Nationwide Children’s Hospital Hosts Free Summer Events for Families

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Children and families are invited to get outdoors and stay active this summer as PlayStreets returns, bringing free, family-friendly events filled with food, entertainment and safe places to play.

Organized by Nationwide Children's Healthy Neighborhoods Healthy Families initiative, PlayStreets events promote health and wellness through safe, outdoor play and social interaction. The events return on Saturday, May 2, at the Residences at Career Gateway and will continue on select Saturdays through August in the Linden and South Side communities.

In 2025, PlayStreets hosted 12 events across four sites in the Linden and South Side communities. Over 3,000 children, families, caregivers and volunteers attended the events during the 2025 season.

"We are thrilled to be bringing PlayStreets back for the seventh season of social connection and safe play," said Tifini Ray, director of community relations at Nationwide Children's. "Our PlayStreets events provide an environment where the community can gather, and children can have fun and meet new friends. PlayStreets is a continuation of our commitment to healthy neighborhoods, because we know play and physical activity is important for a child's development and well-being."

Location, dates and activities include:

Linden Events

• Location: Linden Fresh Market, 1464 Cleveland Ave.
• Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Schedule*:
  • May 16 - Featuring a petting zoo, ChillJoy Hawaiian Shave Ice, face painting, pizza and more.
  • June 13 - Featuring Johnson's Ice Cream truck, face painting, inflatables, pizza and more.
  • July 11 - Featuring Chilljoy Hawaiian Shave Ice, face painting, inflatables, pizza and more.
  • August 8 - Featuring Little Ladies Soft Serve, face painting, inflatables, pizza and more.
• Admission: Free

• Location: Maize Manor United Methodist Church, 3901 Maize Road
• Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Schedule*:
  • July 25 - Featuring Chilljoy Hawaiian Shave Ice, face painting, inflatables, pizza and more.
  • August 22 - Featuring a petting zoo, Little Ladies Soft Serve, face painting, inflatables, pizza and more.
• Admission: Free

South Side Events

• Location: The Residences at Career Gateway, 755 E. Whittier St.
• Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Schedule*:
  • May 23 - Featuring a petting zoo, ChillJoy Hawaiian Shave Ice, face painting, inflatables, pizza and more.
  • June 6 - Featuring book giveaways, Johnson's Ice Cream truck, face painting, inflatables, pizza and more.
  • August 1 - Featuring Kai's Sugar Shack, face painting, inflatables, pizza and more.
• Admission: Free

• Location: The Reeb Avenue Center, 280 Reeb Ave.
• Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Schedule*:
  • July 18 - Featuring book giveaways, Chilljoy Hawaiian Shave Ice, face painting, inflatables, pizza and more.
  • August 15 - Featuring a petting zoo, Little Ladies Soft Serve, book giveaways, face painting, inflatables, pizza and more.

*Activities and vendors subject to change; event will take place rain or shine.

For more information, visit NationwideChildrens.org/PlayStreets.

Share This Page: