Back-to-school season in Columbus is here, and we’ve got everything local families need to start the 2026 school year off right. Whether you're looking for Columbus school calendars, community back-to-school events, haircuts, or deals on school supplies — this guide is your one-stop shop for back-to-school in Columbus.
🗓 School Calendars for Columbus Ohio
Here’s when school starts for local students. Click to view the full calendar for each district:
- Dublin City Schools: View Calendar — First Day: August 20, 2026
- Grandview Heights School: View Calendar — First Day: August 12, 2026
- Hilliard City Schools: View Calendar — First Day: August 19, 2026
- Jonathan Alder Local Schools: View Calendar — First Day: August 20, 2026
- Olentangy Schools: View Calendar — First Day: August 20, 2026
- Upper Arlington Schools: View Calendar — First Day: August 12, 2026
- Worthington Schools: View Calendar — First Day: August 19, 2026
- Columbus City Schools: View Calendar — First Day: August 20, 2026
📸 Make the First Day Extra Special
Celebrate back-to-school with these Free Back-to-School Printables — perfect for first-day photos and creating lasting memories.
- Traditional Back-to-School Sign: Perfect for first-day photos and snapshots — Download Here
- Keepsake Printable for Kids: A fun memory for your child to treasure — Download Here
🎉 Back-to-School Events in Columbus
Make the most of the end of summer with these fun back-to-school events in and around Columbus:
- Back to School Celebration: Link to event — Free Backpacks — Date: August 15, 2026 (Must register for this drive-thru event)
- Back-to-School Bash!: Link to event — Free backpacks, Free school supplies, Games — Date: August 1, 2026
- KidX Paw Patrol: Link to event — Date: August 14, 2026
Know of a community event we’re missing? Submit it to our calendar!
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Kids Sports and Activities in Columbus
Keeping kids active and engaged after the summer break is a great way to help them build confidence, make friends, and stay healthy. Columbus offers a wide variety of programs and activities for kids of all ages — from team sports and recreational leagues to adventure-based programs like scouting.
- Sign Up for Min-E Club Volleyball at Elite Volleyball
🏐 Elite Volleyball is offering their Min-E Club program for kids to develop volleyball skills, teamwork, and confidence. Classes are designed for all skill levels, and spots are filling fast!
📍Address: 8163 Business Way, Plain City, OH 43064
📝 Programs: Sign Up Here — Elite Volleyball - USA Ninja: Build Strength, Agility & Confidence
🥷 Looking for a fun, high-energy activity that challenges kids physically and mentally? USA Ninja in Columbus offers classes designed to develop strength, agility, coordination, and confidence through obstacle-course-style training.
Kids of all ages can climb, jump, and balance through ninja-inspired challenges while building teamwork and problem-solving skills. Whether your child is trying a new sport or just wants a fun way to stay active after school, USA Ninja has something for everyone.
📍 Location: 8450 Warner Rd., Suite 200, Plain City, OH 43064
📝 Programs & Sign-Up: Link to Class Info
💡 Tip: Classes are designed for beginners through advanced levels, so kids can progress at their own pace and have fun while improving their skills. - TOCA Soccer – Elevate Your Game
⚽TOCA Soccer offers a tech-enhanced, indoor training experience for players of all ages. Their programs include kids' classes (ages 1–13), private training sessions, and soccer camps, all designed to improve skills, technique, and confidence. With state-of-the-art equipment and expert coaching, TOCA provides a comprehensive soccer development pathway
📍Address: 409 Orangepoint Dr, Lewis Center, OH 43035
📝 Programs & Sign-Up: HERE
More Ways to Keep Kids Active
👟 Local parks, community centers, and sports leagues offer options for every interest, from soccer and gymnastics to martial arts and swimming. Whether your child is trying a new activity or continuing a favorite sport, there’s something for everyone in Columbus.
💌 Have a favorite activity or program we missed? Email us at heathers@macaronikid.com and we’ll make sure it gets added to our list!
✂️ Back-to-School Haircuts in Columbus
Looking for a fresh cut before the first day? Here are local salons and barbers offering kid-friendly trims and back-to-school specials:
- JCPenny: Link— Polaris Mall $12 Student Cuts
- Penzone: Back to School beauty sesh: Link — August 8, Dublin,
Know a stylist offering back-to-school specials? Email us at heathers@macaronikid.com and we’ll get them added!
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Sponsored content
💡 Back-to-School Hack for Busy Parents
🎒 Walmart has many school supply lists already loaded! Many local teachers sent their lists directly to Walmart, so you can shop online in just a few clicks. Check it out and cross school supplies off your list today:
🛍️ Back-to-School Shopping in Columbus
Ohio is offering two full weeks of tax-free shopping this year — from August 7–9, 2026! It’s the perfect time to stock up on school supplies, clothes, and more. We’ve rounded up some of the best shopping destinations in the Columbus area to help you make the most of it. (Get all the details on what’s tax-free in this article.)
- Easton Town Center: Link — 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, Ohio 43219
- Polaris Fashion Place: Link — 1500 Polaris Parkway Columbus, Ohio 43240
- Tanger Outlets: Link — 400 S Wilson Rd, Sunbury, OH 43074
Have a favorite local shop that should be on this list? Email heathers@macaronikid.com and we’ll add it!
👟 For Moms: Back-to-YOU in Columbus
Whether you’ve been counting down to the first day of school or feeling all the emotions sending your little one off for the first time—it’s a big transition. One thing most of us have in common? We’ve been full-time chauffeurs (or to be current uber drivers) all summer long—shuttling kids to camps, sports, and activities, squeezing in work where we can.
But what about making time for yourself? We have a few ideas for you to take care of the head of the family. The CEO of the household. Here are a few ideas...
I managed to sneak in a few workouts at Studio 614, but not nearly as many as I need! What I love about this studio is that it works with whatever stage you're in. Got a free morning after school drop-off? Pop into a class. Still have a little one in tow? No problem—they offer a child lounge so your kiddo is entertained while you get some well-deserved "you time."
- Studio 614 Fitness: Link — 240 N Liberty Street, Powell, OH 43065
Sneak in some time just for YOU once the kids are in school. The Head Spa Ohio has 3 locations across Columbus now. I had an amazing service at their New Albany location. I've had services at their Polaris location and still need to get to their newest location in Powell. The Head Spa Ohio offers Japanese-inspired treatments, such as deep scalp cleansing, nourishing hair therapies, and a serene escape from everyday stress. This is the ultimate indulgence and stress buster. And let's be honest, we all need to take a minute for ourselves as the kids go back to school.
The Head Spa Polaris: Link — 3 locations across Columbus
Powell: 10516 Sawmill Road, Suite 25 & 26 Powell, Ohio 43065
Polaris: 1158 Polaris Parkway, Suite 20, 21 & 22 Columbus, Ohio 43240
New Albany: 5566 North Hamilton, Suites 16 & 18 New Albany, Ohio 43054
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Have a favorite local wellness center in the NW Columbus area that should be on this list? Email heathers@macaronikid.com and we’ll add it!
📬 Want more back-to-school tips and local family fun? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter — it’s packed with events, giveaways, and ideas your kids will love.
