Family events in Zanesville, OH

Enjoy a free, family friendly karaoke session in the mall food court. It is a simple, upbeat way to sing and share some fun together.

Discover indoor climbing with an introductory class at DICK’S House of Sport. Geared toward beginners ages 6 and up, the session focuses on the basics in a welcoming setting. Certified coaches lead a safety walkthrough and explain the equipment before guiding participants on supervised climbs. Expect practical tips that build confidence, technique, and strength, with a supportive pace that works for a wide range of skill levels so both kids and adults can get started comfortably.

Open to all ages, this trunk-or-treat celebration is designed to be inclusive and easy to navigate. Participants who are decorating vehicles have a dedicated setup period, after which the treat distribution begins and decorated trunks share goodies with visitors. Expect a friendly, festive atmosphere for the whole community.

Dress in your most spooky, silly, or creative costume for a festive outing along the Turkey Trot Route. Both a walk and a run are planned, and a costume contest will highlight categories for adults, kids, and families or groups. Winners can look forward to especially extravagant prizes, so bring your best look and perhaps a touch of glitter. Children and dogs are welcome and encouraged. After you finish, head to the cidery for drinks and a potluck celebration. Bring a favorite dish, snack, or treat... anything that makes you happy to share.

This family friendly trunk or treat features snacks, warm beverages, plenty of candy, and enjoyable activities for all ages. Admission is free as part of this community event.

Perkins Performance LLC is hosting a community Trunk or Treat where families can collect candy, view vehicles, and connect with local business owners. Local businesses are invited to bring a vehicle and hand out candy while sharing their business. Food trucks are being considered, and space for vehicles may be limited, so advance coordination is requested.

This indoor event features a candy route called Treat Street where children can gather sweets. At the end, cookies, coffee, water, and hot chocolate are available for everyone. It provides a warm, dry way to enjoy Beggar's Night.

This archaeology-themed homeschool program at the Octagon Earthworks Visitor Center explores how archaeologists study the past and why artifacts and sites are found beneath layers of soil. Learners will build a layered snack that traces Ohio’s history from 14,000 BCE to the present, then practice excavation concepts and model one way archaeologists estimate the age of artifacts. The program also highlights how landscapes change and develop over time. The food component requires consent from a parent or guardian. Sugar-free chocolate pudding is the primary ingredient, and the remaining ingredients will be selected to avoid allergens. Designed for ages 5 to 12. Younger children may attend, but taking part in the activity will require one-on-one assistance from a parent or guardian. The cost is $8 per learner, and parents and other adults are free.

Children can practice reading aloud with Brodie, a book-loving therapy dog. Sign up is first come, first served. Open to participants in grades K through 6.

Following trick or treating in the square, warm up at the Opera House with a free movie presented by The Opera House Inc Board of Directors. Guests can also learn more about the board and how Opera House Inc helps sustain the Opera House and support the community. This screening starts later than the venue’s typical showtime.

Experience a calmer museum visit during Sensory Hours, with dimmed lights, softer sounds, and additional accommodations throughout the space. This session features spooky sensory activities. Participation is included with admission, and members are free. Sensory friendly supplies are available on request any time you visit The Works.

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.

Celebrate Halloween on wheels at United Skates with a family-friendly roller skating session filled with festive Halloween fun. Admission is $12, and skate rental is $6. Each child will receive a candy bag, and a costume contest will include prizes. Costumes are encouraged so everyone can glide into the spirit of the season. Tickets can be purchased online for savings.

The Fourth Annual Christian Girls Rock Awards Ceremony celebrates the achievements and faith-filled stories of young Christian women and men who are making a difference in the community and beyond. Hosted by emcees LaKendric and Angelica Brown from City of Zion Church in Columbus, Ohio, the program at the Lincoln Theatre features an awards presentation recognizing Christian youth for leadership, service, and faith, along with uplifting live performances from talented young artists. Admission is free. The dress code is semi-formal.

A festive Halloween pop-up in Newark, Ohio features candy for children, treats for dogs, and a chance to meet the Columbus Ghostbusters with one of their cars. There will be costume contests for both humans and pets with prizes, raffles, vendors, face painting, music, and a dog food pantry. This family-friendly event is set outdoors in the Project Good Paint parking lot. Dogs must be friendly, leashed, and with an adult at all times. Dress warmly. Additional activities may be added.

Colony Cats is bringing adoptable cats and kittens to Petco in Upper Arlington, Columbus. Prospective adopters can meet felines that have been tested for FIV and FeLV, vaccinated, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and dewormed, and that are prepared to settle into new homes. Adoptions are completed with an approved application.

Enjoy a family friendly trunk or treat filled with creatively decorated cars, plenty of candy, games, a bounce house, and refreshments like cookies and punch. It is a chance to connect with one another and celebrate the kids. Participants can decorate a car trunk and hand out treats, donate cookies or punch to share, or simply come enjoy the activities. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes, play games, and collect candy. A $50 prize will be awarded for the best decorated car.

Every Sunday, the Columbus Museum of Art offers free general admission through support from Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All and donors to the Free for the Future Campaign. Entry to special exhibitions is included, so you can wander the Walter Wing, collaborate on a gallery puzzle, and share the experience with friends and family. Expect new discoveries throughout the museum. Image courtesy of JToland Photo.

Enjoy a welcoming storytime for young children and their caregivers, with read-aloud books, songs, rhymes, and movement activities that encourage imagination and cooperative skills.

Young audiences follow Tony Stradivarius on a spellbinding journey guided by an enchanted book that reveals how an orchestra comes to life. With interactive moments throughout, children get acquainted with the instruments, understand the role of the conductor, and feel the thrill of live symphonic music.

Mountain Bike Mondays feature a one-hour, cross-country-focused ride at the Denison Bio-Reserve, ending back at The Cidery with free pizza and drinks. Riders of all paces are welcome, and kids can participate. Helmets and mountain bikes are required. Strider bikes are not permitted.

This celebration of gratitude features face painting and balloon creations by Mrs. Boggs. Children will enjoy stories, share what they appreciate, and craft paper leaves to add to the giant Tree of Thanks. Participants can take a photo with their leaf, share it on the Thankful Wall, and tag @lickingcountylibrary on Facebook and Instagram. The Tree of Thanks will remain on display all month. Designed for elementary students in grades K to 5 at the downtown Newark location.

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