Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
PLEASE NOTE: There are MANY cancellations this weekend due to the weather! Please double check the link and social media for weather-related updates to events this weekend!
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. Winter Habitat Builders at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Learn about the habitats where animals take shelter in the winter and build your own winter habitat at Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center on Friday at 12:00 PM. Ages 8 and up.
Find out what to do at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park!
5. Family Art: Watercolor at Westerville Public Library
The whole family can create an art piece with watercolors at the Westerville Library on Friday at 2:00 PM. Come dressed for a mess!
6. The Art of Flying at Barnett Library
Join the National Veterans Memorial and Museum for a chance to learn about the history of the U.S. Air Force and to make and fly a paper airplane at the Barnett Branch of CML on Friday at 3:00 PM.
7. Winter Ice Festival at Franklin Park Conservatory
The Winter Ice Festival takes place at Franklin Park Conservatory on January 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.
8. 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).
9. Lantern Hike at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Take a lantern-lit 1.5-mile guided hike to look for nocturnal wildlife at the Walter Tucker Nature Preserve at Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Friday at 6:30 PM. Meet at the Nature Center.
See 5 things to do when you visit Blacklick Woods!
10. Storytime with Author & Illustrator Will Hillenbrand at Cover to Cover – RESCHEDULED!
Join author & Illustrator Will Hillenbrand in celebration of his latest picture book, The Winding Willow, at Cover to Cover on Saturday at 10:00 AM. This event has been rescheduled for 1/31/26.
Check out this list of local bookstores!
11. Music & Moos at Mojica Family Farm
This child/parent music class is led by Brandi Sparks at the Mojica Family Farm on Saturday at 10:00 AM. It includes songs, dance, musical instruments, and the opportunity to meet and feed highland cattle, mini donkeys, goats, and more. Tickets are available online.
12. Storytime: The Music of Laurie Berkner at Westerville Public Library
This storytime features song and dance to the music of Laurie Berkner on Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Westerville Public Library.
13. Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange at Gahanna Library
Bring a puzzle, take a puzzle and meet other puzzle fans on Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Gahanna Branch of CML.
Read through this list of things to do in Gahanna to plan your visit!
14. Community Joy Film Series at McConnell Arts Center
Part of the Community Joy Film Series, watch the movie Wish at the McConnell Arts Center on Saturday at 2:00 PM. The screening is free, but reservations are required.
15. Magic Nate’s Big Night at Hilliard Arts Council
Join Magic Nate and other Special Guest Performers for a magic show featuring mind-bending illusions, comedy, and high-energy magic! The show takes place on Saturday at 6:30 PM at the Hilliard Arts Council. Tickets are available online. The performance is 90 minutes long.
16. 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 Sunday at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. Tickets are available online.
17. Kids: Winter Indoor Survival Game at Highbanks Metro Park
Learn how animals adapt to survive winter and then test your skills to see if you can survive, too! There will be an interactive game and a craft to take home. This program takes place at the Highbanks Nature Center on Sunday at 1:00 PM. Ages 7 and up.
Check out these Nature Centers in Central Ohio that are worth a visit!
18. ProMusica Family Concert at Main Library
Enjoy a free, family-friendly concert by ProMusica on Sunday at 1:30 PM at the Main Library.
19. Jurassic Archery at Blacklick Woods Golf Course
Learn archery while also learning about the Jurassic period at the Blacklick Woods Golf Course on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Ages 8 and up.
20. All About Hibernators Walk at Three Creeks Metro Park
Take a 1-mile walk to learn about groundhogs and other winter sleepers on Sunday at 2:00 PM at Three Creeks Metro Park. Meets at Three Creeks Confluence Area bulletin board.
21. CSYO Youth Orchestra Concert at the Riffe Center
Enjoy a concert by the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra at the Riffe Center at 3:00 PM on Sunday. Tickets are available online.
22. Kids’ Service Activity: Nourishing New Neighbors with Seeds of Caring
Help welcome New American families in our community! Kids 4-12 will gain empathy for the refugee experience through a read-aloud and age-appropriate discussion from Seeds of Caring. Then, helping hands will assemble pasta kits and create messages of caring for families supported by Festa. Cost is approximately $7 per kit, including 2 packages of pasta, 1 jar of meat-free sauce, and 1 container of shelf-stable parmesan (optional). This activity is available through March 1, 2026.
*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!*