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:
These events are in chronological order. Ongoing events are listed first. If an event happens multiple times during a weekend, it will be listed in the order of its first occurrence, so make sure to read through the whole list! Have a great weekend!
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
If you’re planning ahead, I’ve got my list of 68 Things to do Thanksgiving Week in Columbus ready for you!
1. Visits with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place
Visits with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place are available through December 24th. This year’s set theme is The Polaris Express, including a train display in Center Court. All kids who visit with Santa receive a Santa coloring book, special Santa glasses, and a Polaris Express golden train ticket. Kids 12 and under – bring your golden ticket to Pure Imagination Chocolatier and get a free hot cocoa (valid through 12/31/2025). They will also receive a ‘BELIEVE’ Santa Sleigh Bell that also serves as a Christmas tree ornament while supplies last.
2. Photos with Santa at Easton Town Center
Visits with Santa at Easton Town Center are available through December 24th. Santa’s workshop will be located in the South District next to Levi’s. Reservations and walk-up visits will both be available but reservations are strongly encouraged. Photo packages are available and you can use your own camera as well. Click the link to see times and make a reservation.
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.
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4. Pink Friday in Hilliard
Shop small on Pink Friday in Hilliard. Local businesses are offering discounts, raffle prizes, special pink drinks and food items including bagels, cupcakes and mochas. This event will be going on on Friday from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Check out these 13 fun things to do in Hilliard when you’re there!
5. Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Wildlights begins November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026 at the Columbus Zoo! This event includes millions of LED lights, musical light shows, meet and greet with characters, reindeer and more! Hours are Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
6. 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 from November 21 – February 15 from 5 – 10 pm, daily.
7. Holly Jolly Lights at The McCoy Cabin
Walk through this outdoor lights display on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM through December 24. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available for purchase. Tickets are $7/person. Tickets are available online.
8. Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights
Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights opens Friday, November 21st, and will be open nightly through January 4, 2026. This drive-through light show is open every day including holidays. Hours are Sunday-Thursday: 5:30pm – 9:00pm and Friday and Saturday: 5:30pm – 10:00pm. Tickets are available online and at the gate.
9. Christmas Open House at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center
The Christmas Open House at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center will offer hot chocolate and cookies, ornament painting, visits with The Grinch, Christmas Trees and holiday decor. Plus you can walk through the Winter Wonderland Maze for free. Open House hours are Saturday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
10. Winter Wonderland Maze at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center
The new Winter Wonderland Maze will open on Saturday at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center in Westerville. It will be free during this weekend’s open house and then $3 per person after that. Open House hours are Saturday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
11. Season of Celebrations at COSI
Visit COSI to see 50 trees decorated by community organizations. COSI will be decorated for the holidays, including in the Progress exhibit where there will be live actors Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM. There will be interactive activities, special demonstrations and hands-on activities. This celebration will go on from November 22, 2025 to January 4, 2026 during regular COSI hours and is included in admission.
12. November Story Hour at Bibliophile
Enjoy stories and seasonal fun at the Kids Story Hour at Bibliophile Candle Co on Saturday at 10:00 AM.
Read about Bibliophile on my list of independent bookstores in Columbus!
13. Thanksgiving Traditions at Slate Run Farm
Learn about Thanksgiving foods and traditions at the farmhouse at Slate Run Farm on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Drop in anytime.
Read all about Slate Run Farm!
14. Stuffed Animal Stories and Party at Lane Road Branch
Bring your favorite stuffed animals to the Lane Road Branch of UAPL on Saturday at 10:30 AM for stories, songs and crafts. Ages 3 and up.
15. LEGO Turkey Build at Standardized Brewing
Join BAM Powell at Standardized Brewing for a custom turkey build. Each ticket includes 1 custom LEGO kit and one beer/coffee ticket. Arrive any time between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Saturday to participate. Tickets are available online.
16. Saturday Afternoon with Author Mariposa Aristeo at Cover to Cover
Meet author Mariposa Aristeo on Saturday at 1:00 PM at Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers in Upper Arlington and celebrate her new young adult novel (ages 13+), Sons of Day & Night (Chronicles of Twinsbane, Book 1).
Check out more about Cover to Cover on my list of wonderful children’s bookstores.
17. Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting in Marysville
The annual Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting takes place in Historic Uptown Marysville on Saturday from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. There will be visits with Santa, the tree lighting ceremony at 6:00 PM, live music, a scavenger hunt, iceless ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, train rides for kids, ornament making and more.
Check out this list of things to do in Marysville!
18. Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Conservatory Aglow opens on Saturday and runs through January 4, 2026. Hours are 5-9pm nightly and 5-10pm Fridays and Saturdays in December. Enjoy holiday light displays, outdoor games, dancing, festive igloos, the Paul Busse Garden Railway and more! Reservations are strongly encouraged.
19. Astronomy Night at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Make a star chart while observing the night sky at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park on Saturday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Meet at the Nature Center overflow parking lot.
20. Good Night Moon at Columbus Children’s Theatre
Enjoy a 30-minute live performance inspired by the book Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. This is an interactive experience geared towards kids ages 0-5. There are performances at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM on Sunday.
21. Holiday Market at Understory
This market with Atomic on High takes place on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Understory and it includes Pictures with Santa, local vendors, $5 mimosas and more. All ages are welcome.
22. Holiday Concert at Franklin Park Conservatory
Enjoy lively holiday music by Granville High School’s Chamber Singers on Sunday at 2:00 PM at Franklin Park Conservatory. Included in admission.
23. Autumn Wildlife Hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Go for a 2-mile hike at Blendon Woods Metro Park to look for turkeys, squirrels, deer, and other animals. The trail is gravel and includes stairs. This hike will take place at 2:00 PM on Sunday.
24. Gahanna Holiday Lights Celebration
On Sunday, beginning at 3:00 PM, enjoy live performances, arts and crafts, a trackless train, an ice sculpting show, a Giant Snow Globe, photo ops and more in the Creekside District of Gahanna. Santa will arrive at 6:00 PM and begin the treelighting ceremony and fireworks.
Check out my blog post about things to do in Gahanna!
25. Final Weekend! Pack & Donate Breakfast Kits with Seeds of Caring
Help warm hearts (and bellies!) by packing a healthy breakfast kit for families supported by Worthington Resource Pantry. Kids will fill each kit with oatmeal packets, cinnamon, raisins, and a message of caring. Register for this free, do-anywhere project with Seeds of Caring to receive your service packet with more details – along with a guided, age-appropriate discussion about hunger and service. This project is available through Sunday.
*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!*