A few years ago we decided to change our mindset and really start to embrace winter. One of the main ways we do this is by creating a list with the anticipation of looking forward to the things that we generally only do during the winter months. This is an updated version of the list we pull from each year for inspiration. Check it out and let us know if you are up for the challenge of shifting your mindset towards winter this year.

Opt Outside

Check out Quarry Trails Metro Park, the newest addition to the Columbus Metro Parks system. While still under construction, so far this park features nature trails, flowing waterfalls, a zip line and climbing structure, and a floating dock. Such a lovely addition to the city.

Search for Bison at Battelle Darby Creek. The bison are in the winter field which makes them closer to the parking lot and nature center. Both the nature center and the bison are located in the Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park near Galloway and completely free to the public. The Nature Center offers a “living stream” with toads and fish that can be explored from above, below, and beside. In addition, the nature center has interactive exhibits and a variety of animal pelts for children to explore. Finding your way there can be a bit tricky, so be sure plug 1415 Darby Creek Dr into the GPS.

Take part in the Winter Letterbox Adventures with Preservation Parks. Sign up and print off a Letterbox Booklet and follow the clues to guide you on a winter exploration of 5 different parks. Once you’ve solved all of the clues, fill out the form with the correct phrase to receive the code to the lockbox at Deer Haven Park Visitor Center.

Try out Ice Skating at the Riverside Crossing Park Ice Rink. The City of Dublin has installed a brand-new, temporary ice rink to the Riverside Crossing Park this winter. The 3,200 square-foot-rink is situated in the lower plaza on the east side of The Dublin Link pedestrian bridge. The rink is open Friday through Sunday through Mid-March and admission is $10 a person.

Hunt for Dublin Riverboxes. These are artist-created vessels that are inspired by the hobbies of letterboxing and geocaching which combine map-reading or GPS skills and artistic pursuit with delightful ‘treasure hunts’ in beautiful, scenic places. Print off and bring along a Riverboxes Passport Booklet, stamp it at each Riverbox, and turn it in to the Dublin Arts Council for a prize.

Check out the Dawes Arboretum via the eight miles of hiking trails or the four-mile Auto Tour. The Parkwoods Trail is a fun and easy loop that is stroller friendly, and kids will love climbing to the top of the overlook tower get an awesome view of the space. Be sure to keep an eye on the Calendar of Events page for fun family friendly activities.

Visit the animals at Slate Run Living Historical Farm. Slate Runs is part of the Metro Park system and provides the opportunity to experience first-hand what farm life would be like on an Ohio farm in the 1880s. An old farmhouse, barn, and gardens, are open for visitors to explore. Staff, dressed in traditional attire from the 1880s, are there to work the farm, answer questions, and help get visitors involved in farm life.

Burn off Some Energy Indoors

Take a dip in the Momi Land ball pit. This indoor playground is probably one of the cleanest we have been to and features a ball pit, climbing wall, trampolines, miniature carousel, and much more.

Check out The Chiller and give Indoor Ice Skating a try at one of the 5 locations offering public skating times.

Jump the day away at Get Air Columbus. 

Sign up for swim lessons at Goldfish Swim School and get ahead of the game by mastering the art of water safety before the summer.

Spend the day at Play: CBUS, a 53,000 square foot indoor active entertainment facility for all groups and ages. This space features the world’s largest indoor ropes course with over 100 elements, ninja courses, climbing walls, and a full bar and restaurant.

Take the kids bowling. Ten Pin Alley and Star Lanes Polaris seem to have some of the best reviews.

Explore the Arts

Enjoy a Free Sunday at the Columbus Museum of Art with the whole family. Explore the Walter Wing, play in the Wonder Room, or build a puzzle together in a gallery. There’s a great experience around every corner.

Attend a PBJ & Jazz Concert at the Lincoln Theatre. PBJ & Jazz concerts are “1-hour long interactive concerts designed to introduce jazz and American music to young children and their families.” Admission is $5 per person, and proof of vaccination or a negative covid test for those 16 and older is required at the door. This winter, concerts are January 15, February 19, and March 19, with two performances at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Check out Otherworld, a 32,000 square foot immersive art installation in Columbus. Explore over 40 scenes filled with large-scale art and mixed reality playgrounds. It’s an all new kind of art experience where visitors are encouraged to freely explore and interact with a surreal world of science fiction and fantasy.

The Membership Advantage

Explore The Center of Science and Industry (COSI). Spend the day exploring the over 300 exhibits in a range of themes. Discover Ocean, Space, Gadgets, Life, Energy Explorers, Little Kidspace, Progress, Lily Pad and an outdoor Big Science Park.

Join the Ohio History Connection for free admission to the Ohio History Center and discounted tickets to special events. Wild Ohio Weekend and the Night at the Museum are both happening in February nd are worth keeping an eye on.

Escape to a balmy oasis at the Franklin Park Conservatory. Take your coat off and explore three biomes (Himalayan Mountain/Rainforest/Desert), the Pacific Island Water Garden, the Showhouse, and the Palmhouse, to see the more than 400 species of plants on display. We enjoy taking the time to wander and often find something new each time we visit. If you are looking for something a little more structured, the conservatory also offers great family programming. Personally, I think the membership is worth the investment.

Visit the Columbus Zoo. A few of the benefits of a zoo membership is the free parking and a guilt free trip in the winter when it lasts only an hour.

Participate in a few Acts of Kindness 

Volunteer with Seeds of Caring to help your kids realize their potential to make an impact in the Columbus community. Seeds of Caring provides opportunities specifically designed to engage children ages 2-12 in service, social action, and community-building.

Fill a Little Free Pantry.

Take a Mini Road Trip

Make a trip to the AHA! Children’s Museum. This Children’s Museum is an easy 45-minute drive southeast in Lancaster, Ohio. It’s my favorite children’s museum to take my children, because it is located in a building with a smaller footprint. This makes it easier for the kids to navigate (and for me to keep an eye on them), but it’s still packed full of a ton of hands-on, interactive activities.

Visit “The Troll That Hatched an Egg” exhibit at The Aullwood Audubon in Dayton, Ohio. The Aullwood Audubon is now home to Bo, Bodil and Bibbi, and their troll-sized bird nest. These giant trolls by internationally renowned artist Thomas Dambo have come to life at Aullwood Audubon and are ready for your visit. “The Troll That Hatched an Egg” is one of only nine Dambo-created exhibitions in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Save the Date for these One Time Events

The Enchanted Princess Ball and the Wedding of Anna & Kristoff with Paulettes Princess Parties is on January 23rd at the Greek Orthodox Reception Hall. This Fairytale Event is full of magical moments including Anna & Kristoff will be married in a beautiful ceremony officiated by the one and only Captain Hook, Tinker Bell meet & greets, and character singing and dancing.

Disney on Ice presents Mickey and Friends, February 2nd through February 6th. Mickey Mouse is joined by Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy on a journey to discover his favorite memory of all time.  Fans are part of the action as they venture though Disney stories, sharing memorable moments from treasured tales as they sail away with Moana, journey to the wintry world of Arendelle as royal sisters Anna and Elsa discover the power of true love and experience the magic of Fantasia.

Maple Sugar Tours at Stratford Ecological Center on February 19th and 26th. Discover the wonder of this local Ohio natural food. Join our experienced Sugar Cookers for an intimate, one hour tour and hands-on experience in the sugar bush. Learn how to tap a maple tree, help collect sap and about the evaporation process in the sugar shack, while spending time in Stratford’s beautiful forest! Local maple syrup will be available for purchase.  Tours are one hour long and depart every half hour with the last tour leaving at noon. Be sure to sign up!

Full Disclosure – This is not an exhaustive list of everything to do in Columbus this winter. This list is a combination of our favorite tried and true activities and activities we want to try. Have fun!