Some weekends call for a plan.
Others call for one memorable outing and maybe a nap.
So here’s a short list for March 20–22. Just a handful of family-friendly options around Columbus that feel worth the effort.
⭐ If You Only Do One Thing This Weekend
Olentangy Caverns Opening Season Event
Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Olentangy Caverns | Delaware County
Various ticket options
https://www.olentangycaverns.com/seasonal-events
This one feels like a real start-to-spring outing. Between the cave tours, food trucks, kids’ crafts, and opening weekend energy, there is plenty going on for everyone. And for kids, the caverns themselves can feel otherworldly.
🗓️ More Things Happening This Weekend
Parents’ Night Out at CMA
Friday, March 20 | 5:00 PM
Columbus Museum of Art | Downtown
$25 member child / $50 nonmember child
https://www.columbusmuseum.org/events//event/5443790?cal-473979-month=03&cal-473979-year=2026
A rare win-win. Parents get a little time to themselves, while kids get an evening at the museum with guided activities, dinner, and plenty to keep them engaged.
Worthington Farmers Market
Saturday, March 21 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
The Shops at Worthington Place | Worthington
Free admission
https://worthington.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=8440
An easy Saturday morning outing with a little more value baked in. Good food, local vendors, and a chance for kids to see that food comes from actual farmers, and not just the grocery store shelf.
Nintendo Day 2026
Saturday, March 21 | 2:00 PM
Worthington Park Library | Worthington
Free
https://www.facebook.com/events/1447135080399874/
Many of us grew up loving Mario and Donkey Kong. This is a fun opportunity for parents to share that love of Nintendo with their kids. Between the costume parade and life-size games, this feels more like a mini celebration than a regular library stop.
Delaware Dam Scramble Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, March 22 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Delaware Lake Dam Site and Recreation Area | Delaware
Free
https://corpsdams.org/delaware-dam-scramble-easter-egg-hunt/
A great way to kick off spring and let the kids burn off a little energy outside. Sunshine, fresh air, and an egg hunt is a pretty solid combination, especially if coffee is part of your plan too.
Junior Chemists Storytime
Sunday, March 22 | 1:30 PM–2:30 PM
Northwest Library | Worthington
Free
https://www.worthingtonlibraries.org/calendar/20260322/junior-chemists-storytime
A nice pick for younger kids who still love storytime but are ready for something a little more interactive. The science theme, crafts, and simple experiments give it a little extra payoff without asking too much of anyone.
⭐ Easy Wins
Drop In: Welcome to Spring Event
Saturday, March 21 | 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
Highbanks Nature Center | Lewis Center
Free
https://www.metroparks.net/event/drop-in-welcome-to-spring-event/
Spring crafts, a campfire, and s’mores is a pretty easy sell. The drop-in setup also helps. You can show up when it works, stay as long as it feels fun, and head out without making a whole thing of it.
Chorusing Frog Survey
Saturday, March 21 | 7:00 PM–8:00 PM
Battelle Darby Creek | Galloway
Free
https://www.metroparks.net/event/chorusing-frog-survey/
Always fun to go on a unique hike, and the chance to see or hear frogs will keep the little ones interested. A nighttime nature event also just feels a little more memorable than the usual park visit.
Free Kids Event: Gooey Mashups and Creature Making
Saturday, March 21 | 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Lakeshore Learning Store | Columbus
Free
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-kids-event-sensory-explorers-feat-crazy-aarons-putty-columbus-tickets-1982936545587
A nice low effort option if you want something free and easy to drop into. Hands-on sensory play is great, especially for younger kids who just want to make something and dig in.
Harvest Pizzeria
45 N High St. | Dublin
https://www.harvestpizzeria.com/
Not an event, but a nice spot for a relaxed family lunch or dinner after a busy day. Personal pizzas, kid-friendly options, and other locations around the city make it an easy one to keep in mind.
A short list, as promised.
You do not need to build a perfect weekend. One good outing that gets everybody out of the house is plenty.
If you end up trying one of these, I’d love to hear how it went. Hearing from real families around Columbus helps shape this into something genuinely useful.
If you run a local business that serves Columbus families, I’m starting to line up a small number of sponsor spots in upcoming issues.
We’re reaching hundreds of Columbus families each week, and I’d love to partner with a few thoughtful local businesses.
If that might be a fit, reply to this email and I’ll share details.
— Columbus Families Unplugged