Indoor things to do with kids in Toledo
Rainy day? Too cold to play outside? These indoor family events around Toledo keep the kids busy whatever the weather.
Fairy with Fireflies
Paint a magical fairy with fireflies design at Brush Crazy's guided studio class.
Short North Stage Sweeney Todd
Sondheim's darkly thrilling musical about a vengeful barber in Victorian London.
PRESEASON - CBJ V. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Columbus Blue Jackets take on Pittsburgh Penguins in a preseason hockey game at Nationwide Arena.
Preseason Blue Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins in NHL preseason action.
DISPATCH FAMILY VALUE PACK-CBJ VS. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
CBJ vs. Pittsburgh Penguins—family hockey night at Nationwide Arena.
Leonid and Friends
Piano tribute band Leonid and Friends performs at historic Midland Theatre.
Columbus Children's Theatre Battle of the Books
Theatrical competition celebrating young readers and book lovers at Columbus Children's Theatre.
Peter and the Wolf with Hixon Dance
Prokofiev's classic tale comes alive through dance and orchestral music at the McConnell Arts Center.
Community CREATurEs Collage Workshop
Free all-ages collage art workshop on the last Friday of the month at We Amplify Voices Studio.
Ella Langley: The Dandelion Tour
Country star Ella Langley brings The Dandelion Tour to Schottenstein Center.
Tiger
Paint a striped tiger with step-by-step guidance at Brush Crazy studio.
Family Night - Scarecrows
Seasonal family evening with hands-on scarecrow crafts and activities.
Fall Chocolate Making Workshop
Hands-on chocolate-making workshop with Belgian chocolate at Bliss in a Bottle.
Freestyle Reining
Freestyle Reining competition—athletic horse sport blending dressage with Western moves.
3D Tree of Life
Create a 3D Tree of Life painting with guided instruction at Brush Crazy.
Art Builds Community Paint a Luchador Mask with Cat Ramos
Paint a colorful luchador mask with local artist Cat Ramos at Bexley Public Library.
Peter and the Wolf with Hixon Dance
Fully staged orchestral performance of *Peter and the Wolf* with dance—a perfect intro to live music.
Black Panther Movie Discussion and Screening
Screening & discussion of Black Panther at Herrick Performance Hall celebrating America 250.
Denison Museum Family Day
Free family day with tours, hands-on activities, and art-making at Denison Museum.
Family Concert Series Featuring... Farmer Jason
Live family concert with Farmer Jason: sing-alongs, dancing, and nature appreciation.
Cornucopia
Toe-tapping folk, spirituals, and hymns with live musicians at the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Fall 2026 Pop-Up Community Studios
Drop-in art workshops where kids explore creative projects with experienced artists, free.
Welcome to the Crib
Paint a fun Welcome to the Crib design with step-by-step help at Brush Crazy.
Be Strong (boys in grades 4-7) Fall series
Strength and fitness class series designed for elementary and middle-school boys.
Storyline Event: Threshing Day Midnight Release Party
Midnight release party celebrating Rebecca Yarros's new book Threshing Day at Storyline Bookshop.
Music Together | Fall Session (9:30)
Music class for babies and toddlers with parent participation (9:30 session).
Lift Like a Girl: Fall #1 Series (Grades 7-10)
Strength training series for middle- and high-school girls to build confidence.
Apiary Gatherings
Free apiary program at Franklin Park Conservatory—learn about bees.
Jim Henson's Labyrinth: In Concert 40th Anniversary
Jim Henson's Labyrinth in concert—40th anniversary celebration at KEMBA Live!
Music Together | Fall Session (10:30)
Music class for babies and toddlers with parent participation (10:30 session).
Jim Henson's Labyrinth: In Concert
Jim Henson's Labyrinth performed in concert at KEMBA LIVE! in Columbus.
Book Launch with Author Erik Jon Slangerup
Meet author Erik Jon Slangerup at his middle-grade novel launch at Cover to Cover Children's Books.
Music Together | Fall Session (11:30)
Music class for babies and toddlers with parent participation (11:30 session).
Teddy Swims
Pop star Teddy Swims performs 'The UGLY Tour' at Nationwide Arena.
The Smashing Pumpkins: The Rats In A Cage Tour
Rock legends The Smashing Pumpkins bring 'The Rats In A Cage Tour' to Schottenstein Center.
Starting Strength Fall #1 Series (grades 5-6)
Strength-training basics for upper-elementary students at the Philip Heit Center.
Ceramic Art
Paint pre-made ceramic pieces and take home your finished artwork at Brush Crazy.
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” Photo Op at the Columbus Welcome Center
Strike a pose with the Diary of a Wimpy Kid at the Columbus Welcome Center.
Tree in Fall
Paint a guided fall-themed artwork with step-by-step instructions at Brush Crazy.
DISPATCH FAMILY VALUE PACK-CBJ VS. BUFFALO SABRES
CBJ plays Buffalo Sabres with family-friendly ticket packages at home.
Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Volleyball vs. Rutgers Womens Volleyball
College volleyball: Ohio State Women's team faces Rutgers at Covelli Center.
OPENING NIGHT - CBJ V. BUFFALO SABRES
Columbus Blue Jackets open their regular season against Buffalo Sabres at Nationwide Arena.
Brick or Treat
Halloween fun with LEGO at Discovery Center — build, play, and celebrate the season.
We The Sound radio - FREE Happening Hour Show
Free eclectic live music blending jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop, and world sounds.
LIONEL RICHIE and EARTH, WIND & FIRE
Legendary pop and funk icons Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire perform together at Schottenstein Center.
CAPA Presents Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE
Beloved Jim Henson characters come to life in a live theatrical adventure.
Columbus Symphony Dvořák & Brahms
Columbus Symphony orchestra concert featuring beloved classical works by Dvořák and Brahms.
Minion Rave
Dance party featuring Minion characters and electronic music at Skully's Music Diner.
Tree of Color
Paint a colorful tree design using step-by-step instructions at Brush Crazy.
The Lost Girl
A modern reimagining of Peter Pan's Wendy Darling at Westerville South High School.
Clay Handbuilding
Hand-build clay creations and discover the therapeutic joy of working with clay at Brush Crazy.
Parents Day Out at The Schoolhouse
Supervised childcare program gives parents a break while kids play and learn.
Sweeney Todd
Stephen Sondheim's dark musical thriller at Short North Stage—a sophisticated theatrical experience.
Blue Jackets vs. Utah Mammoth
Blue Jackets face the Utah Mammoth in NHL regular-season hockey.
Candlelight: Tribute to Queen
Candlelit tribute concert celebrating Queen's greatest hits at CCAD Canzani Center.
October Chihuly Night
Stunning glass art installation by Chihuly at Franklin Park Conservatory.
Autumn Blooms
Paint Autumn Blooms at Brush Crazy with step-by-step guidance.
Candle Making
Make your own candles at Brush Crazy—a creative, hands-on craft session.
Horror Writing Workshop for Teens
Teen horror-writing workshop at Thurber Center—craft spooky stories with guidance from authors.
Fashion Lab Day: Hand Embroidery for Kids/Teens
Kids and teens learn hand embroidery techniques in this Saturday workshop at Columbus Fashion Academy.
CBJ V. UTAH MAMMOTH
Columbus Blue Jackets face Utah Hockey Club in a regular-season game at Nationwide Arena.
DISPATCH FAMILY VALUE PACK-CBJ VS. UTAH MAMMOTH
CBJ vs. Utah Mammoth—family hockey at Nationwide Arena with value packs.
October Community Day
Free community day at Franklin Park Conservatory with gardens and activities.
Hide and Seek: Finding Young Ohioans in the Archives
Interactive exhibit celebrating young Ohioans throughout history as poets, musicians & explorers.
1950s: Building the American Dream
Step into a 1950s home at the Ohio History Center and explore post-war American life.
Special exhibit: Wounded Warrior Dogs
Sculpture exhibit honoring military working dogs at Ohio History Connection.
New Exhibition—Trailblazers of Innovation: African American Inventors Who Changed America
New permanent exhibit celebrating African American inventors who revolutionized everyday life.
African Art: Form, Function, and Fraught Histories Exhibit
Discover the profound impact of African art on world culture at Ohio History Connection.
Armstrong Remastered Exhibition
Stunning remastered NASA photos from Apollo 11 and Gemini VIII at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum.
GLAIVE - GOD SAVE THE THREE TOUR
All-ages rock concert featuring GLAIVE and special guests at The Bluestone.
Special exhibit: “Welcome to the World’s Fair: Philadelphia 1776”
Travel back to 1876 and discover how America celebrated 100 years of independence.
Blooming Joy
Paint Blooming Joy at Brush Crazy—a guided, beginner-friendly art session.
Ellisa Coston: Tribute to Tramaine Hawkins, Gospel Soul Series
Gospel soul tribute to Tramaine Hawkins at Natalie's Grandview in the Gospel Soul Series.
The Play Spot Pop Up
Pop-up play space for babies and toddlers to explore, move, and socialize.
WEEZER: The Gathering
Weezer takes over Nationwide Arena with The Gathering—an all-ages rock concert event.
Jazz for Young People
Jazz for Young People at Mershon Auditorium—live music introduction.
Little Zen & Me: A Playful Yoga Journey Fall #1
Playful yoga for young kids featuring movement, breathing, and mindfulness games.
Peace, Purpose & Power (ages 7-10)
Empowerment workshop for kids 7–10 exploring peace, purpose, and personal power.
Fall Dance Festival of Student Choreographers
Student-choreographed dance festival at Denison University's Eisner Center showcasing emerging talent.
Ohio: Gateway to America
Library talk or exhibit exploring Ohio's role as a crossroads of American history.
Introduction to AI
Intro to AI at the library — great for curious tweens and teens.
Wolf Country
Wolf Country indie folk pop singer-songwriter Alexa Economos performs at Natalie's Grandview.
Bangin' on the Ivories w/ Patty Schaefs
Pianist Patty Schaefs performs favorite musical theater and contemporary pop tunes at Natalie's Grandview.
Dan + Shay: The Young Tour
Country duo Dan + Shay's family-friendly arena tour at Schottenstein Center.
Tab Benoit with Ghalia Volt: Soul of the Swamp Tour
Free family-friendly blues concert at Lincoln Theatre with touring artist Tab Benoit.
CRUEL SUMMER - A Live Band Taylor Swift Tribute
Live Taylor Swift tribute band at Skully's Music Diner—perfect for Swifties.
Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Hockey vs. University of Wisconsin Badgers Womens Hockey
Watch Ohio State Women's Hockey face Wisconsin in a thrilling college matchup.
Blue Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Blue Jackets clash with Pittsburgh Penguins in regular-season NHL action.
Nourish Jr.: Sandwich Superstars
Kids cooking class focused on making delicious, creative sandwiches together.
Hollywood Sci-Fi Spectacular
Columbus Symphony's family-friendly sci-fi musical tribute at the Riffe Center.
The Pop Culture Popup: One Night in Horror Land
Nostalgic 90s pop-culture market with horror theming, perfect for kids who love collectibles and throwback vibes.
Homeschool Day: Amazing Adaptations
Learn how plants and animals adapt to survive at Franklin Park Conservatory's homeschool program.
Huntertones
Free performance by Huntertones at Lincoln Theatre Columbus — music for the whole family.
Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Volleyball vs. University of Washington Huskies Women's Volleyball
Ohio State Women's Volleyball: Buckeyes vs. Huskies at Covelli Center.
CBJ V. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Columbus Blue Jackets play Pittsburgh Penguins in a regular-season hockey matchup at Nationwide Arena.
Sup Witches?
Paint-and-sip style art class at Brush Crazy with a fun witch-themed design.
Swingin' N Shakin' with Whirlybirds
Free live rock & roll every Saturday at Natalie's Grandview—tips welcome!
Inside the Music - Sensory Friendly - NASO
Sensory-friendlySensory-friendly orchestral concert featuring the New Albany Symphony—explore sound with Isabelle Durrenberger.
Books Breath: Mysteries
Reader-friendly book marketplace celebrating mysteries and crime fiction with author meet-and-greets and bookish goods.
InPulse Dance Co. presents PULSE EXPRESSION Vol. 1
Watch local dancers showcase artistry and movement in this celebration of talent.
Imagine That! 15th Anniversary Cabaret
Community theater celebrates 15 years with a cabaret revue of songs and scenes.
Urban Jazz Coalition
The Urban Jazz Coalition brings contemporary jazz excellence to Natalie's Grandview.
Parents Night Out at The Schoolhouse
Supervised evening care program where kids play while parents get a night out.
Glass Pumpkin Patch
Fall-themed glass pumpkin display at Franklin Park Conservatory included with admission.
'Spotlights and Serenades'
Denison Symphony Orchestra performs classic string repertoire at the Eisner Center.
Little Shop of Horrors
Darkly comic musical about a carnivorous plant at the Jewish Community Center.
Inside the Music - Sensory Friendly Series
Sensory-friendlySensory-friendly orchestral music presented by New Albany Symphony Orchestra—free admission.
Books Breath: Columbus 2026
Mindfulness and literacy program combining books, breathing, and calm for all ages.
Make Art on High
Drop-in spooky art workshop with scratch-board & art supplies at Studios on High Gallery.
Día de los Niños (Day of the Children) - FREE EVENT
Free Day of the Children celebration at Lincoln Theatre with culture and fun.
Pop Art Skeleton
Paint a pop-art skeleton design at Brush Crazy's guided art session.
Magical Meetups - The Halloween Town Market
Step into a Halloween Town-themed market with vendors, crafts, and spooky fun.
Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Volleyball vs. University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Women's Volleyball
Cheer on Ohio State Women's Volleyball against Minnesota at Covelli Center.
LENNY PEARCE – TODDLER RAVE WORLD TOUR
High-energy music performance designed for toddlers at KEMBA Live!
NASO The Singing Rooms
New Albany Symphony celebrates International Day of the Girl with violin superstar Isabelle Durrenberger.
The Singing Rooms
Free live performance presented by New Albany Symphony Orchestra at McCoy Center.
Storybook Snacks: A Parent & Me Cooking Adventure
Parent-child cooking class bringing storybook characters to life through recipes.
DISPATCH FAMILY VALUE PACK-CBJ VS. FLORIDA PANTHERS
CBJ plays Florida Panthers—catch pro hockey with family value packages.
Blue Jackets vs. Florida Panthers
Blue Jackets take on the Florida Panthers in NHL regular-season hockey.
CBJ V. FLORIDA PANTHERS
Columbus Blue Jackets battle Florida Panthers in a regular-season game at Nationwide Arena.
Indian Classics
Hands-on Indian cooking class at Mitchell Hall—learn spices and classic dishes.
The Price Is Right Live - Stage Show
Interactive stage show recreation of the beloved game show Price Is Right at Palace Theatre.
Witchy Boo
Paint a spooky witch design at Brush Crazy's guided paint-and-sip studio.
Voyage - Celebrating The Music of Journey
Tribute band Voyage performs Journey hits at Hollywood Casino's Event Center.
Walker Hayes - Columbus
Country star Walker Hayes performs at Columbus Civic Center—a hometown-style night out.
Marilyn
Theatrical performance at the Riffe Center in Columbus—sophisticated drama for families.
Jonas Brothers: The Burning Up Tour All Over Again
Pop-star spectacle at Nationwide Arena — a major tour families flock to.
DISPATCH FAMILY VALUE PACK-CBJ VS. NEW YORK RANGERS
CBJ vs. New York Rangers—family hockey with discounted ticket bundles.
Blue Jackets vs. New York Rangers
NHL hockey showdown: Blue Jackets take on the Rangers at Nationwide Arena.
Community Crafters
Drop-in craft sessions at New Albany Library for kids to make and create together.
Mozart's Great Mass
ProMusica's season opener featuring Mozart's elegant music at the historic Southern Theatre.
Celebrate Diwali: A Family Chai & Craft Experience
Make crafts & sip chai while celebrating Diwali with family at the Philip Heit Center.
Dinner Detective Columbus- October 17th Public Show
Interactive comedy mystery dinner where guests solve a hilarious crime while eating—fun for older teens.
Witch Kitty
Create a whimsical Witch Kitty painting with step-by-step guidance at Brush Crazy.
CCT's SandBox Series: Abuela
30-minute immersive theatre celebrating imagination, family, and cultural heritage.
CBJ V. NEW YORK RANGERS
Columbus Blue Jackets face New York Rangers in a regular-season hockey game at Nationwide Arena.
Crowder LIVE! - Grove City, OH
Crowder LIVE! at The Naz Church—free family-friendly concert.
Tchaikovsky's Romeo & Juliet + Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition - Masterworks I
Columbus Symphony performs two beloved Russian masterworks—Tchaikovsky's Romeo & Juliet and Mussorgsky's Pictures.
Spooky Pumpkin Patch
Paint a Halloween-themed pumpkin patch design with guided instruction at Brush Crazy.
DISPATCH FAMILY VALUE PACK-CBJ VS. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs at Nationwide Arena—family-priced hockey.
Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Professional ice hockey: Columbus Blue Jackets take on Toronto.
CBJ V. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Columbus Blue Jackets take on Toronto Maple Leafs in a regular-season game at Nationwide Arena.
Gramercy Books Hosts Jeff Kinney's Interactive Stage Show!
Jeff Kinney brings Diary of a Wimpy Kid to life with an interactive stage show.
CAPA Haunts the Palace
Free, family-friendly Halloween event at the historic Palace Theatre for kids of all ages.
Mystery Canvas
Surprise paint class at Brush Crazy—discover this month's mystery design and make it your own.
Pumpkin Welcome
Paint a welcoming pumpkin design at Brush Crazy's guided studio class.
Curator-Led Tour of Clare Rojas: Returning
Join a curator-led tour of Clare Rojas: Returning at Columbus Museum of Art.
Men's Ice Hockey vs. Augustana
Ohio State men's ice hockey vs. Augustana at Schottenstein Center.
Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Volleyball vs. Indiana University Women's Volleyball
Watch Ohio State Women's Volleyball take on Indiana at Covelli Center.
Mysteries, Anthems & Victories - Columbus Symphony
Columbus Symphony's "Mysteries, Anthems & Victories" at Ohio Theatre.
Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Hockey vs. Colgate University Women's Hockey
Watch Ohio State Women's Hockey take on Colgate at the university ice rink.
Pumpkin and Broom
Paint a spooky pumpkin-and-broom canvas with step-by-step guidance at Brush Crazy.
Trad Nua Concert Series: House of Hamill
High-energy Irish folk-rock band House of Hamill performs at Natalie's Grandview.
GOLDEN: A K-Pop Kids Party!
K-pop dance party designed for kids at Skully's Music Diner.
CBJ V. VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vegas Golden Knights hockey game.
Crow in the Cemetary
Paint a moody crow-in-the-cemetery scene with step-by-step help at Brush Crazy.
Blue Jackets vs. Vegas Golden Knights
NHL hockey: Blue Jackets vs. Vegas Golden Knights at Nationwide Arena.
PBR Bull Riding
PBR Bull Riding Challenger Series at Ohio Expo Center—thrilling rodeo action.
Ohio State Buckeyes Women's Volleyball vs. Oregon Ducks Volleyball
Watch Ohio State Women's Volleyball battle Oregon at Covelli Center.
DISPATCH FAMILY VALUE PACK-CBJ VS. VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Vegas Golden Knights at Nationwide Arena—family-priced hockey.
Fran Ryan Center: Demo Day
Hands-on demo day at Fran Ryan Center showcasing arts & STEM projects.
Men's Basketball vs. Butler
Ohio State men's basketball vs. Butler at Schottenstein Center.
Ghost Boo!
Create a friendly ghost painting with easy step-by-step instructions at Brush Crazy.
KidX Candy Crawl
Trick-or-treat in costume at Polaris Fashion Place for Halloween candy.
SingUnited International Convention and Competition
A cappella competition & convention—sing, perform, and celebrate group harmony with teams from around the world.
Storyline Event: ACOTAR 6 Midnight Release Party
Celebrate the midnight release of the sixth ACOTAR book with fellow fans.
Cory Band in Concert - Hosted by Dublin Silver Band
Hear the Cory Band, Wales' most decorated brass ensemble, in concert at Ohio Wesleyan University.
Mario Kart Band Halloween!
Mario Kart-themed band performance—perfect for fans of the game and family-friendly music.
Good to know
- What indoor activities are good for kids on a rainy day in Toledo?
- Children's museums, indoor play places, library programs, shows, and aquariums all work — this list surfaces the indoor events happening now.