Mike Wolanin | The Republic Evan Nickerson plays with building blocks at the Seasonal Entertainment Arts and Recreation Space (SEARS) Winter Market in the former Sears building in Columbus, Ind., Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025.
Christmas may be over, but Winter Break’s still going strong. For parents looking for fun things to do together or to get their kids out of the house, there’s plenty of family-friendly activities to be found.
Here are some highlights of upcoming family-friendly events and activities in the area:
Boys & Girls Club
Foundation for Youth, 405 Hope Ave
Boys & Girls Club will be open over Winter Break from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from Dec. 29 through Dec. 31, Jan. 2 and Jan. 5. Registration is required and can be found at foundationforyouth.com/bgc.
Public Skate at Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena
Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena, 2501 Lincoln Park Drive, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. Closed Jan. 1.
The Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena hosts public skate sessions for all ages on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Children between five and 17 years old cost $6 while toddlers ages four and under are free. Adults over 18 cost $6.50.
Skate and scooter rental costs $2.
kidscommons
309 Washington St, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to 5 p.m., Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. Closed Jan. 1.
kidscommons will be open Monday, Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. for Winter Break. All floors will have special December programs relating to the holidays, like a music program called “Break the Darkness with Music” and a candle-making activity called “A Wick to Burn,” both taking place on the first floor.
“… we also do programs on the third floor as well every single hour,” kidscommons marketing and development officer Taylen Lane said. “So there’s all sorts of different things to do while you’re here at kidscommons and those are completely free with general admission.”
Regular admission costs $24 for children and $12 for adults. Tickets for members cost $18 for children and $9 for adults. Museum for All tickets are also available for families who present a SNAP or EBT card and a valid ID for a discount on their ticket price. Discounts are also available for seniors, veterans, teachers and those in the military.
Tickets can be purchased at kidscommons.org.
Kid’s Paint and Winter Paint at T.S. Artisans
T.S. Artisans, 422 Washington St, Dec. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. for Kid’s Paint, 6 to 8 p.m. for Winter Paint
Learn how to paint an adorable baby fox in the snow during Kid’s Paint or a pastel snowperson during Winter Paint at T.S. Artisans Art & Gift Gallery. Both events will be held on Dec. 29.
Kid’s Paint is open to kids eight and up starting at 4 p.m. It costs $33.85. To purchase tickets for Kid’s Paint, visit eventbrite.com.
Kids 14 and under are invited to participate in Winter Paint with adult supervision. It costs $39.19. To purchase tickets for Winter Paint, visit eventbrite.com.
Multiverse New Year’s Eve Brunch Party
Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena, 2501 Lincoln Park Drive, Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ring in the New Year with friends at the Multiverse New Year’s Party, hosted by Columbus Parks and Recreation, Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena, Foundation for Youth Prevention Initiatives, Council for Youth Development Bartholomew County and Indiana Youth Group Columbus.
The party will include ice skating, a live DJ, raffles, food and a balloon drop at 12 p.m. This event is free for seventh to 12 graders and registration can be found here.
First Day Hike
Columbus Youth Camp, 12454 Youth Camp Rd, Jan. 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For families who have exercise as a New Year’s resolution, the Nature Explorers Club will be holding a First Day Hike starting at Columbus Youth Camp. The event is free to attend and is open to all. Warm drinks and a snack will be provided.
S.E.A.R.S. Indoor Winter Market
Sears Building, 318 Jackson St, Jan. 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The former Sears building has been transformed into a festive winter market. This winter, take a stroll through the S.E.A.R.S., or “Seasonal Entertainment Arts and Recreation Space,” Indoor Winter Market, open every other Saturday until Feb. 14.
The market features a local vendor market, live music, food trucks and free activities for kids courtesy of kidscommons. Free games for both kids and adults are available as well as gathering spaces to relax in.
Free Robotics Workshop for Kids
La Quinta Inn & Suites, 101 Carrie Ln, Jan. 4 from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Kids aged seven to 14 are invited to participate in a free robotics and coding workshop, held by education and entrepreneurship group Moonpreneur, at La Quinta Inn & Suites. Those attending will learn how to build and program simple robots, learn hands-on coding and participate in quizzes, challenges and team activities.
Sessions last an hour and 15 minutes for each age group and begin at the following times: 11 a.m. for seven to eight year olds, 1 p.m. for nine to 10 year olds, 3 p.m. for 11 to 12 year olds and 4:45 p.m. for 13 to 14 year olds. A laptop is required for the session.
For more information about the workshop and Moonpreneur, visit moonhub.moonpreneur.com.
