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. Share the Gift of a Healthy, Happy Smile this Winter with Seeds of Caring
Did you know that you can help all of our neighbors feel safe, happy, and cared for? Through Jan. 25, children ages 6-12 can assemble dental kits and create messages of caring for families supported by Dublin Food Pantry. Do this Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring at home, school, or wherever you are!
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4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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!
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 through January 4, 2026, during regular COSI hours and is included in admission.
See my photos of Seasons of Celebration on Instagram!
11. 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!
12. 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.
13. A Christmas Carol at the Abbey Theater
Enjoy a performance of A Christmas Carol at Abbey Theater in Dublin. There are showtimes beginning on Thursday and running through Saturday. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
14. Sunset and S’mores at Quarry Trails Metro Park
Enjoy s’mores during the sunset at Quarry Trails Metro Park on Friday from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM. Meet at the Lakes Area.
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. 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 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.
17. 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.
18. Hidden Gnomes Hunt at Quarry Trails Metro Park
Search for hidden gnomes at Quarry Trails Metro Park on Saturday and Sunday. Once you find them, call the Ranger for a prize: 614-565-1539. Hours are 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM each day.
19. SpongeBob Square Party! at Old Worthington Library
Enjoy a SpongeBob party with crafts, an obstacle course and more at the Old Worthington Library on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Ages 4-8.
20. 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.
21. Santa in the Park at Bridge Park
Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus and take a free photo in the Pocket Park next to Urban Meyer’s Pint House in Bridge Park on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM. There will be hot chocolate and live music, too!
22. Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra at Driving Park Library
The Urban Strings Columbus Youth Orchestra will perform upbeat music from popular African-American composers and arrangers at the Driving Park Branch of Columbus Metropolitan Library on Saturday at 1:00 PM.
23. Block Party at Columbus Museum of Art
Enjoy LEGO fun at the Columbus Museum of Art on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. The event starts with a drop-in building activity from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM and then there will be a screening of The LEGO® Batman Movie beginning at 2:15 PM. This event is included in admission or membership. Registration is encouraged.
24. Victorian Christmas Traditions at Slate Run Farm
Enjoy 1880’s holiday activities and decorations at the Farmhouse at Slate Run Farm on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Check out all there is to do at Slate Run Farm!
25. Winter Holidays Around the World at South High Library
Enjoy a musical experience celebrating international holidays at the South High Branch of Columbus Metropolitan Library on Saturday at 3:00 PM.
26. 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 and Sunday with times available from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Book online.
27. 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 Sunday. Tickets are available online.
28. Insects in Winter at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Go looking for insects and how they survive winter at Blacklick Woods on Sunday at 1:00 PM. Meet at the Nature Center.
See all the fun things to do at Blacklick Woods Metro Park.
29. Little Hikers: Welcome Winter at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Take a 1-mile accessible hike to learn about seasonal changes and stop along the way for a story and games on Sunday at 3:00 PM at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. This trail is stroller-friendly.
*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!*