Family events in Columbus, OH

Quarterly matriculation and graduation events are offered in person or online. A viewing link is available on the organization’s website or through its YouTube channel.

This family-friendly bingo night welcomes participants of all ages. Players can try their luck for free treats and prizes. The atmosphere is upbeat and relaxed, creating a fun experience for everyone.

Ohio State Buckeyes Football takes on Oregon Ducks Football at Ohio Stadium. Children under 2 are admitted free but must sit on an adult’s lap. Bags are generally not permitted, with exceptions for medical bags, diaper bags, and clutches no larger than 8 x 5 x 1 inches. Guests carrying permitted bags must use designated entrances for screening.

Fuel up at a monthly breakfast featuring all-you-can-eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, biscuits with sausage gravy, sausage patties, sliced ham, orange juice, and coffee. Contributions support the Lodge and help sustain its efforts to serve the Pataskala community.

A 5K timed run and untimed walk supporting colorectal cancer awareness. Colorectal cancer patients and survivors can register for free. The program also includes a kids’ fun run, an opening ceremony with team awards, and a closing ceremony with runner awards.

The Mark Twain Craft Bazaar is a much-anticipated community event that raises funds for local students. Proceeds from the event support students at Mark Twain Elementary School. General admission is $5, and children 11 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available at the door, and paying with cash helps speed entry. A limited number of early bird tickets are $10 and provide entry before the general crowd to beat the rush. A raffle will also be held, with proceeds benefiting the Walnut Spring Middle School PTSA.

Wide Open Hearts hosts a family-friendly fundraiser featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy complimentary photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, warm hot cocoa, and hands-on cookie and ornament decorating. Children can bring their wish lists and write letters to Santa. The event includes raffles and concessions, along with shopping from makers and vendors for adults while kids browse a Secret Santa shop. A special appearance by the Grinch is planned. Admission is free. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for an extra door prize entry, with all toys donated to the GCUMC Bags of Hope community outreach program.

Explore creative thinking through hands-on experimentation with a wide range of materials and supplies. Monthly themes draw inspiration from special exhibitions and art on view, inviting visitors of all ages to think and make like artists. The first Saturday session each month is reserved for members, and a quieter hour is intended to offer a calmer experience for visitors with sensory sensitivities.

Colony Cats volunteers will be available to help potential adopters meet cats looking for a new home. Stop by to meet some of the kittens and cats hoping to find a family.

Colony Cats volunteers will be at Petco Lennox Town Center to help potential adopters meet adoptable cats and kittens. Volunteers will assist with introductions to the animals in a friendly setting.

Enjoy a Dr. Seuss-themed skating party. Admission includes a Dr. Seuss bookmark, and skate rental is available for an additional fee. Guests ages 3–17 must pay admission and rent skates or bring their own. Non-skating adults may enter at no charge. All people who skate, including adults and parents of skating children, must complete an online waiver and show the signed waiver confirmation at admission.

Colony Cats (& dogs) will have cats and kittens available for adoption at Petco Upper Arlington. The cats are tested for FIV and FeLV, vaccinated, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and dewormed. Adoptions require an approved application.

Enjoy free general admission to the museum on Sundays, with special exhibition admission included. Explore the Walter Wing or work on a puzzle together in a gallery, with experiences to discover throughout the museum. Free admission is supported by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All and Free for the Future Campaign donors.

Designed for little ones and their favorite adults, this festive event from the Butterfly Guild supports Nationwide Children's Hospital's Hospice and Palliative Care Program. Highlights include a DJ dance party, hands-on crafts, character appearances, a photo booth, face painting, cotton candy, food, and sweet treats. A silent auction adds to the experience, offering even more ways for children to find something they enjoy.

A fairytale celebration brings families together in Central Ohio at Paulette's Palace inside the Worthington Mall. Enjoy onstage vocals and choreography, greeting sessions with plenty of photo opportunities set in ornate palace scenes, a glittery makeover area, crowning moments with tiaras, and an interactive palace themed dance party. Tickets are required for both adults and children. VIP admission is $50 and limited to 15 spots, and general admission is $30. Each child will receive a complimentary Raising Cane's kids meal and a swag bag courtesy of Raising Cane's. Proceeds support Paulette's Passion, a nonprofit devoted to brightening the lives of children facing serious illnesses and disabilities.

Little Diggers offers a weekly, low-stimulation play session for children with sensory sensitivities and families who prefer a quieter environment. Dimmed lighting, lower-volume music, and a consistent setup help create a predictable space for hands-on construction play at a gentler pace. The session is intended for children with sensory processing differences, autism, ADHD, or anxiety, as well as those who benefit from reduced stimulation. Siblings and caregivers are welcome to share a more relaxed play experience.

Gather for a community dinner that brings families, friends, and neighbors together over a warm, homestyle meal. The evening focuses on connection and conversation in a welcoming setting, with seasonal activities designed for all ages. Entry is $5 for adults, and children under 18 are admitted at no cost. Whether you are new to the area or a familiar face, this affordable night out offers tasty food and a friendly atmosphere.

Enjoy a Tuesday public skating special with admission for two for $10 or one person for $6. Skate rentals are available for $6.

Pokémon League play offers fans of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon Go, and Pokémon video games a place to meet and enjoy collecting and playing together. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.

Older siblings are welcome to build, dig, and explore in the playspace alongside a sibling age 7 or under. Admission for older siblings is covered at the same rate as for children 7 and under, and no special reservation is needed. Playing together gives families a chance to share the experience while supporting confidence, problem-solving, and resilience. Older siblings can also serve as role models and creative leaders as they play.

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