Family events in Westerville, OH

Highbanks Metro Park hosts a festive run with options for a 5k, 10k, half marathon, 1 mile, and a kids dash. Race day includes on-site packet pickup before the start, and children in the dash meet at the main start area and are guided to their starting point. The anthem precedes the main start, and live results with on-site awards are available at the registration tent right after you finish. Every entry comes with race swag that includes a shirt and a finisher medal, plus chip timing with live results for the timed distances, as well as free photos and snacks at the finish. The 1 mile is untimed and still includes a bib, shirt, and medal. The kids dash is for ages 10 and under and includes a mini bib, a youth shirt, and a special medal, and children may also participate in the dash at no cost if they choose to skip the swag. The event welcomes all paces and fitness levels in a family friendly atmosphere. Youth pricing is available for the 5k and 10k for ages 12 and under at $17. To guarantee a shirt, complete registration by the deadline two Thursdays before race day.

A community walk, roll, and run at Westerville Sports Complex raises awareness of brain injury. Participants can choose a 5K, a 1 mile course, or a Kids Dash, and accessible options are available. The event welcomes friends and families of all ages and ability levels. If attending in person is not possible, a virtual option is offered.

Enjoy complimentary general admission every Sunday at the Columbus Museum of Art, with access to special exhibitions included. This weekly offering is supported by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All and Free for the Future Campaign donors. Friends and families can explore the Walter Wing and collaborate on a puzzle in a gallery. There is something to discover around every corner. Photo credit: JToland Photo.

Lenny Pearce brings the Toddler Rave World Tour to KEMBA Live in Columbus for an indoor, all-ages experience. Ticket transfer will be delayed for this event and will not be available immediately. Resale on AXS Resale is also not available right away and may be offered later. Please review the terms of AXS’s Purchase Agreement for more information.

The Columbus Walk to End Alzheimer’s is part of the largest event of its kind worldwide, raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Individuals, families, corporate teams, and supporters of all ages gather to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The experience features an opening ceremony, a Promise Garden that recognizes personal connections, and a meaningful walk alongside others committed to the cause. Participation helps fund critical care and support for local families while advancing research toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Participants can start or join a team and honor a loved one while helping move this mission forward.

Celebrate fall at the KidsLinked New Albany Pumpkin Run, presented by Ohio ENT & Allergy Physicians. Now in its second year, this family-friendly event offers two ways to participate. Choose the 1 or 2 mile run on a playful course that starts with bubbles. Finishers take home a small pumpkin and a pumpkin medal, and can pick a Pumpkin Mug or a Tritan 1L Sports Water Bottle. Costumes are encouraged, with awards for funniest, most original, and best costume, recognizing the top two or three in each category. Additional recognition goes to the top 10 male and female finishers for each distance. Families can also opt for the Trick-or-Treat Fun Run at a quarter or half mile on a new route. It begins with bubbles and features themed stops, with the Halloween Ball and a small stuffed animal on both distances, plus a Halloween rubber duck and a candy treat on the half mile. Finishers receive a small pumpkin, a pumpkin medal, and the same gift choice, and the costume contest applies here as well. Packet pickup is available on race day only, with check-in at the back of the venue marked by a giant inflatable pumpkin. Please note that pets are not permitted. Strollers are welcome and the course is on grass. The run is planned to proceed in rain, sunshine, or cold, with delays only if lightning is visible. If conditions are unsafe, distances may be adjusted or the event may be canceled. Updates will be shared on KidsLinked’s Facebook page and by email. This run is part of the KidsLinked New Albany Fall Festival and TreatFest.

A kid-focused fall market features spooky Halloween cake pops for purchase. Enjoy a sweet treat and explore the fun fall activities at the caverns.

Handmade treasures take center stage at a kids-only craft market where young makers manage their own booths and share what they create. This edition includes free balloon twisting, a performance by the Shazzbots Band, and the chance to purchase pawpaw trees from local heritage farmer Valerie Libbey. Schmidt's Food Truck will be on site. Each month features special guest entertainers and rotating options such as face painting, balloon twisting, or airbrush tattoos.

Celebrate Italian heritage and community spirit at the 17th Annual Italian Festival Parade and High School Marching Band Competition, organized by the Columbus Piave Club. The route moves through Victorian Village, the Short North, and Italian Village, finishing at the Columbus Italian Festival. Look for lively marching bands, vintage cars, and showcases from local groups along the way. Participation is open to bands, organizations, businesses, and other groups. There is no entry fee for most participants, and groups are encouraged to carry a banner. A $100 fee applies to politicians or political organizations.

Experience a choral showcase with five distinct ensembles that trace a journey from the bright, youthful tones of third graders to the polished sound of musicians preparing for college-level performance. The program is suitable for all ages. Presale tickets are $12 for students and seniors and $15 for general admission. At the box office and on the day of the concert, tickets are $15 for students and seniors and $18 for general admission. Children 5 and under are free.

Enjoy a lively story time at Marengo United Methodist Church with story readings, singalongs, hands-on crafts, and plenty of playful fun. Designed for preschoolers and their grown-ups, this friendly session creates space to read, sing, and make simple crafts together.

Children in kindergarten through fifth grade can practice reading aloud during a 15 minute session with Benny, a therapy dog certified by TDI, to build confidence. Completing three RTAD sessions earns a free 3D printed keychain. To reserve a session, visit the front desk or call 740-927-9986.

This community dinner brings neighbors, friends, and families together to share a hearty home-cooked meal in a welcoming setting. Guests can enjoy dinner along with activities for all ages that vary with the weather. Admission is $5 for adults, and children under 18 are free. It offers a low-cost way to connect with others, meet new people, and spend quality time around the table.

Skate the rink with a budget-friendly public session that is great for pairs or solo skaters. Admission is $10 for two people or $6 for one, and skate rentals are available for $6.

Older siblings get to step into the playspace and share the fun with their younger brother or sister. Big kids can build, dig, and explore side by side instead of waiting on the sidelines. Older children of any age may attend when they are with a sibling who is 7 or younger, and admission for the older child is handled the same way as for ages 7 and under. This option is available every third Wednesday during all open hours, and no reservation is required. The experience supports confidence, problem solving, and resilience at every age. It keeps families together rather than splitting plans, and gives big kids a chance to act as role models, lead creatively, and grow their building skills. Participation requires being accompanied by a sibling age 7 or under.

Designed for busy individuals and families, 5 & Drive offers a convenient, affordable way to enjoy a home-style dinner with a quick drive-through pickup and no cooking or cleanup. A suggested donation of $5 per meal supports this community ministry and helps keep meals accessible for neighbors. The menu features a cheese and chicken quesadilla, Texas cole slaw, and churros.

Discover indoor climbing at DICK’S House of Sport with a beginner friendly class designed for ages 6 and up. Participants start with a safety overview and a look at essential gear, then move to the rock wall for supervised climbs led by certified coaches. Instruction focuses on building confidence, improving technique, and developing strength in a welcoming environment suited to new climbers of any age.

Honor Flight Columbus returns from Mission 156, bringing home veterans who served with courage and sacrifice. At John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Columbus, OH, community members can line the terminal to offer the Welcome Home many never received years ago. For some, this may be the first time they hear those words. Applause, flags, and gratitude are welcome, helping show that their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. Mission 156 is sponsored by The Ragan & McNamara Family.

At the South Shelter near the Aquatic Center and baseball fields, the Ohio School of Falconry leads an engaging program about raptors found in Ohio. Learn how falconry began, how it has evolved through the centuries, and why hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons are vital to thriving ecosystems. The presentation also explains how falconry contributes to raptor conservation. Presented by Plain City Parks and Recreation, this program is free and open to the public.

Decorate cupcakes with floral designs inspired by succulents, roses, and other blooms while learning up to date techniques for weddings, showers, and parties. Personalize your creations by choosing your own colors, and take home a dozen cupcakes with a polished, professional finish. This class is for adults and for teens ages 13 and up. All ingredients, baked goods, tools, and supplies are provided, and an apron is recommended. A 22 piece basic decorating kit is available for $30 and includes two reusable bags, twelve small tips, two silicone bag rings, two couplers, three scrapers, and a spatula, and it is not required for the event. GF $25 and Vegan $30. Please share any dietary or other needs at registration. The facility is not nut free. Attendance is limited and all sales are final with no refunds or exchanges, including for illness, though tickets may be given to a friend. If the organizer needs to reschedule or cancel, you will be contacted by email and offered a full refund or the option to transfer to another available event. Street parking is available.

Settle out on the grass for a Halloween-themed movie night with complimentary popcorn available until it runs out. Pack a blanket or a folding chair for comfort. The bar will be pouring drinks, and a food truck will be serving on site.

Play is a powerful way for young children to build early literacy and social skills. This event offers opportunities for imaginative activities, hands-on skill building, and meaningful interaction for children and their caregivers. Designed for early learners from birth to age five, it takes place at the Johnstown (Mary E. Babcock) location.

A hands-on gallery experience designed for children ages 3 to 4 and their caregivers, offered on the third Friday of each month. Together, participants explore artworks through conversation, movement, and playful activities that encourage close looking and shared discovery. The program nurtures early language development, sparks curiosity, and builds confidence while fostering meaningful connections between adults and children. Expect to observe carefully, talk about what you notice, imagine together, and play, then leave with simple ideas to keep creative learning going during future museum visits and at home. Caregivers are asked to stay nearby and explore alongside their child throughout the session. Backpacks are not permitted in the galleries. Registration is free for members and $10 for nonmembers, and covers admission for one child and one adult.

A Rooted Village Community costume swap offers an alternative to purchasing a new costume. Bring a costume to share, pick one to take home, or both. Early donations can be dropped off at Mainstreet Treasures before the event to help build the selection. Donations are also accepted the night of. Costumes of all sizes are welcome, from baby to adult, and all are welcome. This swap is part of the Pumpkins-On-Main festivities, with other activities happening in uptown Plain City, including the Haunted Library.

Celebrate the season in the Uptown District with an evening of Halloween fun. Local merchants feature special shopping deals, candy, and opportunities to win prizes. The festivities also set the stage for the Haunted Library at the Plain City Public Library. Whether the draw is spooky fun, browsing, or sweets, Pumpkins on Main offers a festive start to the night.

Kids step into the role of maker in this free, in-person robotics workshop at the Courtyard by Marriott in New Albany. Over 75 minutes, participants assemble a working robot from real components, write code to control it, and watch their creation move. Presented by Moonpreneur, the session focuses on active, age-based learning that helps children think like problem solvers rather than simply following steps. Through playful challenges, participants build, test, and refine ideas while teaming up with peers. Families can expect children to leave with stronger confidence, a clearer sense of how hardware and software connect, and fresh enthusiasm for STEM. Bring a laptop, Windows or Mac. There is no cost to attend, and sessions are grouped by age to match the right level of challenge. Families will also find a community of local participants and guidance on next steps for kids who want to keep building.

Wizfest, The Mini Ren of Delaware, brings a whimsical, fantasy-filled atmosphere with activities and entertainment for all ages. A lively marketplace features vendors offering handcrafted goods, curios, and treasures suited to witches, wizards, rogues, and noble travelers. Hungry guests will find food trucks serving tasty fare, and drinks are available from the onsite bar cart. Performances and activities unfold throughout the event, including a bubble artist fairy filling the air with iridescent bubbles, the fiery artistry of a pyromancer, and bold appearances by The Columbus Tyrants. A live band sets the tone alongside a variety of stage acts. Young adventurers can enjoy a bounce house, and face painting invites transformations into knights, enchanted beings, or favorite storybook characters. Costumes from bards to dragon tamers fit right in, creating a day centered on music, magic, fire, feasting, and fantastical fun.

Participants gather at the church to pack donated groceries, then deliver the filled bags to a nearby community in need. This monthly outreach welcomes families and individuals to take part together. The goal is to support neighbors with groceries and a caring presence, sharing hope and kindness with each delivery.

Blue Couch Bookshop hosts a storytime for little ones, offering a simple chance to listen to stories together.

Enjoy a Pokemon-themed skating session featuring a Pokeball scavenger hunt, an appearance by a Pikachu character, and a trading card station, plus more activities. Admission is $15 and includes a mini glow stick and a Pokemon card for trading. Skate rental is $6. Guests ages 3 to 17 must pay admission and either rent skates or bring their own. Non-skating adults may enter at no charge. An online waiver is required for all skaters, including adults and parents of skating children, and the signed confirmation must be presented at admissions. Birthday party bookings are available.

Colony Cats (& dogs) brings adoptable cats and kittens to Petco in Upper Arlington. Every cat is FIV and FeLV tested, vaccinated, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and dewormed, and is ready for a new home. Adoptions require an approved application.

The Harvest Fest at LC Gahanna features inflatables, apple cider, hot cocoa, live music, a vendor market, and a happy hour at the Goat. Attendees will find a mix of activities, refreshments, and live entertainment in a festive setting.