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. CAPA Offers Virtual, Family Presentation Of Grimmz Fairy Tales
The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) will offer a free, online presentation of GRIMMZ Fairy Tales January 10-30. This reimagining of classic fairy tales follows Jay and Will Grimmz, the hip-hop, fable, dance-pop sensation brothers, who have returned to the city where they grew up to give a concert. This is a modern-day spin on the Grimm Brothers’ 19th-century collection of popular folklore. This is a free, virtual presentation that may be viewed anytime within the presentation window by registering online at https://www.capa.com/grimmz. Registrants will then be sent an email with a link to view the production.
2. Team Up with CBJ Player Jack Roslovic to Spread Kindness!
We are so excited to be partnering with Columbus Blue Jackets player Jack Roslivic in this Anywhere project! Jack believes in the power of kindness and the importance of children’s mental health. In this project, kids learn about self-kindness through self-affirmations and share kindness with others by assembling wellness kits and creating cheer cards for kids being supported by Nationwide Children’s Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion. We only have until February 6 to collect over 200 kits so sign up today!
3. Clintonville Winter Farmers Market At Ohio History Center
Support local farmers and food producers every Saturday morning 9am-noon. Visit the Clintonville indoor winter farmers market at the Ohio History Center. Shop onsite at the market, pre-order online or do both! This is also a great opportunity to take a glimpse of what the Ohio History Center looks like on the inside if you haven’t been yet!
4. Riverside Crossing Park Ice Rink in Dublin
A brand-new, temporary ice rink is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through mid-March at Riverside Crossing Park in Dublin. Admission is $10 per person and includes skate rental.
5. Lane Road Yeti Scavenger Hunt
Stop by the Upper Arlington Lane Rd. library and find 10 hidden yeti’s to win a prize! Visit the youth front desk and ask for a scavenger hunt sheet. The object is to look for hidden pictures throughout the library, and then turn in the scavenger hunt sheet for a prize once you’re finished! For kids of all ages. No registration required.
6. The Works: Ohio Center For History, Art & Technology. Around Town: Art With Carlo Lo Raso
This event is all about community helpers and future careers! This week “Around Town” will explore art with Carlo Lo Raso. Carlo was employed by Walt Disney consumer products as a character artist and art director. Event is included with admission and starts at 9:30am. Recommended for ages 2-6 and their favorite grown ups!
7. Preschoolers: Winter Vitamin “N” at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Get out and get some Vitamin N- for “Nature”. Visit Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park for a winter hike! Enjoy the fresh winter air with your kiddos and join a Naturalist as you explore into the woods. This event is held on Friday January 21st from 11am-noon and also from 1pm-2pm. Recommended for ages 3-5. This event is free. Dress for the weather outside and mud! Meet at the Bulletin Board in Indian Ridge – 2705 Darby Creek Dr. Galloway, OH 43119
Related: Kid Friendly Trails in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks
8. Nocturnal Hour At Blacklick Woods
Visit Blacklick Woods Metro Park on Friday January 21st from 6pm-7:30pm to learn about night time critters and get a closer view of them after dark. Meet in the nature center for the event!
9. Franklin Park Conservatory: Opening Day Of Orchids Exhibition
Visit Franklin Park Conservatory and enjoy the feeling of being in the tropics! The orchids will be on display in the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse and throughout the rest of the inside of the Conservatory. January 22nd is also opening day for SPOKE: The Visual Poetry & Environmental Art of Artist Olga Ziemska. Wall hung sculptures made of natural materials will be on display in the Cardinal Health Gallery. Later in the evening the Conservatory will hold Chihuly Nights. This special event is from 7-10pm. All 18 Chihuly installations will be professionally lit up to showcase the beauty of this art! This is a special opportunity to enjoy the Conservatory at night!
Related: Franklin Park Conservatory Children’s Garden is Unlike Anything Else in Columbus
10. Reptile Show: At Franklin County Fairgrounds
Visit the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard to see the All Ohio Reptile Show! Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for kids 10 and under. This event is from 9am-3pm. Plenty of reptiles and other critters to see! Would be great be a great opportunity to check out some interesting creatures and even add a new pet to your family if you’re up to it!
11. Stories & More at Tremont Library
Visit Tremont Library in Upper Arlington on Saturday January 22nd from 10:30-11am. You can discover storytime, a guest speaker or new activity! Fun for the whole family!
12. Columbus Museum Of Art: Open Studio
Open Studio is at the Columbus Museum Of Art on Saturdays from 11am-2pm and is included with admission to the museum. Open studio encourages creative thinking through using different materials with a local community partner, Ohio Alliance for Arts Education (OAAE). Individuals of all ages are welcome to step into the studio to explore and experiment with a wide range of materials and supplies.
13. The Works: Fuse Your Own Glass Heart
Fuse your own glass heart at The Works Saturday January 22nd from noon-3pm. This event is for ages 4+ of course with the help of a grown up. Pieces of glass are given to create a glass heart that can be turned into anything from a pendant, suncatcher or magnant! Once you have pieced together your heart, The Works will fire your creation for you. Your heart will be ready to pick up the following week! This is a walk in event with paid admission and no registration is required. A fee is charged depending upon the size of heart you chose to make.
14. Insects In Winter Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Visit Blacklick Woods on Saturday January 22nd from 2pm-3pm and learn how insects survive in the winter. Be prepared to dig and get muddy to see where these creepy crawlies live to survive in the colder months!
Related: 2 (MORE) Great Columbus and Franklin County Metro Park Nature Centers for Kids in Columbus
15. Winter Woodpecker Walk at Three Creeks Metro Park
This is an easy one mile walk suitable for both adults and kids who love woodpeckers and any birds! Meet at Three Creeks Confluence Area bulletin board, located at 3860 Bixby Rd. Groveport. This is a great chance to get outside and enjoy nature! Bring your binnoculars!
16. Park After Dark: Winter Woods at Sharon Woods Metro Park
Visit Sharon Woods on Saturday January 22nd and head out onto the trails to see who might be active at night during these winter months! This is a 1.2 mile hike where you never know what you might see or whooooooo you might hear hooting in the woods! Don’t forget to get your winter hike card stamped or if you’re new to these hikes pick one up at the event. If you do seven hikes in seven parks you will earn a cool patch! Meet for this hike at the Apple Ridge bulletin board. This event is from 6-7pm.
17. Winter Warm Up Hike at Three Creeks Metro Park
Head out to Three Creeks Metro Park and take a leisurely hike with plenty of stops to observe and learn on this one to two mile hike. Bundle up and wear your boots or shoes suitable for “Off Trail” conditions. Meet at the Confluence Area bulletin board, 3860 Bixby Rd.
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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!*