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.
Make sure to scroll down the list towards the bottom for ongoing winter break fun!
Want us to highlight your event or give it a prime spot at the top of this list? Email me about sponsoring this popular post: ads@columbusonthecheap.com.
Date specific events that you don’t want to miss during Winter Break in Columbus
Multiple Days
SuperGames Winter Open Play: December 14, 27, 28. Tons of inflatables and activities. $10 for the first child and $8 for additional siblings. Limited availability so arrive early.
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Community Centers: December 26-January 5. 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.
Holiday Camp Chiller: Kids ages 4-11 can learn to skate or improve their skating, and enjoy fun activities and projects. OhioHealth Chiller Easton from Dec. 19-21, 2018 and OhioHealth Chiller North from Dec. 26-28, 2018 (Wednesday-Friday) from 9 am – 3 pm (attend 1-3 days).
Winter Warmup Days at Grange Audubon Insurance Center: December 27-28, 2018 and January 3-4, 2019
No RSVP needed for these free event days. Just walk in and head to the fireside for read-alouds, scavenger hunts, crafts, movies and more that will all be available during normal business hours 10 am – 5 pm Thursday and 10 am – 3 pm Friday.
Kids won’t know they are learning during the fun Free YouthSpark programs at Microsoft stores
Thursday, December 27
Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: December 27, 11am & 2pm. Learn about styles of drumming in Japan, Brazil and the Caribbean. Join in an interactive group performance to try the instruments for yourself!
Family Fun: Feed the Birds at Blendon Woods: December 27 from 12-3 pm. Stop by to make a treat for the birds. Nature Center
Winter Warm Up Days at Scioto Audubon: December 27-28 from 10 am – 5 pm. Warm up at the Audubon Center with crafts,
games, stories, movies and songs by the fire.
Day Camps at Ohio Wildlife Center: December 27 and 28. Several themes are available. All camps include up-close animal encounters, animal care instruction, crafts, hikes, and a snack. Hours are 9am – 12 pm for ages 3-5 or 9am – 3pm for ages 6-12 (with after-care available until 5 pm). These are a great option for working parents, or for kid-free time while the kids learn and have fun at camp.
Pay-What-You-Want at Columbus Museum of Art: every Thursday from 5-9 pm.
Friday, December 28
Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: December 28, 11am & 2pm. Erica Carlson presents The “Balloon Mystery” Magic Show. Pop! Boom! Bang! Where did all our balloons go? Put on your detective hats and grab your magnifying classes as you search for “Sedgie the Hedgie” during this comedy magic show.
Friday Night Movie at Battelle Darby Creek: CHARLIE & THE CURIOUS OTTERS: December 28, 6:30 pm. Follow the story of three orphaned river otters and learn about these curious animals.
For Kids: Animal Tracking at Homestead Metro Park: December 28 at 2 pm. Use your detective skills to find out which animals live here in the park. Ages 5-12. Nature Center
Garden School at Inniswood Garden: Winter Green: December 28 at 10 am. Get in the mood for winter weather as we have fun with ice and snow through activities and experiments.
Day Camps at Ohio Wildlife Center: December 28. Several themes are available. All camps include up-close animal encounters, animal care instruction, crafts, hikes, and a snack. Hours are 9am – 12 pm for ages 3-5 or 9am – 3pm for ages 6-12 (with after-care available until 5 pm). These are a great option for working parents, or for kid-free time while the kids learn and have fun at camp.
Reduced admission at COSI for Family Friday Nights: December 28 from 5-9 pm.
Saturday, December 29
The Big Explore
The ultimate way to show off our city is by exploring some of our great museums and attractions for FREE on Saturday, December 29 with The Big Explore, courtesy of the Columbus Foundation. In addition to free COTA rides, you get free admission to Columbus Museum of Art, COSI, Franklin Park Conservatory, the new National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Ohio History Center, The Pizzuti Collection, and Wexner Center for the Arts. Plus you can enjoy a super cheap treat at Jeni’s scoops shop!
Movie Matinee at Battelle Darby Creek: WILD KRATTS: CREATURE ADVENTURES. December 29 at 1 pm. Watch two Wild Kratts episodes, “Build it Beaver “and “Bass Class” and learn more about two animals that can be found within the park. Nature Center
Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: December 29, 11am & 2pm. The Science of Snow and Ice Join Crystal Clear for this exciting interactive presentation of live experiments that explain the science behind winter weather.
Free crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning: December 29 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. New Year’s Mask
Hoot Family Film Series at Gateway Film Center: December 29 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.
Sunday, December 30
Movie Matinee at Battelle Darby Creek: DISNEY NATURE: EARTH. December 30 at 1 pm. Learn about the yearly struggle for survival of
three amazing species, the polar bear, African bush elephant and humpback whale.
Family Fun New Year’s Eve Open House Party at Sharon Woods: December 30 from 11 am – 3 pm. Stop by anytime to celebrate New Year withngames, activities and crafts. Ages 3-7 Spring Hollow Lodge
Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: December 30, 11am & 2pm. Framily Brand presents Music from They Might be Giants. Featuring music from the They Might Be Giants catalog of kid’s albums, along with other childhood classics, this show will be fun for the whole framily!
Monday, December 31
Family Fun New Year’s Eve Open House Party at Sharon Woods: December 31 from 10 am – 2 pm. Stop by anytime to celebrate New Year withngames, activities and crafts. Ages 3-7 Spring Hollow Lodge
Noon-Lite Madness at Westerville Community Center: December 31 from 11 am – 1 pm. Celebrate New Year’s Eve preschool style with crafts and entertainment, and a countdown at Noon to celebrate the New Year. $5 per child; registration required. Activity #408604-01
Thursday, January 3
Outdoor Winter Games at Highbanks: January 3 at 1 pm. Play games in our open field and learn all the ways that you can have fun in the cold. Ages 3-15 Big Meadow Picnic Area
Winter Warm Up Days at Scioto Audubon: January 3-4 from 10 am – 5 pm. Warm up at the Audubon Center with crafts,
games, stories, movies and songs by the fire.
Friday, January 4
Winter Break Play Date with Columbus Moms Blog: Join Columbus Moms Blog on January 4 from 10 am – noon for a casual play date designed to get you and your kiddos out of the house and into a wide open (indoor!) space where everyone can run around, play, and explore. The facility will have sports equipment, building blocks, and Nerf wars available. Stop by the “Columbus Moms Blog Recharge Station” to fuel up with a quick snack and drink! The play area will feature three separate spaces for children ages 0-2, 3-6, and 7 and up to ensure everyone can have a fun and safe play experience. Tickets are $2-$7 and will likely sell out!
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. It’s an amazing place to sit and talk to other adults while the kids play.
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. Check hours through the holidays.
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. Check hours through the holidays.
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, Easton, 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 5. 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. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Skate Zone 71 near Morse Rd: Open every single day through Christmas break, including holidays. Tons of skate parties with characters. 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.
United Skates of America on Refugee Rd: Lots of family skate and discount days over Christmas break. Open every day, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Character skates, discounts, and 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.
- Holiday Family Fun at the OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks: The first 3 Saturdays and Sundays in December from 1:30-3:30 pm. Appearances by Hockey Santa the first three Saturdays and Sundays in December during the 1:30pm public skating sessions. Free skating instruction the first three Saturdays in December from 1:30-2:30pm, free Cookie Decorating. Session and skate rental fees apply; $4-$8.
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. 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 select days over winter break.
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!
- Star Lanes Polaris, 8655 Lyra Drive, Columbus
- Rule (3), 650 Windmiller Dr., Pickerington
- Columbus Square Bowling Palace, 5707 Forest Hills Blvd., Columbus
- AMF Sawmill Lanes, 4825 Sawmill Road, Columbus
- Gahanna Bowling and Family Fun Center, 215 W. Johnstown, Gahanna
- Ten Pin Alley, 5499 Ten Pin Alley, Hilliard
Indoor Swimming in Columbus
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: See schedule here.
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.
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.
Factory tour at Anthony Thomas Chocolates: The tour lasts about an hour, where you’ll experience candy making from start to finish from the glass-enclosed suspended “Cat-Walk”. You’ll see 9 lines producing 30,000 pounds of chocolates per shift. Children under 2 are free, ages 3 to 18 are $1 per person, and ages 19 and over are $2 per person. Admission fee may be used towards a candy purchase when the tour ends in the 2,500 square-foot retail shoppe. No appointments needed for tour hours; September-May, Tues & Thurs, 9am to 3pm. June-August, Tues, Weds & Thurs, 9am to 3pm
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 5, kids can make an Easel with Whiteboard.
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. The next Hoot is December 29.
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 23 – December 30. Only $2-$3 per person.
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 looking for birds and chipmunk.
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! $8 per person, open Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm, and on Sunday, November through March only 12-4 pm. It’s definitely one of our favorites!
AHA! Children’s museum
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 $8.50 for 2 and up.
SPI Sciece Play Initiative in Mount Vernon: Non-profit, local play space with a focus on science and technology, located in the Kenyon College Wright Center (400 S. Main Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio). There are tons of fun activities, including climbing structures, toddler-only area, dress up, art, science activities, interactive sandbox, and more. My kids played for hours and asked to go back soon. Open every day except Wednesday. Admission is $3; memberships (monthly and annualy) available. Free on Second Saturdays from 2:00-5:00 p.m. from December – April. Free during Main Street Mount Vernon First Fridays from May through October.
Mighty Children’s Museum in Chillicothe: Creative development exhibits and stations while allowing for self-directed learning for building creativity, divergent thinking, problem solving, and the ability to innovate. Open Wednesday – Sundays; admission is $6. Exhibits are ideal for ages 8 and under.
Tour the Butler County Donut Trail at your leisure and earn a t-shirt if you complete all of the stops
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Family events continuing after Christmas
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: November 18 – January 6.
Dragon Lights Columbus Festival: November 23 – January 6 from 5:30-10 pm everyday, including holidays, at the Ohio Expo Center.
Holiday Fantasy of Lights: November 16 – January 1. Alum Creek light display and Santa’s House. $20-$30 per car; free cookies and cocoa at the Santa House.
Lights at the Scioto Mile: From November 21 through January 1, downtown Columbus with be lit with more than 200,000 lights for the Holiday Light Display.
Conservatory Aglow at FPC: November 17 – January 2. Admission is $7 – $14. Holiday displays and activities at the Franklin Park Conservatory, including live entertainment, gingerbread contest, and family fun days.
Columbus Commons Holiday Lights: November 21 – January 2 from dusk to 11 pm. Check out more than 320,000 LED lights dazzle Columbus Commons park
Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill (near Yellow Springs, 40 miles SW of Columbus): November 23 – December 31 from 5 – 9 p.m. (lights turn on at 6 p.m.) On Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve they close at 8 pm.
Christmas Corner Lighting of State Auto Christmas Display and Life-Sized Nativity: Opens on December 4 through January 2. Will be lit nightly at State Auto Downtown through the season
Expired Winter Break Fun
Holiday Gift-Making Workshops: December 15 and 21. Drop off kids in grades 1-6 at the Ohio Craft Museum in Grandview Heights. They will make 2 gifts and wrap them before they leave for $25 – and you get 3 hours to yourself!
Saturday, December 15
Family Storytime: Keeping Warm at Slate Run: December 15 from 11-11:45 am. Enjoy a story and activity that show how a farm family kept warm in the winter.
A Christmas Evening at Slate Run: December 15 from 4-5:30 pm. Make decorations, string popcorn and enjoy other seasonal 1880s activities on a special lamplit evening.
Cookies with Santa at Coffee Connections in Hilliard: December 15 from 6-7 pm. Come decorate delicious cookies made by Cori’s Confections and visit with Santa! It’s a Christmas Classic, be sure to make plans to attend! it’s free to see Santa, and cookies are only $1.50!
Sunday, December 16
Holiday Crafternoon at Blendon Woods: December 16 at 1 pm. Drop by and make a craft to brighten your winter afternoon. Nature Center.
Tuesday, December 18
Preschoolers: Hibernation at Blendon Woods: December 18 at 9:30AM, 11AM OR 1PM. Come in your PJs and learn about animals who take a long winter’s nap. Nature Center
Wednesday, December 19
Babies: It’s Cold Outside at Homestead Metro Park: December 19 at 10 am. Enjoy some indoor winter sensory activities and nature-themed play! Ages 4 and younger Nature Center
Mom’s Coffee Break: Christmas Edition! at Coffee Connections in Hilliard: December 19 at 10 am. Take a break from life’s hectic holiday rush; and enjoy a cup of coffee with other mom’s! We’ll have a puppet show at 10:15, and decorate cookies right after. They cookies are only $1.50 each! It’s great to stop amidst the hustle and bustle and remember the true reason for the season.
Friday, December 21
Movie Matinee at Highbanks: December 21 at 11 am. NATURE CAT & WINTER SOLSTICE. Learn about the winter solstice and watch
Nature Cat: Winter Dance Party. Nature Center
Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: December 22, 11am & 2pm Magician Drew Murray presents an interactive magic show featuring music, comedy.
Winter Wildlife Celebration at Grange Audubon Insurance Center Celebrate the winter solstice on December 21, 2018 from 6-8 pm! There will be crafts, stories, games and a warm and toasty fire to welcome in the new season. This event is free but please be sure to RSVP!
Saturday, December 22
Holiday Crafts at Battelle Darby Creek: December 22-23 from 1-3 pm. Create easy seasonal crafts with materials found in nature. Nature Center
Holiday Crafts at Blacklick Wood: December 22 from 12-4 pm. Stop by and make a few holiday-themed crafts. Nature Center
Winter Break Scavanger Hunt at Blendon Woods: December 22-January 2 from 10 am – 2 pm. Stop by to see how many hidden critters you can find. Nature Center.
‘Tis the Season at Slate Run: December 22 from 1-3 pm. Take a break from the holiday bustle with a quiet stroll around the farm for the ‘Tis the Season program. String popcorn and make an ornament to take home.
Free crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning: December 22 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Trim-The-Tree Keepsake
Breakfast with Santa at Oakland Nursery Columbus and Dublin: Saturday, December 22 from 9-11 am. Call the store for details and registration.
Sunday, December 23
Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: December 23, 11am. Meet some of Ohio Wildlife Center’s animal ambassadors and learn how these native animals adapt to life during the winter.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
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.
- Restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Wednesday, December 26
Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: December 26, 11am & 2pm. Meet ambassador birds from Ohio Nature Education and learn about Owls, Hawks and other birds of prey.
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. 26-28, 2018 (Wednesday-Friday) from 9 am – 3 pm (attend 1-3 days)
Christmas with the Critters at Ohio Wildlife Center: December 26 from 1-4 pm. Kids will love meeting the wild animal ambassadors, doing fun winter crafts, making bird feeders, and celebrating nature as a family. $5 per person admission or bring donations from the Wish List.
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