We hope you all got your fill of Easter candy last weekend.
This weekend feels a little different. Less holiday scramble, more room to pick one good outing and actually enjoy it. Which is usually the better plan anyway.
For Parents Planning Ahead
This week’s partner: Sandlot Camp Westerville
Ages 8–13 | Westerville | $230/week
Details and registration: SandlotWesterville.com
Once school is out, a lot of us want the same basic things for our kids: fresh air, movement, friendship, and less screen time. Sandlot Westerville feels built for exactly that.
What stood out in the parent feedback was how often families said the same thing: their kids came home tired, happy, and excited to go back. Parents mentioned kind coaches, a real sense of belonging, and the kind of active outdoor week that feels harder to find now.
That fits right in with what we are always after here: more chances for kids to unplug, move, make friends, and just be kids. Sandlot is built around games, team challenges, and outdoor fun, with licensed teachers and coaches leading each week.
Featured Partner
Miner 49er Blacklight Mini Golf
Grandview Heights
https://www.miner49erminigolf.com/
Miner 49er will throw you for a loop, literally. Between the blacklights, the mining-town artwork, and the quirky golf holes, this is the kind of setup kids immediately get into. It would be a great spot for a team outing or kid birthday party, and the hand-scooped milkshakes do not hurt either.
Also useful to know: they have a current group special that pairs mini golf with pizza and a pitcher of soda, which makes this an even easier birthday-party or team-outing option.
⭐ If You Do One Thing This Weekend
Monster Jam
Friday, April 10 | 7:00 PM
Schottenstein Center | Columbus
Cost: Varies
Link: [View all Columbus showtimes]
If your kid likes things loud, fast, and slightly unhinged, this is probably the big outing of the weekend. You will get the full Monster Jam experience here: trucks racing, flying, and smashing cars, plus crowd favorites like Grave Digger, Megalodon, and El Toro Loco. It is big, visceral, and intense in the way kids absolutely love. One practical note: it can get very loud, so this is a good one for noise-reducing headphones or earmuffs.
Other Things Happening
WOSU Second Saturday Kids Day
Saturday, April 11 | 9:00 to 11:00 AM
WOSU Ross Community Studio | Columbus
Cost: Free
Link: https://www.wosu.org/events/event/wosu-presents-second-saturday-kids-days-april-25-03-2026-10-31-39
A very doable Saturday morning pick for the younger-kid crowd. Between the PBS character meet-and-greet, seedling planting, and other hands-on activities, this one has enough going on to feel special without becoming an all-day production.
Poochella
Saturday, April 11 | 12:00 to 3:00 PM
Ohio Wesleyan University | Delaware
Cost: Free
Link: https://www.dublinchamber.org/events/details/poochella-04-11-2026-12679
A playful pick for animal-loving kids with enough going on to justify the drive. Expect carnival games, pet photo ops, food trucks, and an educational animal program with reptiles and insects, so it feels more like a mini festival than a quick stop.
Red White and VROOM
Saturday, April 11 | 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Grove City Parks and Recreation | Grove City
Cost: Free
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2803-southwest-blvd-grove-city-oh-43123-2069-united-states/red-white-vroom/927683566629301/
Vehicle-themed events remain one of the most dependable ways to win over kids quickly. If your crew likes trucks, wheels, or anything they can point at excitedly, this is a good bet.
Equine Affaire
Saturday, April 11 | 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Ohio Expo Center | Columbus
Cost: Varies
Link: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-general-information/tickets/
If you have a horse kid, this is probably your weekend. Equine Affaire has demos, exhibits, and plenty to explore, with Fantasia as a standout part of the larger experience.
79th Annual Daffodil Show & Sale
Sunday, April 12
537 Jones Rd | Granville
Cost: Free or low-cost
Link: https://www.bryndu.com/event-details-registration/79th-annual-daffodil-show-sale-saturday-sunday
A little old-school, a little charming, and exactly the kind of outing that makes spring feel like it has finally arrived.
Snack Pack Assembly
Sunday, April 12 | 1:30 PM
Ronald McDonald House | Columbus
Cost: Varies
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-person-snack-pack-assembly-registration-1984054207544
A genuinely family-friendly volunteer opportunity and a nice reminder that not every memorable weekend outing has to be entertainment. This is a great way to give back as a family and help kids see that supporting others can be rewarding in its own right.
Peace Begins with Me
Sunday, April 12 | 1:30 to 4:30 PM
Martin Luther King Library | Columbus
Cost: Free
Link: https://www.ivocolumbusoh.org/cherryblossomfestival/
A thoughtful, hands-on community event with crafts, music, and activities for kids as part of Cherry Blossom Festival programming. Honestly, a few extra reminders about kindness and peace do not feel misplaced right now.
That’s it for this week.
One good outing is enough. Two is impressive. Three means you should probably ignore Monday’s laundry pile.
If you end up trying one of these, reply and let me know. I always like hearing what actually worked for real Columbus families.
Also, we’re currently partnering with a few local businesses that want to support Columbus Families Unplugged in a thoughtful, community-friendly way. If that sounds interesting to you or your business, you can share a few details here: https://forms.gle/Z4nu9vDZrbDVr7Dq5
— Columbus Families Unplugged