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 this Weekend:
1. Celebrate Dr. King’s Legacy All Month Long with Seeds of Caring
Your family, classroom, scout troop, or youth group can make a difference this month with Seeds of Caring’s age-appropriate guided discussion around diversity and social action. Kind kids will then have the option to donate new or gently used books that feature characters of color and decorate a bookmark for the Read to Succeed Foundation. Participate any time through Jan. 29!
2. Huntington Holiday Train Display at Main Library
Through January 7th, visit the main library in downtown Columbus to see the Huntington Holiday Train Display. This is a must-see for all train lovers during the holiday season!
3. Season of Celebrations at COSI
COSI will be transformed into a winter wonderland from November 24, 2023 – January 7, 2024. There will 50 community-focused trees decorated by local organizations, special programming and food options and much more!
4. Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
This event at the Columbus Zoo 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 through January 7th, 2024.
5. Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Enjoy holiday light displays, outdoor games, dancing, festive igloos, a life-size gingerbread house, the Paul Busse Garden Railway and more! Conservatory Aglow 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. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
6. State Auto’s Christmas Corner
In 2023, this larger than life nativity was donated to The Museum of Catholic Art and History and is now located at St. Joseph’s Cathedral at 212 E. Broad St. in downtown Columbus, OH. The nativity will be lit nightly through January 6, 2023. There is parking lot behind the St. Joseph Cathedral. The link above will take you to their Facebook page so you can stay in the know about upcoming events!
7. Winter Wonderland Storytime at Main Library
On Friday from 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM enjoy cozy stories and songs with a Winter Wonderland theme and tips to get ready for kindergarten! If you can’t make it on Friday, they’ll have additional Winter Wonderland Storytimes on Saturday at 11:00 AM and Sunday at 1:30 PM.
8. 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!
9. 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.
10. Brick Fest Live at Greater Columbus Convention Center
See life-sized LEGO models, enjoy hands-on activities and shop for hard-to-find LEGO items on Saturday beginning at 9:00 AM and Sunday beginning at 10:00 AM.
11. Dinosaur Adventure at Greater Columbus Convention Center
On Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9:00 AM you can walk through an exhibit of life-sized, moving dinosaurs. Other activities include obstacle courses, bounce houses, dinosaur riding and more. Tickets are available online.
12. Superhero Hedgehog Magic at Westerville Public Library Uptown
Join Erica Carlson for a family-friendly magic show featuring Sedgie the Hedgie on Saturday at 10:00 AM.
13. Celebrate Three Kings’ Day at Hillary Library
On Saturday from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM listen to local author Mariel Jungkunz read her new book Dreams of Green about the Three Kings’ Day holiday celebrated by families from Latin American and Caribbean countries.
14. Bird Feeding Basics at Blendon Woods Metro Park
On Sunday from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM stop by the Nature Center at Blendon Woods to learn how to attract birds to your own feeders.
15. Cat Party at Westerville Public Library Uptown
Celebrate cats with crafts, trivia, funny cat videos and more on Sunday from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Great for ages 6-11.
*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!*