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:
This week’s list includes events for Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day in Columbus! 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!
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. 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.
3. Share Some Kindness! Pack a Snack for Unhoused Youth
Seeds of Caring and Huckleberry House invite kids 6-12 to assemble and decorate snack bags for our local neighbors experiencing homelessness. It’s free to register! You’ll get a kid-friendly service packet that includes a choose-your-own-adventure style read-aloud and age-appropriate discussion guide. Donations can be contact-free, porch-dropped from 9am-7pm March 27-29 at a Seeds of Caring volunteer’s home in Westerville, Clintonville, Dublin, or Powell.
4. SIX: The Musical: Teen Edition at the Abbey Theater
SIX: The Musical: Teen Edition will be performed at the Abbey Theatre this weekend. Times are: Thursday: 7:00 PM, Friday: 7:00 PM, Saturday: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Sunday: 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
5. Underground Railroad in Central Ohio Exhibit at the Hilltop Library
Check out an exhibit featuring info about the Underground Railroad in Central Ohio at the Hilltop Branch of CML all day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
6. Kid’s Service Project at Southeast or Marion-Franklin Libraries
Kids can do a service project with Seeds of Caring all day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at both the Southeast Branch and the Marion-Franklin Branch of Columbus Metropolitan Library. Drop in any time to make a card for local first responders. All ages are welcome.
7. Galentine’s Day Archery at Blacklick Woods Golf Course
Practice indoor archery at the Blacklick Woods Golf Course on Friday at 4:00 PM. All equipment will be provided. Ages 8 and up.
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).
Check out this list for more things to do in Dublin, Ohio!
9. Valentine’s Day at CMA
The Columbus Museum of Art is providing a special Valentine’s experience the whole family can enjoy on Friday from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. The adults can enjoy a cocktail hour with appetizers and live music, a four-course dinner and a candlelit concert experience, while the kids can spend the evening creating Valentine’s Day crafts, enjoy a special dinner and go on a mini gallery adventure. Tickets and registration are required for both the adults’ and childrens’ portions of the evening.
10. Peter Pan at the Ohio Theatre
Peter Pan will be performed by BalletMet this weekend at Ohio Theatre. Performances are Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM, and Sunday at 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM. This is a full-length ballet with intermissions.
11. Central Ohio Home and Garden Show
The Central Ohio Home & Garden Show is coming back to the Ohio Expo Center February 14-22, featuring over 300 local home and garden vendors. In addition to the indoor gardens and vendors, there will be two stages for presentations and demonstrations where you can learn tips and tricks for your home and garden. Monday is Kid’s Day and there will be a whole day of activities for kids including a visit from Ohio Wildlife, hands-on painting activities, teacup make-and-take, cooking demonstrations for kids and more! Tickets are $10 online, or they will be $15 at the door. Kids 17 and under are free.
12. Second Saturday Kids Day at WOSU
Second Saturday Kids Day takes place at the Ross Community Studio at the WOSU headquarters and this month activities include a visit from Buddy from Dinosaur Train, making a dinosaur egg, coloring, an airbrush artist, a dinosaur fossil encounter and more. The event takes place on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Register online.
13. Hilltop Hop at Broad & Westmoor
On Saturday from 10 AM-1 PM, shop from local vendors, create a Valentine’s craft and enjoy Valentine’s treats at the businesses on the corners of Broad & Westmoor in the Hilltop.
14. Three Creeks Winter Hike at Three Creeks Metro Park
Take a hike on any trail at Three Creeks Metro Park on Saturday between 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and enjoy hot cocoa and treats at the Confluence Area picnic shelter.
15. Daniel Tiger Storytime at Westerville Public Library
Participate in a Daniel Tiger Storytime at Westerville Public Library on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Activities include stories, crafts, games and a photo op with Daniel Tiger.
Find a new coffee shop on this list of coffee shops in Westerville!
16. Family Storytime – The More We Get Together at Main Library
This storytime is in partnership with the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and takes place on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Main Library. Celebrate community and service to others with a story time and special activity.
17. Winter Watercolor Fun at Worthington Library
Kids ages 4-6 can enjoy easy watercolor art activities at the Old Worthington Library on Saturday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
18. Drop in: Valentine’s Day Cards at Highbanks Nature Center
Drop into the Highbanks Nature Center on Saturday between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to make a Valentine’s Day card.
19. Saturday Afternoon with Author & Illustrator Misako Rocks! at Cover to Cover
Join author & manga artist Misako Rocks! in celebration of her new book, How to Draw Kawaii Manga Chibi: Big Emotions at Cover to Cover on Saturday at 1:00 PM. At this special Valentine’s Day event, Misako will show attendees how to create a kawaii chibi-Valentine’s day card.
Find a magical children’s bookstore in Central Ohio!
20. Urban Strings Concert at the Barnett Library
Enjoy a performance of upbeat music from popular African-American composers and arrangers by youth string ensembles at the Barnett Branch of CML on Saturday at 2:00 PM.
21. Nature Preserve Stroll at Blacklick Woods
Join a naturalist for a 1.25-mile walk through the Walter Tucker Nature Preserve at Blacklick Woods Metro Park to look for wildlife and fungi on Saturday at 3:00 PM.
22. Mini & Me Valentine’s Date at Maker’s Social
Maker’s Social is offering Mini & Me Valentine’s Dates on Sundays in February and kids get 50% off projects! There are projects for most ages. Hours are 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
23. Rainbow Fish Weaving at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Learn about the rainbow darter fish at the Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Nature Center and make your own by weaving paper on Sunday at 1:00 PM.
Read about the living stream at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park!
24. Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt at Scioto Grove Metro Park
Go for a short hike to hunt for the missing Cupids at Scioto Grove Metro Park on Sunday from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Meet at the Arrowhead picnic shelter to pick up your activity sheet and prizes.
Events on Monday, President’s Day in Columbus:
25. Library Gets Loud at Westerville Public Library
Head to the Westerville Public Library on Monday for a day filled with music! The whole day is scheduled with musical acts, dance parties and special visitors. Just a few of the activities include Bluey, Pete the Cat, a K-Pop Demon Hunters Dance Class, Sing-Along Concerts, and much more! The day begins at 9:30 AM and the last concert begins at 6:30 PM. Click the link for the full schedule.
26. Toddler Adventure Club at Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Take a short, exploratory hike at your own pace at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park on Monday from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Meet at the climbing wall.
27. Meet the Critters at Blendon Woods Metro Park
Meet and learn about some of the Nature Center ambassador animals on Monday at from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM at Blendon Woods Metro Park.
Read about Blendon Woods Metro Park!
28. Rubber Duck Decorating Contest at Worthington Library
Kids ages 6-18 can enjoy a rubber duck decorating contest at the Northwest Library on Monday from 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM. All supplies will be provided.
*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!*