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!
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
1. Visits with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place
Visits with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place are available 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 while supplies last.
2. Photos with Santa at Easton Town Center
Visits with Santa at Easton Town Center are available through 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.
3. Winter Wonderland Maze at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center
The new Winter Wonderland Maze is open daily at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center in Westerville. It is $3 per person during business hours. General hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
4. Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Wildlights runs nightly through January 4, 2026 at the Columbus Zoo! This event includes millions of LED lights, musical light shows, meet and greet with characters, reindeer and more! Hours are Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
5. 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.
6. Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Conservatory Aglow runs through January 4, 2026. Hours are 5-9 pm nightly and 5-10 pm Fridays and Saturdays in December. Enjoy holiday light displays, outdoor games, dancing, festive igloos, the Paul Busse Garden Railway and more! Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Check out my Instagram Reel featuring Conservatory Aglow!
7. Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights
Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights will be open nightly through January 4, 2026. This drive-through light show is open every day, including holidays. Hours are Sunday-Thursday: 5:30pm – 9:00pm and Friday and Saturday: 5:30pm – 10:00pm. Tickets are available online and at the gate.
8. 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.
9. Season of Celebrations at COSI
Visit COSI to see 50 trees decorated by community organizations. COSI will be decorated for the holidays, including in the Progress exhibit where there will be live actors Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM. There will be interactive activities, special demonstrations and hands-on activities. This celebration will go on from November 22, 2025 to January 4, 2026 during regular COSI hours and is included in admission.
10. The Nutcracker by BalletMet
BalletMet presents The Nutcracker at the Ohio Theater beginning December 11-28. Use my code WSWDTNUT for 25% off any performance of BalletMet’s The Nutcracker!
11. Mr. Scrooge at the Riffe Center
December 5-23, enjoy a kid-friendly adaptation of A Christmas Carol performed by Columbus Children’s Theatre. This is a 60-minute musical geared toward ages 4-12. There are several performances over the weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
12. Family Craft with Ohio Craft Museum at Westerville Library
Ohio Craft Museum will have representatives at the Westerville Public Library to lead a craft for families on Friday at 10:00 AM. All supplies will be provided. For ages 4-11.
13. Family Storytime – All Aboard at Main Library
Enjoy a train-themed story time at Main Library on Friday at 10:30 AM. Then you can visit the Huntington Holiday train in the lobby!
14. Hot Cocoa and Hike at Scioto Grove Metro Park
Grab a cup of hot cocoa and go for a staff-led hike at Scioto Grove Metro park at 4:30 PM on Friday.
Read more about Scioto Grove Metro Park!
15. Wander Nights at Wanderlights
On Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM in December, explore all three Wanderlights stops in Downtown Columbus, enjoy free hot chocolate and free carousel rides, a holiday movie at the Scioto Mile Fountain, visit Santa in the Lazarus Building galleria, and take a trolley to view the butterfly light show at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
16. Holly Jolly Lights at The McCoy Cabin
Walk through this outdoor lights display on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM through December 24. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available for purchase. Tickets are $7/person. Tickets are available online.
17. Campfire & Hot Cocoa at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Take a half-mile hike under the twinkling lights on along the Buttonbush Trail and enjoy a cup of cocoa around the campfire. The Canopy Walk and Nature Center will be open late to explore! This event takes place on Friday from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
See all the fun things to do at Blacklick Woods Metro Park.
18. Winter Wonders Walk at the Dawes Arboretum
Winter Wonders Walk takes place on December 12 and 13 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Dawes Arboretum. Enjoy ice sculptures, a light display, food trucks, an outdoor immersive projection, live music and visits from Santa and his reindeer! Tickets must be pre-purchased.
19. The Happy Elf at Columbus Children’s Theatre
Watch a 30-minute live theatre experience inspired by the book The Happy Elf by Harry Connick Jr. This will be a 30-minute interactive experience recommended for ages 0-5. Shows take place at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 1PM and 2 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available online.
20. Holiday Hop at Broad & Westmoor
Head to the Hilltop Hop for holiday cookies from Slice of Heaven Bakery, visits with Santa on his motorcycle at Third Way Coffeehouse, crafts for kids at Best Side Studio, food trucks and more fun activities on the block!
21. Magic of the Holiday at New Albany Library
See Erica Carlson and Sedgie the Hedgie perform a magic show with a holiday theme at the New Albany Branch of CML on Saturday at 11:00 AM.
22. Cocoa and Cryptids at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Take a walk and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. There will be opportunities to take photos with Bigfoot and the Grinch!
23. The Nutcracker by The New Albany Children’s Ballet
The New Albany Children’s Ballet Theatre brings Clara’s enchanting adventure to life in The Nutcracker at McCoy Center for the Arts. At time of posting, Friday is sold out but shows are available on Saturday at 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM and Sunday at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
24. PBJ & Jazz at Main Library
Enjoy a free community jazz concert by Jazz Arts Group on Saturday at 11:30 AM. Featuring holiday favorites and a visit from Santa, this event invites the whole family to sing, dance and clap to the music. A snack will be included.
25. Holiday Open House at Central Ohio Model Railroad Club
This free Holiday Open House takes place on each Saturday and Sunday in December from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. See multiple model train layouts in action and kids can even control a Thomas train.
26. Winter Lights Holiday Celebration at Hilltop Library
Celebrate the winter holidays with menorahs, lanterns, candles and twinkling trees at the Holiday Celebration at the Hilltop Branch of CML inspired by the book We Celebrate Light on Saturday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
27. Gingerbread House Party at Whetstone Library
All supplies will be provided to build your own gingerbread house at this part at the Whetstone branch of CML on Saturday at 3:00 PM. Meet Elephant and Piggie and watch a play inspired by The Grinch by Whetstone’s Teen Advisory Board.
28. Letters to Santa at Ohio Railway Museum
Write letters to Santa and take a trolley ride with Santa and his crew and make a railroad-themed ornament at the Ohio Railway Museum on Saturday with times available from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Book online.
29. Christmas on the Farm at Fox’s High Rock Farm
Head to Hocking Hills to celebrate the holidays with the animals at Fox’s High Rock Farm. There will be stories, crafts and visits with Santa on Saturday from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Read more about Fox’s High Rock Farm here!
30. Columbus Youth Jazz Big Bands: Swing Sunday at Main Library
Enjoy a free concert by all four Youth Jazz big bands at Main Library on Sunday at 1:30 PM.
31. Winter Crafts at Westerville Library
Enjoy family games and winter crafts at the Westerville Public Library on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Suitable for ages 2-7.
32. Campfire Cookies at Quarry Trails Metro Park
Enjoy cookies and a campfire at Quarry Trails Metro Park on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM.
33. Community Concert – ProMusica at Dublin Library
ProMusica presents a family-friendly concert at the Dublin Branch of CML on Sunday at 3:00 PM. The concert will include stories and live music by professional musicians.
*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!*