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. Photos with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place
Book your visit with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place beginning Thursday November 14 through December 24. Walk-ups are also welcome.
2. Give Gifts of Joy with Seeds of Caring
Looking for a way to spread JOY this holiday season? Help your kids share some kindness by purchasing a new gift for children supported by The Open Shelter! This Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring also teaches children ages 2-12 about the importance of kindness through age-appropriate discussion and a read-aloud. Participate any time, anywhere through Dec. 8!
3. Mommy & Me: Teddy Bear Friendsgiving Workout + Craft
Join a Stroller Strides Playdate on Friday! The workout begins at 9:45 AM and the Teddy Bear Friendsgiving will start afterward and include a craft. Your first workout is always free and playdates are free, too.
4. Santa’s Wonderland at Tanger Outlets
This event includes a Holiday Tree Celebration and Santa’s Celebration in the Center Courtyard at Tanger Outlets on Friday at 5:00 PM. There will be treats, crafts and Santa’s arrival at 5:15 PM. There will also be a toy and coat drive for People In Need.
5. Alice in Wonderland at Westgate Community Center
Watch young actors perform in Alice in Wonderland at the Westgate Community Center on Friday and Saturday at 7:00 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM.
6. Into the Woods at Big Walnut High School
Sunbury Performing Arts will present Into the Woods Jr. on November 15, 16 and 17. Show times are Friday at 7:00 PM, Saturday at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM.
7. Legally Blonde Jr. at Hilliard Station Sixth Grade Auditorium
The Hilliard Middle Schools present Legally Blonde Jr. on November 15 & 16 at 7:00 PM each night at the Hilliard Station Sixth Grade Auditorium. Tickets are available online.
8. Holiday Market at Westgate Farmers Market
Shop this holiday-themed final Farmers Market of the season on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
9. March Through Time at Ohio History Center
Explore Ohio’s military history with daily programs and activities at Ohio History Center on Saturday and Sunday. There will be an open storage World War 1 Display, military uniforms and medals, educational activities and more. Hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM each day. This event is included in admission.
10. CHA Animal Shelter Visit at Miller Park Branch of UAPL
Make crafts and meet representatives from the CHA Animal Shelter to learn about animal adoption. There may be adoptable animals on site based on availability on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
11. Opening Day of Think Outside The Brick at Columbus Museum of Art
Visit a model of Columbus made of LEGO bricks at the Columbus Museum of Art beginning November 16th through March 13, 2025. There will be activities around the museum including a scavenger hunt, a LEGO brick building zone and a design-your-own Minifigure station.
12. For Kids: Squirrels and Nuts at Blendon Woods Nature Center
Learn about squirrels and gather some nuts for winter on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Ages 6-12.
13. Lunchtime Hot Dog Campfire at Three Creeks Metro Park
Enjoy a campfire at Three Creeks Metro Park on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. You can roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Supplies are provided while they last.
14. Live Painting with Abby Elise Baker at Driving Park Library
Join Abby Elise Baker, a Columbus-based artist for a live painting at Driving Park Library on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
15. Pumpkin Pie Iron Cooking at Scioto Grove Metro Park
Learn to cook a pumpkin pie over a camp fire at Scioto Grove Metro Park on Saturday at 1:00 PM. All supplies and instructions will be provided.
16. Kids Create at South High Library
Hang out, create art, play games and more on Saturday at 2:00 PM at the South High Library. Ages 7-11.
17. Farm Luminary Walk at Slate Run Farm
Take a walk on the farm amidst luminaries between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Saturday at Slate Run Farm.
18. Art Cart at Tremont Branch of UAPL
Create a craft with supplies from the Art Cart on Sunday between 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM.
19. Campfire & S’mores at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Make s’mores around the fire at Blendon Woods on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Supplies will be provided.
20. S’mores and Furs at Homestead Metro Park
Enjoy a campfire for s’mores, animal furs and bones at Homestead Metro Park from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM on Sunday. Supplies are first come, first served.
21. Lantern Hike at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Take a 2-mile interpretive hike with lanterns at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park on Sunday at 6:00 PM. This trail is accessible and lanterns will be available to borrow.
Plan your holiday fun! Browse these blog posts for the best family-friendly holiday events in Columbus!
- 7 of the Most Festive Things You Can Do in Columbus This Holiday Season
- 10 of Our Favorite Columbus Christmas Traditions
- 16 Drive Through Christmas Lights Displays Near Columbus, Ohio
- 5 Best Membership Gifts for Columbus Kids
- Christmas Tree Farms in Columbus and Beyond
- 5 Holiday Trains in Columbus, Ohio
- 25 Things to do in Columbus in December
- 14 Free Holiday Attractions in Columbus, 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!*