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. Central Ohio Home and Garden Show
The Central Ohio Home & Garden Show is coming back to the Ohio Expo Center February 14-22, featuring over 300 local home and garden vendors. In addition to the indoor gardens and vendors, there will be two stages for presentations and demonstrations where you can learn tips and tricks for your home and garden. Monday is Kid’s Day and there will be a whole day of activities for kids including a visit from Ohio Wildlife, hands-on painting activities, teacup make-and-take, cooking demonstrations for kids and more! Tickets are $10 online, or they will be $15 at the door. Kids 17 and under are free.
2. Final Weekend: Say “THANKS!” to Columbus First Responders
Let first responders from the Columbus Divisions of Fire and Police know kids in our community care! Kids 6-12 can say “thank you!” and share a smile by creating messages of gratitude for first responders in our community. Families and groups can participate in this FREE Seeds of Caring project any time, anywhere through Feb. 22.
3. Mythic Creatures at COSI
Learn about the natural and cultural roots of mythological creatures from Asia, Europe, the Americas and beyond at this temporary exhibit at COSI. This exhibit will be on display through September 7th and is included in general admission during daily COSI hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
4. 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.
5. Disney on Ice at Nationwide Arena
Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party is coming to Nationwide Arena from February 19- 22, featuring your favorite Disney stars with cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, and stunning set designs. Show times will be Thursday: 7:00 PM, Friday: 10:30 AM & 7:00 PM, Saturday: 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM, and Sunday: 10:30 AM, 2:30 PM & 6:30 PM.
6. Underground Railroad in Central Ohio Exhibit at the Canal Winchester Library
Check out an exhibit featuring info about the Underground Railroad in Central Ohio at the Canal Winchester Branch of CML all day on Friday and Saturday.
7. Storytime at Blendon Woods Nature Center
Visit the newly remodeled Nature Center at Blendon Woods Metro Park for a storytime at 10:00 AM on Friday.
Check out this list of Central Ohio Nature Centers for indoor fun!
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).
Check out this list for more things to do in Dublin, Ohio!
9. Brown Bear, Brown Bear at Columbus Children’s Theatre
Kids can participate in a 30-minute, interactive experience featuring the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? at Columbus Children’s Theatre on Saturday or Sunday at 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, & 2 PM. Tickets are available online.
10. Let’s Have a Story with Lyn Ford at Westerville Public Library
Kids ages 2-7 can hear stories in the Affrilachian oral tradition performed by author and educator Lyn Ford on Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Westerville Public Library.
11. Blooms and Butterflies Opening Day at Franklin Park Conservatory
Walk amongst the butterflies at Franklin Park Conservatory and view the butterflies emerging in the Metamorphosis Lab during Blooms and Butterflies. The exhibit opens on Saturday at 11:00 AM. There will also be a special sand art craft available for $5. Blooms and Butterflies will be available through July 5th and it is included in admission.
12. Blacklick Woods Frozen Experience
Build a snowman craft and go on a scavenger hunt in the town of Arendelle aka Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
13. Community Joy Film Series at McConnell Arts Center
Part of the Community Joy Film Series, watch the movie Selma at the McConnell Arts Center on Saturday at 2:00 PM. The screening is free, but reservations are required.
14. Kevin Hagans on Violin at the Gahanna Library
Celebrate Black History Month with a violin performance from Kevin Hagans at the Gahanna Branch of CML on Saturday at 2:00 PM.
Read this list of 9 fun things to do in Gahanna!
15. Mini & Me Valentine’s Date at Maker’s Social
Maker’s Social is offering Mini & Me Valentine’s Dates on Sundays in February and kids get 50% off projects! There are projects for most ages. Hours are 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
16. Maple Time at Slate Run Farm
Take a hike through the sugarbrush at Slate Run Farm to learn about tapping trees and collecting sap. At the Farmhouse you can watch sap boiling and sample a maple treat. This program is ongoing between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Sunday, with hikes leaving at 1:15 PM and 2:00. PM.
17. Science Sunday – Raptors 101 at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
The Ohio School of Falconry will be at Blacklick Woods at 1:00 PM on Sunday to teach attendees about birds of prey.
18. Encanto Sing-Along at the McCoy Center for the Arts
This is a free event featuring a screening of Encanto with on-screen lyrics to sing along on Sunday at 1:00 PM. No ticket required. Rated PG.
19. Urban Strings Concert at Main Library
Enjoy a performance of upbeat music from popular African-American composers and arrangers by youth string ensembles at the Main Library on Sunday at 2:00 PM.
20. Leaping Lizards: Reptile Show at Westerville Public Library
Kids can learn about snakes, frogs, and lizards and get up close to a reptile and bug at the Westerville Public Library on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Suitable for ages 4-11.
Browse this list of things to do in Westerville!
21. Pine Cone Pals at Worthington Park Library
Create characters made out of pine cones with googly eyes, yarn hair and more at the Worthington Park Library on Sunday at 3:00 PM. Ages 4-8.
22. Little Hikers Club at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Take a 1-mile accessible hike that includes a story and games on Sunday at 3:00 PM. This trail is stroller-friendly. Meet at the Ranger Station at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
*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!*