Looking for something truly different in Columbus this weekend (Jan 24th/25th)? Skip the big attractions and check out these unique neighbourhood happenings! We found everything from lantern walks in the Metro Parks to farm visits with music and story time with a special guest.
Quick Picks
Wanderlights
Downtown Columbus
Experience this spectacular, free light path downtown!
Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange
Gahanna Library
A perfect indoor, low-key activity for the whole family in Gahanna.
Storytime with Author & Illustrator Will Hillenbrand
Cover to Cover
Meet a real author/illustrator for a special story time session.
· January 24
14WANDERLIGHTSFREE : You have to check out this huge light display that snakes from Columbus Commons all the way to Bicentennial Park. It sounds like the ultimate free, festive walk to kick off the weekend.This is highlighted as Columbus' ultimate *free* holiday destination, making it a fantastic, low-cost local experience.
LANTERN HIKE : Trade your flashlights for lanterns and explore Blacklick Woods after dark! This is way more magical than your usual nature walk.A unique, hands-on evening activity at a Metro Park that turns a standard hike into an atmospheric adventure.
WINTER HABITAT BUILDERS : Head to Battelle Darby Creek to participate in the Winter Habitat Builders program. Get outside and help the local wildlife!This sounds like a fantastic, practical nature program where families actively contribute to the environment.
FAMILY ART: WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP : Ditch the messy kitchen table and take the family to the Westerville Library for a dedicated watercolor session. Perfect for a focused, creative afternoon.It's a scheduled, hands-on workshop (Family Art) at a local library, promoting community creativity.
MUSIC & MOOS : If you haven't visited Mojica Family Farm yet, check out their 'Music & Moos' event this weekend. Farm time with an acoustic twist!This is a hyper-local farm event combining music and animals, fitting the obscure/community vibe perfectly.
WINTER ICE FESTIVAL : The Conservatory is hosting an Ice Festival featuring carving demos, crafts, games, AND ice skating! Perfect for a chilly weekend.Offers multiple hands-on activities (crafts, skating) in one location, plus we noted a special evening time slot for Saturday.
KIDS: WINTER INDOOR SURVIVAL GAME : If the weather is bad, send the kids to Highbanks for an 'Indoor Survival Game.' Sounds much cooler than standard indoor play zones.Focuses on participation and learning skills (survival game) in an unexpected indoor setting.
PROMUSICA FAMILY CONCERT : Catch the ProMusica ensemble performing a concert specifically tailored for families at the Main Library.High-quality, local cultural experience (ProMusica) brought directly to a community spot (Main Library).
JIGSAW PUZZLE EXCHANGEFREE : Bring your old puzzles and swap them for new ones at the Gahanna Library. Super chill, low-pressure Saturday afternoon activity.Unique community swap event hosted by a library—perfectly aligns with our 'obscure' mandate.
MAGIC NATE'S BIG NIGHT : If your kids love magic, head over to Hilliard for Magic Nate’s Big Night show. Always fun to support local arts groups!A specific, named performance at a local arts venue, focusing on interactive entertainment.
STORYTIME WITH AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR WILL HILLENBRAND : A fantastic chance for young kids to meet a real author and illustrator at the beloved local bookstore, Cover to Cover.Direct access to a creative professional at a local bookshop is a rare, engaging opportunity for little ones.
CORDUROY (PERFORMANCE) : The beloved children's book 'Corduroy' is on stage at the Children's Theatre. Great theatre programming for the younger crowd.A high-quality, age-appropriate theatrical performance specifically geared toward young children.
JURASSIC ARCHERY : Yes, you read that right: Jurassic Archery! Check out this unique activity happening at the Blacklick Woods Golf Course this weekend.The combination of 'Jurassic' and 'Archery' at a local golf course facility is delightfully bizarre and specific to this weekend.
ALL ABOUT HIBERNATORS WALK : Take a guided walk at Three Creeks Metro Park focused entirely on what local animals do when they hibernate. Educational and outdoorsy!Seasonal, educational guided walk focusing on local wildlife behavior.
· January 25
1WINTER INDOOR SURVIVAL GAME FOR AGES 7-11 : If Saturday's slot didn't work, the specialized survival game for ages 7-11 is happening Sunday at the Nature Center.Specific age targeting (7-11) for a hands-on survival skill activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Columbus this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 24-25) you can find free family fun at the spectacular Wanderlights light walk downtown and the Jigsaw Puzzle Exchange happening at the Gahanna Library.
Are there any outdoor nature activities planned for Saturday?
Yes! For outdoor exploration, check out the Lantern Hike at Blacklick Woods Metro Park, or learn about local wildlife on the All About Hibernators Walk at Three Creeks Metro Park.
What is happening on Sunday for younger kids (under 5)?
For younger ones, the Storytime with Author & Illustrator Will Hillenbrand at Cover to Cover or the Storytime: The Music of Laurie Berkner at the Westerville Public Library are great options (check specific times for Saturday/Sunday availability).