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What Should We Do This Weekend? Columbus, Ohio, January 15-18, 2021: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend

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Looking for something to do with the kids this weekend and Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Columbus? Try out one of these 16 family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!

This weekend I’m extending the dates to include some family-friendly events for Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday)!

Please double check the link and/or call to make sure events are still happening! Lots of things are changing during this time and this information may change after it is published!

ICYMI What’s New on the Blog:

1. Columbus Symphony Orchestra Kids Korner

Check out the Kids Korner website where you can take a virtual tour of Ohio Theatre, print coloring pages of instruments and composers, learn how to read music, learn about composers and play games!

2. DIY Winter Hike with Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks

Winter Hikes are happening at your own pace this year and each month different parks are featured. Pick up a Winter Hike Passport from a staff member and collect a patch for completing 7 hikes.

3. Uplift Frontline Workers with Seeds of Caring 

This is an activity that can be done from home at anytime before January 31, 2021. Your family can create “cheer cards” and mail them to frontline healthcare workers at Mt. Carmel. This is a free opportunity. When you register you will receive an service project packet that will give you instructions and guided discussion ideas.

4. Half Priced Admission at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

From January 4-February 28, 2021, admission is half priced to Columbus Zoo! The Zoo will be open from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM daily. At this time, timed tickets are not required though capacity is limited.

5. MLK Day Tax Free Weekend at Once Upon a Child

Once Upon a Child Stores in Columbus are celebrating MLK Day with tax free shopping! January 15-18, 2021 will offer tax free shopping and their annual winter clearance. Tax free hours begin on January 15 at 10:00 AM and run through January 18 at 8:00 PM. 

6. Home School Skate at Skate Zone 71

Kids who are on a hybrid, remote or home school schedule can come to skate on Friday from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM. There will be a $5 meal deal that includes a slice of cheese pizza, a small drink and a cookie.

7. 80’s Pizza Skate at Skate Zone 71

Friday night from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM is Pizza Night with the Trolls at Skate Zone 71. Join Poppy, Branch and DJ Suki for an 80’s themed skate. $12 includes admission, skate rental and a slice of cheese pizza.

8. Free Admission to Columbus Museum of Art

The Columbus Museum of Art is free to visit on 5 Saturdays in January! Visitors on Saturdays will also receive a 30% discount at the Museum Store and the Schokko Café. The museum is also always free on Sundays! Hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on the weekends. UPDATE: The Columbus Museum of Art has announced they will be closed this Sunday, January 17 due to protests planned downtown.

9. Horseback, Sledding and Pony Rides at Horse-N-Round Fun

All ages can participate in horseback rides, pony rides and sledding and sleigh rides if there is snow. This is an outdoor event. There will be a fire ring for warming up, plus a free petting zoo with purchase of a horse ride. This event takes place from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday.

10. Snowman Melts and Hot Chocolate Bombs at Dublin Toy Emporium

Make a snowman melt for your hot chocolate! Make marshmallows and DIY hot chocolate bombs. Reservations required. Reservations available between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Saturday.

11. Winter Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center

Winter Carriage Rides will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays until February 14, 2021. Rides are $10/person (cash only). Children under age 15 ride for free with a paying adult. Hours are Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Sunday: 3:00 PM-7:00 PM.

12. Kids Skate Free Sunday at United Skates of America

Claim your limited ticket to skate for free at United Skates of America on Sundays from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM. Skate rental will be $4.50. This free ticket is only for kids age 12 and under. Non-skating adults can enter for free. 

13. MLK Day Skate Party at Skate Zone 71

On Monday from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM admission will be $2.99. There are several specials for MLK Day. Click the link for the details!  

14. Virtual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

Worthington is holding a virtual Martin Luther King Community Celebration fearing music, speakers and reflections on King’s legacy from Worthington community members. The program begins at 11:00 AM and will be available at worthington.org/crc.

15. Virtual MLK Day Celebration with King Arts Complex

Join in this virtual MLK Open House presented by the King Arts Complex. Learn about the civil rights movement through musical and theatrical performances. There will also be a virtual art exhibit. You can watch the debut video on YouTube at 12:00 PM or catch it on their website, Facebook or Instagram pages. 

16. Free Princess Dance & Drama Class! with Paulettes Princess Parties

Kids ages 3.5-6 can try out a free Princess Dance and Drama Class on Monday at 5:00 PM. Meet a real princess and learn to dance and sing. There are two time slots available and each class is limited to 10 people. Tickets available online. 

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*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!*


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What Should We Do This Weekend? Columbus, Ohio, December 31, 2020-January 3, 2021: New Year’s Weekend

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Looking for something to do with the kids New Year’s weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!

This week I’m extending the dates to include New Year’s Eve! Please double check the link and/or call to make sure events are still happening! Lots of things are changing during this time and this information may change after it is published!

New Year’s Eve 2020:

1. Beatles Marathon with Sgt. Peppercorn

Listen at home to Sgt. Peppercorn’s Marathon: an online performance of every song recorded and released by The Beatles! All 214 songs will be preformed in chronological order. The show begins at 11:00 AM on New Year’s Eve and will play until 1:00 AM on New Year’s Day!

2. Zoom into Rock’in Noon Years Eve

Celebrate “Noon Years Eve” with your favorite characters over Zoom featuring singing, dancing and a ball drop at noon. This event takes place on Thursday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM and is hosted by Paulettes Princess Parties. $25/household. Register in advance.

3. New Year’s Eve at AMF Stardust Lanes

The NYE Family Package includes 2 hours of unlimited bowling, shoes and a special menu. Registration is available online.

4. New Year’s Eve at Ten Pin Alley

New Year’s Eve packages are available for a group that include 1.5 hours of bowling, shoes, a large pizza and a $20 game card or an individual package that includes 1 hour of blowing, shoes and a $10 game card. Check the link for details about reservations.

5. New Year’s Eve Family Skate at United Skates of America

This family skate night includes skate rental, 1 slice of cheese pizza, a small drink and a countdown to the new year!

New Year’s Day 2021:

6. New Year’s Day Skating at United Skates of America:

Spend New Year’s Day at one of these skating events at United Skates of America: Pajama Jam Skate at United Skates of America or New Year’s Day Roller Skating at United Skates of America.

7. New Year’s Day Skating at Skate Zone 71:

Spend New Year’s Day skating at Skate Zone 71 with one of these skating events: Free Lunch Skate at Skate Zone 71, New Years Glow Skate at Skate Zone 71, New Year’s Day Pizza Skate at Skate Zone 71.

Any Time:

8. Drive Through International Christmas Art Exhibit at Bethel United Methodist Church

Drive through this exhibit to see 17 paintings representing Christmas around the world! You can drive through day or night, rain or shine through January 3, 2021.

9. Uplift Frontline Workers with Seeds of Caring 

This is an activity that can be done from home at anytime before January 31, 2021. Your family can create “cheer cards” and mail them to frontline healthcare workers at Mt. Carmel. This is a free opportunity. When you register you will receive an service project packet that will give you instructions and guided discussion ideas.

10. Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory

Enjoy the amazing decorations at Franklin Park Conservatory that extend into the Children’s Garden and the Grand Mallway. There is a special Candy Land exhibit with a life-sized gingerbread house! There is a special engagement rate for this event and members receive 50% off. You must have a pre-purchased ticket for this event. This event takes place each evening from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM though January 10, 2020.

11. WILDLIGHTS at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Wildlights happens at the Columbus Zoo from November 20, 2020 to January 3, 2021 and includes animated light displays, socially distant visits with Santa, and more! Hours are Sunday-Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Timed tickets are required. Members do not need timed tickets before 3:00 PM.

12. Holiday Lights at Columbus Commons

Visit Columbus Commons for a festive light display. The lights will be lit every night from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM until January 3.

13. WonderLight’s Christmas at National Trail Raceway

This family-friendly event features a 2-mile car ride through more than a million LED lights, all synchronized to music! This drive-through Christmas display is open rain or shine every evening beginning at 5:30 PM, including holidays, from November 13 to January 3! The cost of admission is $7 per person and children 3 years old and under are free. A Carload Pass for vehicles with up to seven passengers is available for $30.

A BIG thanks to WonderLight’s Christmas for sponsoring this post!

Santa’s not the only one coming to town!! “WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio”, a drive-through Christmas light show, is back this year at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio! This family-friendly event features a 2-mile car ride through more than a million LED lights, all synchronized to music!

Giant Christmas trees, floating snowflakes, shooting stars, dancing candy canes, and (a crowd favorite) enchanting tunnels of lights will illuminate the night! Guests will be able to watch the lights dance around them to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music from the warmth of their own vehicle.

This dazzling Christmas display is open rain or shine every evening, including holidays, from November 13 to January 3! The cost of admission is super affordable at $7 per person and children 3 years old and under are FREE! OR, you can purchase a Carload Pass for vehicles with up to seven passengers for just $30! Learn more at www.wonderlightschristmas.com!

14. Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek Campground

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is an annual holiday 3 mile drive thru light show, with over 140 LED brilliant light displays you can see in the comfort of your own car! Hours nightly 5:30 PM-9:30 PM through January 3, 2020 (entrance gates close at 9:00 PM). Cost is $20/car during the week and $30/car on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Later This Weekend:

15. Winter Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center

Winter Carriage Rides will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays until February 14, 2021. Rides are $10/person (cash only). Children under age 15 ride for free with a paying adult. Hours are Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Sunday: 3:00 PM-7:00 PM.

16. New Year’s Horseback, Sledding and Pony Rides at Horse-N-Round Fun

All ages can participate in horseback rides, pony rides and sledding and sleigh rides if there is snow. This is an outdoor event. There will be a fire ring for warming up, plus a free petting zoo with purchase of a horse ride. This event takes place from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Saturday.

17. Snowman Melts at Dublin Toy Emporium

Make a snowman melt for your hot chocolate! Make marshmallows and hot chocolate bombs. Reservations required. Reservations available between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Saturday.

18. DIY Hot Chocolate Bomb (Kraft Sessions) at Kreation’s Play Kafé

Create 6 mini hot chocolate bombs or 2 large hot chocolate bombs at Kreation’s Play Kafé. Perfect for ages 4 and up. Text or call to reserve your spot for Saturday between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

things to do this weekend in columbus ohio

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*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!*


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What Should We Do This Weekend? December 25-27, 2020: Christmas Weekend

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Looking for something to do with the kids Christmas weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these 16 family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!

Please double check the link and/or call to make sure events are still happening! Lots of things are changing during this time and this information may change after it is published!

1. A Nutcracker Holiday with BalletMet

Even though we can’t see The Nutcracker in person, you can have a virtual Nutcracker experience throughout the month of December. Click the link for a scavenger hunt, holiday crafts, seasonal recipes, playlists, coloring pages, and a short ballet performance to watch online. 

2. Uplift Frontline Workers with Seeds of Caring 

This is an activity that can be done from home at anytime before January 31, 2021. Your family can create “cheer cards” and mail them to frontline healthcare workers at Mt. Carmel. This is a free opportunity. When you register you will receive an service project packet that will give you instructions and guided discussion ideas.

3. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas with Columbus Children’s Theatre

Even though we can’t have in-person performances this year, we can still enjoy a virtual performance from Columbus Children’s Theatre featuring ’Twas the Night Before Christmas! This performance can be purchased as a single day streaming pass (through December 27), an unlimited pass or a DVD package among other options!

4. Busy Book from the Beehive Alliance

Looking for some activities to entertain your little ones at home throughout this week (or this Winter)? Check out the Winter Busy Book and Activities which includes printable activities for kids ages 2-6 with a winter theme. Think counting and matching and sorting! Proceeds from your purchase of this downloadable activity book benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion. There is also a Christmas or Hanukkah ad on option!

5. Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory

Enjoy the amazing decorations at Franklin Park Conservatory that extend into the Children’s Garden and the Grand Mallway. There is a special Candy Land exhibit with a life-sized gingerbread house! There is a special engagement rate for this event and members receive 50% off. You must have a pre-purchased ticket for this event. This event takes place each evening from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

6. WILDLIGHTS at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Wildlights happens at the Columbus Zoo from November 20, 2020 to January 3, 2021 and includes animated light displays, socially distant visits with Santa, and more! Hours are Sunday-Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Timed tickets are required. Members do not need timed tickets before 3:00 PM.

7. Holiday Lights at Columbus Commons

Visit Columbus Commons for a festive light display. The lights will be lit every night from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM until January 3.

8. Light Displays at Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks

Blacklick Woods, Highbanks, Homestead and Scioto Grove Metro Parks will have light displays within the parks throughout the month of December. The lights will be turned on between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM each night. Check the individual park Facebook pages for locations at each park. (Click the link above – they are tagged in the post.)

9. WonderLight’s Christmas at National Trail Raceway

This family-friendly event features a 2-mile car ride through more than a million LED lights, all synchronized to music! This drive-through Christmas display is open rain or shine every evening beginning at 5:30 PM, including holidays, from November 13 to January 3! The cost of admission is $7 per person and children 3 years old and under are free. A Carload Pass for vehicles with up to seven passengers is available for $30.

A BIG thanks to WonderLight’s Christmas for sponsoring this post!

Santa’s not the only one coming to town!! “WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio”, a drive-through Christmas light show, is back this year at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio! This family-friendly event features a 2-mile car ride through more than a million LED lights, all synchronized to music!

Giant Christmas trees, floating snowflakes, shooting stars, dancing candy canes, and (a crowd favorite) enchanting tunnels of lights will illuminate the night! Guests will be able to watch the lights dance around them to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music from the warmth of their own vehicle.

This dazzling Christmas display is open rain or shine every evening, including holidays, from November 13 to January 3! The cost of admission is super affordable at $7 per person and children 3 years old and under are FREE! OR, you can purchase a Carload Pass for vehicles with up to seven passengers for just $30! Learn more at www.wonderlightschristmas.com!

10. Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek Campground 

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is an annual holiday 3 mile drive thru light show, with over 140 LED brilliant light displays you can see in the comfort of your own car! Hours nightly 5:30 PM-9:30 PM, (entrance gates close at 9:00 PM). Cost is $20/car during the week and $30/car on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

11. Silent Night Holy Lights Show in Gahanna

See a holiday light show synced to music at a private home in Gahanna from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM during the week and until 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. 

12. Christmas Day Skate at Skate Zone 71

Christmas Day Annual Glow Skate takes place on Friday from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Skate Zone 71.

13. Christmas Day Family Skating at United Skates of America

Family Skate on Christmas night at United Skates of America from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. 

14. 21 Days of Lights at Pickerington Village

Drive through the Village of Pickerington between December 11-31, 2020 to enjoy the holiday lights and decorations. The center of the Village is at E. Columbus and N. Center St., Pickerington.

15. Mario & Sonic Skate at Skate Zone 71

Skate with Mario and Sonic on Saturday from 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM at Skate Zone 71. 

16. DIY Hot Chocolate Bomb (Kraft Sessions) at Kreation’s Play Kafé

Create 6 mini hot chocolate bombs or 2 large hot chocolate bombs at Kreation’s Play Kafé. Perfect for ages 4 and up. Text or call to reserve your spot for Saturday between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. 

things to do this weekend in columbus ohio

Share this post with your friends!

*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!*


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