Free and Cheap Activities for Winter Break in Columbus

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 85 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!

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

Multiple Days

Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Community Centers: tba for 2019. Community centers are typically 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 Hockey Camp Chiller: Throughout the winter break. OhioHealth Chiller offers hockey camps and clinics over winter break, including adult clinics, developmental camps, Jr. Stinger Camp, and event a parent & player holiday camp.

Kids won’t know they are learning during the fun Free YouthSpark programs at Microsoft stores

Day Camps at Ohio Wildlife Center: December 18, December 30, December 31. 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.

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!

Preschoolers: Winter in the Woods at Blendon Woods: December 17 and 19 at 9:30 am and 11 am. Animals survive the winter in different ways – hibernate, migrate, or tough it out! Ages 3-6. Nature Center

Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt at Blendon Woods. December 21-27 from 9 am – 5 pm. See if you can find all of the winter creatures hiding in the nature center! All ages. Nature Center

Thursday, December 19

Go Wilds Kids Club: Holiday Crafts at Sharon Woods. December 19 at 6 pm. Celebrate the season by creating a few works of art to gift or share. Ages 5-12 Spring Hollow.

Friday, December 20

Christmas for the Critters at Sharon Woods. December 20 from 10 am – 12 pm. Stop by to create a treat for backyard wildlife. All ages. Spring Hollow

Vitality Athletic Center, 3455 Centerpoint Dr. Suite F, Grove City, OH 43123 Phone: 614.593.3127
Mighty Mini’s open gym on Fridays from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. for ages 5 and under; parent-assisted. All Ages open house on Friday evenings from 6 pm – 8 pm. Supervision provided; no instruction. Both opens gyms are $10 per person for members, $15 per person for non-members. If you want to go to more than one per month, the monthly memberships are a great deal at $19.95/mo.

Saturday, December 21

Breakfast with Santa at Oakland Nursery Columbus and Dublin: Saturday, December 21 from 9-11 am.  Call the store for details and registration. 

Coffee, Cocoa, and Birds: December 21-22 at Blendon Woods from 10 am – 2 pm. Drop by and enjoy a steaming cup while watching birds at our viewing window. All ages Nature Center

Winter Warmup at Grange Audubon Insurance Center: December 21 10 am – noon
Bundle up the family and celebrate the first day of winter with games, crafts, songs, movies and a snack geared toward first grade children and younger. There will be a special story time with Carol Husberger and her Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Andi, who inspired Carol’s beautiful watercolor paintings as well as her brand new children’s book, The Adventures of Andi the Adorable. The event is free, but RSVP’s are requested. Donations always appreciated!

Free crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning: December 21 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thumbprint Keepsake Holiday Ornament

Elsa & Anna, The Princesses from the ‘Tundra’ up North at Oakland Nursery Columbus! December 21 from 12 noon – 2 pm.  Be sure to bring your camera to capture the magic. 

Holiday Crafts at Battelle Darby Creek: December 21-22 from 1-3 pm. Create easy seasonal crafts with materials found in nature. Nature Center

‘Tis the Season at Slate Run Farm: December 21-22 from 1 pm – 3 pm. Take a break from the holiday bustle with a quiet stroll around the farm. String popcorn and make an ornament to take home. All ages Farmhouse

Lantern Stroll at Sharon Woods. December 21 at 5:30 pm. Candle lanterns will light the way on a 1-mile stroll through the woods on the winter solstice. All ages Schrock Lake Restrooms

Solstice Walk at Inniswood. December 21 at 6 pm. Join us in the gardens for a guided walk in celebration of the longest night of the year. All ages Gardens Entrance

Sunday, December 22

Cookies with Santa at Coffee Connections in Hilliard: December 22 from 3:30 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!

Luminary Workshop at Inniswood. December 22 at 4:30 pm. Bring your family to make your own luminary from household items. Materials provided. All ages Innis House

Monday, December 23

Legend of the Christmas Spider at Blacklick Woods. December 23 at 1 pm. Listen to a European folktale about a spider and make a spider ornament for your Christmas tree. All ages Beech Maple Lodge

Lazer Kraze: All you can play laser tag and arcade for $20 all day; open noon – 9 pm.

• (Columbus North) – 459 Orange Point Drive, Lewis Center OH 740-548-7788
• (Columbus East) – 5524 North Hamilton Rd, Gahanna OH 614-656-8216

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

Thursday, December 26

Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: December 26, 11am & 2pm. Realm of the Reptiles. Marissa Dubina shares the riveting world of reptiles in this memorable, tactile experience including appearances by a large tortoise, lizards, and s-s-snakes!

New Moon Lantern Stroll at Blendon Woods. December 26 at 5 pm. Relax after the holidays with a peaceful lantern-lit hike through the forest. All ages. Nature Center

$5 admission at Columbus Museum of Art: every Thursday from 5-9 pm.

$5 Thursdays at Lazer Craze: $5 per laser tag mission and $5 for 1 hr arcade card

• (Columbus North) – 459 Orange Point Drive, Lewis Center OH 740-548-7788
• (Columbus East) – 5524 North Hamilton Rd, Gahanna OH 614-656-8216

Friday, December 27

Vitality Athletic Center, 3455 Centerpoint Dr. Suite F, Grove City, OH 43123 Phone: 614.593.3127
Mighty Mini’s open gym on Fridays from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. for ages 5 and under; parent-assisted. All Ages open house on Friday evenings from 6 pm – 8 pm. Supervision provided; no instruction. Both opens gyms are $10 per person for members, $15 per person for non-members. If you want to go to more than one per month, the monthly memberships are a great deal at $19.95/mo.

Tots on Trails at Blacklick Woods. December 27 at 10 am. Join a naturalist for a slow-paced half-mile walk through the woods. Ages 5 and younger Nature Center

Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: December 27, 11am & 2pm. The Bugman. Columbus favorite, Mark Berman, shares his love of all things creepy and crawly. This is an interactive, walk by engagement; rather than a sit down performance.

Holiday Break Workday at Slate Run Farm. December 27 from 1 – 3 pm. Help with farm chores, visit the animals and warm up next to the woodstove. Farmhouse

Christmas with the Critters at Ohio Wildlife Center: December 27 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.

For Families Backyard Birds at Homestead Metro Park: December 27 at 2 pm. Learn how to attract birds to your yard and make a bird feeder to take home. All ages. Lakeside Pavilion

Reduced admission at COSI for Family Friday Nights: December 27 from 5-9 pm. Time is running out to catch Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ Secrets of the Sewers. This exhibits heads back underground after January 5!

Night at the Nature Center at Battelle Darby Creek: December 27 from 6-8 pm. See what animals awaken after dark in the 53-foot living stream. All Ages Nature Center

Friday Family Night in Inflatables at Lazer Kraze Lewis Center. December 27 from 6 – 9 pm. Just $35 gets you an XL pizza (10 slices, 1 topping), 4 fountain drinks with free refills, and admission for 2 kids and 2 adults. Everyone needs an electronic waiver signed before arriving, socks and min height is 40″. Reservations recommended to ensure availability. Add’l kids $6 each and additional pizzas are $13 if ordered in advance.

Saturday, December 28

Christmas Bird Count at Prairie Oaks. December 28 from 8:30 am – 10:30 am. Calling all birders of every level! Come participate in the nation’s longest-running community science bird project that fuels Audubon’s work throughout the year. All ages Park Office

Coffee, Cocoa, and Birds: December 28-29 at Blendon Woods from 10 am – 2 pm. Drop by and enjoy a steaming cup while
watching birds at our viewing window. All ages Nature Center

Hoot Family Film Series at Gateway Film Center: December 28 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.

For Families: Backyard Birds Open House at Highbanks. December 28 from 11 am – 1 pm. Come enjoy the birds at the Highbanks feeders and learn how to tell them apart. We might see pileated woodpeckers, blue jays, sparrows, hawks and more. Ages 6 and older Nature Center

Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: December 28, 11am & 2pm. Comedy Juggler, Matt Jergens. This international gold medalist juggler has been thrilling and captivating audiences with his one man variety show of juggling, stunts, acrobatics and comedy.

Free crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning: December 28 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Ring in the New Year! Party Hat & Popper

Munchkin Madness at Lazer Kraze Lewis Center and Gahanna Saturdays from 11am-1pm.
Kids 12 & under play unlimited laser tag for $15 per person from 11am – 1pm. Limited to 80 players. A minimum of 3 games is guaranteed if you purchase your ticket by 11:15 and stay until 1:15. Older siblings and parents may play if they purchase a $15 ticket also with management approval and if space permits. Buying your tickets in advance is always recommended as space is limited. Please note: Players can be very competitive even at this age so keep this in mind when bringing really young players.

Sunday, December 29

Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: December 29, 11am & 2pm. The Shazzbots! For over ten years, this three-time emmy award winning rock band has been entertaining kids and parents of all ages with their unique brand of music, adventure and fun!

Monday, December 30

Garden School: 2020 Vision at Inniswood. December 30 from 10 am – 12 pm. Start looking to 2020 as we celebrate the new year while discovering the importance of animal vision. Ages 6-9 Greenhouse Multipurpose Center

Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: December 30, 11am & 2pm. Mr. Puppet. A professional comedian and ventriloquist, Bob Abdou performs with his puppets in this hilarious act appropriate for children and adults!

Tuesday, 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

Christmas Bird Count at Glacier Ridge. December 31 from 8 am – 11 am. Search for birds and help collect data for the National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count. Hot drinks provided. Ages 8 and older at the Maintenance Shop

New Year’s Eve Bash at Lazer Kraze Lewis Center. December 31. All you can play laser tag from 5-7pm or 7-9pm is just $15 per person. Space is limited to ensure all players get at least 3 missions each. Reservations recommended to ensure availability. Have a BLAST with us celebrating the New Year!

Wednesday, January 1

Celebrate the New Year at Lazer Kraze Lewis Center. January 1. Get 3 laser tag missions and a 20 credit arcade card for just $20. What a way to get active for your new year’s resolution!

Thursday, January 2

Mini-Lazer Camp at Lazer Kraze Gahanna: January 2. Lazer Kraze Mini Camp on January 2nd! Camp activities include mega amounts of world-class laser tag, air dodgeball and trampoline fun, arcade games, pizza and pop lunch. Register in advance by Dec 26th and pay just $69 per child. Call to reserve your spot or Click here (pdf) for registration form.

Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: January 2, 11am & 2pm. Rockin’ Pirate Magic Show. Children’s Entertainer, Erica Carlson brings comedy, magic and her famous hedgehog “Hedgie” together in this fun for all ages performance.

$5 Thursdays at Lazer Craze: $5 per laser tag mission and $5 for 1 hr arcade card

• (Columbus North) – 459 Orange Point Drive, Lewis Center OH 740-548-7788
• (Columbus East) – 5524 North Hamilton Rd, Gahanna OH 614-656-8216

Friday, January 3

Franklin Park Conservatory Family Fun: January 3, 11am & 2pm. Columbus Children’s Theatre. Geared to the youngest audience members, Matt Bassett’s production Nutt and Bolt, will be sure to have you and your little ones tapping your feet and making sounds of your own in no time.

Mini-Lazer Camp at Lazer Kraze Lewis Center: January 3 from 11:30 am – 5 pm. Ages 7-12 Camp activities include mega amounts of world-class laser tag, jousting and obstacle courses in the inflatables, arcade games, pizza and pizza and pop snack. Register in advance by Dec 27th and pay just $59 per child. Call or click here (pdf) for registration form.

Friday Family Night in Inflatables at Lazer Kraze Lewis Center. January 3 from 6 – 9 pm. Just $35 gets you an XL pizza (10 slices, 1 topping), 4 fountain drinks with free refills, and admission for 2 kids and 2 adults. Everyone needs an electronic waiver signed before arriving, socks and min height is 40″. Reservations recommended to ensure availability. Add’l kids $6 each and additional pizzas are $13 if ordered in advance.

Saturday, January 4 and Sunday, January 5

Munchkin Madness at Lazer Kraze Lewis Center and Gahanna Saturdays from 11am-1pm.
Kids 12 & under play unlimited laser tag for $15 per person from 11am – 1pm. Limited to 80 players. A minimum of 3 games is guaranteed if you purchase your ticket by 11:15 and stay until 1:15. Older siblings and parents may play if they purchase a $15 ticket also with management approval and if space permits. Buying your tickets in advance is always recommended as space is limited. Please note: Players can be very competitive even at this age so keep this in mind when bringing really young players.

Wild Ohio Weekend at Ohio History Center. Saturday, January 4 and Sunday, January 5, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Enjoy a weekend of natural history talks and activities and learn more about the plants and animals that call Ohio home. Included in general admission. Free parking. Plaza Cafe is open 11 a.m.–2 p.m. every day.

Family events continuing after Christmas for Winter Break

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

Ongoing activities for winter break in Columbus

Check links to make sure hours are the same during the holiday season. Most of these places will be closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day.

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 just $5.

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. December/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. Skate with Santa on December 14 at noon.

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 during Winter Break

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. NOTE: Leisure pool is still closed for construction. Lap pool and hot tub are open.

Columbus Aquatic Center ($1) 1160 Hunter Ave. Columbus, OH 43201 (614) 645-3129 Must also get a $1 leisure card; good for 3 years. 

Dessert Date for Winter Break 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.

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

Sunday, September 20, 2020

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Sunday, October 4, 2020

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Expired Winter Break Fun

Waiting for updates for 2019/2020

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!