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. 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!
Check out this list of things to do in Grandview when you visit!
2. Underground Railroad in Central Ohio Exhibit at the Barnett Library
Check out an exhibit featuring info about the Underground Railroad in Central Ohio at the Barnett Branch of CML all day, every day in February.
3. Celebrate Black History Month with Seeds of Caring
Kick off Black History Month with this free, do-anywhere project from Seeds of Caring! Kids 6-12 will learn and engage through storytelling, interactive activities, and meaningful discussion centered on the inspiring life of Josephine Baker. Children will explore how her courage and kindness still inspires us today and discover how they can use their own voice to spark change.
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. Kid’s Service Project at Southeast or Marion-Franklin Libraries
Kids can do a service project with Seeds of Caring all day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at both the Southeast Branch and the Marion-Franklin Branch of Columbus Metropolitan Library. Drop in any time to make a card for local first responders. All ages are welcome.
7. Little Gym Playtime at Westerville Public Library
Kids ages 2-5 can run, tumble and jump with The Little Gym of Polaris at this playtime at Westerville Public Library on Friday at 10:00 AM.
8. Grand Opening of the New Linden Branch
Celebrate the grand opening of the newest branch of Columbus Metropolitan Library: Linden! The ribbon cutting will be on Friday at 10:00 AM. There will be an indoor dedication at 10:30 AM and activities to follow, including airbrush tattoos and a violin concert.
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. Ice Cream for Breakfast Day at Johnson’s Real Ice Cream
On Saturday from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, all Central Ohio Johnson’s Real Ice Cream locations will serve waffle and doughnut sundaes featuring Johnson’s Real Ice Cream, plus hot chocolate, coffee and cereal crunch toppings to add to your ice cream. There will also be three limited-edition flavors available, plus raffle prizes. Wear pajamas and receive a free scoop coupon good for your next visit!
11. Jeni’s 10th Annual Ice Cream for Breakfast Day Celebration
At all Jeni’s locations on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, celebrate the day with a new Jeni’s flavor, special breakfast-themed ice cream pairings, kids activity sheets and more!
12. Home Depot Kids Workshop
Register online to make a penguin mailbox at your local Home Depot on Saturday at 9:00 AM.
13. Ice Cream for Breakfast Day at Little Ladies Soft Serve
On Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Little Ladies Soft Serve will be serving “breakfasty” ice cream treats!
Check out my list of 17 ice cream shops in Columbus for more ideas!
14. Victorian Valentines at Slate Run Farm
Stop by the farmhouse at Slate Run Farm to create a Victorian Valentine on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Read about Slate Run Farm!
15. PBJ & Jazz at the Lincoln Ballroom
Enjoy a family-friendly jazz concert on Saturday at 10:00 AM. This show is perfect for all ages and each ticket includes a snack and a drink. Tickets are $7 per person or $30 for a family (up to 8 people). There is also a second show at 11:30 AM.
16. Grand Opening Activities at the New Linden Branch
Grand Opening activities will continue on Saturday with a balloon scavenger hunt, face painting and activities for kids from 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM and a jazz concert at 12:00 PM.
17. Feet, Feathers and Skulls at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Former Cornell Lab of Ornithology docent and Master Falconer Andrew Schmalfuss Jr. will be on-site to teach about avian adaptations and there will be a live presentation of a red-tailed hawk at 12:00 PM on Saturday at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. Ages 8 and up.
Check out all there is to do at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park!
18. Art Afternoon with Ohio Craft Museum at the Hilliard Library
The Ohio Craft Museum will host a drop-in crafting experience for families at the Hilliard Branch of CML on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Do one of these fun things in Hilliard afterwards!
19. Lunar New Year Celebration at Dublin Recreation Center
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Dublin Recreation Center on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. There will be games, raffles, food, a photo booth and cultural activities. This event is free to attend.
20. Urban Strings Columbus: Youth Orchestra at Westerville Public Library
Youth String Ensembles will perform music from popular African American composers at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday at 2:00 PM. This concert is family-friendly and free to attend.
21. Community Joy Film Series at McConnell Arts Center
Part of the Community Joy Film Series, watch the movie Ruby Bridges at the McConnell Arts Center on Saturday at 2:00 PM. The screening is free, but reservations are required.
22. Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo at Nationwide Arena
On Saturday at 7:30 PM, watch Bull Riding, Bareback Riding, Women’s Barrel Racing and more at the Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo. The preshow opens at 6:00 PM (free with your ticket) and includes pony rides, meet and greet with the cowboys and photo ops.
23. 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.
24. Disaster Mountain LEGO at Old Worthington Library
Build a LEGO creation that withstands the forces of nature at the Old Worthington Library on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Ages 6-8.
See what else there is to do in Worthington!
25. Family Concert Series at the Hilliard Library
Enjoy a family-friendly concert by UCelli, a cello quartet, at the Hilliard Branch of CML on Sunday from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
26. Superb Owl Sunday
Take a 1.25-mile hike to learn about owls and find them in Blacklick Woods on Sunday at 5:00 PM. Meet at the Nature Center.
Check out this list of fun Nature Centers in Central Ohio!
*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!*