Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
This weekend’s list also includes events for Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 17. As usual, the events are in chronological order, so read to the end for events on Monday! If you want to get this list in your email every week, make sure to sign up for my newsletter! Have a great weekend!
Family-Friendly Things to do in Columbus This Weekend:
1. 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 daily through March 13, 2025. Don’t forget Sundays are free!
2. Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus
This is the last weekend for 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.
3. Library Lovers Day Scavenger Hunt at Plain City Public Library
On Friday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM participate in a scavenger hunt at Plain City Public Library. There will be scavenger hunts and prizes for both kids and adults. There will also be prize giveaways for anyone who visits the library during this timeframe.
4. Kids Eat Free at Rusty Bucket
Eat at Rusty Bucket on Valentine’s Day and kids 10 and under eat free! One complimentary kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entree all day Friday.
5. Crocheting for Beginners at Granville Public Library
Kids in grades K-6 can lear how to hold a hook and make basic crochet stitches at the Granville Public Library on Friday at 1:00 PM.
6. Kids Night Out at The Works
Register online for this kids-only night at The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology on Friday from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Kids can explore the museum, have a snack and make a craft while parents have a night out! Register online.
7. 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.
8. Brown Bear, Brown Bear Storybook Adventure at CCT Studios
This storybook adventure performance features Eric Carle’s “Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?” and includes puppets, interactive experiences and more. The performance is 30 minutes long and perfect for ages 5 and under. There are 4 shows on Saturday and 4 shows on Sunday. See the link for details.
9. Paw Patrol Live at Mershon Auditorium
The PAW Patrol is on a roll to Columbus with a brand-new show, PAW Patrol Live! “A Mighty Adventure,” at Mershon Auditorium on February 15 & 16. Catch some of your favorite PAW Patrol characters live on stage with this all-new live show! Save 20% using my promo code RYDER to see some of your favorite pups LIVE on stage! Upon arriving at Ticketmaster and before selecting your tickets, hit the unlock button and enter code: RYDER
10. Victorian Valentines at Slate Run Farm
Stop by the farmhouse at Slate Run Farm on Saturday and Sunday to create a Victorian Valentine. Horus are 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM each day.
11. Musical Storytime with Saavan Arora at Cover to Cover
On Saturday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Cover to Cover, Saavan Arora, an 11 year old and a 6th grader at Hastings Middle School will be playing the acoustic guitar to raise funds for Sam’s Fans, a local charity that funds Music and Art Therapy programs in all seven Ohio Children’s Hospitals.
Check out this list of children’s bookstores, including Cover to Cover!
12. Great Backyard Bird Count Weekend at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Stop by the Nature Center at Blendon Woods Metro Park to help count birds! Hike to the lake to count ducks each day at 11:00 AM. Coffee and hot chocolate will be provided. This activity will take place Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM each day.
13. Valetine’s Mini-Market at North Market Downtown
This mini-market at North Market downtown will have vendors, face painting, a DJ, merchant specials and more on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
14. American Girl Doll Tea Party at Westland Area Library
Enjoy a tea party at the Westland Area Library on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Registration is required for this event which includes dessert, lemonade and crafts! Bring your own doll or use one from the library. (p.s. the library now has American Girl Dolls to check out!)
15. Community Joy Film Series at McConnell Arts Center
The Community Joy Film Series features free movies hosted at the McConnell Arts Center in Worthington throughout January and February. Screenings are free but reservations are required. Get your tickets for IF showing this Saturday at 2:00 PM.
16. Saturday Music Series at the Gahanna Library
Enjoy a free concert at the Gahanna Branch of CML on Saturday at 2:00 PM featuring All Those Who Wander playing American, Celtic and British style music.
17. Black History Month Pop-Up Concert at CMA
Celebrate Black History Month with a free performance by the Columbus Cultural Youth Orchestra on Sunday at 2:00 PM. (Admission is always free to the Columbus Museum of Art on Sundays!)
Check out my list of tips on how to get free and reduced admission to Columbus institutions!
18. Family Concert Series at the Hilliard Library
Enjoy a free concert by Columbus Koto Ensemble featuring music on the Koto, the national instrument of Japan, on Sunday at 3:00 PM at the Hilliard Branch of CML.
Presidents’ Day Events in Columbus, Ohio:
19. Library Gets LOUD at Westerville Public Library
This all-day event includes character visits, musical performances, and more! Meet Bluey & Pete the Cat, play instruments, enjoy concerts and more at the Westerville Public Library on Monday from 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM!
20. Picture Book PJ Party at Storyline Bookshop
Kids can wear their pajamas to thiis bedtime-themed story time that includes stories, cookies and milk at Storyline Bookshop on Monday at 10:00 AM. Register online.
21. The Bugman at Franklin Park Conservatory
See the Bugman on Monday between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM at Franklin Park Conservatory. You can meet and hold bugs! Included in admission.
22. President’s Day at the Ohio History Center
Ohio History Center will present a day filled with special activities and presentations that explore Ohio’s rich presidential history. Hours are Monday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. There will be book talks, memorabilia on display, a documentary, trivia and more! The event is included in admission and pre-registration is recommended. See the link for the schedule for the day.
Check out my blog post about visiting the Ohio History Center to know what to expect!
23. Glow Archery at Blacklick Woods Golf Course
Try out glow archery indoors at the Blacklick Woods Golf Course! This is a free event for kids ages 8 and up on Monday from 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM. All equipment will be provided.
24. Share Kindness with Hospitalized Kids with Seeds of Caring
Looking for a fun, kid-friendly way to show hospitalized kids and their families you care? Through Feb. 23, kids ages 2-12 can make a difference right from their own homes with this Seeds of Caring Anywhere Project: Have fun assembling yummy snack packs with items like chips, a granola bar, and fruit cup — plus decorate cheer cards for those staying at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. Register today!
*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!*