Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
1. Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus
Follow this festive path beginning at Columbus Commons down Town Street and ending at Bicentennial Park! Enjoy holiday lights and special displays along the way! Lights will be lit until February 15 from 5 – 10 pm, daily.
Check out my list of more things to do in downtown Columbus!
2. Winter Reading Challenge at Grandview Heights Public Library
Between now and February 15, register at the library or online to read books and win prizes through the Winter Reading Challenge. Set a weekly reading goal and earn raffle tickets to win prizes throughout the weeks. Adults can register, too!
3. 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.
4. Calling all Kind Kids! Help Columbus families with Seeds of Caring
At Seeds of Caring, we believe we all need help sometimes and we can all give help sometimes. Right now, that help looks like creating dental care kits for families supported by Dublin Food Pantry. Register for free today to participate any time through January 25, and put your helping hands to work!
5. Winter Ice Festival at Franklin Park Conservatory
The Winter Ice Festival takes place at Franklin Park Conservatory on January 14, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24 & 25. These are special engagement nights and tickets are required. Enjoy ice carving, crafts and games in the Grand Atrium, ice skating, and more. Hours are 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM each night.
6. Preschool: Where Have the Animals Been? at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Learn about animal tracks and signs during this program for ages 3-5 on Friday, beginning at 9:30 AM. There will be a story, crafts, activities and an option outdoor scavenger hunt. The same program is also taking place at 11:00 AM.
Read about all there is to do at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
7. Baby & Me Yoga at the Dublin Library
The Balanced Child Method will host this interactive class for babies 18 months old and under on Friday at 10:00 AM at the Dublin Branch of CML. Learn yoga poses, calming techniques and more. Bring a mat.
8. Parents’ Night Out in the Short North at The Pizzuti
Parents can get a night out and kids (ages 5 and up) will enjoy hands-on art activities and a kid’s meal at the Columbus Museum of Art at The Pizzuti in The Short North. This event will take place on Friday from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM and tickets are required.
9. Riverside Crossing Park Ice Rink
This ice rink in Dublin is open through March 15, 2026. Hours are: Fridays from 5–10 p.m., Saturdays from noon–10 p.m. and Sundays from noon–8 p.m. Cost is $15 per person and free skate rental is available for sizes Youth 9 – Adult 13. You may also bring your own skates (admission is the same cost).
10. Corduroy at Columbus Children’s Theatre
Enjoy a 30-minute theater experience for ages 5 and under. Audience members will be invited to help search for Corduroy’s lost button and help him find a friend. Performance times are Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. Tickets are available online.
11. Owl Prowl at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Take a 1.25 mile hike with a naturalist to learn about owls and look for Barred Owls in the forest on Saturday at 10:00 AM. All ages are welcome.
Read about 5 fun things to do at Blacklick Woods.
12. Decorate a Snowman at Westland Area Library
Decorate your own paper snowman in the Youth Department at Westland Area Library. Drop in between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM on Saturday.
13. Happy Birthday Dolly! Dance Party at Karl Road Library
Celebrate Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday with cupcakes and a dance party! Dress in your Dolly-inspired outfit to celebrate on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM at the Karl Road Branch of CML.
14. Kitten Yoga at Westerville Public Library
Practice yoga with kittens from Fairytales and Tiny Tales and a certified yoga instructor on Saturday at 2:00 PM at the Westerville Public Library. Ages 8-18.
15. Mario Kart and Cocoa at Old Worthington Library
Play Mario Kart and drink hot cocoa at the Old Worthington Library on Saturday at 3:00 PM. For ages 9-18.
Check out my list of things to do in Worthignton!
16. Kitten Meet & Greet at Westerville Public Library
Meet and play with adoptable cats and kittens at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. All ages are welcome.
17. CMA Community Days at Columbus Museum of Art
Admission is free during CMA Community Days at the Columbus Museum of Art. Hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Sunday. The day includes an art activity for families, a bilingual story time, a community celebration with improv comedy, snacks and hourly discussions featuring the special exhibition: Tacita Dean: Blind Folly.
18. Glow Archery at Blacklick Woods Golf Course
Enjoy GLOW archery inside the Blacklick Woods Golf Course Pro Shop on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM. Ages 8 and up.
19. Junior Geologists Storytime at Northwest Library
Join in a rock-themed storytime that includes crafts and activities at the Northwest Library at 1:30 PM on Sunday. For ages 5-10.
20. Handprint Snowflake Craft at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Stop by the Nature Center at Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Sunday between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to make a handprint snowflake craft.
Browse this list of Central Ohio Nature Centers!
Events on Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
21. Dr. MLK Jr. Day Skating at Skate Zone 71
Special skating times are available at Skate Zone 71 on Monday, including an Early Bird Skate beginning at 11:00 AM, School’s Out Skate and Monday Night Game Skate. See the link for times and details.
22. MLK Day Open House at Ohio History Center
On Monday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, join the Ohio History Center and The King Arts Complex for the free annual MLK Day Open House at Ohio History Center. This event will feature live performances, civil rights activities, art, and more. Advanced registration is recommended.
23. I-Spy Hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Take the I-Spy Challenge and look for critters hidden in the woods at Blendon Woods Metro Park to win a prize. Stop by between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Monday. Check out more things to do at Blendon Woods!
24. MLK Day March & Program at Lincoln Theatre
The MLK Day March & Program takes place on Monday at the Lincoln Theatre. The march begins at 3:00 PM and the program takes place at 4:30 PM.
*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!*