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. 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!
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. Back to the Future: The Musical at Ohio Theatre
Watch Back to the Future on Broadway at the Ohio Theatre this weekend! The show is recommended for ages 6 and up. (Children under 4 are not permitted.) Show times are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM as well as Saturday at 2:00 PM and Sunday at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM. Tickets are available online.
Check out my list of restaurants within walking distance of Ohio Theatre on Instagram!
5. Early Literacy Bingo at Westerville Public Library
Kids ages 2-5 can practice recognizing and identifying shapes, letters, numbers and colors during a game of Bingo on Friday at 10:00 AM at the Westerville Public Library. All participants will win a prize!
6. Family Game Room at the Barnett Library
Enjoy games with your family in the Game Room at the Barnett Branch of CML on Friday from 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
7. Board Games & S’mores at Quarry Trails Metro Park
Play a board game and eat a s’more next to the campfire at Quarry Trails Metro Park on Friday from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM. Meet at the Kingfisher Shelter.
Read about all the things to do at Quarry Trails, including the new playground!
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).
9. Woodpecker Walk at Three Creeks Metro Park
Take an easy walk to look for woodpeckers and other birds at Three Creeks Metro Park on Saturday at 10:00 AM. The walk is less than 1 mile and some binoculars will be provided.
10. Grand Opening Celebration at the Canal Winchester Library
Celebrate the brand new branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library in Canal Winchester with a ribbon cutting at 10:00 AM on Saturday and a dedication and celebration to follow. There will be activities for kids, the opportunity to get a commemorative library card, free refreshments, a balloon scavenger hunt and more.
11. PBJ & Jazz at the Lincoln Theatre
Enjoy a 1-hour-long, kid-friendly jazz concert featuring the Chris Brown Quartet on Saturday at 10:00 AM or 11:30 AM. Each ticket includes a snack and a drink. Tickets are $7/person or $30 for a family.
12. Open Studio at Columbus Museum of Art
Stop into the studio at Columbus Museum of Art on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM to explore and experiment with provided art supplies! Quite time is from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM for those with sensory sensitivities. Included in admission.
13. Story Time at Blue Couch Bookshop
Kids can enjoy a story time with local author Katie Sue Huffman, the author of the Georgianna Series, at 10:30 AM on Saturday at Blue Couch Bookshop in Grandview.
Read more about the Blue Couch Bookshop on my list of bookstores in Columbus.
14. For Kids: Where Do The Animals Go? at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Take a half-mile hike at Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Saturday at 1:00 PM to learn about how animals survive the winter. Make sure to visit the canopy walk when you’re there!
15. Vision Board Charm Bracelets at Old Worthington Library
Create Vision Board Charm Bracelets to inspire you throughout 2026 at the Old Worthington Library on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Ages 9 and up.
16. States of Matter: Science Show at Westerville Public Library
Watch an interactive science show by Whiz Bang Science at the Westerville Public Library on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Learn how atoms come together to form different states of matter during this educational and exciting show.
17. Board Game Swap at Northwest Library
Take a game and leave a game at the Board Game Swap at Northwest Library on Saturday from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM.
18. Coffee, Hot Cocoa & Backyard Birds at Highbanks Nature Center
Drop in to the Nature Center at Highbanks Metro Park on Sunday between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM for coffee and hot cocoa and to watch and learn about backyard birds.
Check out this list of Central Ohio Nature Centers (it will help you survive winter with kids)!
19. Family Concert Series at the Hilliard Library
Enjoy a free concert featuring Dhvani India Performing Arts showcasing Indian classical musicians and the rich cultural heritage of South India at the Hilliard Branch of CML on Sunday at 3:00 PM.
20. Say “Thanks!” to First Responders this Winter with Seeds of Caring
Kids 6-12 can practice gratitude and share a smile by creating messages of thanks for first responders in our community. Help Seeds of Caring make first responders from the Columbus Divisions of Fire and Police feel appreciated, and let them know kids in our community care! This FREE project is ongoing: Families and groups can participate any time through Feb. 22.
*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!*