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.
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!*