Winter Break Activities and Events for the Kids! | Columbus Moms Network

Winter Break is here and the kids are out of school.  While you may love the extra family time together, keeping them entertained can sometimes be difficult!   No worries, I’ve rounded up some ideas for things to keep the kids entertained this week!   Have any others you would add to this list?   Send them to me at [email protected]


Ongoing activities

12 Elves of Dublin Scavenger Hunt

Make your way to 12 Historic Dublin spots to find each elf and get your card signed! When your kiddo finds the elf at each stop, they will get a little prize. Collect them all and return your completed card at any participating business before December 23rd to be entered to win the grand prize basket.

Start the hunt by picking up your 12 Elves card at any participating location below.Each time an elf is discovered, have your card signed or stamped. Return your completed card to any of the 12 locations for a chance to win a fantastic Grand Prize Basket!  Grand Prize drawing will take place on December 24th. Winner will be notified!

2022 Locations:
The Getaway Brewing Co.
Boho 72 Boutique
Dublin Toy Emporium
Terra Art Gallery
Cutler Real Estate-Shilpa Gupta
Starbucks
Johnson’s Real Ice Cream
Dublin Visitor and information Center
Missing Jimmy’s
Winan’s Dublin
Our CupCakery
Paris 75 Cafe
I have done this multiple times with my daughter, and it’s such a fun activity.  We always include a stop for ice cream halfway through of course!

Visit a local library.   We have so many good libraries in Columbus, and there are usually fun places to explore at each branch.   Columbus Metropolitan Library as well as Upper Arlington Public Library both have some events taking place this week as well.   You can check the calendars for those below.

Columbus Metropolitan Library Calendar of Events

Upper Arlington Public Library Calendar of Events

Of course, checking out some books to bring home is always a fun idea too.


Columbus Metro Parks

The Metro Parks often have free programs for kids and families.    You can take part in an event, or just go for a hike, a scavenger hunt, try a playground or visit a Nature Center.  The Nature Center provides a place to warm up, but also includes interactive displays, books, occasionally live animals and more.

The Metro Parks with Nature Centers include:  Battelle Darby, Blacklick Woods, Blendon Woods, and Highbanks.


Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Gahanna

Starts On Thursday, December 1, 2022 10:00 AM
Ends On Friday, December 23, 2022 6:00 PM

Stop by the Ohio Herb Center, located at 110 Mill Street or the RE/MAX Connection office at 82 Mill Street to pick-up your list of decorations scattered throughout Creekside businesses and restaurants. When you find 10 of the 15 items on the list, you can bring it back to the Ohio Herb Center or RE/MAX Connection office to pick-up your special holiday treat!


Arctic Animal Scavenger Hunt

Drop by the Lane Road Library’s youth department anytime during the month of December to participate in our arctic animal scavenger hunt.


Some events happening this week in Columbus:

Drop-In Make it and Take it Tuesdays at Tremont Road Library.

Tuesday, December 20: 10am-8pm at Tremont Road Library, Upper Arlington.  Stop by the library to complete an art activity perfect for kids.  While supplies last, ages 2-6.  Free event.

Holiday Family Magic Show at Dublin Library.

Wednesday, December 21: 10am-11am. Free event.

Family Fun Holiday Crafts at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Thursday, December 22: 2pm-4pm.  Stop by the Nature Center anytime between 2-4pm to try your hand at some holiday-themed crafts.   All supplies provided.   Best for ages 3-12.  Free event.

Cookies with Claus in Powell

Join Santa and Mrs. Clause for some holiday fun!   We will enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, crafts, songs and stories.  Bring your camera for a photo.  Register in advance: Resident-$12, Non Resident-$21.

Learn and Play with Santa at Recreations Outlet

Offered the following days:  Tuesday, December 20: 10:30am-1:30pm.  Wednesday, December 21: 11:30am-2:30pm.  Thursday, December 22: 11:30am-2:30pm.   Enjoy photo ops with Santa, snack, craft and story time.   Limited spots available, call or stop in to reserve your spot.  Tickets are $15/child.

Winter Camp at KSM Sports and Fitness.   Open December 19-23 and December 26-30 from 7:30am-6pm.  Cost is $77 a day or $237 for the whole week.  Some of the activities will include: sports, dance classes, holiday games, cookie decorating, daily prizes and more.

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