Some weekends start with a plan.
Most start with someone asking at 9:15 AM, “What are we doing today?”
So here’s a short list of things around Columbus that actually feel worth the effort. Nothing packed. Just a handful of good options if you’re looking for something to get everyone out of the house.
⭐ If You Only Do One Thing This Weekend
Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 14 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Historic Dublin
Free
http://www.visitdublinohio.com/events/annual-festivals-and-events/st-patricks-day/
This is one of those Columbus-area traditions that still feels very local. Bagpipes, Irish dancers, marching groups, and plenty of families lining the street waiting for the next float to roll by. It’s lively but easygoing, and Historic Dublin is a great place to wander before or after if you want to stretch the outing into a full afternoon.
🗓️ More Things Happening This Weekend
WOSU Second Saturday Kids Day
Saturday, March 14 | 9:00–11:00 AM
WOSU Public Media Headquarters | Columbus
Free
http://wosu.org/events/event/wosu-presents-second-saturday-kids-day-02-03-2026-16-02-36
A very easy Saturday morning option, especially for younger elementary kids. WOSU hosts hands-on activities and crafts that are actually designed for families, so it tends to feel relaxed and welcoming rather than overly structured.
PBJ & Jazz: Swingin' Sing-Along
Saturday, March 14 | 10:00 AM
Lincoln Ballroom | Columbus
$7–$30
http://www.jazzartsgroup.org/pbj/
Live music designed for kids is surprisingly rare, which makes this series stand out. The show mixes music, participation, and storytelling in a way that usually keeps younger audiences engaged.
Joanie Calem: Springtime – When the World Wakes Up
Saturday, March 14 | 10:00–11:00 AM
McConnell Arts Center | Worthington / Upper Arlington
$5 per child or $15 for 3+ kids
http://www.mcconnellarts.org/calendar/joanie-calem-springtime-when-the-world-wakes-up
A small family performance built around songs and stories about the changing seasons. It’s the kind of low-key cultural outing that works well for younger kids and doesn’t turn into an all-day production.
Minicomics Day
Saturday, March 14 | 2:00–4:00 PM
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum | Columbus
Free
https://cartoons.osu.edu/events/minicomics-day-2026
Kids can create their own mini comic books while exploring one of the most unique museums in the city. If you have a kid who likes drawing or storytelling, this tends to land really well.
Celtic Strings: Sounds in the Stacks
Saturday, March 14 | 2:00–3:00 PM
New Albany Library | New Albany
Free
https://events.columbuslibrary.org/event/15956262
A relaxed live performance featuring guitar and Irish bouzouki that leans into the St. Patrick’s Day weekend vibe. A nice cultural outing if you happen to be nearby.
CMA Community Day: Celebrate Columbus Creativity
Sunday, March 15 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Columbus Museum of Art | Downtown
Free
http://www.columbusmuseum.org/signature-programs
Free admission plus hands-on art activities makes this one of the better family outings in the city. Wander the galleries, let the kids try the activity stations, and stay as long or as short as you want.
⭐ Three Easy Wins This Weekend
Scioto Mile River Walk + Playground Stop
Downtown Columbus | Free
A walk along the river, a stop at the playground, maybe a snack nearby. Sometimes that’s the whole plan.
The Book Loft of German Village
German Village | Free to browse
One of the more fun bookstores to explore with kids. Thirty-plus rooms of books, lots of little corners to wander through, and easy to pair with a walk around German Village.
Tabletop Game Cafe
Clintonville | Pay per table ($5–$7)
Hundreds of board games, plenty of space, and a menu with coffee, snacks, and kid-friendly options. A surprisingly easy way to spend an hour or two.
That’s it.
You do not need to maximize the weekend. If one of these turns into a good afternoon, that’s the win.
If you try one of these, I’d genuinely love to hear how it goes. And if you find a great local event or hidden gem, just hit reply and send it over. This only works if it’s built with real Columbus parents.
— Columbus Families Unplugged