Family events in Columbus, OH

The event offers free carousel rides, parachute games, and hands-on building with Imagination Playground blue blocks. Attendees can kick around a soccer ball and enjoy plenty of space for self-directed play.

This friendly Pokémon League brings together fans of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon video games to play and connect. Participants of any age and experience level are welcome, with a relaxed focus on fun, community, and a shared love of collecting and playing. For questions or concerns, contact Ellen at professorellensevents@gmail.com.

This weekly Tuesday skating special features two admissions for $10 or a single admission for $6. Skate rental is $6.

Older Siblings Playtime opens the playspace to big brothers and sisters so they can take part instead of waiting on the sidelines. Big kids can build, dig, and explore alongside their younger sibling for a shared play experience. Kids of any age may participate when they come with a sibling who is 7 or younger, and admission for the older sibling is the same as the price for ages 7 and under. It is offered every third Wednesday during regular hours, and no special reservation is needed. Play together to build confidence, strengthen problem solving, and grow resilience at every age. Families can stay together, and older kids can step into roles as role models, creative leaders, and stronger builders. All older participants must be accompanied by a sibling age 7 or under.

Presented by Fifth Third Bank, this gathering at Columbus Commons brings together ten of Columbus’ best food trucks for a showcase of diverse lunch options. Each week features plenty of variety, making it easy to try something new. Attendees can bring their dogs and friends, or enjoy a solo meal in the sunshine.

Enjoy a tropical twist in the treetops with an easygoing summer atmosphere and outdoor thrills. Dress in island-inspired gear like floral shirts, leis, bright hues, or beachy outfits to collect freebies and enjoy chances at prizes while making memories with friends and family. Clothing should be suitable for zip lining, with no loose or bulky pieces, and closed-toe shoes required. Reservations are recommended.

The 6th Annual Come Together Recovery Festival takes place at Franklin Town Square, celebrating recovery in the mountains. Participants can hear testimonies of success and receive information from local agencies and support groups. Free activities are available for kids. Live music includes Hoppie Vaughan, then Marshall Ballew, and finally the Modern Mammals.

After a nail-biting finish in last year’s Mount Vernon Battle of the Books, Harper and Amelia return as captains determined to lead their teams to a win. When pressures at home spill into practice, their stress takes on a vivid life of its own... characters from their reading list begin to appear, and a covert group bans the books and shuts down the contest. With everything on the line, the students fight to keep the competition alive while trying to repair strained relationships. Honored with the 2026 New Hampshire Theatre Awards Excellence in Playwriting after a production at Andy’s Summer Playhouse, this coming-of-age story blends comedy, drama, magical realism, and movement. It considers poverty, grief, coping under pressure, single-parent families, legacy, friendship, and the effects of book bans. This professional premiere brings the journey to the stage at Riffe Center Studio Theatres.

Ohio Stadium hosts a college football matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Illinois Fighting Illini. Children under age 2 are admitted at no cost when seated on an adult’s lap. Bags are mostly prohibited, with only medical bags, diaper bags, or small clutches no larger than 8x5x1 allowed, and guests carrying bags must use designated entrances for screening. Ticket access includes a public sale, presales for the Ohio State Alumni Association and for all alumni, and a resale option.

Open Studio at CMA welcomes all ages to explore and create with a variety of art materials, guided by monthly themes inspired by exhibitions and artworks on view. The experience encourages participants to think like artists and discover new ways of making. A quiet hour is offered for visitors who prefer a calmer setting, especially those with sensory sensitivities. On the first Saturday of each month, Open Studio is reserved for members.

The Warren Marching Warriors are set to compete in the Central Ohio BOA Regional Championships at Crew Stadium. Official performance times will be announced later.

Free general admission is available every Sunday, made possible by support from Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All and donors to the Free for the Future Campaign. Admission to special exhibitions is included. Visitors can explore the Walter Wing, work together on a puzzle in a gallery, and enjoy time with friends and family. Engaging experiences can be found throughout the museum. Photo by JToland Photo.

Trinity Lutheran Church hosts an Oktoberfest celebration featuring traditional food, beer, live entertainment, and a rummage sale. A homemade German lunch is available for $10 and includes brats, curry wurst, sauerkraut, and German potato salad. A kids meal is offered for $5 with a hot dog and either chips or applesauce. Beverages come with all meals, and beer can be purchased with separate tickets. Desserts are available for an additional charge. Entertainment is provided by the Germania Hauskapel and the Men’s Maennerchor.