Happy Friday, Columbus,
Some weekends practically plan themselves.
This one has a giant science party, a circus, a cultural festival, dog races at a brewery, and a surprisingly solid excuse to look at the stars with your kids.
You do not need to do all of it. You do not need a color-coded family itinerary. If you pick one thing that gets everyone out of the house and into the real world for a while, that counts.
Here are a few good options for May 1-3.
Featured Partner
Movement Lab Ohio
North Columbus
https://mlabohio.com/
For kids who have ever watched American Ninja Warrior and immediately decided that should be their personality, Movement Lab makes a pretty strong case for itself. This North Columbus gym offers ninja and parkour classes, camps, open gym time, and birthday parties in a setting that feels a lot more interesting than the standard trampoline-park routine.
What stands out is that it feels like activity with a purpose. Kids get to climb, swing, jump, and burn off a remarkable amount of energy, but the place also has real credibility behind it. The owners have competed on American Ninja Warrior, which gives the whole experience a little extra weight while still keeping it fun.
If You Only Do One Thing This Weekend
Big Science Celebration
Saturday, May 2 | 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Downtown Columbus | COSI and the Scioto Peninsula
Free
https://cosiscifest.org/visit/bsc/
If you have a kid who likes asking how things work, taking things apart, building odd little contraptions, or pressing every button they are allowed to press, this is your weekend. The Big Science Celebration is the clearest standout event on the calendar, with hands-on activities, live performances, and enough going on to make it feel like a real family outing instead of a quick stop. This is the kind of event that can carry the whole day.
Happening This Weekend
Solstice Star Party & Planetarium Shows at Ohio State
Friday, May 1 | 6:00-8:00 PM
OSU / University District | Physics Research Building
Free
https://ccapp.osu.edu/events/solstice-star-party-planetarium-shows-ohio-state
A very good Friday night option if you want something that feels a little special without making the whole evening complicated. Astronomy tends to land well with kids because it already feels big and mysterious, and planetarium shows are one of those things that somehow still feel magical even if you are technically sitting in a dark room looking up.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Friday, May 1 at 7:00 PM | Saturday, May 2 at 2:30 PM | Sunday, May 3 at 1:00 PM
OSU / University District | Schottenstein Center
Paid
https://www.ticketmaster.com/ringling-bros-and-barnum-bailey-presents-columbus-ohio-05-01-2026/event/050063422CA2AAC8
Sometimes you want the bigger production. This is that pick. If your family is in the mood for a full outing with real spectacle, this is the ticketed option that feels worth considering. The multiple showtimes also help, especially if your weekend schedule is already doing its usual thing.
Ohio Asian Cultural Heritage Festival
Saturday, May 2 | 12:00-9:00 PM
Dublin | Riverside Crossing Park
Free
https://dublinohiousa.gov/calendar-events/ohio-asian-cultural-hertiage-festival/
This feels like one of the best all-around Saturday picks if you want something lively, memorable, and easy to tailor to your family’s energy level. Food, performances, and a real festival atmosphere make this a nice choice for families who want to wander, snack, watch something interesting, and call that a successful day.
Mother’s Day Appreciation Kits
Sunday, May 3 | 2:00 PM
Clintonville | Clintonville Resource Center / Choice Food Pantry
Free
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-person-mothers-day-appreciation-kits-registration-1985715293898
A sweet volunteer option for families who want to do something kind with their kids this weekend. It is simple, timely, and feels especially fitting with Mother’s Day coming up. We’re always glad to find service events that actually work for younger kids, and this one does.
Derby Day at The Can
Saturday, May 2 | 1:00-8:00 PM
Hilliard | Crooked Can Brewing Company
Free entry
https://www.destinationhilliard.org/event/derby-day-at-the-can
This one works because it gives everyone something to do. Kids get the wiener dog races, parents can grab a drink and claim a patio table, and the market makes food easy without a bunch of planning. Add the splash pad across the street and it starts to look like a very solid Saturday afternoon setup.
Birding and Breakfast
Saturday, May 2 | 8:00-10:00 AM
Groveport | Walnut Woods Metro Park
Free
https://www.metroparks.net/event/birding-and-breakfast-3/
Maybe this is just what happens as you get older, but birds really start to win you over. This is a calm, easy morning outing with fresh air, a little movement, and breakfast after. A nice pick for families who want to start the day with something simple and unfussy.
Easy Wins
May the 4th Party!
Saturday, May 2 | 10:00 AM-8:00 PM
Westerville | Bricks & Minifigs Westerville
Free
https://www.visitdelohio.com/events/may-the-4th-party/
If you have a Star Wars kid, this is a very easy yes. LEGO, themed fun, character photos, and zero need to overthink it.
That’s it.
A giant science festival. A circus. Some stars. A volunteer event. Dog races. Honestly, Columbus is doing a lot this weekend.
If you end up trying one of these, hit reply and let me know how it went. Hearing what your family actually loved helps make this more useful every week.
And for anyone building a local business that serves Columbus families, there are a few sponsor spots opening up in future issues. Reply if you’d like to learn more or fill out our Google form.
Hope you find one good thing and leave the rest.
— Columbus Families Unplugged
