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Schools Out! Free and Cheap Activities for Winter Break in Columbus

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In addition to all of the holiday fun and family gatherings over Christmas break, you’ll probably encounter bored kids or will just need to get out of the house.  There are plenty of free and cheap activities for winter break in Columbus, so plan ahead to keep the kids from complaining.

This big list of play places and activities offers over 45 indoor-specific activities, including play places, mall and store play areas, and active fun options like bounce houses and swimming, but I’ll mention some of these below.

Ongoing activities for winter break in Columbus

Free places to play

  • Polaris Fashion Place: The zoo themed play space is great for kids under 5 years old.  There’s only one point of entry, and seating around the play area.
  • The Shops at Worthington Place: This play area isn’t big, but its clean and doesn’t get too busy.  If you feel like splurging for lunch or dessert, hit up Pies and Pints for pizza afterwards, or just swing through Cookie Dough Creamery for a sweet treat.
  • The Mall at Tuttle Crossing: The kids area is on the lower level and is good for kids until 42 inches tall.  There are structures for the kids to play on and seating around the enclosed area.
  • LEGO Store at Easton: LEGO lovers can play with a lego table set up inside the store, as well as other hands-on activities
  • United Art & Education in Hilliard: Play area in the front of the store
  • Pottery Barn Kids in Polaris: Toys for kids to play with, plus story times on Tuesday and other special events through the year.
  • Whole Foods Stores: Small play areas in the store cafe areas.
  • Barnes & Noble: Store usually have trains or blocks set out for kids, or they can look at books.  Area stores all host story times and special events.
  • Libraries: Most local libraries have a kids area with puzzles, small toys, and other fun activities, plus story times for all ages.  Activities may be limited over Christmas break at some branches, so check the schedule.  The Columbus Main Library is a favorite with lots of play structures, double-sided fish tank, and more. Staff often walks around and interacts with kids. You can easily spend a couple of hours playing and exploring.
  • Graeters Scoops and Shoots Play Area: There’s a great play area in the Graeters on Bethel Rd. with slides and structures to climb in and around.  No purchase necessary, but it’s ice cream, so just plan to get some while you’re there.  Otherwise, the play area is completely free!  Geared for ages 9 and under.
  • Columbus Museum of Art (Free on Sundays)- The Center for Creativity offers hands on imaginative and creative play in several areas for all ages.  Free on Sundays, Kids under 5 are always free, and Thursdays from 5-9 pm are “pay what you want”.
  • Columbus Metro Parks offer programming year round, including plenty of activities over winter break.  In addition to hikes and outdoor exploration, they offer indoor activities, and most offer open play activities (and a chance to warm up) in the nature centers.
  • Coffee Connections in Hilliard: This coffee house has a separate space behind with more seating and a kids’ area on the second floor with comfy seating and creative play opportunities.
  • Westerville Community Center: Free Tree Top Playground right off of the lobby which requires no membership or admission. The structure looks best suited to 2 years and up, as it’s quite high.
  • Grange Audubon Center: Small indoor play room with books, bird watching, costumes, climbing structure and cave.
  • Vineyard Community Center in Westerville: Free indoor playground from 6 pm-8:30 pm M-F, 9 am-2 pm on Saturday. Ages 4-11.
  • The Naz Playplace in Grove City Church of the Nazarene: Indoor playground for ages 4-11, and cafe inside the church, so you can grab lunch after the kids play. See hours on the website. Story time is held on select Tuesdays.
  • McDonald’s Indoor PlayPlace: Bethel, Sawmill, Renner Rd., W. Broad, and Worthington-Galena locations have indoor PlayPlaces.  You’ll spend a little on lunch or a drink, but you have to eat anyway.
  • Chick-fil-A Playgrounds: Located at Grove City, Sawmill, Polaris, Hilliard, and E. Broad.  Stop for a meal or drinks and let the kids play.
  • Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Community Centers: December 26-January 6. All 29 community centers are hosting various programs and events during winter break. Check out the “Schools Out” calendar for the closest center near you. You’ll find open gyms, crafts, gymnastics, and more.  Must purchase a $1 Columbus Parks & Rec Leisure Card, which is valid for 3 years.  Most activities are free; some have a nominal charge.

Sledding in Columbus

Dreaming of a White Christmas?  If it’s a reality, here are 25 places to go sledding in Columbus.  Whether you’re looking for small or large sledding hills in Columbus, there are plenty of options.  Please obey all posted signs for parking, sledding, and other designations, as availability of these hills may have changed since last sledding season.  If you have other favorites, I’d love to hear them!

Roller skating in Columbus

Whether your kids are new to roller skating or experienced, it will make for a fun and tiring activity.  There are 3 roller skating rinks in the Columbus area, and all are offering fun activities and skating parties over winter break.  Sessions are 2-3 hours long, and some are discounted admission or included meals.  Most of the websites offer additional coupons, so be sure to look for those

  • Skate America in Grove City: Great pricing and plenty of discounts, plus New Years Eve and New Years Day parties.
  • Skate Zone 71 near Morse Rd: Open every single day through Christmas break, including holidays. Tons of skate parties with character visits like Paw Patrol (12/16), Santa and friends, Trolls, Minions and Turtles.  Little kids skate is on Saturday mornings. There are also discounted days, young teen nights, and adult nights.  There’s an New Years Eve party with mock countdown, as well as a family New Years Eve night with midnight countdown.  Teachers and a guest skate free in December and January with I.D.
  • United Skates of America on Refugee Rd: Lots of family skate and discount days over Christmas break.  Open every day except Christmas Eve, including a Christmas evening session.  Character skates feature Minions, Turtles, Superheroes, and Trolls.  Also offering several New Years Eve parties and New Years Day skate.

Ice Skating in Columbus 

  • Chiller Ice Rinks in Easton, Lewis Center, Dublin and Downtown: Check public skate times and pricing for each location.
  • The Ohio State University Ice Rink, 390 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus. Phone: (614)292-4154
    Public admission is $6, skate rental is $3.  Limited open skate sessions, 12/22, 12/28, 12/29. January hours have not been updated; check here for updates.
  • Lou & Gibb Reese Ice Arena, 936 Sharon Valley Rd, Newark. Phone: (740) 349-6784
    Admission $3-$6, skate rental is $3. Open every day over winter break until January 1, except Christmas Day.

Outdoor ice skating options will only be open when the weather is below freezing for several days.

  • Coffman Park in Dublin, 5200 Emerald Parkway, Dublin
    Hours (when open) are weekdays from 3 – 8:30 pm and weekends and school cancellations days from 10 am – 8:30 pm.  Fireplaces in the pavilion provide for a nice warm up; restrooms are available. Skates are available for rental.  Hockey is not permitted.  Signs will be posted along Coffman Drive when open, or check the City of Dublin website or on Dublin Parks website.
  • Blendon Woods, 4265 East Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, OH 43017
    Skating Pond: Winter outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this one-foot deep, 2 acre pond
  • Battelle Darby Creek, 3711 Gardner Road, Georgesville OH 43123.  1/2 acre, 16 inch deep pond.

Bowling in Columbus

Plenty of options, but here are a few nice suggestions for families. Check for coupons on the website!

Indoor Swimming in Columbus

halloween pool party

  • Dublin Community Recreation Center ($3-$8 for daily admission) 5600 Post Road, Dublin. Lazy river, zero entry for area, waterslides, and more.  Check link for leisure pool hours.
  • Worthington Community Center ($5-$8, free under 3) 345 E. Wilson Bridge Rd., Worthington, OH  43085, Ph: (614) 436-2743.  Great option for little kids with zero entry, little kids slide, plus lazy river and vortex and larger slides. Check link for leisure pool hours.
  • Westerville Community Center ($4.50-$7.50) Westerville Community Center also has a climbing wall (fees required), and a great, free indoor playground for kids off of the lobby. 350 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville, OH 43082, Phone: (614) 901-6500. Pool features shallow area, lazy river, fountains, slides, and more. Check link for leisure pool hours.
  • Columbus Aquatic Center ($1) 1160 Hunter Ave. Columbus, OH 43201 (614) 645-3129 Must also get a $1 leisure card; good for 3 years. Hours: November 7 through February 13, 2018: Tuesday………12:00 PM – 3:30 PM, Wednesday …12:00 PM – 3:30 PM, Thursday …….12:00 PM – 3:30 PM, Friday Mornings Adults Only…10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Friday Evening …..7:00 PM – 9:30 PM, Saturday……..2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Dessert Date in Columbus

I know…the holidays are full of sweets, but the promise of a sweet excursion may be enough to make them play nice for a bit.

  • Milk & Cookie Happy Hour at Sassafras Bakery in Worthington: Weekdays from 3-5pm, get a free glass of milk or cup of coffee with purchase of a cookie.
  • Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt shops.  Too many to name, but there’s probably one right around the corner from you. It’s never too cold for ice cream.
  • Duck Donuts – Now open in Dublin and Polaris, these donuts are a hit.  You may want to aim for non-peak times and days at the Dublin locations, as long lines are reported on weekend mornings.

Movies

The holidays are a popular time at the movies and its nice to just sit and relax with a movie and a popcorn for a couple of hours during the busy season.  Matinees are always less expensive and usually less crowded, so they are a great option for families.

Kids Crafts in Columbus

  • Michael’s offers Kids Club every Saturday from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. where kids can do weekly craft projects for just $2
  • Lakeshore Learning stores have free crafts on Saturdays from 11 am – 3 pm.
  • Home Depot Kids Workshops are held on various Saturdays.  Check the Lowe’s or Home Depot site for dates, times, and schedule projects and help teach your kids about safety and building. On January 6, kids can make a Wooden Block Calendar
  • Gateway Family Film Center hosts Hoot Family Film Series on the last Saturday of the month featuring crafts, short films, music by the Shazzbots, and more for donation of canned goods.  Dance Hoot is December 30.

Take a drive for these fun places outside of Columbus

Please check the links to verify holiday hours.

  • North Pole Express at Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc. (Findlay, Ohio – 1 hour, 45 minutes from Columbus)  The North Pole Express at Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation is a short train experience that is perfect for those short on time or for younger children who may not enjoy a longer train ride.  Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 24 – December 30, except Christmas Eve.  Only $2-$3.
  • Dawes Arboretum in Newark: The Discovery Center is located in the lower level of the Visitor’s Center and has hands-on nature activities, puzzles, books, a working beehive (visible from inside), turtles, a snake, and an amazing Bird Watching Garden where you can watch a variety of birds, see chipmunks play, and may even spot a cat wandering around.
  • The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology in Newark: Like a mini-COSI, there are plenty of interactive exhibits for all ages focusing on scientific, technological or artistic topics, driving simulators, invent lab to build and take apart, as well as a little kids area that features creative play with pretend produce and ice cream stands, puppet stage, science lab, firetruck, train table, and much more. There are also history and art exhibits and a few outdoor features including an Interurban Railway Car to check out. The size isn’t overwhelming and you can check everything out and play in just a couple of hours. Kids 2-16 are $6 and adults are $10; COSI members get 1/2 off with COSI card. 
  • AHA! Children’s Museum in Lancaster: 4,000 square foot, adventure space featuring more than 30 hands-on exhibits and activities for children of all ages! $6 per person, open Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm, and on Sunday, November through March only 12-4 pm.
  • Little Buckeye Children’s Museum in Mansfield: Exhibits in the arts, sciences, transportation, and imagination play for ages 2-12. See website for hours.  Admission is $8 for 2 and up.
AHA! Children's museum

AHA! Children’s museum

Date specific events that you don’t want to miss during Winter Break in Columbus

Wednesday, December 20

  • Holiday Camp Chiller: Kids ages 4-11 can learn to skate or improve their skating, and enjoy fun activities and projects.  OhioHealth Chiller North from Dec. 20-22, 2017 (Wednesday-Friday) from 9 am – 3 pm (attend 1-3 days)

Thursday, December 21

  • Drop-in music class at Coffee Connections in Hilliard: December 21 and 22 WeJoySing hosts cost effective drop in music classes at the coffee shop! For $5 a child, and $3 for a sibling; you and your little love can learn to love and appreciate music!  Click on the link to see the different 30 minute classes for each age group between 9 am – 11 am.
  • Holiday Gift-Making Workshops: Drop off kids in grades 1-6 at the Ohio Craft Museum in Grandview Heights on December 21. They will make 2 gifts and wrap them before they leave for $25 – and you get 3 hours to yourself!
  • Holiday Camp Chiller: Kids ages 4-11 can learn to skate or improve their skating, and enjoy fun activities and projects.  OhioHealth Chiller North from Dec. 20-22, 2017 (Wednesday-Friday) from 9 am – 3 pm (attend 1-3 days)
  • SuperGames Winter Open Play: December 21, 26, 28, 30, January 2, January 15. Tons of inflatables and activities. $10 for the first child and $8 for additional siblings. Limited availability so arrive early.
  • Open Swim at Worthington Pools: December 21 from 1-4 pm.  All families and friends can enjoy an afternoon swimming and relaxing at the pool. Only $5 to enter! Passes will be available for purchase at the door. 400 W Dublin Granville Rd

Friday, December 22

santa christmas breakfast with santa

  • Drop-in music class at Coffee Connections in Hilliard: December 21 and 22 WeJoySing hosts cost effective drop in music classes at the coffee shop! For $5 a child, and $3 for a sibling; you and your little love can learn to love and appreciate music!  Click on the link to see the different 30 minute classes for each age group between 9 am – 11 am.
  • Holiday Camp Chiller: Kids ages 4-11 can learn to skate or improve their skating, and enjoy fun activities and projects.  OhioHealth Chiller North from Dec. 20-22, 2017 (Wednesday-Friday) from 9 am – 3 pm (attend 1-3 days)
  • and new illusions.
  • Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: December 22, 11am – 2pm Magician Drew Murray presents an interactive magic show featuring music, comedy
  • Holiday Symbols GPS Hunt at Blacklick Wood: December 22 from 1-4 pm. Use GPS to find and learn about some holiday symbols hidden throughout the park.
  • Cookies with Santa at Coffee Connections in Hilliard: December 22 from 4-6 pm. Sit with Santa, snap a picture and decorate a delicious cookie! Cookies are just $1.50 each.
  • Gold Fish Swim School: Family Swimming Event in Dublin and Westerville on December 22 from 6:30-8pm. $5 per person, or $15 per family.

Saturday, December 23

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

christmas gift

Enjoy time with your family, but if you still need to kill more time on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, we have a few suggestions – links are above.

  • Select roller skating and ice skating rinks open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
  • Metro park hikes
  • Community centers have select open hours on Christmas Eve for swimming and other activities.

Tuesday, December 26

  • SuperGames Winter Open Play: December 21, 26, 28, 30, January 2, January 15. Tons of inflatables and activities. $10 for the first child and $8 for additional siblings. Limited availability so arrive early.
  • Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: December 26, 11am – 2pm  How do you find joy? Singing and dancing? Reading a book? Playing with your pet? Erica wants to share her pet hedgehog with you during this fun-filled comedy magic show.
  • Winter Break Craft and Scavenger Hunt at Blendon Woods: December 26, 2017 – January 1, 2018 from 12-4 pm. Make a holiday craft and try an indoor or outdoor scavenger hunt.

Wednesday, December 27

Thursday, December 28

Friday, December 29

Saturday, December 30

  • SuperGames Winter Open Play: December 21, 26, 28, 30, January 2, January 15. Tons of inflatables and activities. $10 for the first child and $8 for additional siblings. Limited availability so arrive early.
  • Hoot Family Film Series at Gateway Film Center: From 10am – 12pm.  Lobby activities for the first hour. Shazzbots will perform for dance parties between cartoon shorts sets in the theater starting at 11 am.  Such a fun event for kids, especially ages 0-7.  Free with canned food donation.

  • Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: December 30, 11am & 2pm  PT Reptiles. Get up close and personal with reptiles and amphibians in all shapes and sizes! Presentations at 11am & 2pm.
  • Free crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning: December 30 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Make a Resolution Craft
  • Winter Break Craft and Scavenger Hunt: December 26, 2017 – January 1, 2018 from 12-4 pm. Make a holiday craft and try an indoor or outdoor scavenger hunt.
  • Backyard Birds at Homestead Park: December 30 at 1 pm. Indoor and outdoor program. Learn what birds live in Ohio during the winter during a short indoor presentation. Then head outside for a 1-mile hike to look for birds. After the hike, we will return indoors and warm up with hot cocoa while you make your own bird feeders to take home. Metro Parks will provide hot cocoa and bird feeder craft supplies. Limited number of binoculars and field guides available. Please bring your own binoculars if possible.
  • After the Hunt at Batelle Darby Creek: December 30 at 2 pm. Discover the different types of meat that can be harvested in Ohio and how to prepare them. Wild game recipes will be available to sample.

Sunday, December 31

Monday, January 1

Tuesday, January 2

  • SuperGames Winter Open Play: December 21, 26, 28, 30, January 2, January 15. Tons of inflatables and activities. $10 for the first child and $8 for additional siblings. Limited availability so arrive early.

Family events continuing after Christmas

Wildlights Member Preview Night at Columbus Zoo

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