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 this Weekend in Columbus, Ohio:
Happy Weekend! This week’s list includes activities and events happening on Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day!
1. Sock Skating at Main Library
Take off your skates and “sock skate” on a synthetic ice rink at the Main Library! While you’re there, check out historic skating memorabilia in preparation for the U.S. Figure Skating Championship coming to Columbus this month! This activity is available every day during regular business hours at the library.
2. MLK Learning Activities at Westerville Public Library
Learn about Martin Luther King Jr. in the Children’s Area at Westerville Public Library throughout the month of January. There will be educational opportunities and activities through January 31.
3. Support a Child Entering Foster Care with Seeds of Caring
You can help ease the transition to foster care for a teen by making cheer cards and assembling a first night care bag! Kids ages 4-12 will gain empathy by packing a backpack with a blanket, journal, book, pajamas, and more in this Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring and Alicia’s Closet. Families and groups can participate through Jan. 21.
4. Riverside Crossing Park Ice Rink
This temporary ice rink is right near the Dublin Link pedestrian bridge and will be open for skating on Friday nights and on Saturday and Sunday! This rink will be up through mid-March.
5. Little Gym Playtime at Westerville Public Library
Join The Little Gym of Polaris for a tumble time at the library on Friday from 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM! For ages 2-5.
6. Sunset and S’mores at Quarry Trails Metro Park
On Friday from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM at Quarry Trails, enjoy watching the sunset while eating a s’more! There will be a campfire and all s’more-making equipment will be provided!
7. Sharon Woods Winter Hike: Dine-n-Dash
On Saturday between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM at Sharon Woods Metro Park, take a hike and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and treats. There will be information booths set up for more info about trails.
8. Super Saturdays at Main Library
Enjoy special activities at Main Library in downtown Columbus on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM with the them of Winter Fun! There will be sustainable crafting, a library resource spotlight and Recycling 101. Check the link for a schedule.
9. Open Studio at Columbus Museum of Art
Open Studio is open every Saturday from 10:30 AM–3:30 PM at Columbus Museum of Art and is included with admission or membership. January’s theme is Transformations. Local artist Shebli Harris Toone will be in the studio to help visitors think like artists and experiment with different materials and art supplies. All ages welcome.
10. Saturday Morning with Authors Kristy Boyce and Christen Randall at the Upper Arlington Public Library (Tremont)
Join local author Kristy Boyce and co-author Christen Randall for a conversation about their book Dungeons and Drama at the UA Public Library (Tremont) on Saturday at 10:30 AM. This book is suggested for young adults ages 12 and up.
11. Community Days at Columbus Museum of Art
Get free admission to Columbus Museum of Art on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM including the special exhibition Accra! The Rise of a Global Art Community and Quilting a Future: Contemporary Quilts and American Tradition. The day will include music, Ghanaian food vendors, photo booths, art activities and artist talks.
12. Bison Behind the Scenes at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
On Sunday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, learn how staff take care of the bison at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
13. MLK Day of Learning at Capital University
This day of learning on Monday begins at 8:00 AM and includes music, keynote speakers, workshops and a Kids Korner with activities for various ages. Register online.
14. MLK Day at COSI
From 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Monday in the Atrium at COSI there will be activities inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy. There will be educational raffle prizes, too!
15. Martin Luther King Jr Day Celebration at Ohio History Center
In partnership with the King Arts Complex, the annual MLK Open House celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with visual and performing art performances. The event will take place at Ohio History Center on Monday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The event is free but pre-registration is encouraged.
16. Frozen Extravaganza KidX
Meet you favorite Frozen characters, enjoy singing and dancing, face painting, balloon twisting, free cookies (while supplies last), photo opportunities and more!
*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!*