at Columbus Children’s Theatre This fun musical is filled with songs and stories of June B’s first day of first grade. It’s 60 minutes long and great for ages 5 and up. The show will run from July 24 to August 10th with several show times each weekend. It takes place at Studio One at the Riffe Center. ### 6. Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival From July 31 – October 5, the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival will take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Asian lanterns will highlight wildlife scenes throughout the zoo. Tickets are available online. ### 7. What Is It? at Slate Run Farm Find out what mystery objects were used for in the 1880’s at Slate Run Farm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. ### 8. Commons for Kids On Friday mornings from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Columbus Commons, enjoy free kid-friendly activities including lawn games, carousel rides, face painting, and educational activities from community partners. This Friday’s theme is Music. Read about all of the fun things to do at Columbus Commons this Summer! ### 9. Baby & Me Tour at Columbus Museum of Art Explore art with your baby during a multi-sensory experience at the Columbus Museum of Art. Perfect for ages 0-2 and their caregivers, this tour takes place on Friday at 10:30 AM. Register online. (Free for members). ### 10. Dublin Irish Festival The Dublin Irish Festival takes place Friday through Sunday. Hours are Friday: 4:00 PM – Midnight, Saturday: 11:00 AM – Midnight and Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM. There will be live music, vendors, food trucks, a Wee Folk Area and Pot-o-Gold Playland for kids, cultural exhibits and much more! Tickets are available online. Those arriving between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM will recieve free admission on Sunday. ### 11. Family Movie Night at Columbus Commons Watch a free, outdoor showing of Tangled at Columbus Commons on Friday night at 7:00 PM. Free popcorn while supplies last. Bring chairs or a blanket. ### 12. Bugstravaganza at Walnut Woods This celebration of insects includes the OSU Bugmobile, crafts, a beekeeper, and of course lots of bugs and insects! Free food will be served. This event takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM in the Buckeye Area of Walnut Woods Metro Park. ### 13. Animal Visit at Westerville Public Library See, touch and learn about farm animals at this live animal visit at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. This event will take place on the front lawn. Read this list of fun things to do in Westerville! ### 14. Don’t Let the Pigeon Plan a Party at Northwest Library Enjoy crafts and activities inspired by Mo Willems’ books on Saturday from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM! Plus there will be a visit from a special guest! Ages 8 and under. ### 15. Storytime at Clintonville Books Enjoy a visit and story time with authors Paula Vertikoff and Marie Weller featuring their new book Cranium Critters: Teaming Up with the Memory Keeper on Saturday at 11:00 AM. ### 16. Flower Power at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Learn about native plants and do a flower-themed craft at Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. ### 17. Baby Block Party at the Hilltop Library Enjoy stories, a Bubble Dance Party and more at the Hilltop Branch of CML on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. ### 18. Gallery Hop in the Short North Gallery Hop takes place on Saturday, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Explore the Short North Arts District, with new art, live music, community pop-ups and hands-on activities. ### 19. Cave Yoga at Olentangy Caverns Enjoy a yoga class inside the cave at Olentangy Caverns on Saturday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Ages 12 and up. Tickets are available online. Read 10 Things to do at Olentangy Caverns! ### 20. CMA Community Day Community Day is free for all on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Columbus Museum of Art. Celebrate 10 years of the Margaret M. Walter Wing and enjoy a day of activities. ### 21. August Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory takes place on the first Sunday of each month from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Residents of Columbus and Franklin County receive free General Admission. Identification is required. This month’s theme is Plant the Power Veg Fest. There will be a performance by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at 12:00 PM and a wellness festival on the Community Garden Campus from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. ### 22. Fairy House Building at Blendon Woods Metro Park Collect natural materials and make Fairy Houses for the Blendon Woods fairies on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. meet at the Nature Center. Check out all there is to do at Blendon Woods Metro Park! _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: August 1-3, 2025 - Julie Miller

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: July 25-27, 2025 Looking for something fun to do **this weekend** in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly **Columbus and Ohio** –**based** events and activities! Check out these blog posts to plan your Summer Fun in Columbus! * Your Essential Guide to Summer in Columbus, Ohio * Free Fountains and Splash Pads in Columbus, Ohio * Farmers Markets in Columbus and Central Ohio * Summer Nights: Movies, Concerts and More for Every Night of the Week * Outdoor and Drive-In Movie Experiences in Columbus * 35 Free Things to do with Your Kids in Columbus This Summer ## Family-Friendly Things to do in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend: These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend! ### 1. Unofficial Galaxies at COSI Unofficial Galaxies is one of the largest Star Wars fan collections in the world and it will be on display at COSI now through September 1, 2025. General Admission and Live Shows tickets are required to experience Unofficial Galaxies. ### 2. Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects at Franklin Park Conservatory This temporary, special exhibit includes horticulture displays made from LEGO bricks! It will be on display throughout the conservatory until September 7, 2025. See my Reel on Instagram for more info! ### 3. Ohio State Fair The Ohio State Fair runs from July 23 – August 3 and includes rides, concessions, art displays, live music, strolling performers, kids’ entertainment, farm animals, competitions and more. Kids will love the Natural Resources Park with free fishing, kayaking and kid-friendly activities. * * * Sponsored At Five Star Home Services, we deliver expert HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services across Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, driven by our F.A.S.T. Promise: Fast Service, Accountable Always, Service with Purpose (we give 10% back to local charities), and Transparent Pricing. With over 50 years of trusted service, we make home repairs simple, stress-free, and reliable—because you deserve five-star service, every time. * * * ### 4. Lancaster Festival The Lancaster Festival begins on Thursday, July 24th and runs through Saturday, August 2nd. Highlights this weekend include Chalk the Block, ArtWalk in downtown Lancaster on Friday night from 6:00 PM. – 9:00 PM and Festival Fair Day on Saturday from 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Read my list of fun things to do with kids in Lancaster, Ohio! ### 5. Junie B Jones The Musical Jr. at Columbus Children’s Theatre This fun musical is filled with songs and stories of June B’s first day of first grade. It’s 60 minutes long and great for ages 5 and up. The show will run from July 24 to August 10th with several show times each weekend. It takes place at Studio One at the Riffe Center. ### 6. Preschoolers: Creeking at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Splash in the creek at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park and look for animals. Best for ages 3-5. Wear closed-toed shoes. Meet at the Indian Ridge Picnic Area on Friday at 9:30 AM. ### 7. Baby Olympics: Diaper Dash at Westerville Public Library Babies age 3 and under can complete physical feats like walking a balance beam, crawling through a tunnel, digging in a ball pit and the main attraction, the Diaper Dash! There will be medals and photo ops for all on Friday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the Westerville Public Library. ### 8. Commons for Kids On Friday mornings from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Columbus Commons, enjoy free kid-friendly activities including lawn games, carousel rides, face painting, and educational activities from community partners. This Friday’s theme is STEM. Read about all of the fun things to do at Columbus Commons this Summer! ### 9. Live Animals with Cool Critter Outreach at the Hilltop Library Visit with live animals like snakes, lizards and tortoises at the Hilltop Branch of CML on Friday at 2:00 PM. ### 10. Teens Connect – Pokémon Battle at Karl Road Library Learn how to play Pokémon and hang out with friends at the Karl Road Library on Friday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Ages 12-17. ### 11. Fourth Friday in Uptown Westerville Fourth Friday takes place on Friday in Uptown Westerville from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. There will be live music, roving entertainment, food trucks, pop-up vendors and special activities. ### 12. Summer Movie Night at Topiary Park Watch the movie _Clueless_ at Topiary Park on Friday night. Food truck and activities begin at 7:30 PM and the movie starts at 8:30 PM. This is a free event. Check out the cool topiary sculptures at Topiary Park! ### 13. Scavenger Hunt at Quarry Trails Metro Park Pick up a scavenger hunt in the lobby of Quarry Trails Metro Park and take a hike to search for the items. Return it and get a prize! You can do this activity on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM. ### 14. Saturday Morning Storytime at Cover to Cover Head to Cover to Cover for a storytime every Saturday at 10:00 AM. Pefect for ages 4 and under. Check out this list of 9 wonderful bookstores in Columbus! ### 15. Squishmallow Arts and Crafts at Northwest Library Enjoy Squishmallow arts and crafts at the Northwest Library on Saturday from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM. Ideal for ages 6-11. ### 16. Central Ohio Model Railroad Club Open House Visit the COMRC for their Summer Open House and view 6 model train layouts, including a Thomas the Train layout that kids can run. Hours are 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. ### 17. Grandview Hop On Saturday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, head to Grandview Ave for live music, local shopping, art, food trucks and fun activities for kids! Read my list of restaurants in Grandview to plan your night! ### 18. Cinema Saturday at Riverside Crossing Park Watch an outdoor movie at Riverside Crossing Park on Saturday. The first movie is _Super Mario Bros. Movie_ beginning at 6:00 PM and the second is _Jurassic World: Dominion_ , beginning at 8:00 PM. ### 19. Christmas in July in Downtown Hilliard Christmas in July will take place on Saturday in downtown Hilliard from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. There will be shopping at local businesses, vendors, live music, and a Shop Local Passport to complete for a prize! P.S. Check out my Reel featuring 5 Things to do in Hilliard, including a $50 gift card giveaway to Coffee Connections! ### 20. Family Sundays at Land-Grant Family Sunday at Land-Grant includes free face painting, coloring pages, a kids’ menu at Ray Ray’s BBQ, Hawaiian shave ice, and an outdoor showing of the movie _Tangled_. This event is from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Sunday. ### 21. A.P.E.S. Summer Open House Meet the White-Handed Gibbons and help care for them at the American Primate Educational Sanctuary in Blacklick on Sunday between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Tickets are $10/person. ### 22. Butterfly Hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park Start at the Nature Center at Blendon Woods for a butterfly talk and then take a 1-mile guided hike to search for butterflies on Sunday at 2:00 PM. ### 23. Magic in the Park at Weaver Park Enjoy two magic shows on Sunday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM in Weaver Park. The first show at 5:00 PM will be Erica Carlson and Magic Nate and the second swow at 6:00 PM will be COSI Live Science. This is a free event. _**Share this post with your friends!**_ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio! _*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!*_

Family-Friendly Events This Weekend in Columbus, Ohio: July 25-27, 2025 - Julie Miller

Culver's sponsors Heartland Hometown Celebration parade for second consecutive year Culver Scoopy represents Culver's as a presenting sponsor at the Heartland Hometown Celebration.

The Village of Hartland is buzzing with excitement as local businesses, including the beloved Culver's mascot Scoopy, gear up for the much-anticipated Hometown Celebration Parade!

Get the details!

#WI #CitizenPortal #FamilyFriendlyEvents #LocalBusinessSupport #CommunityCelebration

Matthews Live outlines festival plans and nonprofit funding process for 2025 Matthews Live board presents new plans and funding structure for nonprofit involvement at upcoming festival.

Exciting changes are on the horizon for the Matthews Alive festival, with a new funding process and community-driven updates aimed at enhancing this beloved event!

Learn more here

#MatthewsUnionCounty #NC #CitizenPortal #FamilyFriendlyEvents #CommunityEngagement #MatthewsFestival

Asheville Area Movies in the Park Options

Asheville Area Movies in the Park Options wnctimes.com/entertainmen... #wnc #wncentertainment #wncnews #wncevents #events #familyfriendlyevents #FamilyFun #movietime #avl #asheville #ashevillenc #localevents #localentertainment