The BOOM is Back! Red, White and Boom returns in 2026 with the biggest fireworks show in the Midwest, celebrating 40+ years! Red, White and Boom! is Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Downtown riverfront and Arena District in Columbus, Ohio. This annual festival features music, … [Read more...] about Red, White and Boom Fireworks and America 250 Celebration
family activities
Ohio Reptiles and More Expo in Springfield this June
Get ready for a weekend filled with scales, slithers, and family-friendly fun at the Ohio Reptiles and More Expo in Springfield this June. Springfield Reptile Expo The annual expo returns to the Clark County Fairgrounds on June 27-28, 2026, bringing together reptile enthusiasts, breeders, … [Read more...] about Ohio Reptiles and More Expo in Springfield this June
The Science of Big Machines at COSI
COSI partners up with the Ohio Contractor’s Association and the Local 18 Operating Engineers for fan-favorite event, The Science of Big Machines. The Science of Big Machines at COSI Big machines and construction equipment converge in downtown Columbus from Friday, June 6 – Sunday, June … [Read more...] about The Science of Big Machines at COSI
Franklin County Fair Discounts and Activities
The Franklin County Fair will be full of entertainment from July 20-26, 2026 at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard. Enjoy acres of fun at the Franklin County Fair this summer! Find your favorite foods, rides and family-friendly attractions you won’t find anywhere … [Read more...] about Franklin County Fair Discounts and Activities
Roadtrippin’: 20+ things to do with kids in Cincinnati
Cincinnati is less than 2 hours from Columbus and is FULL of things to do with kids. If a bigger vacation isn't in the budget this year, head to Cincinnati for a weekend and check out a few of these fun attractions. You'll find fun activities in Cincinnati for the whole family at a variety of … [Read more...] about Roadtrippin’: 20+ things to do with kids in Cincinnati
Go Lunch! Free summer meals for kids
In an effort to curb food insecurity with kids in Franklin County, there are programs to provide free lunch for kids, and free produce to low income families. The Go, Lunch! Summer Food Program with Columbus Recreation and Parks' offers free, nutritionally balanced meals during the Summer months … [Read more...] about Go Lunch! Free summer meals for kids
Where to go berry picking in Columbus this Spring and Summer
Whether you prefer one type of berry or love them all (like I do), there are so many farms to go berry picking in Columbus and Central Ohio. U-pick berry farms are a must-do summer activity, and below you'll find a huge list of u-pick farms for strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, … [Read more...] about Where to go berry picking in Columbus this Spring and Summer
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 43rd year in the Short North on July 4, 2026! 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
Summer Reading Challenge at Columbus Metropolitan Library
Public libraries are a huge resource for free and cheap events and resources in any city, but the Columbus Metropolitan Library wants to reward everyone just for reading this summer. The Summer Reading Challenge runs from June 1 though July 31, 2026 to encourage people of all ages to read, … [Read more...] about Summer Reading Challenge at Columbus Metropolitan Library
Sign up for Kids Bowl Free this Summer!
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This summer take the kids bowling without emptying your wallet! KidsBowlFree.com offers two games of bowling for free every day for kids at participating bowling alleys (up to ages 18 and under, depending on location). Additionally, adults and older kids are eligible for two free games a day … [Read more...] about Sign up for Kids Bowl Free this Summer!
Rainbow UA and Upper Arlington Pride Festival
Rainbow UA is a community group in Upper Arlington whose mission is to support the LGBTQI+ community in Upper Arlington. Join them for the Rainbow UA: Rooted in Pride event on Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 1-5 pm at the Amelita Mirolo Barn, 4395 Carriage Hill Ln, Upper Arlington, OH … [Read more...] about Rainbow UA and Upper Arlington Pride Festival
Festival Latino: Food, fun, and music at Genoa Park
Enjoy free family fun at the annual Festival Latino produced by CAPA on August 22-23, 2026 at Genoa Park near downtown. Since 1996 the Festival Latino has been providing Columbus the opportunity to experience traditional and contemporary Latin American culture and is now the largest … [Read more...] about Festival Latino: Food, fun, and music at Genoa Park
13 weekends of summer fun in Columbus
There's so much going on in Columbus this summer that you'll want to plan ahead so you don't miss your favorite events. There are only so many weekends, so make sure you plan some summer fun in Columbus this year! Mark your calendars and check back often, as this list will update regularly … [Read more...] about 13 weekends of summer fun in Columbus
Volunteer opportunities for kids with Seeds of Caring
Families are often looking for ways to introduce kids to volunteerism, and Seeds of Caring is a great organization hosting events throughout the year! Seeds of Caring hosts service-focused programs for Columbus-area kids to help plant the seeds of volunteering in our young citizens. Kids LOVE … [Read more...] about Volunteer opportunities for kids with Seeds of Caring
