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 This Weekend:
1. Think Outside the Brick at Columbus Museum of Art
Visit Think Outside The Brick, the annual LEGO display at the Columbus Museum of Art by Ohio LEGO Users’s Group. There will be a museum-wide scavenger hunt, a LEGO brick-building zone and more! This exhibit is included in admission and will be on display through March 13, 2025. Don’t forget Sundays are free!
2. Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus
New this year in Downtown Columbus is Wanderlights! Follow this festive path beginning at Columbus Commons down Town Street and ending at Bicentennial Park! Enjoy holiday lights, a mural and special displays along the way! Lights will be lit from November 22 – February 16 from 5 – 10 pm, daily.
3. Celebrate Black History Month with Seeds of Caring
Through Feb. 28, kids 6-12 can celebrate Black History Month by learning about the inspiring life of Josephine Baker. Through storytelling and hands-on activities, children will learn about Josephine Baker’s amazing life as a star, WWII spy, and civil rights activist. This free Anywhere Project can be done at home, school, or wherever you are!
4. Scavenger Hunt at Prairie Oaks Metro Park
Go on a scavenger hunt at Prairie Oaks Metro Park on Friday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM to earn prizes.
5. Riverside Crossing Park Ice Rink
This ice rink in Dublin is open on Fridays from 5–10 p.m., Saturdays from noon–10 p.m. and Sundays from noon–8 p.m. Cost is $12 per person and skates are available for sizes Youth 9 – Adult 13. You may also bring your own skates.
6. PLAYer Valentine’s Party at Big Air
This event is open to those with a PLAYer Pass (also available for purchase in-store or online). It includes free treats, valentines, candy and heart-shaped pizza on Friday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
7. Owl Prowl at Alum Creek State Park
Learn about owls and go on a walk to look for them in the park on Friday from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Meet at the Nature Center. Read about 5 things to do at Alum Creek State Park, including the amazing Nature Center!
8. Dinosaur Adventure at the Greater Columbus Convention Center
Dinosaur Adventure arrives at the Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday with activities for dinosaur fans! There will be life-size dinosaurs, fossil digs, baby dinosaurs, face painting, activities, a playground and more. Hours are 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM on Saturday and 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM on Sunday. Tickets are available online.
9. Valentine’s Day Storytime at Storyline Bookshop
Enjoy a special Valentine’s Storytime at Storyline Bookshop and purchase a book to donate to kids at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The storytime takes place on Saturday at 10:00 AM.
Read my list of local bookstores for more info about Storyline!
10. Maple Sugar Tours at Stratford Ecological Center
Explore Stratford’s forest and watch maple sap collection on Saturday beginning at 10:00 AM. You’ll learn how to identify sugar maples and to tap a tree. Sample sweet treats made from local maple syrup! Tours are 1 hour about a 1 mile walk. Register online. $10/person.
11. Storytime at the Farm at Gallant Farm
Beanbag Books presents a storytime at Gallant Farm on Saturday at 10:30 AM. This event includes a story and a craft and visits with the animals on the farm. Recommended for ages 5 and under.
12. Eddrick Houston & Jayden Fielding Appearance at Polaris Fashion Place
On Saturday from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM OSU Players Eddrick Houston and Jayden Fielding will be signing autographs outside of Wilder Side of Sports at Polaris Fashion Place. Autographs are $29. Tickets are available online.
13. Pop-Up Science Event: Pump it UP Hearts at The Works
This event features activities to teach kids about anatomy science featuring the heart! There will be art and interactive activities on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Included in admission.
Read my list of things to do in Newark to plan your trip to The Works!
14. Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure Open House at Scioto Grove Metro Park
Learn about the programs Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure offers at The Grove Lodge on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Get free swag, and complimentary snacks and try a new skill while you’re there. Read my list of things to do at Scioto Grove Metro Park to plan your outing!
15. Enrichment Extravaganza at Ohio Wildlife Center
Watch animals at the Ohio Wildlife Center enjoy enrichment activities! Materials will be provided for you to also create enrichment activities for the animals at the center. This event takes place on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Tickets are available online.
16. Kids Valentine’s Party at Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop
Head to Family Room on Saturday at 1:00 PM for a kid’s Valentine’s party. Enjoy crafts and games and each kid gets a cookie and drink. (Read more on my list of coffee shops in Westerville!)
17. Singing, Dancing and Drumming with BabaaRitah at Gahanna Library
Celebrate African history with song, dance and drumming in this call and response program at the Gahanna Branch of CML on Saturday at 2:00 PM. (This group is also performing on Friday at the Northside Library at 4:30 PM.)
18. Sensory Bin Experience at Whetstone Library
Kids with sensory needs can explore bins filled with tactile materials in a welcoming environment on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the Whetstone Branch of CML. Ages 3-11.
19. Ohio Roller Derby at the Rhodes Center
Doors open at 4:00 PM on Saturday for Ohio Roller Derby. Games will take place at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Games are kid-friendly and children 7 and under are free.
20. Winter Hike Series at Quarry Trails Metro Park
Take a hike at Quarry Trails Metro Park on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Hot drinks and snacks will be provided.
21. Owl Prowl at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Go on a 1.25 mile hike through the Walter Tucker Nature Preserve on Sunday at 10:00 AM to look for roosting owls. Read about all the things to do at Blacklick Woods!
*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!*