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:
Keep reading to the end of the list for events that are taking place on Monday, January 20 (MLK Jr. Day)!
1. 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. (This is the last weekend!)
2. 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!
3. Make a Child’s Birthday Extra Happy with Seeds of Caring!
Through Feb. 16, kids ages 4-12 can learn about the power of kindness and bring birthday cheer to families supported by the YWCA Center for Women. Your family, team, or youth group will pack Birthday Bags with cake mix, frosting, candles, a cheer card – everything a child needs to celebrate their special day! This Anywhere Project can be done at home, school, or wherever you are!
4. 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.
5. Peter Pan at Ohio Theatre
The Broadway presentation of Peter Pan will take place at Ohio Theatre January 14-19. The show is recommended for ages 5 and up. Click the link to see all show times throughout the weekend.
6. Winter Ice Festival at Franklin Park Conservatory
The Winter Ice Festival will be held from January 16–20. Some events require special engagement tickets and others are included with general admission. Highlights include “Fire & Ice” ice carving competitions, public ice skating, and The Frozen Sisters. Check the link for all the details.
7. Fine Motor Fridays at Northside Library
Kids can take part in activities that build fine motor skills at the Northside Branch of CML on Friday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Ages 3-5.
8. 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.
9. Stuffed Animal Sleepover at Old Worthington Library
Drop off your stuffed animal at Old Worthington Library between 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Saturday and pick it up at 3:00 PM on sunday and enjoy a special storytime and slideshow of how your stuffed animal spent the night! Ages 8 and under.
10. Daniel Tiger Storytime at Westerville Public Library
Children ages 0-5 can take part in this storytime featuring stories about friendship and kindness. There will also be crafts, games and a photo op with Daniel Tiger at Westerville Public Library on Saturday at 10:00 AM.
11. Fairy Tale Adventures at Miller Park Library
Enjoy activities for preschoolers and school-age children with the theme of fairy tales at the Miller Park Branch of UAPL on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Build castles, do experienments, make fairy wands and more.
12. Family Storytime – Happy Birthday Dolly Parton! at Karl Road Library
On Saturday at 11:00 AM, enjoy books and activities celebrating Dolly Parton’s birthday. Come dressed like Dolly, a farmer or cowfolk to receive a prize.
13. Author Visit – Debbie Rigaud and Carlotta Penn at Whitehall Library
Join local authors Debbie Rigaud and Carlotta Penn to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the release of their book, Step by Step!: How The Lincoln Marchers Blazed a Trail to Justice. This event will take place on Saturday at 11:30 AM and include a book reading, music, games, crafts, refreshments and book giveaways. No registration required.
14. Happy Birthday, Martin! Crossroads of Freedom at Martin Luther King Library
On Saturday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Martin Luther King Branch of CML there will be interactive activities to help families reflect on MLK Jr. There will be food, raffles, art, books, music and more.
15. Lively Lichen at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Take a half-mile hike at Blacklick Woods to discover lichen. This hike will take place at 1:00 PM on Saturday.
16. Community Joy Film Series at McConnell Arts Center
The Community Joy Film Series features free movies hosted at the McConnell Arts Center throughout January and February. Screenings are free but reservations are required. Get your tickets for The Little Mermaid (2023) showing this Saturday at 2:00 PM.
17. Community Days at Columbus Museum of Art
Admission is free to Columbus Museum of Art on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and there will be special activities to celebrate Community Day. There will be a storytime, art-making activities, a DJ, a food truck and more!
18. Rocky Fork Winter Hike Day
Hike a trail at Rocky Fork Metro Park and get your winter hike card stamped. There will also be treats (for humans and dogs)! Hike any time between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Sunday.
Events in Columbus on Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
19. MLK Day at COSI
COSI will be open for special hours on Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. From 11am – 1pm in the Atrium there wil be special MLK activities, book raffles, and more.
20. Preschool: Winter Fun at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Drop by the Blendon Woods Nature Center between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Monday for a craft and a winter activity.
21. Snow Science Day
Learn about the science behind snow with crafts and activities at Inniswood Metro Gardens at 10:00 AM on Monday.
22. Ohio Wildlife Center at Franklin Park Conservatory
Meet animal ambassadors from Ohio Wildlife Center and do a winter animal craft. There will be two times on Monday: 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM. This event is included with admission.
23. MLK Day Open House at Ohio History Center
On Monday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, join the Ohio History Center and The King Arts Complex for the free annual MLK Day Open House at Ohio History Center. This event will feature live performances, civil rights activities, art, and more. Check the link for the schedule of performances. Advance registration is recommended.
24. MLK Day Food Drive and Hike at Quarry Trails Metro Park
Take a hike at Quarry Trails Metro Park on Monday at 12:00 PM. Bring a non-perishable food to donate.
*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!*