Commons For Kids

Friday mornings
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
June 7 - August 9 (no event on July 5 or July 26)

NEW this year - every week has a unique theme, with activities for the little ones AND the big kids! Check below for more information on each date.

Kids of all ages can enjoy unique activities, carousel rides, and inflatables - all with a panoramic view of Downtown’s skyline for FREE. Each Commons for Kids is programmed to be a launching pad for exploration. With six acres of open and inviting space, there’s no shortage of fun on Fridays at the Commons.

Easy and convenient parking is available just south of the park at the Columbus Commons Main Garage, located at 55 East Rich Street.

Pirate Day
Friday, June 7

Ahoy, Columbus! We are so excited to bring back the Commons for Kids series this summer from 10 am to 1 pm. X marks the spot at the Commons so come give the carousel a whirl or jump on the inflatables. We have something for every kid.

Fun for all ages:

Buccaneer Bounce House
Create Your Own Treasure Map with OSU Urban Arts Space
Chalk Art with Hilary F
COSI Science Spots
Face painting
Meet Mr. Pirate with Boost Mobile
Wave Slide

Additional activities for kids 6+:

Skee Ball
Treasure Island Obstacle Course

Sports Day
Friday, June 14

Joined by some of Columbus' local sports teams and mascots. Whether you are sporty and athletic or love arts and crafts, we have something for every kid!

Fun for all ages:

Columbus Crew SC
Crafts with OSU Urban Arts Space
Endzone Obstacle Course
Face painting
Football Bounce House
Goldfish Swim School
Ohio State Athletics
Pop-a-shot

Activities for kids 6+:

Soccer Kick
Speed Pitch

Safety Day
Friday, June 21

We are celebrating those who help keep us safe in our community!

Fun for all ages:

Columbus Division of Fire
Columbus Division of Police
Crafts with OSU Urban Arts Space
Face painting
Fire Truck Slide
Goldfish Swim School
Police Dog Bounce House

Activities for kids 6+:

Boot Camp Obstacle Course
Bungee Run

Go Green and Get Outdoors Day
Friday, June 28

Whether it's learning how to plant your favorite fruits and vegetables or see how high you can run on the vertical wall, we have something for every kid!

Fun for all ages:

Audobon Center
Crafts with OSU Urban Arts Space
Face painting
Franklin Park Conservatory
Local Matters
Lowe's Home Improvement
Ohio Wildlife Conservation
Tree House Slide

Activities for kids 6+:

Archery
Axe Throwing
Vertical Rush

*Please note there is no event on July 5

Animal Planet Day
Friday, July 12

Come meet all your furry, crawling friends with four (or more) legs.

Fun for all ages:

Columbus Zoo (11:30 - 12:30)
Chalk Art with Hilary Frambes
Face painting
Franklin County Adoption Center and Dog Shelter
Games of Skill
Polar Bear Slide
Zoo Playland

Activities for kids 6+:

Hungry Hippo Game
Skee Ball

Beach Luau Day
Friday, July 19

Fun for all ages:

Bounce House
Crafts with OSU Urban Arts Space
Crafts with Primrose School of Downtown Columbus
Face painting
Goldfish Swim School Info Tent
Hero USA Info Tent
Treasure Island Obstacle Course
Water Safety with US Army Corps of Engineering - Alum Creek Lake
Water Slide

Activities for kids 6+:

Wacky Ball Inflatable

Update: The Commons for Kids event scheduled for Friday, July 26 is canceled due to facility maintenance. We apologize for the change but hope you can join us for one of our other free Friday morning Commons for Kids events.

Mascot Day
Friday, August 2

Fun for all ages:

Captain America Frisbee Inflatable
Chalk Art with Hilary Frambes
Crafts with OSU Urban Arts Space
Dragons Castle Obstacle Course
Face painting
Goldfish Swim School
LegoLand
Meet & Greet with Krash and Lou Seal of the Columbus Clippers, Bee-thoven of the Columbus Symphony, Princess Ana and Moana
Ohio State Athletics
PAW Patrol Bounce House
Puppet Show from 11:30am - 12:15pm
Putt-Putt with Spiderman and Wonderwoman
Slide