Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
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
Family-Friendly Things to do this Weekend in Columbus, Ohio:
1. Friends of the UA Library Book Sale at Tremont Road Library
From November 5-19 you can shop for bargain books, DVD’s CD’s vinyl, magazines and more at the Friends of the UA Library’s book sale taking place in the atrium of the Tremont Road Branch.
2. Spread Smiles to Seniors with Holiday Cards with Seeds of Caring
Grab your crayons and get ready to spread some kindness! Because everyone deserves to feel loved and connected this time of year, Seeds of Caring invites kids 2-12 to make holiday crafts and cards for residents of senior living communities all around Ohio. Families and groups can use our free template – or design your own – to share warm winter wishes from anywhere! This project is available through December 10th.
3. The Bake Sale at Ronald McDonald House
On Friday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House you can visit the newly expanded Ronald McDonald House and buy baked goods from local bakers to support the charity. You can pre-order the famous pumpkin rolls!
Sponsored
Have you saved your child’s spot for the most enchanting event of the year? Don’t miss out on the magical moments with Santa and a day full of joy at our holiday extravaganza!
Join us for:
- Pics with Santa: Capture the smiles with Santa Claus himself!
- Face Painting: Transform into magical characters and festive designs!
- Hot Cocoa/Coffee: Warm up with delightful holiday beverages!
- Crafts: Unleash creativity with festive crafts!
- Games: Enjoy playful activities and fun games!
- Play: Let the little ones play in our delightful playground!
Event Details:
Date: December 2nd and 3rd
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: KSM SPORTS 10336 Sawmill Rd. Powell OH 43065
Reserve your spot Now! Spots Are Going Quickly! Only 30 families for each hour spot!!
Visit www.PowellPicswithSanta.com and secure your child’s spot! You won’t want to miss this magical celebration!!
4. Chick-fil-A Fall Festival
On Friday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Chick-fil-A Market of Hilliard will offer face painting, games, giveaways and more during their fall festival.
5. Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Wildlights begins on Friday at Columbus Zoo! This event includes millions of LED lights, musical light shows, Rudloph in 4D, 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. Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights
Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights opens Friday, November 17th and will be open nightly through January 1, 2024. This drive through light show is open everyday including holidays. Sunday through Thursday hours are: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday hours are: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Tickets are available online and at the gate.
7. Easton’s Grand Illumination
This holiday event at Easton takes place on Friday from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM and includes live music, a visit from Santa, a carol sing-along, and two million lights illuminating Easton! Don’t miss the tress at Town Square and Central Park Fountain.
8. Thanksgiving Market at German Village Society
Visit the German Village Farmers Market on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM for a Thanksgiving themed market!
9. Autumn Fest at North Market Bridge Park
On Saturday from 9:00 AM 12:00 PM enjoy festive music, raffles and handmade vendors selling gifts and goods at North Market Bridge Park.
10. Super Science Saturday – Science Festival at Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
On Saturday beginning at 9:00 AM enjoy a free Science Festival at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton. This is a free event with hands-on science activities for kids!
11. Holiday Market at Westgate Farmers Market
The last market of the season is a Holiday Market with an Autumn Raffle prize, Broke Johnny Food truck and seasonal and holiday offerings!
12. Mexican Hearts Workshop at 400 West Rich
This workshop explores Mexican folk art and offers the opportunity for kids and adults ages 12 and up to make an aluminum heart. The workshop takes place on Saturday at 10:00 AM. The cost is $5/person. Register online.
13. Create-It Saturdays: Holiday Edition at The Ohio Craft Museum
Drop in to make an ornament project at this free event that takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. The event is open to all ages and no registration is required.
14. Opening Day of Think Outside the Brick at Columbus Museum of Art
Saturday is opening day of Think Outside The Brick, the annual LEGO display at 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. Weekend hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sundays are free!
15. Fall Crafts at Blendon Woods Nature Center
Stop by the Nature Center at Blendon Woods Metro Park to make a fall craft on Saturday between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
16. Blacklick Hunger Games at Blacklick Woods Nature Center
Blacklick Hunger Games takes place on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM and includes archery, a scavenger hunt and more!
17. Holiday Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center
Holiday Carriage Rides will be available at Easton Town Center on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning on Saturday, November 18th. Rides are $10/person. Cash only. Children under 15 are free if they ride with a paying adult. Check the link for daily times.
18. Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Conservatory Aglow opens on Saturday at 5:00 PM and runs through January 7, 2024. Hours are 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, and until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy holiday light displays, outdoor games, dancing, festive igloos, a life-size gingerbread house, the Paul Busse Garden Railway and more! Reservations are strongly encouraged.
19. Buckeye Comic Con at Courtyard Columbus
This comic book convention includes comics, toys and collectibles. It takes place on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and will also include special guests, prizes and more. $5 admission (cash only) and ages 6 and under are free.
20. Trolls Skate Together Party at United Skates of America
On Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM meet your favorite Troll characters and enjoy games, music and more at United Skates of America.
21. Columbus Youth Jazz Lab Final Performance
Watch a free performance of the Columbus Youth Jazz Lab and Columbus Youth Jazz Combos at the Lincoln Ballroom on Sunday at 2:00 PM.
22. For Kids: Wildlife Wander at Highbanks Metro Park
Explore the forest on this 1/4 mile hike with a naturalist. Ideal for ages 4-10. Meet at the Nature Center at Highbanks Metro Park on Sunday at 3:00 PM.
23. Holiday Lights Celebration at Creekside Gahanna
The Holiday Lights Celebration at Creekside takes place on Sunday from 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM. This event will include holiday activities, live entertainment, ice sculpting, a visit from Santa and a tree lighting!
24. Mammal Medley at Blendon Woods Nature Center
Get up close to mammal furs and go on a short walk to look for animals at Blendon Woods Metro Park on Sunday at 5:00 PM.
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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!*