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:
1. Join Seeds of Caring for a Day of Youth Service Jan. 20
Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.” And that includes kids! Join our annual Day of Youth Service where kids ages 2-12 can contribute to their community in meaningful ways, including: assembling cleaning kits for recently housed neighbors, making breakfast kits for kids experiencing food insecurity, creating sun catchers for senior friends to brighten their day, and more! Register now for this FREE event.
2. Last Weekend of PAW Patrol at COSI
This immersive exhibit will leave COSI on January 12, 2025. Visit to interact with the display that teaches kids about different jobs in the community featuring the PAW Patrol Pups. Included in admission during regular COSI hours.
3. Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Metropolitan Library
See the Huntington Holiday Train at Main Library from November 18, 2024 – January 18, 2025. This model train display is a sight to see! The train is running during all library business hours.
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Storytime with Author Quartez Harris at Cover to Cover
Enjoy a story time with Ohio author Quartez Harris featuring his new picture book Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer on Saturday at 10:00 AM at Cover to Cover.
8. Sharon Woods Winter Hike
Choose a trail at Sharon Woods Metro Park as part of the Winter Hike Series. Hot drinks and snacks will be provided around the campfire at Apple Ridge Shelter House on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. All ages welcome.
9. Open Studio at Columbus Museum of Art
Open Studio takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (sensory hour from 10-11). The theme is Reimagine and it gives visitors the opportunity to explore using old materials for new projects during this creative time. Included in admission.
10. Puzzle Exchange at Gahanna Library
This free puzzle exchange takes place on Saturday from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM at the Gahanna Branch of CML. Take a puzzle, leave a puzzle!
11. Cocoa and Canvas at Northwest Library
Get ready for messy art with cocoa at the Northwest Library on Saturday from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Best for ages 11 and under.
12. Chess for Wisdom and Wellness at Hilltop Library
Learn about the diverse history, culture and rules of chess at the Hilltop Library on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Best for ages 7-11.
13. States of Matter: Science Show at Westerville Public Library
Join Whiz Bang Science for an interactive show where kids can learn how atoms come together to form matter at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Suitable for ages 6-15.
14. Storytime Lantern Hike at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Join a naturalist for a story and a 1-mile winter hike at Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center on Saturday at 6:30 PM.
15. Off-Trail Wandering at Three Creeks Metro Park
Take an off-trail walk at a slow pace to learn about unfamiliar parts of Three Creek Metro Park on Sunday beginning at 2:00 PM. The hike will be 1-2 miles. All ages are welcome.
16. Shore Thing – Sand-tastic Creations at Worthington Park Library
Use sand to create your own piece of art at Worthington Park Library on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
*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!*