Family events in Hilliard, OH

Presented by Fifth Third Bank, this weekly lunchtime gathering at Columbus Commons brings together a lineup of ten of the city’s best food trucks, serving a wide range of delicious options. Attendees can bring their dogs, meet up with friends, or enjoy a solo meal in the sunshine. The mix of trucks changes each week, offering a fresh variety of flavors.

All-day open play at Little Diggers Grove City keeps little ones active, engaged, and creating. It works for planned playdates, a spur of the moment outing, or any time a space is needed where kids can be kids. No reservation is required. A brief waiver is completed on arrival, then the fun begins.

Colony Cats & Dogs will bring adoptable cats and kittens to Petco Upper Arlington. Every cat has been tested for FIV and FeLV, vaccinated, microchipped, spayed/neutered, and dewormed, so they are ready for new homes. An approved application is required to complete an adoption.

Grandview Avenue transforms into an open-street market and community celebration produced by the Columbus Young Professionals (CYP) Club. A half-mile stretch from 1st to 5th becomes a pedestrian corridor that connects Grandview Heights, Columbus, and the greater Central Ohio community. This free, family-friendly experience features more than 200 local vendors, makers, artists, nonprofits, and food trucks, along with live music, hands-on art, and activities for all ages. New for 2026, the Community Courtyard at Grandview Center offers themed experiences including Chalk the Courtyard, a classic car showcase, a Columbus sports pavilion, and a pet expo with a pop-up dog park. Attendees can browse handcrafted goods, discover neighborhood shops, and enjoy local flavors at Grandview Avenue restaurants while building community connections. Additional highlights include a charity beer garden that supports local nonprofits and community initiatives, entertainment throughout the event footprint, outdoor dining, public art, family activities, and opportunities for engagement. The event is produced by the CYP Club with support from the City of Grandview Heights, the City of Columbus, local businesses, sponsors, and a wide network of participating vendors and volunteers. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Wandering Quills Bookshop returns to Grandview Hop this year for a short run with only a small number of appearances. Those nearby who have been waiting to visit will have a brief window to stop by before it wraps up.

St Agatha Church hosts its yearly picnic, continuing a simple tradition for the church community.

Watch the Columbus Crew face the New England Revolution while honoring the Type 1 Diabetes community at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Tickets are offered at a savings compared to face value and include access to the match. Five dollars from each ticket goes to Breakthrough T1D, supporting research and the ongoing effort to find cures for Type 1 Diabetes. Friends, families, and fellow supporters can enjoy soccer in Columbus together while helping make an impact.

The Columbus Toy & Game Show returns to the Ohio Expo Center’s Lausche Building as one of Ohio’s longest-running gatherings for toys, video games, trading card games, and collectibles. Browse more than 400 vendor tables offering a wide range of items for every kind of collector. Activities include arcade machines set to free play, face painting, and appearances by the Columbus Ghostbusters and the Rebel Legion. Concessions will be available from Schmidt’s Sausage Haus. The event welcomes collectors of all ages and provides family-friendly fun. Attendees can track down long-sought pieces, discover unexpected finds, and spend the day alongside hundreds of fellow collectors.

Now in its fourth year, this festival brings Central Ohio’s global community together at the Ganyard Building at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. Experience live international performances and music, a cultural fashion showcase, visual arts, and family-friendly activities that celebrate neighbors from around the world.

An acoustic guitar trio from Columbus performs a blend of country, rock, alternative, oldies, folk, and more spanning the decades, with plenty of familiar tunes that invite sing-alongs. The concert goes on in any weather, shifting from the outdoor stage to the indoor theater if conditions require it. As part of the Hilliard DORA, attendees may bring their own beverages. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are welcome, and the on-site gallery will be open to view the current exhibit. Indoor restrooms and free parking are available. The series showcases a range of local and regional musicians.

This open play time features complimentary rides on the carousel, parachute activities, building with large blue Imagination Playground blocks, and space to kick a soccer ball. There is also plenty of room for self-directed fun.

Enjoy a public skating session with a budget-friendly admission offer. Two skaters can enter for $10, and single admission is $6. Skate rental is available for $6. For questions or ticket information, call 614-239-7202.

Connect with fellow fans of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon video games at VGMX’s Pokémon League. This casual gathering welcomes all ages and experience levels, creating a friendly space to play and meet others who enjoy collecting and gaming. For questions or concerns, contact Ellen at professorellensevents@gmail.com.

This special day opens the play area to older brothers and sisters so they can take part instead of watching from the sidelines. They can build, dig, and explore right alongside their younger sibling. Older siblings of any age are welcome when accompanied by a sibling who is 7 or younger, and the older child’s admission is handled the same as for ages 7 and under. It is offered every third Wednesday from opening to closing hours, and no special reservation is needed. Shared play helps grow confidence, problem solving, and resilience at every age. It also keeps families together rather than splitting up or leaving older kids at home, and gives big kids a chance to be positive role models, creative leaders, and stronger builders. Older children must be accompanied by a sibling age 7 or under.

This bi-weekly meetup in Central Ohio brings together Modern Alternative Mamas for conversation and connection. Attendees share stories about motherhood, womanhood, personal values, and day to day life in a relaxed, supportive setting. A kid-friendly space is available so little ones can play while adults enjoy herbal tea and meaningful chats. The focus is on offering a safe, welcoming community where questions are encouraged and new friendships can grow.

This farmers market at the Conservatory features locally grown produce, fresh-baked goods, specialty foods, handmade items, and health and beauty products from vendors. EBT is accepted for eligible purchases, and EBT shoppers can receive bonus dollars for fresh fruits and vegetables through the Produce Perks Columbus program. Children can participate in VEGGIE CHAMPS, a weekly activity that awards Veggie Bucks to spend at the market. The market runs in rainy weather, but will be canceled during hazardous conditions such as high winds, lightning, or extreme heat.

Start climbing with an introductory class at DICK’S House of Sport designed for beginners ages 6 and up. Certified coaches provide a safety briefing and gear walkthrough, then lead guided climbs on the indoor wall. Participants receive step by step instruction and encouragement with a focus on building confidence, improving technique, and developing strength. The session welcomes both kids and adults and offers a supportive setting for new climbers as well as anyone looking to refresh the basics.