Homeschool & family fun around Columbus

An 8-acre Back to the Future corn maze plus a new 1-acre maze for young families. Use the Morse Rd address, not the farm market, in your GPS.

• When: Fri–Sun through Nov 1: Fri–Sat 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Time: See schedule
• Price: $13 maze entry
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Last ticket sold an hour before close.

Pumpkins and fall produce, the Great Pumpkin Fun Center, animals and mazes.

• When: Wed–Sun 10 a.m.–7 p.m. through Oct 31; closed Mon–Tue
• Time: See schedule
• Price: Fun Center ticketed
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Last Fun Center entry 6 p.m.

Daytime Halloween weekends at the zoo, with treat stations and Halloween fun around the park. Final weekend.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Sun, Oct 25, 2026

• When: Sat–Sun Oct 24–25, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Price: Included with zoo admission
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Games, crafts and music in Schiller Park. Wear your spooky best.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 24, 2026
• Time: Noon–2 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Spooktacular crafts, games and more for the whole family. Costumes encouraged.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Oct 27, 2026; Thu, Oct 29, 2026

• When: Tue Oct 27 (Barnett, 3–6 p.m.); Thu Oct 29 (Shepard, 5–6 p.m.)
• Time: See schedule
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Travel through spooky-themed stations with literacy activities. Costumes welcome.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Oct 27, 2026

• When: Tue Oct 27, 2026
• Time: 3–6 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Ages 3–11 and families
• Booking: Not listed on source

Come in costume for songs, stories, a Halloween puppet show and trick-or-treating around the library.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Oct 28, 2026

• When: Wed Oct 28, 2026
• Time: 9:30–11 a.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Ages 6 and under
• Booking: Not listed on source

For teens (13+). Test your knowledge of spooky traditions and Halloween pop culture. The library lists this for ages 12–17.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 30, 2026

• When: Fri Oct 30, 2026
• Time: 3:15–4:15 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: For teens (13+)
• Booking: Not listed on source

Wear your costume for stories and activities around the library, with storytimes at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. Limited space.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 31, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 31, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–noon
• Price: Free
• Ages: Ages 6 and under and families
• Booking: Not listed on source

Makerspace Central and Motherboard Labs show K–12 kids how everyday objects can be turned into spooky ones.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 31, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 31, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Grades K–12 and families
• Booking: Not listed on source

Archaeology-themed homeschool session: students build a layered snack to model Ohio's history from 14,000 BCE to today and learn how archaeologists excavate and date artifacts. Part of the UNESCO-listed Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 30, 2026

• When: Fri Oct 30, 2026 (next: Feb 26, Mar 26, Apr 23 and May 28, 2027)
• Time: 10:30–11:30 a.m.
• Price: $8 per student; parents free
• Ages: Homeschool students
• Booking: Registration required.

⚠️ The activity involves food (sugar-free chocolate pudding); parent consent is required.

A 90-minute monthly workshop for homeschool students: hands-on making in the CMA Studio plus inquiry-based time in the galleries, with a new topic each month. Caregivers can drop off in the Studio and relax in the galleries or café. Admission for the student and one adult is included.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 4, 2026; Wed, Dec 2, 2026

• When: First Wednesday of each month, September–May
• Time: 10:30 a.m.–noon
• Price: $25 per student per workshop ($18 members)
• Ages: Grades 1–8
• Booking: Register per workshop on the museum's CMA Studio page.

A Magic School Bus-style trip through the solar system where music and science collide: students follow musical clues with the orchestra. About 45 minutes, with a concert guidebook for before and after.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 18, 2026

• When: Wed Nov 18, 2026
• Time: 10:30 a.m.
• Price: $5 per student or chaperone
• Ages: Grades 3–6
• Booking: Booked as a school group through the Symphony's education interest form.

⚠️ Built for school groups; homeschool co-ops should book through the education form.

COSI's certified-teacher discount covers homeschool educators: the homeschooling parent gets in free. Children and other guests pay regular admission.

• When: Any open day
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Free for the homeschool educator only
• Ages: Homeschool parent-educators
• Booking: Not listed on source
• Proof of homeschool: Photo ID plus your school district's letter acknowledging your intent to homeschool (or a teaching license)

⚠️ Excludes Type A and Type B homes.

Homeschool programs at parks around the county, from creeking adventures to insect and rock studies, with hands-on activities and experiments. Many need no registration.

• When: Year-round at many parks; see the upcoming-programs list
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: Mostly ages 6–12; all are welcome
• Booking: Many programs are drop-in. Homeschool groups of 15 or more can book a free tailored field trip; winter trips start scheduling Nov 1.

Educator-led learning stations on themes like glassblowing, plant science and pollinators, explored at your own pace, plus self-led time around the Conservatory. Held four times a year.

• When: Quarterly. The fall date (Oct 9) has passed and the next date was not posted yet.
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: Designed for grades K–8 (older students welcome)
• Booking: Everyone, including parents, must register in advance; dates fill quickly. Members do not get a discount.

⚠️ Students under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Free parking off E Broad St.

Visitors 25 and under get in free every day, along with one adult caregiver for children 16 and under. On Sundays general admission is free for everyone.

• When: Every open day (youth); Sundays (everyone)
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source
• Proof of homeschool: Visitors 18–25 may be asked for ID

⚠️ Applies to the Broad Street campus only. Special exhibitions may cost extra. Groups of 8 or more must register a week ahead.

Walk-in guided tours of the Statehouse, including the House and Senate chambers (only open on guided tours), leaving from the Map Room. A free civics field trip.

• When: Weekdays hourly 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; weekends at noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Closed state holidays.
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Walk-ins welcome; arrive five minutes before the hour. Groups of 10 or more must book at least two weeks ahead.

Ohio State's geology museum in historic Orton Hall on the Oval: fossils, minerals and a dinosaur gift shop. Free and open to everyone, with a downloadable self-guided tour.

• When: Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–4 p.m. during the academic year; closed weekends, federal holidays and when classes are out
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ Weekday parking: Ohio Union South Garage.

A working 1880s farm where you can see the farmhouse, barn and animals and join daily farm chores. A free living-history field trip on any open day.

• When: Oct–Mar: Tue–Thu and Sun 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Fri–Sat 9 a.m.–sunset. Closed Mondays.
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

⚠️ January–March some buildings close and activities are limited.

For Veterans Day week: a museum educator explains the history of paratroopers, then kids design and build their own parachutes.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Nov 10, 2026

• When: Tue Nov 10, 2026
• Time: 4:30–5:30 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Ages 7–11 and grades K–12
• Booking: Not listed on source

Kick off the holiday season with a special guest, the Grinch: crafts and activities at 10, then family storytime at 10:30. With CAPA.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 13, 2026

• When: Fri Nov 13, 2026
• Time: 10–11 a.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Ages 0–6 and families
• Booking: Not listed on source

Celebrate the launch of the Huntington Holiday Train with activities, free photos with Santa, real reindeer, live music and dance performances.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 18, 2026

• When: Wed Nov 18, 2026
• Time: 6–8 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Families
• Booking: Not listed on source

Free holiday lights downtown: more than half a million lights, a 40-foot lit tree and 150 lighted trees at Columbus Commons, an illuminated tunnel and snow globe photo spot, then on along Town Street to the Scioto Mile. Extra-festive Wander Nights on Fri–Sat Dec 4–19.

• When: Daily Nov 20, 2026–Feb 14, 2027
• Time: 5–10 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Park at the Columbus Commons Main Garage (55 E Rich St).

Millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, a new Starlight Safari of giant lit animal sculptures, LEGO builds and free Yule Tide boat rides (through Dec 31). Arrive early to see the animals first.

• When: Nov 20, 2026–Jan 3, 2027
• Time: Sun–Thu noon–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat noon–10 p.m.
• Price: Included with zoo admission or membership
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Columbus Recreation and Parks kicks off winter with local music and food trucks along the Scioto Mile. Free and open to all.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Nov 21, 2026

• When: Sat Nov 21, 2026
• Time: Noon–4 p.m.
• Price: Free admission
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

The gardens and indoor biomes lit for the holidays: a 100-foot light tunnel, a life-size Candyland game, igloos, curling and cornhole, a winter dance party and the Paul Busse Garden Railway.

• When: Nov 21, 2026–Jan 3, 2027. Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 2–3, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Time: Sun–Thu 5–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 5–10 p.m.
• Price: Special-engagement ticket
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Reservations open Mon Oct 26 at 11 a.m.; reserving is strongly recommended.

For teens (13+). Make a holiday gift for someone you love, such as DIY beauty bags or decorative wind chimes. All supplies provided. The library lists this for ages 12–18.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Nov 30, 2026

• When: Mon Nov 30, 2026
• Time: 4 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: For teens (13+)
• Booking: Not listed on source

Santa and Mrs. Claus light the tree at 6:15 p.m., with caroling, photos with Santa afterward and the 1860s Coffman Homestead open and decorated for an old-fashioned Christmas.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Dec 3, 2026

• When: Thu Dec 3, 2026
• Time: 6–8 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Santa and dignitaries light the tree in the Atrium, then a holiday festival with dancers, choirs, mascots, K9 demonstrations, cookies, activity tables and photos with Santa.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Dec 3, 2026

• When: Thu Dec 3, 2026
• Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m. (tree lighting 5:30)
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Music, magic shows, holiday activities, food trucks, games and Santa.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026

• When: Fri Dec 4, 2026
• Time: 6–8 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Families
• Booking: Not listed on source

Holiday festivities and the Parade of Lights on State Street between Home and Plum Streets, with city vehicles and entertainment decked out in lights, followed by the tree lighting.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026

• When: Fri Dec 4, 2026
• Time: From 6 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Menorahs, lanterns, candles and twinkling trees: a family program on how cultures celebrate light in the darkest time of year, inspired by the book We Celebrate the Light.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026

• When: Sat Dec 5, 2026
• Time: 2–5 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Families
• Booking: Not listed on source

BalletMet's holiday Nutcracker at the Ohio Theatre, with evening shows and weekend matinees.

• When: Dec 10–27, 2026 (Dec 10–13, 15–20, 22–24, 26 and 27)
• Time: Varies; e.g. Sat Dec 12 at noon and 5:30 p.m.
• Price: Ticketed
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

For teens (13+). Discover how people celebrate winter holidays around the world: traditions, foods and festivities. The library lists this for ages 12–17.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 11, 2026

• When: Fri Dec 11, 2026
• Time: 3:15–4:15 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: For teens (13+)
• Booking: Not listed on source

A merry mix of stories, sweets and surprises.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 12, 2026

• When: Sat Dec 12, 2026
• Time: 3–4:30 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Families
• Booking: Not listed on source

An evening of festive crafts and special performances for families.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Dec 14, 2026

• When: Mon Dec 14, 2026
• Time: 3–6 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Not listed on source

Ring in the new year without staying up late: crafts and activities, then a countdown to 12 noon.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Dec 30, 2026

• When: Wed Dec 30, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.–noon
• Price: Free
• Ages: Ages 18 months–11 and families
• Booking: Not listed on source