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What Should We Do This Weekend? Columbus, Ohio, January 15-18, 2021: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend

Looking for something to do with the kids this weekend and Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Columbus? Try out one of these 16 family-friendly Columbus and Ohiobased events and activities!

This weekend I’m extending the dates to include some family-friendly events for Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday)!

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!

ICYMI What’s New on the Blog:

1. Columbus Symphony Orchestra Kids Korner

Check out the Kids Korner website where you can take a virtual tour of Ohio Theatre, print coloring pages of instruments and composers, learn how to read music, learn about composers and play games!

2. DIY Winter Hike with Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks

Winter Hikes are happening at your own pace this year and each month different parks are featured. Pick up a Winter Hike Passport from a staff member and collect a patch for completing 7 hikes.

3. 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.

4. Half Priced Admission at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

From January 4-February 28, 2021, admission is half priced to Columbus Zoo! The Zoo will be open from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM daily. At this time, timed tickets are not required though capacity is limited.

5. MLK Day Tax Free Weekend at Once Upon a Child

Once Upon a Child Stores in Columbus are celebrating MLK Day with tax free shopping! January 15-18, 2021 will offer tax free shopping and their annual winter clearance. Tax free hours begin on January 15 at 10:00 AM and run through January 18 at 8:00 PM. 

6. Home School Skate at Skate Zone 71

Kids who are on a hybrid, remote or home school schedule can come to skate on Friday from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM. There will be a $5 meal deal that includes a slice of cheese pizza, a small drink and a cookie.

7. 80’s Pizza Skate at Skate Zone 71

Friday night from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM is Pizza Night with the Trolls at Skate Zone 71. Join Poppy, Branch and DJ Suki for an 80’s themed skate. $12 includes admission, skate rental and a slice of cheese pizza.

8. Free Admission to Columbus Museum of Art

The Columbus Museum of Art is free to visit on 5 Saturdays in January! Visitors on Saturdays will also receive a 30% discount at the Museum Store and the Schokko Café. The museum is also always free on Sundays! Hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on the weekends. UPDATE: The Columbus Museum of Art has announced they will be closed this Sunday, January 17 due to protests planned downtown.

9. 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.

10. Snowman Melts and Hot Chocolate Bombs at Dublin Toy Emporium

Make a snowman melt for your hot chocolate! Make marshmallows and DIY hot chocolate bombs. Reservations required. Reservations available between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Saturday.

11. 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.

12. Kids Skate Free Sunday at United Skates of America

Claim your limited ticket to skate for free at United Skates of America on Sundays from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM. Skate rental will be $4.50. This free ticket is only for kids age 12 and under. Non-skating adults can enter for free. 

13. MLK Day Skate Party at Skate Zone 71

On Monday from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM admission will be $2.99. There are several specials for MLK Day. Click the link for the details!  

14. Virtual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

Worthington is holding a virtual Martin Luther King Community Celebration fearing music, speakers and reflections on King’s legacy from Worthington community members. The program begins at 11:00 AM and will be available at worthington.org/crc.

15. Virtual MLK Day Celebration with King Arts Complex

Join in this virtual MLK Open House presented by the King Arts Complex. Learn about the civil rights movement through musical and theatrical performances. There will also be a virtual art exhibit. You can watch the debut video on YouTube at 12:00 PM or catch it on their website, Facebook or Instagram pages. 

16. Free Princess Dance & Drama Class! with Paulettes Princess Parties

Kids ages 3.5-6 can try out a free Princess Dance and Drama Class on Monday at 5:00 PM. Meet a real princess and learn to dance and sing. There are two time slots available and each class is limited to 10 people. Tickets available online. 

things to do this weekend in columbus ohio

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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!*