IKEA Columbus holds a variety of activities and workshops through the year. Registration may be required for some, and most require you join the IKEA FAMILY member program - it's free! IKEA Family You must be an IKEA Family member to qualify for the sale, but it's quick and easy (and free) to … [Read more...] about IKEA Columbus Midsummer Buffet, Kids Eat Free night, and more
family activities
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
All Ohio Reptile Show with dragons, pythons, and frogs – now even bigger!
Are you a fan of creepy, crawly, scaly, and slithery things? Check out the All Ohio Reptile Show located at the Franklin County Fairgrounds each month! The largest Reptile Sale and Show in Ohio has been held since 1988! Each month, professional dealers/vendors offer a wide variety of reptiles … [Read more...] about All Ohio Reptile Show with dragons, pythons, and frogs – now even bigger!
Guide to Columbus Museum of Art Free Sundays, $5 Thursdays, and More
If you’re looking for a fun and creative day out in Columbus, the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) is a top choice for all ages! With Free Sundays, $5 Thursday evenings, and a big lineup exhibitions and events, it a gem for locals and visitors alike. CMA Admission and Hours Columbus Museum of … [Read more...] about Guide to Columbus Museum of Art Free Sundays, $5 Thursdays, and More
KidX Touch a Truck and Superman fun at Polaris Fashion Place
KidX Club at Polaris Fashion Place brings kids together with FREE activities that inspire them to explore their world. Kids will have fun, playful and educational experiences at the events throughout the year. KidX Touch a Truck Monday, June 21, 2025 | 12 pm - 2 pm In the outdoor Polaris … [Read more...] about KidX Touch a Truck and Superman fun at Polaris Fashion Place
Get Outdoors at Alum Creek State Park
Spending time in the great outdoors is a relaxing and wonderful experience. In central Ohio, we are fortunate to have plenty of greenspaces and parks, including Alum Creek State Park located in Delaware County. Only 25 minutes north of downtown Columbus, Alum Creek's 4,630-acres of shale … [Read more...] about Get Outdoors at Alum Creek State Park
Free Friday Night Flicks and Summer concerts in Pickerington
There's nothing like hanging out on a blanket on a warm summer night watching a movie under the stars or catching and evening concert outside. Head to Pickerington on Friday Nights to the Sycamore Creek Park Amphitheater for a movie at dusk with Friday Night Flicks. Bring a blanket, … [Read more...] about Free Friday Night Flicks and Summer concerts in Pickerington
Red, White and Boom Fireworks and Celebration
The BOOM is Back! Red, White and Boom returns in 2025 with the biggest fireworks show in the Midwest, celebrating 40+ years! Red, White and Boom! is Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Downtown riverfront and Arena District in Columbus, Ohio. This annual festival features music, … [Read more...] about Red, White and Boom Fireworks and Celebration
2025 Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival bring top musicians
The Annual Creekside Blues and Jazz Fest returns to the Creekside District on June 13-15, 2025 for the 26th year! The event brings the top regional and national blues and jazz talent to Gahanna on 3 stages, food vendors, retail vendors, and more. Creekside Blues and Jazz … [Read more...] about 2025 Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival bring top musicians
Drive in Theaters in Ohio, including Columbus and Central Ohio
We love the vintage feel of a drive in movie experience. I went to the drive-in with my family many times growing up - piled in our station wagon. We've taken our young children to Skyview Drive-in Lancaster, and they loved the experience (even if they didn't make it to the second movie). Drive … [Read more...] about Drive in Theaters in Ohio, including Columbus and Central Ohio
Free ‘Gone Fishing’ event at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops for kids
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are aiming to get kids interested in fishing with their FREE fishing activities for kids at the Gone Fishing event near Father's Day. June 6-8 and 13-15, 2025 from 11am-3pm 'Gone Fishing' event at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops features catch-and-release ponds, … [Read more...] about Free ‘Gone Fishing’ event at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops for kids
Summer Kids’ Series at Studio 35 (free for kids!)
When the weather isn't what you want or the kids have become annoying, go to the movies! Studio 35 is showing favorite family movies for the Summer Kids’ Series thanks to sponsor CollegeAdvantage 529 Plan. Kids' tickets are FREE, adults are $5. Catch a movie at 10:30 am on Saturday, … [Read more...] about Summer Kids’ Series at Studio 35 (free for kids!)
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 21, 2025! There's so much to do...from caverns, petting zoo, playground, putt-putt, gem … [Read more...] about Caverns, animals, and adventure at Olentangy Caverns
Free Fishing Days in Ohio and other states
Get the family to some water for National Fishing and Boating Week, a celebration of fishing and boating the first week of June every year. The week highlights the benefits of recreational boating and fishing, as well as preserving our country's natural beauty. Each state celebrates different … [Read more...] about Free Fishing Days in Ohio and other states
Liberty and Lunacy: Doo Dah Parade and Block Party
The Annual Doo Dah Parade is celebrating its 42nd year in the Short North on July 4, 2025! Celebrate Liberty and Lunacy with this wacky parade in the Short North. The Line-Up begins around noon at Goodale Park heading north, with the parade at 1:00 p.m. No registration required … [Read more...] about Liberty and Lunacy: Doo Dah Parade and Block Party