s We may have lost a legend, but Dolly's legacy lives on through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which sends free books to kids ages 0-5, each month! The Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library was created by joining forces with Dolly's Imagination Library to improve early childhood literacy … [Read more...] about Free books for kids with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio
Events for Families and Kids
Paddle on! Trapper John’s Canoe Livery on Big Darby Creek
Trapper John's Canoe Livery is open for the 2026 season! Spring and Summer are here, and canoeing is a great option during the dog days AND once we head into fall and the leave start to change. Trapper John's Canoeing is about 15-20 minutes south of the city on Big Darby Creek and … [Read more...] about Paddle on! Trapper John’s Canoe Livery on Big Darby Creek
Fourth Street Fridays with food, fun, and community
Get ready for a summer night to remember! Fourth Street Fridays features festive evenings full of community vibes, local eats, and more. From 6 to 10 p.m., North Fourth Street will transform into an open-air celebration with live music, food and drink specials, games, … [Read more...] about Fourth Street Fridays with food, fun, and community
Caverns, animals, and adventure at Olentangy Caverns
Get out of the house and spend a couple of hours at Olentangy Caverns just north of Columbus. If it's your first time there, you'll wonder why you've never gone before! They opened for the season on March 19, 2026, and are open every single day through November 1! There's so much to do...from … [Read more...] about Caverns, animals, and adventure at Olentangy Caverns
Home Depot Free Kids Workshops: School Bus Organizer – Sep 5
Kids love learning new skills, and Home Depot has been a leader in teaching kids how to build for years with Home Depot Free Kids Workshops. Stores are once again offering free in-person workshops again, with the option to purchase monthly kits to build at home. Home Depot Free Kids … [Read more...] about Home Depot Free Kids Workshops: School Bus Organizer – Sep 5
Nelsonville Bigfoot Festival Coming to Historic Public Square in October
Bigfoot fans and curious families can head to Nelsonville this fall for the inaugural Nelsonville Bigfoot Festival, taking place Oct. 2-4, 2026, on the Historic Public Square. Organized by the local Bigfoot Educational Group Nelsonville, the free, family-friendly festival will celebrate … [Read more...] about Nelsonville Bigfoot Festival Coming to Historic Public Square in October
Days of Knights transports you to Medieval Times (Oct 10-11)
Are you ready to party like it's 1399? Days of Knights is coming on October 10-11, 2026 to Lancaster, Ohio - less than 40 minutes from Columbus! Travel back in time and experience the Middle Ages during one of the largest medieval-focused living history events in the country. Days of … [Read more...] about Days of Knights transports you to Medieval Times (Oct 10-11)
Fall beauty and Pumpkins Aglow returns to Franklin Park Conservatory
It's about to get spooky fun at Franklin Park Conservatory with Pumpkins Aglow! Experience the magic of the harvest season at the Conservatory under the stars, surrounded by glowing pumpkins and enchanting scenery. While the Harvest Blooms exhibition is the daytime attraction in the fall, … [Read more...] about Fall beauty and Pumpkins Aglow returns to Franklin Park Conservatory
Hocking Hills Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival: 1000’s of glass blown pumpkins
Hiking, fall foliage, and beautiful scenery may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Hocking Hills, but the Hocking Hills Glass Pumpkin Festival celebrates beautiful glass-blown art in the Hills. Renowned glassblower Jack Pine’s popular Annual Glass Pumpkin Festival returns … [Read more...] about Hocking Hills Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival: 1000’s of glass blown pumpkins
Graeter’s Lil’ Pints Playroom: A Sweet Spot for Fun
Tucked into the back of Graeter's on Bethel Rd. is a fun indoor ice cream-themed playroom that is going to be your favorite place to hang with little ones on days when it's too hot, too cold, too rainy. Or when you just want some delicious Graeter's ice cream! Formally known as Graeter's … [Read more...] about Graeter’s Lil’ Pints Playroom: A Sweet Spot for Fun
Visit rescued animals at Open Barn Days at Sunrise Sanctuary
If you're an animal lover, make plans to visit Sunrise Sanctuary for Open Barn Days! You'll meet the dogs, cats, bunnies, and a plethora of farm animals who have been rescued and now call Sunrise "home". Sunrise Sanctuary, Inc. is a non-profit organization that rescues and cares for farmed and … [Read more...] about Visit rescued animals at Open Barn Days at Sunrise Sanctuary
Explore Grandview: The Grandview Hop 2026
Spend the evening in Grandview on select Saturdays in summer months from 5 - 9 p.m., to celebrate the best that Grandview has to offer at the Grandview Hop. The Grandview Hop is Grandview’s summertime night market and community stroll - and is the perfect chance to enjoy the area. What to … [Read more...] about Explore Grandview: The Grandview Hop 2026
Best photography locations in Columbus
Is it time to update your family photos, or looking for somewhere to take Homecoming photos or senior pictures? Spring, Summer, and Fall are all great seasons to take outdoor photos, and provide a variety of scenery. We've gathered a list of some of the best locations for photos in Columbus. In … [Read more...] about Best photography locations in Columbus
Rides on the The Ohio Railway Museum
Train enthusiasts of all ages will love The Ohio Railway Museum in Worthington! Not only can you check out the amazing collection of trains, you can take a two mile round trip demonstration ride on one of the museum's streetcars or interurbans. Founded in 1948, The Ohio Railway Museum … [Read more...] about Rides on the The Ohio Railway Museum
Marmon Valley Summer Fun, Farm Harvest and Country Christmas
Enjoy fun on the farm at Marmon Valley Farm in Zanesfield, Ohio. Located just 35 minutes northwest of Dublin, the farm is a great place to spend a couple of hours with kids. Enjoy a hayride or trail ride through the scenic hills Logan County, play in the Play Barn, visit the animals, and try out … [Read more...] about Marmon Valley Summer Fun, Farm Harvest and Country Christmas
