Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these 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. Stand Together Against Racism with Seeds of Caring
This Black History month, join us as we help kids use their voices to Stand Together Against Racism (STAR). Running through February 28, this Anywhere social action project was created in partnership with Pint Size Protesters. Kids will engage in a systemic racism learning activity, then they will write letters about fair housing to government officials. This project is great for families and groups! Sign up today!
2. School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play
This is the final weekend to see the play “School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play” live at Studio Two, Riffe Center. This play is a spin on the hit movie Mean Girls. Taking place in Ghana at an elite school, an American student comes to town to take a spin on the classic movie. This is recommended for ages 12 +. Tickets, times and pricing are available online.
3. Chihuly Nights: Valentines Edition At Franklin Park Conservatory
This weekend you can spend an evening together enjoying Chihuly Nights at Franklin Park Conservatory. This event is on the nights of February 11th, 12th & 14th from 7-10pm. This is a special engagement that requires separate tickets from general admission. Make your reservations in advance.
Related: The Children’s Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory is Unlike Anything Else in Columbus
4. Valentine’s Day Carriage Rides at Easton
This Valentine’s Day weekend head over to Easton for a horse drawn carriage ride February 11th-14th. Friday & Saturday: 5-9PM. Sunday: 3-7PM. Monday: 5-9PM. This is located in the North District of Easton.
Enjoy the lights of Easton and the beauty of winter from a horse-drawn carriage throughout Easton’s North District and Fenlon Square. Rides are $10 per person and are cash only. Children under 15 years of age ride free with a paying adult. Carriages pick up and drop off outside of Zara on Gramercy Street.
For the safety of guests and the horses, rides may be canceled due to inclement weather. In the occurrence of high winds, rain, freezing, or icy conditions, please call Guest Services at (614) 337-2200 to make sure rides are operational before you head out for the night.
Please note the time rides are scheduled to end each evening. Due to high demand, the line may be closed prior to these times to ensure the horses are not being overworked for the night. If you have questions, please contact Mary or Terry at the carriage stand. While at Easton you may also stop for a quick complimentary Valentine’s Day photo opportunity at the Central Park Fountain.
5. Around Town At The Works: Computers With Mark Moscher
On Friday February 11th starting at 9:30 am, The Works: Around Town will host special guest Mark Moscher to discuss computers and the science behind them. Around Town is an exhibit to show little ones all of the interesting things that people do all day for jobs and careers. This event is included with admission to The Works. The event is recommended for childrens ages 2-6 with their favorite grown up!
6. Homeschoolers: Bird Nerds At Sharon Woods
Visit Sharon Woods Metro Park on February 11th and learn all about identifying birds! Binoculars will be provided. This is a 1 mile walk on both paved and gravel surfaces. Two class times are available 10-11:30am or 1-2:30pm. Meet at the Schrock Lake Picnic Shelter.
7. 2022 KidsLinked Worthington Kids Fest
On Friday February 11th visit the KidsLinked Worthington KidsFest from 5-8pm. This event has everything from a magician, bounce area, balloon artist, games and food truck. At this event there are also opportunities to find other local happenings in the community and some light shopping.Registration and tickets available online.
8. February Franklinton Fridays At 400 Square
At the 400 Square campus in Franklinton from 6-10pm on Friday February 11th there will be brand new art galleries, dinner & more at this special event! This will be a special Valentine’s edition of the art exhibit. This event is free and open to the public.
9. Whoooo Goes There? At Emily Traphagen Park
On February 11th at 7pm visit Emily Traphagen Park to call for owls and learn about their natural history. This event is aimed towards ages 7+
10. Hilltop Hop at Broad & Westmoor
On Saturday, February 12 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM head to Broad & Westmoor for the Hilltop Hop. Highlights will include delicious baked goods for sale from Sunshine & Sugar Bakery at The Design Refinery, paint your own pottery at Clay Street Ceramics and the poet Amy Turn Sharp at Koko. Hours may vary at each business.
Related: The Unofficial West Side Ice Cream Trail
11. Winter Hike With A Naturalist At Rocky Fork Metro Park
Saturday February 12th at 2pm take a 2.5 mile hike on “unimproved” trails. Bring your winter hike card if you have it!
Related: Kid-Friendly Traiks at Columbus Metro Parks
12. Lantern Stroll At Sharon Woods
On the evening of Saturday February 12th from 6-7pm take a 1 mile self guided lantern stroll through the woods. The trail is a flat hard packed gravel. Meet at the Schrock Lake Restroom area.
13. Free Kraft-N-Play At Dublin Library
Enjoy this free event at the Dublin Library from 9:45-11:45am. Reservations required to participate in the craft, visit Dublin Library website for details.
14. Uptown Cookie Walk In Westerville
Take a stroll through Uptown Westerville and collect Cheryl’s cookies on your way, as you visit locally owned small businesses in the historic district. This event is on Saturday February 12th from noon-4pm. Tickets available online.
15. Great Backyard Bird Count At Sharon Woods
Visit Sharon Woods on Saturday February 12th from noon-4pm and stop by the naturalist office to pick up your bird watching goodie bag filled with supplies to have some birding fun! Help with the Great Backyard Bird Count and support a global effort to observe and record birds.
16. Ohio Reptile And More Expo
On February 13th visit the Makoy Center in Hilliard from noon-5pm to see Reptiles, Amphibians, Exotic Animals, and more from around the World in one place.
17. Be My Valentine At Wine & Canvas
On Sunday February 13th from 1-3pm visit Wine & Canvas for a family friendly event of creating a one of a kind piece of art with your family. This event is recommended for ages 5+. Tickets available for purchase online.
Related: 3 Valentine’s Day Dinner Deals for Families in Columbus
18. Share Your Love with Nationwide Children’s Hospital
This February, the Women’s Auxiliary Council of Nationwide Children’s Hospital is inviting people across Central Ohio to “Share Your Love” and help fill the Emergency Clothes Closet at the hospital. Starting February 14 through March 14, they will be collecting items needed to fill the closet.
This year, they are focusing on backpacks/string bags, pants, sweatpants/leggings, scrubs or pajama pants, hoodies/sweatshirts, slide-on shoes (all clothing is needed in a variety of sizes, from toddler through adult) and phone chargers. All donated items must be new with tags attached or in the original packaging. To make donating as easy as possible, they have set up two registries through Amazon Smile and Target.
*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!*