A Weekend In Hilliard: Family-Friendly Things To Do

What makes a great family weekend feel easy? In Hilliard, it starts with parks you can reach in minutes, a walkable downtown for quick bites, and plenty of options if the weather turns. If you are new to town or planning a visit, you will find this suburb blends small-city convenience with outdoor fun. In this guide, you will get a simple, flexible plan for a Saturday and Sunday, plus seasonal events and rainy-day backups. Let’s dive in.

Why families love Hilliard

Hilliard is a growing Columbus suburb with about 38,800 residents and roughly 27% under 18, according to the latest Census estimate. You can confirm current figures on the U.S. Census QuickFacts for Hilliard City, Ohio. The same snapshot shows a mean commute of around 23 minutes, which helps you balance work and after-school activities. Check the QuickFacts overview for Hilliard.

The City’s Recreation and Parks team manages more than two dozen parks, community pools, and year-round programming. Before you go, browse the City’s listings for park features, shelter reservations, and pool details. You can explore the park system on the City’s Our Parks page and confirm seasonal hours and programs with Hilliard Recreation & Parks.

Hilliard City Schools serves most of the area with multiple elementary and middle schools and three comprehensive high schools: Bradley, Darby, and Davidson. Families appreciate the range of extracurriculars and local events that connect to the broader community.

Saturday: Old Hilliard, splash pads, and a bikeable park loop

Morning at Hilliard’s Station Park

Start in Old Hilliard at Hilliard’s Station Park. You will find seasonal splash fountains, an amphitheater, casual seating, and easy access to coffee or snacks. Hours for splash features vary by season, so verify dates on the City pages before you promise the kids water play. You can preview the park’s basics on the City’s Our Parks page.

Tip: Old Hilliard is compact and stroller friendly. The City also operates a DORA in the downtown district with posted rules and vendor lists, which keeps outdoor dining simple during events.

Lunch in Old Hilliard

From Station Park, walk to nearby eateries for an easy lunch. On warm days, outdoor seating makes it simple to keep kids moving between bites. If you plan to attend a summer concert later, consider an early lunch to avoid the event rush.

Afternoon ride on the Heritage Rail-Trail to Homestead Metro Park

After lunch, hop on the Heritage Rail-Trail at Station Park’s trailhead. The trail is mostly paved, gentle, and great for strollers, scooters, and bikes. It runs about 6 to 7 miles between Old Hilliard and Plain City, with multiple access points for a shorter out-and-back. Review surfaces and access points on the Heritage Rail-Trail listing.

Make Homestead Metro Park your destination for a half-day play stop. The park features a fishing pond, a charming covered bridge, playgrounds, and a short paved loop connected to the trail. It is an easy place to picnic, let kids explore, and recharge before your ride back. See the park highlights and programs on the Homestead Metro Park page.

Evening: Downtown concerts and markets in season

In summer, Old Hilliard often hosts family-friendly concerts and weekly programming at Station Park. Pair a show with dessert or a patio dinner and you have a full day without much driving. Farmers markets typically pop up late spring through summer across Columbus, and Hilliard is part of that rhythm. Schedules change each year, so confirm times on city listings or event calendars before you head out.

Sunday: Pools, playgrounds, and a nature escape

Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park and HFAC

Begin at Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park, Hilliard’s large, mixed-use park with athletic fields, shelters, and an inclusive playground. In summer, the Hilliard Family Aquatic Center offers a leisure pool, lap pool, two slides, a lazy river, and an interactive children’s pool. It is a natural hub for families on hot afternoons. Find park and pool features on the City’s Our Parks page and check seasonal hours, passes, and rules with Hilliard Recreation & Parks.

Nearby nature at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

If you want a bigger nature day, take a short drive to Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. Families come for wide open trails, a well-regarded nature center, and the bison viewing area that delights kids and adults alike. It is a great way to add learning to your weekend without a long trip. Preview trails and seasonal programs on the Battelle Darby Creek park page.

Rainy-day backups that still feel special

If the weather shifts, you still have plenty of options in Hilliard. Ten Pin Alley blends bowling, a two-story laser tag arena, an arcade, and food for a full family afternoon. Check hours and specials on the Ten Pin Alley overview. You can also visit the library for storytimes and family programs. See upcoming events at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Hilliard branch page.

Other indoor choices include trampoline time at Get Air Adrenaline or hands-on nostalgia at the Early Television Museum. For live performances, keep an eye on the Hilliard Civic & Cultural Arts Center and other local venues, which add family shows and seasonal children’s theater throughout the year.

Seasonal events to plan around

Hilliard Freedom Fest

For July 4, Hilliard’s Freedom Fest at Municipal Park is a local favorite. Expect live music on a main stage, a Kid Zone with wristbanded activities, food trucks, pool hours, and a professional fireworks show. Wristband prices, shuttle and parking guidance, and concert details are posted by the City each year. Always confirm the current year’s schedule and policies on the official Hilliard Freedom Fest page.

Safety reminder: The City encourages families to enjoy professional fireworks shows rather than setting off personal fireworks at home. Follow current safety advisories posted by the City each season.

Franklin County Fair

Held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard, the fair brings classic family fun each July. You will find livestock exhibits, rides, shows, and plenty of fair food, all minutes from most Hilliard neighborhoods. For dates, parking details, and ticket information, go to the Franklin County Fair events page.

Weekly summer rhythm

During warm months, look for the Hilliard Farm Market and recurring downtown events like the Celebration at the Station concert series. These weekly anchors make it easy to fill your calendar with low-cost outings close to home. Check the City’s event listings or Recreation & Parks updates for the latest schedules.

Quick tips for an easy weekend

• Check hours first. Splash pads, pools, and concerts are seasonal and may change with weather. Verify dates and times with Hilliard Recreation & Parks.
• Pack simply. A small blanket, sunscreen, water bottles, and a change of clothes cover most park days.
• Use paved paths. The Heritage Rail-Trail and Homestead’s paved loop are stroller friendly and great for balance bikes.
• Plan parking. Old Hilliard has multiple public lots near Station Park. Arrive a little early on event nights.
• Know the costs. Parks and trails are free. Pool admission, special programs, and event wristbands may have fees. Confirm details on City pages.

Moving to Hilliard?

If you are considering a move, Hilliard offers a straightforward suburban lifestyle with quick access to parks, a walkable downtown core, and community programming that makes weekends simple. The local school district includes multiple K-12 options, and the average commute time helps you balance work and family. Whether you are upsizing for a yard, searching for a first home, or relocating for work, our team can help you compare neighborhoods, plan your timeline, and make smart choices.

Ready to explore homes and neighborhoods with a local guide? Connect with Home Connections Group - Home Central Realty. Let’s get you home.

FAQs

Are Hilliard parks and trails free for families?

• Yes. Most parks and Metro Parks are free to enter. Fees apply to pool admission, special programs, event wristbands, and some shelter reservations. Confirm details with Hilliard Recreation & Parks.

When do Hilliard splash pads and pools open for the season?

• Splash pads and municipal pools typically run late spring through summer with posted schedules that can change year to year. Check current dates and hours on Hilliard Recreation & Parks.

What is a simple weekend itinerary with young kids in Hilliard?

• Saturday: Station Park splash play, lunch in Old Hilliard, then a short bike on the Heritage Rail-Trail to Homestead Metro Park. Sunday: Playground time at Municipal Park and, in season, the Hilliard Family Aquatic Center.

Where can we bike with a stroller or balance bike in Hilliard?

• The Heritage Rail-Trail is mostly paved and gentle, with an easy link to Homestead Metro Park. Review surfaces and access points on the trail overview.

What are the biggest family events each summer in Hilliard?

• Hilliard Freedom Fest on July 4 and the Franklin County Fair in July are the major anchors. Check the official pages for dates and details: Hilliard Freedom Fest and the Franklin County Fair.

How long is the average commute for Hilliard residents?

• The mean travel-to-work time is around 23 minutes based on recent estimates. See the latest figures on Census QuickFacts for Hilliard.