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 of activities to look forward to during the colder months. This updated guide is full of inspiration for outdoor adventures, indoor play, arts, learning, and unique experiences across Columbus. Whether you’re seeking fresh air, creative fun, or educational outings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this winter.

Opt Outside: Winter Adventures in Nature

Columbus Metro Parks Winter Hike Series
Bundle up and join the Winter Hike Series in January and February. Each month features a different park, with hot drinks and treats to enjoy after your walk. Bring your hike card to get it stamped and explore the winter trails with friends or family. Check the Metro Parks website for dates and locations.

Search for Bison at Battelle Darby Creek
Visit Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park to see the bison herd in the winter field. The park is near Galloway and free to visit.  Plug 1415 Darby Creek Dr into your GPS before heading out.

Winter Letterbox Adventures with Preservation Parks
Take on a self-guided winter challenge across five parks. Print your Letterbox Booklet, follow the clues, and collect stamps at each location. Once completed, use the code to unlock the prize bin at Deer Haven Park Visitor Center or Gallant Farm. Prizes are available until March 15 or while supplies last.

Riverside Crossing Park Ice Rink
Enjoy ice skating in Downtown Dublin through March 15, weather permitting. The 3,200-square-foot rink is located near The Dublin Link bridge, open Friday through Sunday, and $15 admission includes skate rental. Perfect for winter fun in temperatures up to 60 degrees.

Explore Dublin’s Riverboxes
Hunt for artist-designed Riverboxes along the Scioto River and nearby parks. Each box includes a stamp, journal, and local info. Collect stamps in your Riverboxes Passport and claim a prize when complete.

The Dawes Arboretum
With over 8 miles of hiking trails and a 4-mile auto tour, The Dawes Arboretum is stunning in the winter. Walk the stroller-friendly Parkwoods Trail or climb the overlook tower for sweeping views. Check their Events Calendar for seasonal activities and family-friendly programs.

Hit the Slopes
Columbus is within an hour of Mad River Mountain and Snow Trails, both offering skiing and tubing. Perfect for a day of snow-filled fun, lessons, or just enjoying the winter weather.

Slate Run Living Historical Farm
Experience Ohio farm life in the winter at Slate Run. Explore the farmhouse, barn, and gardens, and watch staff in 1880s clothing demonstrate seasonal chores. The crisp air and peaceful surroundings make for a calm and educational winter outing.

Aullwood Audubon: “The Troll That Hatched an Egg”
Follow trails through a snowy nature sanctuary to find Bo, Bodil, and Bibbi — giant trolls created from recycled wood by Thomas Dambo. This outdoor exhibit is magical in winter, combining art, wildlife, and exploration.

Indoor Nature Centers

Columbus and surrounding Metro Parks offer hands-on, interactive experiences for all ages. Check each center’s hours before visiting.

• Alum Creek Lake Visitor Center

• Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

• Blacklick Woods Metro Park

• Blendon Woods Metro Park

• Deer Haven Park

• Grange Insurance Audubon Center

• Highbanks Metro Park

• Homestead Metro Park

• Mary Barber McCoy Nature Center at Hogback Ridge Park

• Shale Hollow Park

Local Libraries with Children’s Spaces

Libraries are a perfect indoor option for quiet exploration and play:

• Bexley Public Library

• Columbus Metropolitan Library – Main Branch

• Delaware County District Library – Orange Branch

• Grandview Heights Public Library

• Pickerington Public Library

• Upper Arlington Public Library – Tremont Branch

• Wagnalls Memorial Library

• Westerville Public Library

• Worthington Libraries – Old Worthington

Indoor Playgrounds & Action Spaces

Perfect for burning off energy on cold days:

• Better Together Playnasium – Sensory-friendly, inclusive play spaces for all children.

• Fun City Adventure Park – Trampolines, climbing walls, obstacle courses, and arcade games.

• Get Air – Two Columbus locations with trampolines, foam pits, and obstacle courses.

• Graeter’s Lil’ Pints Indoor Playroom – Ice-cream-themed play for kids 9 and under.

• Little Town – Little Town provides a safe, engaging, and magical space where kids from 3 months to8 years old can play, learn and develop.

• Momi Land – 3 locations with ball pits, climbing walls, trampolines, and mini carousel for kids 8 and under.

• Ninja City Adventure Park – Ninja courses and trampolines for active play.

• Recreations Outlet – Wooden swing sets, trampolines, and basketball hoops.

• Rockin’ Jump – Trampolines, ninja course, rock wall, dodgeball, and more.

• Slick City Action Park – Indoor active play space.

• Urban Air Adventure Park – Trampolines, obstacle courses, and climbing.

• We Rock the Spectrum – Inclusive play supporting motor skills, social development, and sensory growth.

• Construction Corner – Indoor construction-themed play for climbing, digging, and building for ages 2 to 10.

• Little Diggers – Columbus’ largest indoor sandbox for ages 7 and under.

• LEGOLAND Discovery Center – Interactive games, building challenges, rides, and a 4D movie theater.

Indoor Recreation & Sports

The Chiller – Try indoor ice skating at one of five locations offering public skating times.

Bowling – Head to Ten Pin Alley or Star Lanes Polaris for a classic winter activity the whole family can enjoy.

Goldfish Swim School – Keep kids active and build water safety skills with indoor swim lessons.

Topgolf Columbus – Swing, score points, and have fun in this climate-controlled golf entertainment venue. It’s perfect for families, teens, or groups of friends looking for a fun, active indoor experience.

Indoor Rock Climbing – Check out Vertical Adventures for climbing walls and creative indoor challenges for all ages.

Indoor Karting & Laser Tag – K1 Speed and Scene75 Entertainment Center offer indoor go-kart racing, mini-golf, laser tag, and arcade games, perfect for an action-packed winter outing.

Attend a Sporting Event – Cheer on the Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Fury, or enjoy Ohio State University gymnastics and basketball games.

Arts & Creative Experiences

• Columbus Museum of Art – Free Sundays, Wonder Room, and family-friendly activities.

• “As We Are” exhibit – Columbus Convention Center.

• Square Canvas Splatter Paint – Friday night abstract painting class.

• PBJ & Jazz Concerts – Lincoln Theatre, interactive jazz concerts for kids.

• Otherworld – 32,000 square foot immersive art and mixed reality playground.

• OH What a Space – Drop-in studio and classes for all ages.

Science & Educational Destinations

• COSI (Center of Science and Industry) – Over 300 exhibits including Space, Ocean, Gadgets, Life, and Little Kidspace.

• Ohio History Center & Ohio History Connection – Free admission with membership and discounted special events.

• Franklin Park Conservatory – Explore three biomes, the Pacific Island Water Garden, Showhouse, and Palmhouse with over 400 plant species.

• Columbus Zoo – Membership benefits include free parking and easy winter visits.

• Orton Geological Museum – Rocks, fossils, and minerals for all ages.

• Ohio State University Airport – Aviation history, vintage aircraft, observation deck, and exhibits.

Something Different & Unique

• Central Ohio Fire Museum – Explore historic fire apparatus and hands-on fire safety.

• Pins Mechanical – Arcade and social space with kid-friendly hours.

• 16-Bit Bar + Arcade – Retro arcade games and pinball, kids welcome before 9 pm.

Day Trips & Children’s Museums

• AHA! Children’s Museum– Lancaster

• Akron Children’s Museum

• Boonshoft Museum of Discovery – Dayton

• Buckeye Imagination Museum – Mansfield

• Children’s Museum of Findlay

• Duke Energy Children’s Museum – Cincinnati

• Hocking Hills Children’s Museum

• Mighty Children’s Museum – Chillicothe

• OH WOW! Children’s Science Center – Youngstown

• Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery – Athens

• The Children’s Museum of Cleveland

• SPI Spot – Mt. Vernon

• The Works – Newark

Final Note

This guide highlights our favorite tried-and-true winter activities in Columbus and a few we’re excited to try. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s a great starting point for embracing the season. Bundle up, grab a friend or family member, and enjoy winter in Columbus!