As we dive into the new year, many of us are focusing on being more financially savvy. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun! Whether you’re on a strict budget, or just enjoy discovering free activities (who doesn’t love freebies?), Central Ohio offers a wealth of options that promise enjoyment without the expense.
Here are 21 free events perfect for families looking to make the most of 2025:
1. Try It! Archery – Blacklick Woods Golf Course
When: Tuesday, January 7, 5:30-7:00 PM
Where: 7309 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068
Try your hand at archery indoors this winter. Suitable for ages 8 and up, equipment provided. Register here.
2. Kids’ Craft Night at IKEA Columbus
When: Wednesday, January 8, 5:30-7:00 PM
Where: IKEA Columbus, 1900 Ikea Way, Columbus, OH, 43240
A night of creative, upcycled crafting for children, hosted by IKEA. RSVP here.
3. Sunset and S’mores – Quarry Trails Metro Park
When: Friday, January 10, 4:00-5:00 PM
Where: 2319 Quarry Trails Drive, Columbus, OH, 43228
Gather around a warm campfire for s’mores as you watch the sunset at this new park entrance. RSVP here.
4. Second Saturday Kids Day – WOSU Ross Community Studio
When: Saturday, January 11, 9:00-11:00 AM
Where: 1800 N. Pearl Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
Delve into a morning of educational fun with hands-on activities and special guests from PBS’s “Work It Out Wombats!” Advance registration required.
5. Owl Prowl – Glacier Ridge
When: Saturday, January 11, 5:00-7:00 PM
Where: 9801 Hyland Croy Rd, Plain City, OH, 43064
Join a nighttime hike to spot owls and learn about these fascinating creatures. RSVP here.
6. Free Kids Event: Cool Creations featuring Wikki Stix®
When: Saturday, January 11 11am-3pm + Saturday, January 25 11am-3pm
Where: Lakeshore Learning, 2148 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH
Kids can make one-of-a-kind crafts using Wikki Stix, enjoy hands-on activities, and listen to storytime. This event is geared towards children ages 3 and up. RSVP here.
7. JCPenney Kids Zone
When: Saturday, January 11, 11:00 AM – Noon
Where: 1450 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH
Join the JCPenney Kids Zone to make your own Penguin or Yeti bookmark. Kids receive a fun craft kit, ID badge, lanyard, collector’s pin, and a project master medallion if they complete 6 projects. Parents get a special 10% off coupon to use in-store on the day.
8. Family Crafternoon at Westerville Public Library
When: Sunday, January 12, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Westerville Public Library Uptown, Meeting Room A
Join us for a Family Crafternoon to create unique pieces of art together. All supplies are provided, and parents are encouraged to participate actively.
9. Family Night at Worthington Community Center
When: Fridays (Jan 17, Jan 24, Jan 31) 6:00pm-8:30pm
Where: Worthington Community Center, Columbus, OH
Engage in a variety of activities from active play to themed craft sessions at Family Night. Special themes include “Bring the Farm to You,” “Dream Big,” and “Chinese New Year.” Registration is required once per season for each family member. Register here!
10. Toy Snowplow Workshop at Lowe’s
When: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 10:00 AM
Where: Lowe’s Home Improvement Store
Get ready to embrace winter at our Toy Snowplow kids’ workshop. Mini-builders will gain hands-on experience constructing their own wooden snowplow, featuring adjustable parts and vibrant designs. This workshop is perfect for sparking creativity and teamwork, letting your child’s skills shine in a snowy adventure! RSVP here.
11. Adventure 101: Campfire Cooking – Scioto Grove
When: Saturday, January 18, 1:00-2:00 PM
Where: 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123
Learn how to cook over a campfire and enjoy your creations in this fun, educational session. RSVP here.
12. Huntington Holiday Train at Main Library
When: November 18 – January 18
Where: Main Library, 96 S. Grant Ave, Columbus, Ohio
Bring your family to see the display with its trains, tracks, tunnels, bridges, castles and other features to delight visitors of all ages. Learn more here.
13. MLK Day Food Drive and Hike – Quarry Trails Metro Park
When: Monday, January 20
Where: 2319 Quarry Trails Drive, Columbus, OH, 43228
Combine charity with outdoor activity by donating food and enjoying a guided hike. More details here.
14. MLK Day Open House – Ohio History Center
When: Monday, January 20
Where: 800 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH, USA
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with performances, art activities, and civil rights education. This event is free and open to the public, though advance registration is recommended.
15. KidX Frozen Extravaganza – Polaris Fashion Place
When: Monday, January 20, 5:00-7:00 PM
Where: 1500 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH, 43240
Meet and greet your favorite characters from Frozen in a night of music and fun. Learn more here.
16. Drop In: Astronomy Night – Highbanks Metro Park
When: Saturday, January 25, 5:30-7:30 PM
Where: 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH, 43035
Stargaze with experts and explore the winter night sky. Limited equipment available. RSVP here.
17. Truffle Fest at Carfagnas
When: Saturday, January 25, 11:00 AM
Where: 1405 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH, 43229
Cheese Wheel Pasta and Cacio e Pepe with fresh shaved truffles! FREE Samples of Truffle Oils, Cheeses and more! Truffle themed samples from every department! Your once-per year opportunity to buy Winter Black Truffles and learn all about how to use them in your own kitchen! More info here.
18. Bird BINGO – Glacier Ridge
When: Sunday, January 26, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Where: 9801 Hyland Croy Rd, Plain City, OH, 43064
Play BINGO while learning about local bird species in this interactive outdoor event. Learn more here.
19. Community Creatures Workshop
When: Friday, January 31
Where: West Side Community Center, Columbus, Ohio
All Ages Free Workshop! Join WAV (We Amplify Voices) on the last Friday of the month for a visual arts collage workshop hosted by Charlotte McGraw and AJ Vanderelli. Participants will make their own Creature Collages that will be photographed and hung around the West Side community. RSVP here.
20. Free Sundays – Columbus Museum of Art
When: Every Sunday
Where: 480 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH, 43215
Enjoy the art museum every Sunday for free, thanks to community support. Learn more here. You can also use the Culture Pass from the Columbus Library to get free tickets any day of the week.
21. Wexner Center for the Arts – Gallery Admission
When: Fridays & Saturdays, 10 AM–8 PM; Sundays, 10 AM–5 PM
Where: 1871 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Free access to contemporary art exhibitions, supported by local foundations. Learn more here.
Make sure to follow us on social media for more updates and ideas on free family fun around Central Ohio. Let’s make 2025 a year of unforgettable memories without stretching the budget!
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