Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
Family-Friendly Things to do in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend:
These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend!
1. The Science Behind Pixar at COSI
Enjoy an interactive exhibit that explores the science and technology behind the animated films of Pixar. This exhibit is open during regular business hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.)and requires an additional charge.
Plan your trip to COSI with this blog post.
2. YUM! Make Cookie and Cocoa Kits with Seeds of Caring
Kids ages 2-12 can start spreading holiday cheer by creating tasty cookie and cocoa kits for families served by People In Need of Delaware County. Families, classrooms, teams, and groups can participate any time until the project ends December 7. Donations may be contact-free, porch-dropped at a Seeds of Caring volunteer’s home in Dublin, Westerville, Hilliard, or Upper Arlington. Register today to share some holiday cheer!
3. Friday Fun at Martin Luther King Library
Learn about science-y, slimy, and gross things at the Martin Luther King Branch of CML on Friday at 4:00 PM. The OSU science group NEURO will provide a sneak peek into potential college majors and future careers in Neuroscience. Ages K-12.
4. STEM Station at Barnett Library
Athletes Global will present a program for future filmmakers that includes learning production, editing, directing, cinematography and story skills. This program will take place at the Barnett Branch of CML on Friday at 4:00 PM. Recommended for ages 7 and up.
5. Easton’s Grand Illumination
On Friday from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Easton will come alive with twinkling lights, holiday music and family fun to kick off the holiday season! This event will center around Town Square and feature strolling costumed characters, photo ops, hot beverages and sweet treats. At 6:00 PM there will be live music from Whirlybirds and Santa will arrive around 7:00 PM to light the tree.
6. Santa’s Grand Arrival at Polaris Fashion Place
Santa will make his Grand Arrival at Polaris Fashion Place on Friday, November 14 at 6:00 PM. He will arrive in a horse and carriage at the Grand Entrance (in between Brio and Molly Woo’s). There will be photo ops for families, real reindeer, and complimentary hot cocoa. Santa will arrive at the Grand Entrance at 6:00 PM and head to his chair in Center Court for Photos with Santa until 8:00 PM.
7. Lantern Hike at Blacklick Woods
Take a 1.5 mile guided hike through the Walter Tucker Nature Preserve at Blacklick Woods using lanterns to look for nocturnal animals. This hike takes place at 6:00 PM on Friday. All ages are welcome.
Read about 5 Fun Things to do at Blacklick Woods Metro Park!
8. Visits with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place
Visit with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place beginning November 15th through. December 24th. This year’s set theme is The Polaris Express, including a train display in Center Court. All kids who visit with Santa receive a Santa coloring book, special Santa glasses, and a Polaris Express golden train ticket. Kids 12 and under – bring your golden ticket to Pure Imagination Chocolatier and get a free hot cocoa (valid through 12/31/2025). They will also receive a ‘BELIEVE’ Santa Sleigh Bell that also serves as a Christmas tree ornament.
9. Photos with Santa at Easton Town Center
Visit with Santa at Easton Town Center beginning Saturday, November 15th to December 24th. Santa’s workshop will be located in the South District next to Levi’s. Reservations and walk-up visits will both be available but reservations are strongly encouraged. Photo packages are available and you can use your own camera as well. Click the link to see times and make a reservation.
10. Good Night Moon at Columbus Children’s Theatre
Enjoy a 30 minute live performance inspired by the book Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. This is an interactive experience geared towards kids ages 0-5. There are performances at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
11. Beginning Birders at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Beginning birders can join a naturalist on a short hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park to look for winter birds and migrating waterfowl on Saturday at 9:00 AM. Binoculars will be available to borrow.
12. CHA Animal Shelter Visit at Miller Park Library
Make crafts and learn about animal adoption at this event for pet lovers at the Miller Park Branch of UAPL on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Adoptable dogs may be on-site based on availability.
13. March Through Time at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum
The Ohio History Connection and the National Veterans Memorial & Museum are teaming up for a day of hands-on activities, reenactors, scavenger hunts and stories of service through the generations. Ohio History Connection members get $5 off admission with their membership card (digital or physical). This event will take place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM at NVMM.
14. Ohio Wildlife Center at Westerville Public Library
Join Ohio Wildlife Center at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday at 10:00 AM for a presentation about Ohio’s native wildlife and the chance to meet animal ambassadors.
15. Indoor Amusements at Slate Run Farm
On Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM try indoor games and toys including 19th century puzzles a the farmhouse at Slate Run Farm.
See what there is to do at Slate Run Farm when you visit.
16. Columbus Trading Card and Collectibles Show at Ohio State Fairgrounds
The Columbus Trading Card and Collectibles Show takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Kasich Hall at the Ohio Expo Center. General admissino is $5 and kids ages 12 and under are free.
17. Authors at the Library with Derrick Barnes at the Hilliard Library
Award-winning author Derrick Barnes will present his picture books in this family-friendly author talk at the Hilliard Branch of CML on Saturday, beginning at 10:30 AM. This free event includes a book giveaway, author talk, book signing and meet and greet. Registration required.
18. Storytime with ProMusica at South High Library
Enjoy a literacy-rich storytime including music by ProMusica on Saturday at 10:30 AM at the South High Branch of CML.
19. Lunchtime Hot Dog Campfire at Three Creeks Metro Park
Stop by a campfire at Three Creeks Metro Park to roast hot dogs and marshmallows on Saturday between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Free while supplies last.
20. Music at the Library at Gahanna Library
The Dhvani Indian Performing Arts Society will perform traditional Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, and other music and dance performances at the Gahanna Branch of CML on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Check out 9 fun things to do in Gahanna!
21. Ninja Kidz Live at the Palace Theatre
This Ninja Kidz live-action adventure at the Palace Theatre will be filled with audience participation, physical challenges, games, and epic battles. The show takes place on Saturday at 3:00 PM. Tickets are available online.
22. Buckeye Comic-Con at Aladdin Shrine Center
Buckeye Comic-Con takes place on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Aladdin Shrine Center in Grove City. The show features over 30 vendors with over 150,000 comics and toys. Six guest comic creators will be featured and there will be a food truck on site. Parking is free. Admission is $8. Kids 8 and under are free.
23. STEAM Sunday with Author & Illustrator Merrill Rainey at Cover to Cover
Meet author & illustrator Merrill Rainey on Sunday at 1:30 PM at Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers in Upper Arlington. The event will include STEAM activities.
Scroll through this list of magical Central Ohio children’s bookstores!
24. Apple Pie Iron Cooking at Quarry Trails Metro Park
Try out Apple Pie Iron Cooking at Quarry Trails Metro Park on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM. All equipment and ingredients will be provided to learn how to cook over the campfire.
Plan your holiday fun! Browse these blog posts for the best family-friendly holiday events in Columbus!
- 7 of the Most Festive Things You Can Do in Columbus This Holiday Season
- 10 of Our Favorite Columbus Christmas Traditions
- 16 Drive Through Christmas Lights Displays Near Columbus, Ohio
- 5 Best Membership Gifts for Columbus Kids
- Christmas Tree Farms in Columbus and Beyond
- 5 Holiday Trains in Columbus, Ohio
- 25 Things to do in Columbus in December
- 14 Free Holiday Attractions in Columbus, Ohio
*Please be aware, information is gathered from multiple community sources. Times, dates and locations are subject to change. There may be a fee to participate in a featured activity. Please call ahead or check links to confirm activities. Inclusion of an event on this list is not considered an endorsement. Please use your best judgement when attending public events and consult your doctor if you have questions regarding the safety level of a public event. Read my disclaimer here. Enjoy what you do today!*