Looking for things to do in Columbus, Ohio this weekend? Here are over 35 family-friendly events happening in Columbus, and Central Ohio this weekend!
Family Friendly Events in Columbus Ohio This Weekend:
FRIDAY
9:00 AM – Christmas Corner at Franklin County Fairgrounds – shop 65 vendors for hand crafted gift items!
10:00 AM – A Day Of Thanks/Friendsgiving at Fun Town Play and Learn Café – this event includes a Thanksgiving craft, photo booth, free hot chocolate or coffee, pumpkin pie and goodie bags for the kids! All of the activities are included in the regular admission price.
10:00 AM – The Bake Sale at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio – shop for the best baked goods at this fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. There will also be vendors selling children’s apparel, books, holiday gift baskets and more!
5:00 PM – Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo – Wildlights is included in your admission (or membership) to the Zoo and features special activities, amazing lights, light shows, Rudolph and friends in Asia Quest, Santa’s Holiday Home in the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost, Jingle Ball light display and much more! Friday is the annual Stuff the Truck Food Drive and each person who brings 5 non-perishable food items will get in free! This night will be busy so prepare to arrive as early as you can – as early as 10:00 AM!
6:00 PM – Holiday Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center – carriage rides are available every weekend through December 23 for $10/person. Children under 15 are free with a paying adult. Get on the carriage outside of Zara on Gramercy Street. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Sundays from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
6:30 PM – 20th Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Easton Town Center – this tree lighting event includes a visit from Santa, photos with Santa, a parade and of course the lighting of the 56 foot tree at Easton Town Center!
7:00 PM – Ohio State Marching Band Hometown Concert at Ohio State Fair – Celeste Center – watch TBDBIL at their Hometown Concert featuring selections from their halftime shows, fan favorites and OSU tunes. Purchase tickets in advance.
7:00 PM – Christmas Tree Lighting / Holiday Experience at Tanger Outlets, Columbus – this event features a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, the SupaFun Band, stilt walkers, hot chocolate and cookies and the lighting of the Christmas tree!
7:00 PM – Unlimited Pizza Skate Night! at Skate Zone 71 – $10 per person includes admission, skate rental and unlimited cheese pizza!
SATURDAY
9:00 AM – KidsLinked.com’s Columbus STEM & Arts Expo at The Point at Otterbein University – this free envoy includes contests in art and science, a spelling bee, vendors, a video game challenge, chess competition and more!
9:00 AM – Christmas Corner at Franklin County Fairgrounds – shop 65 vendors for hand crafted gift items!
9:00 AM – HOMAGE Gamedays at HOMAGE Easton Town Center and HOMAGE Short North – enjoy free donuts from Buckeye Donuts, coffee and special deals on Saturday mornings for each Buckeye game this season!
9:00 AM – Waffles and Ice Cream for Breakfast at Coffee Connections of Hilliard – $5 will get you a bowl of ice cream, waffles and an unlimited toppings bar!
10:00 AM – 2018 Lancaster Holiday Festival Parade at Fairfield County Fairgrounds – the Lancaster Holiday parade begins at the Fairgrounds and continues through Downtown Lancaster! This year’s theme is A Homespun Holiday.
10:00 AM – Storytime at Grange Insurance Audubon Center – enjoy a nature focused story time for preschoolers!
10:00 AM – Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory – visit the Conservatory while it’s decked out for the season! Enjoy special performances and activities and this year the event extends into the Children’s Garden!
10:00 AM – Christmas on the Farm at The Olde Hayfield – this event features live music, shopping, a visit with Santa and the opportunity to purchase a live Christmas tree!
10:00 AM – Santa Photos at Easton Town Center – get your family’s picture with Santa between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM (with 2 break periods (see link)). Get a professional 5×7 for $5 or take a photo with your own camera. Reservations are available!
10:00 AM – Gingerbread Competition of Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory – visit the Masters’ submissions into the Gingerbread Competition AND it’s not too late to enter the amateur division!
10:00 AM – All Aboard for Railroad Fun at Sandel Legacy Trail – see model trains in a miniature village and meet model railroaders at this free event!
11:30 AM – Kids Dance Fitness and Nutrition! at NK Fitness LLC – this activity includes a dance party and creating a healthy snack! $10 for non-members and $5 for members.
2:00 PM – Whiz Bang Science Show at Westerville Public Library – this show features science experiments in a fun and action-packed presentation! All ages are welcome.
5:00 PM – Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo – Wildlights is included in your admission (or membership) to the Zoo and features special activities, amazing lights, light shows, Rudolph and friends in Asia Quest, Santa’s Holiday Home in the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost, Jingle Ball light display and much more!
5:30 PM – Pre Thanksgiving Celebration at Rancho Alegre – this event includes face painting, a balloon show and kids meals for $4.99 during the event. Upper Arlington location only!
6:00 PM – Holiday Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center – carriage rides are available every weekend through December 23 for $10/person. Children under 15 are free with a paying adult. Get on the carriage outside of Zara on Gramercy Street. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Sundays from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
6:00 PM – Sparkle Night at The Shops at Worthington Place – this free event includes face painting, a balloon artist, music, photos with Santa and the tree lighting at 6:30 PM.
SUNDAY
10:00 AM – Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory – visit the Conservatory while it’s decked out for the season! Enjoy special performances and activities and this year the event extends into the Children’s Garden!
10:30 AM – Cookies with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place – decorate your own cookie, write letters to Santa, meet The Sugar Plum Fairy and hear a story!
11:00 AM – Santa Photos at Easton Town Center – get your family’s picture with Santa between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM (with 1 break period (see link)). Get a professional 5×7 for $5 or take a photo with your own camera. Reservations are available!
12:00 PM – All Aboard for Railroad Fun at Sandel Legacy Trail – see model trains in a miniature village and meet model railroaders at this free event!
1:00 PM – Family Fun Day at The Escape Room USA – Get $3 Off on Sunday Bookings in The Escape Room!
2:00 PM – Make Mini Turkey Signs at AR Workshop Grove City – kids can walk in to make and take a mini turkey sign!
3:00 PM – Holiday Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center – carriage rides are available every weekend through December 23 for $10/person. Children under 15 are free with a paying adult. Get on the carriage outside of Zara on Gramercy Street. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Sundays from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
3:00 PM – Holiday Lights Celebration at Creekside Gahanna – this family friendly event includes inflatables, carriage rides, mascots, live entertainment, ice sculpture demonstrations, a live nativity, pony rides and a whole lot more including activities inside the local businesses!
5:00 PM – Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo – Wildlights is included in your admission (or membership) to the Zoo and features special activities, amazing lights, light shows, Rudolph and friends in Asia Quest, Santa’s Holiday Home in the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost, Jingle Ball light display and much more!
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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. Enjoy what you do today!*
