12 days of Christmas Vacation: A dozen kid-friendly activities around town
School’s almost out, which means the little ones are home and they want to have fun. Looking for ways to entertain them during the holiday break? We got you!
With some help from our friends at ColumbusOntheCheap, we’ve come up with twelve ways for you and the kids to ditch cabin fever have fun this holiday season.
Head To The Movies
Gateway Film Center is hosting a screening of Arthur Christmas, a movie that answers the question: How does santa deliver all those presents in one night? This particular screening is sensory friendly and admission is free!
[symple_button url=”https://gatewayfilmcenter.org/sensory-friendly-arthur-christmas-2011/” color=”black” button_target=”_self”]More info[/symple_button]
Drexel Theater is offering special screenings of Elf, complete with a hot cocoa bar and an elf PJ party! Donations will be accepted for charity so bring your best PJ’s, blankets and have a good time!
[symple_button url=”http://www.drexel.net/index.php/events” color=”black” button_target=”_self”]Learn more[/symple_button]Go to the Theater
Ballet Met is back at the Ohio Theater with its magical rendition of The Nutcracker. Loved by adults and children alike, the Christmas classic tells the story of a girl who dreams of a Nutcracker prince and his fight against an evil Mouse King.
Kids can meet with costumed cast members and the Nutcracker mascot before the show. There’s also crafts on the second floor with a live feed TV for those who might be feeling restless during the show!
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Pictures with Santa
It’s not Christmas without a picture with Santa! Easton, Polaris and Tuttle shopping centers are great if you’re out doing some holiday shopping.
The Oakland Nursery is offering pictures with well-behaved pets, as well.
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Give Back
There’s no better feeling than giving back, especially around the holidays. You could help those that are less fortunate by volunteering at one of Columbus’ many charities.
The Salvation Army has a constant need for food pantry staff and Nationwide Children’s Hospital is hosting their annual toy drive.
Seeds of Caring, a non profit dedicated to providing service opportunities for children is providing several holiday themed volunteer opportunities for you and your kids. From caroling to seniors to Baking for Ronald McDonald House, there are plenty of ways to engage with your community for a good cause.
Send a Letter to Santa
Grandview Heights Public Library has a special mailbox for santa so kids can send a letter full of Christmas wishes! Make sure to include your address so he can send one back! Just stop in to the library any time until December 17th and watch
[symple_button url=”https://nwcolumbus.macaronikid.com/events/5bd88c054f113b1cf150202f/santas-mailbox-at-grandview-heights-public-library” color=”black” button_target=”_self”]Learn more[/symple_button]Easton Town Center also has a mailbox for those wanting to send a letter to santa while waiting for pictures. Stationary will be provided and you can also bring your letters from home!
Sledding
Who doesn’t love sledding? Weather permitting, there are tons of parks around the city with awesome hills. Antrim and Schiller park are good options for smaller kids who might prefer milder slopes.
For the little daredevils out there, Sharon Woods Metro park has a longer stretch and if you’re up for a little drive, Battelle Darby Park has one of the steepest hills in the area!
[symple_button url=”https://www.metroparks.net/blog/the-parks-are-calling/” color=”black” button_target=”_self”]Learn more[/symple_button]Sightseeing
You don’t have to spend money to see some awesome lights in the city! Check out historic German Village for unique shops and gorgeous lighting and if you’re up for a drive, the Scioto Mile has thousands of lights from Bicentennial park all the way to Broad Street.
Columbus commons also has a beautiful light display and on select Fridays they will be offering free hot chocolate and carousel rides!
Check out our list of 7 holiday illumination spectaculars, too!
Get Crafty
Make a gingerbread house at Mrs. Turbo’s Cookies! They’ll be supplying all the materials, as well as hot chocolate. Spaces are limited so if you’re interested, be sure to sign up!
Joann Fabrics is offering Christmas cookie decorating classes at their Morse Rd and Polaris locations. Materials are required so be sure to check the supplies list prior to going.
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Ice Skating
Take the kids ice skating and they’ll love you forever. Check out one of Ohiohealth’s Chiller rinks, where they offer public skating. If you have teens, there’s Friday Night Meltdown, where there will be DJs and disco lights.New to skating? Starting January, they’ll be offering classes for ice skating and hockey!
On the first three Saturdays and Sundays in December, you’ll be able to skate with hockey Santa! There will be free cookie decorating and skate lessons during those times as well!
Get Cooking
For those of you with a little cash to spare, Sur La Table is offering a kid’s five day holiday cooking series. Kids will gain experience making cookies, cupcakes, pizza and even pasta during this five day course. They will also learn essential cooking techniques like knife safety and will be bringing home their own recipe book and apron!
Visit the Zoo
The Columbus Zoo has tons of holiday activities your kids will love. Hop aboard the polar bear express or check out their extravagant light display. You can also experience the christmas classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in 4D!
[symple_button url=”https://www.columbuszoo.org/home/visit/plan-your-visit/event-calendar#/e0a9cf32-bd2f-67d7-bdc2-ff0000bf4b43″ color=”black” button_target=”_self”]Learn more[/symple_button]Scavenger Hunting
Take the kids on a search for 12 historic Dublin spots to find each elf and get a stamp on the 12 Elves of Dublin scavenger hunt, presenting by the Historic Dublin Business Association.
Once each elf is located, they’ll receive a prize.Return your completed card by the 29th and be entered to win a grand prize basket!
More information, like participating locations can be found on their website.
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