# Thanksgiving break with kids in Columbus

> 35 Thanksgiving parades, turkey trots, break camps and things to do with kids in the Columbus area over Thanksgiving break 2026, each linked to the organizer’s own page with the date we last checked it.

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 2, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-01), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/columbus/thanksgiving

Towns with listings: Columbus (6), Delaware (3), Grove City (3), New Albany (3), Newark (3), Circleville (2), Lancaster (2), Powell (2), Worthington (2), Ashville (1), Bexley (1), Dublin (1), Johnstown (1), London (1), Marysville (1), Pataskala (1), Utica (1), Westerville (1).

## Quick answers

### Where is there a turkey trot for kids near Columbus?

9 listings, the soonest 4: [Gobble, Paint, and Disguise! Turkey Storytime at Downtown Newark Library](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/gobble-paint-and-disguise-turkey-storytime-at-downtown-newark-library--listing-6fb2aa810df51a0d951a03fa) (Fri, Nov 13); [Johnstown, Alexandria & Granville Turkey Trot and Kids Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/johnstown-alexandria-and-granville-turkey-trot-and-kids-fun-run--listing-0e0c10c392917f3c93121f7a) (Sat, Nov 21, Paid); [Bexley Turkey Trot and Tot Trot](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/bexley-turkey-trot-and-tot-trot--listing-fbda148dd82f20c23aaec779) (Thu, Nov 26, From $10); [Delaware Turkey Trot and Little Gobbler Kids Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/delaware-turkey-trot-and-little-gobbler-kids-fun-run--listing-21f5a50891199aa87a913b0a) (Thu, Nov 26, From $17).

### What free Thanksgiving break events are there for kids in Columbus?

2 listings: [How the Grinch Stole Christmas Free Screening at the McCoy Center](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-free-screening-at-the-mccoy-center--listing-9ad24dd089a41def0c28e42c) (Tue, Nov 24, Free); [Sunday Funday: Holiday Open House in Old Worthington](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/sunday-funday-holiday-open-house-in-old-worthington--listing-04cd689c721317ae0a93f913) (Sun, Nov 29, Free).

### Which Thanksgiving break events suit toddlers and young kids in Columbus?

4 listings: [Gobble, Paint, and Disguise! Turkey Storytime at Downtown Newark Library](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/gobble-paint-and-disguise-turkey-storytime-at-downtown-newark-library--listing-6fb2aa810df51a0d951a03fa) (Fri, Nov 13); [Delaware Turkey Trot and Little Gobbler Kids Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/delaware-turkey-trot-and-little-gobbler-kids-fun-run--listing-21f5a50891199aa87a913b0a) (Thu, Nov 26, From $17); [Honda Federal Credit Union Pumpkin Dash 5K and Little Pumpkin Dashers (Thanksgiving Day, Marysville)](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/honda-federal-credit-union-pumpkin-dash-5k-and-little-pumpkin-dashers--listing-79b42633b023ab15181bd385) (Thu, Nov 26, Paid); [Columbus Hungry Turkey Trot and Kids Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/columbus-hungry-turkey-trot-and-kids-fun-run--listing-48b7f7758ced61c2ecead384) (Sat, Nov 28, Paid).

## Ongoing programs

### Around the Columbus area (4)

- [No School Day Camp: YMCA School Days Off at Delaware Community Center YMCA](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/no-school-day-camp-ymca-school-days-off-at-delaware-community-center-y--listing-dccccbf881fcebc6b73c4a6a) — Ongoing · Delaware Community Center YMCA · Ages 5–12 · From $42 · checked Oct 30. State-licensed full-day care for kindergarten through age 12 on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, with STEM and art activities, swimming, kids' fitness classes and an afternoon…
- [No School Day Camp: YMCA School Days Off at Liberty Township/Powell YMCA](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/no-school-day-camp-ymca-school-days-off-at-liberty-township-powell-ymc--listing-75bd4f48eb4929aeea0ef463) — Ongoing · Liberty Township/Powell YMCA · Ages 5–12 · From $42 · checked Oct 30. State-licensed full-day care for kindergarten through age 12 on Thanksgiving-week and post-holiday school closures, with swimming, nature walks to Liberty Park, gym games, art…
- [No School Day Camp: YMCA School Days Off at Hilltop YMCA](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/no-school-day-camp-ymca-school-days-off-at-hilltop-ymca--listing-edda09977c503fe00163214c) — Ongoing · Hilltop YMCA · From $45 · checked Oct 30. Full-day licensed care on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving with swimming, arts and crafts, group games and sports; breakfast, lunch and snack are provided. Pack a swimsuit…
- [No School Day Camp: YMCA School Days Off at Pickaway County Family YMCA](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/no-school-day-camp-ymca-school-days-off-at-pickaway-county-family-ymca--listing-e75e5811f3aa40774572ecae) — Ongoing · Pickaway County Family YMCA, Circleville · Ages 5–12 · From $45 · checked Oct 30. Full-day licensed care for kindergarten through age 12 on the day before Thanksgiving, following the Circleville City and Teays Valley school calendars: crafts, swimming, games…

## Dated events

### Columbus (5)

- [The Original Columbus Turkey Trot and Tot Trot](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/the-original-columbus-turkey-trot-and-tot-trot--listing-92e9bfbc3bcd3b7f5ff94189) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM · Shops on Lane Avenue · All ages · From $25 · checked Oct 30. The 40th Columbus Turkey Trot starts at the Shops on Lane Avenue on Thanksgiving morning. Kids 13 and under can run the 100-yard Tot Trot at 8:30 am before the 4-miler and the…
- [CAPA Presents A Christmas Carol at the Ohio Theatre](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/capa-presents-a-christmas-carol-at-the-ohio-theatre--listing-d7027f0655c53a9f472011b9) — Fri, Nov 27 (+2 more dates) · 2:00 PM · Ohio Theatre · Paid · checked Oct 16. CAPA's original, Columbus-made production of Dickens' A Christmas Carol returns to the Ohio Theatre over Thanksgiving weekend, directed by Short North Stage Artistic Director…
- [Create a Gingerbread House at Franklin Park Conservatory](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/create-a-gingerbread-house-at-franklin-park-conservatory--listing-cdde7addd661d1d40b004445) — Fri, Nov 27 · 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens · From $10 · checked Oct 24. The day after Thanksgiving, Franklin Park Conservatory sets up a gingerbread station in the Wells Barn: families take a short fall walk to the barn and build a mini house from…
- [Breakfast with Santa at Franklin Park Conservatory](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/breakfast-with-santa-at-franklin-park-conservatory--listing-15900e8239a090da141f86ae) — Sat, Nov 28 (+3 more dates) · 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Franklin Park Conservatory - The Wells Barn · From $18 · checked Oct 27. All-you-can-eat pancakes (Chris Cakes catering flips pancakes for guests to catch), sausage, mandarin oranges, orange juice, hot chocolate or coffee, and a visit with Santa in…
- [Columbus Hungry Turkey Trot and Kids Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/columbus-hungry-turkey-trot-and-kids-fun-run--listing-48b7f7758ced61c2ecead384) — Sat, Nov 28 · Genoa Park · Up to 8 · Paid · checked Oct 30. Run or walk a 5K, 10K or 1/3 marathon from Genoa Park downtown on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, with a Kids Fun Run for ages 8 and under. Finishers pick a turkey hat…

### Grove City (3)

- [Thanksgiving Wattle 5K and Primrose Children's Run](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/thanksgiving-wattle-5k-and-primrose-children-s-run--listing-ff1a4ce66f0c29c7dd5f8359) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:30 AM · Lamplighter Drive, Grove City · All ages · From $15 · checked Oct 30. Grove City's 15th Thanksgiving Wattle starts on Lamplighter Drive with a Primrose children's run (ages 10 and under) at 8:30 am, the Turkey Leg 100-meter event for…
- [Grove City Nutcracker Hunt: Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Town Center](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/grove-city-nutcracker-hunt-holiday-scavenger-hunt-in-town-center--listing-59c790a93d1868f1f64c25be) — Nov 27 – Jan 2 · Grove City Town Center · checked Oct 30. Twelve 4-foot nutcrackers hide around historic Town Center from the day after Thanksgiving. Pick up an entry sheet (or print one), find them all and turn it in for a prize while…
- [Letters to Santa Mailbox at Grove City Welcome Center](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/letters-to-santa-mailbox-at-grove-city-welcome-center--listing-9ade775b9a025c6d209de4ef) — Fri, Nov 27 · Grove City Welcome Center & Museum · checked Oct 30. From the day after Thanksgiving, kids can drop letters to Santa in the red mailbox outside the Welcome Center & Museum in Town Center. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope…

### New Albany (3)

- [Nourish Jr.: Thanksgiving Side Dish Stars](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/nourish-jr-thanksgiving-side-dish-stars--listing-52e9bb1a0eaacfddee88ab59) — Sun, Nov 22 · 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM · Philip Heit Center (Demo Kitchen), New Albany · checked Oct 16. Just before Thanksgiving, Nourish Jr. invites young cooks to learn holiday side dishes with a modern twist so they can bring their own dish to the family table. The menu is White…
- [How the Grinch Stole Christmas Free Screening at the McCoy Center](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-free-screening-at-the-mccoy-center--listing-9ad24dd089a41def0c28e42c) — Tue, Nov 24 · 7:00 PM · McCoy Center for the Arts, New Albany · Free · checked Oct 16. The McCoy Center for the Arts screens the live-action Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (rated PG, about 105 minutes) for free on the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. No…
- [New Albany Thanks For Giving 4 Miler and Kids Run (Thanksgiving Day)](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/new-albany-thanks-for-giving-4-miler-and-kids-run-thanksgiving-day--listing-b33a2e080e76dd3227e9fe31) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:15 AM · Market Square, New Albany · All ages · With admission · checked Oct 30. A pay-what-you-can Thanksgiving-morning 4-miler from Market Square in New Albany, open to runners, walkers and strollers, with a kids race at 8:15 am. Net proceeds go to the…

### Newark (3)

- [Gobble, Paint, and Disguise! Turkey Storytime at Downtown Newark Library](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/gobble-paint-and-disguise-turkey-storytime-at-downtown-newark-library--listing-6fb2aa810df51a0d951a03fa) — Fri, Nov 13 · 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM · Licking County Library – Downtown Newark · Ages 0–5 · checked Oct 30. A silly story time about turkeys on the run, then kids paint and disguise a turkey to take home with feathers and sparkles. For ages birth–5; dress for mess. Registration required.
- [Turkey Trails Newark Kids Dash, 1 Mile, 5K, 10K and Half](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/turkey-trails-newark-kids-dash-1-mile-5k-10k-and-half--listing-8f9ecc8d0584f348854b4e45) — Sun, Nov 15 · 7:55 AM · Ohio State University at Newark · Up to 10 · Paid · checked Oct 30. A mid-November race at Ohio State at Newark with an untimed kids' dash for ages 10 and under at 7:55 am (mini bib, youth shirt and medal; kids may also run free without swag) and…
- [Friendsgiving Frenzy at Downtown Newark Library](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/friendsgiving-frenzy-at-downtown-newark-library--listing-8a7d50e2544d36950b0c1c5a) — Tue, Nov 24 · 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM · Licking County Library – Downtown Newark · All ages · checked Oct 30. A drop-in Thanksgiving party in the Discovery Center with a craft corner and interactive activity zones on the history of Thanksgiving. Families of all ages welcome; food is…

### Other towns in the Columbus area (17)

- [Thanksgiving Craft-A-Palooza at Utica Library](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/thanksgiving-craft-a-palooza-at-utica-library--listing-0ad88c5385c3044678384ba1) — Tue, Nov 10 · 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Licking County Library – Utica Branch · checked Oct 30. Drop-in craft stations all day with Thanksgiving-themed projects, decorations and handmade keepsakes for elementary-age kids; all supplies provided.
- [Johnstown, Alexandria & Granville Turkey Trot and Kids Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/johnstown-alexandria-and-granville-turkey-trot-and-kids-fun-run--listing-0e0c10c392917f3c93121f7a) — Sat, Nov 21 · 9:00 AM · T.J. Evans Trail – Johnstown Trailhead · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 30. A pre-Thanksgiving race on the paved T.J. Evans Trail from the Johnstown trailhead: the Kids Fun Run goes first at 9:00 am, then the 5K, 10K and half marathon at 9:15 am.
- [Bexley Turkey Trot and Tot Trot](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/bexley-turkey-trot-and-tot-trot--listing-fbda148dd82f20c23aaec779) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:40 AM · Saint Alban's Episcopal Church, Bexley · All ages · From $10 · checked Oct 30. Saint Alban's Episcopal Church hosts the 12th Bexley Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning: a 100-yard Tot Trot for kids at 8:40 am, then a 5K run and 2K walk. Proceeds go to the…
- [Delaware Turkey Trot and Little Gobbler Kids Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/delaware-turkey-trot-and-little-gobbler-kids-fun-run--listing-21f5a50891199aa87a913b0a) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:15 AM · Delaware County District Library – Delaware Main Library (East Winter Street) · All ages · From $17 · checked Oct 30. A family Thanksgiving-morning 5K and 1.5-mile run/walk on East Winter Street behind the Delaware County District Library's main branch, with a Little Gobbler race for kids 8 and…
- [Fairfield County Festival of Lights](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/fairfield-county-festival-of-lights--listing-b597f76b63e583ca70af5c35) — Nov 26 – Dec 25 · 6:00 PM · Fairfield County Fairgrounds, Lancaster · From $10 · checked Oct 27. Visit Fairfield County lists a holiday light display at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds in Lancaster. The dated run is November 26 through December 25, 2026, which the…
- [Flying Feather Four Miler and Kids' Gobbler Chase](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/flying-feather-four-miler-and-kids-gobbler-chase--listing-f08a415baed3fee9207d1a6b) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:30 AM · The Club at Corazon, Dublin · Paid · checked Oct 20. Dublin's Thanksgiving morning race returns to the Club at Corazon. Children run the Kids' Gobbler Chase at 8:30 a.m., and the 4-mile race and a new 2-mile run/walk start at 9…
- [Honda Federal Credit Union Pumpkin Dash 5K and Little Pumpkin Dashers (Thanksgiving Day, Marysville)](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/honda-federal-credit-union-pumpkin-dash-5k-and-little-pumpkin-dashers--listing-79b42633b023ab15181bd385) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:55 AM · Uptown Marysville (215 W 5th St) · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 30. Uptown Marysville's 16th Thanksgiving-morning 5K run/walk, with a free Little Pumpkin Dashers race for ages 1–6 just before it and a reduced price for runners 19 and under…
- [Lancaster Turkey Day 5K/10K and Kids Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/lancaster-turkey-day-5k-10k-and-kids-fun-run--listing-5608ea19cfe2bc378e598044) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:15 AM · Forest Rose School, Lancaster · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 30. Lancaster's Thanksgiving-morning 5K and 10K start at Forest Rose School, with a Kids Fun Run for ages 13 and under at 8:15 am (free without swag). Kids 10 and under get $10 off…
- [Powell Turkey Trot and Wobble 'till You Gobble Kids Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/powell-turkey-trot-and-wobble-till-you-gobble-kids-fun-run--listing-64f3f1c1b7f497cb21302afb) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM · Downtown Powell (47 Hall Street start) · All ages · From $13 · checked Oct 30. Powell's 12th Thanksgiving-morning 4-miler starts at 9:00 am at 47 Hall Street, with Wobble 'till You Gobble fun runs for ages 3–6 and 7–10 at 8:30 am. Proceeds support the…
- [Christmas at Ivory Barn Black Friday/Small Business Saturday Market](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/christmas-at-ivory-barn-black-friday-small-business-saturday-market--listing-834579e619e523ed8f916e03) — Fri, Nov 27 (+2 more dates) · 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM · The Ivory Barn, Pataskala · checked Oct 28. The Ivory Barn opens its Pataskala barn for a Christmas market it titles the Black Friday and Small Business Saturday market. The homepage lists November 27 from 10 a.m. to 6…
- [Mrs. Claus Letter Drop at Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/mrs-claus-letter-drop-at-butch-bando-s-fantasy-of-lights--listing-6e34d8b71059ce0afb701a56) — Fri, Nov 27 (+14 more dates) · 5:30 PM · Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds, Delaware · With admission · checked Oct 28. On listed evenings inside the Fantasy of Lights drive-through, Mrs. Claus takes children's letters to Santa and also collects unwrapped toys, coats, and hats for Delaware County…
- [Ashville Business Association – Christmas Tree Lighting](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/ashville-business-association-christmas-tree-lighting--listing-31de0bc6417c23ea570e56a2) — Sun, Nov 29 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Ashville Community Park · checked Oct 27. The Ashville Business Association holds its annual Christmas tree lighting at Ashville Community Park. The visitors bureau lists the evening as 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and says…
- [Brunch with Santa at Rhoads Garden Center](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/brunch-with-santa-at-rhoads-garden-center--listing-201bbfb62c6cb9e02ee3c0da) — Sun, Nov 29 · 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Rhoads Garden Center, Circleville · From $16 · checked Oct 27. Rhoads Garden Center in Circleville hosts brunch with Santa on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Two seatings are offered, at 11:00 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., and each seating lasts about…
- [Old Fashioned Christmas — Madison County Historical Society](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/old-fashioned-christmas-madison-county-historical-society--listing-0c609b68545712bcc99abcd2) — Sun, Nov 29 · 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM · Madison County Historical Society, London · checked Oct 27. The Madison County Historical Society partners with London's 1811 Historic Downtown District for Old Fashioned Christmas. On Sunday, November 29, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00…
- [Sensory-Friendly Snowflake Castle — Westerville](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/sensory-friendly-snowflake-castle-westerville--listing-cae1f2c69927aca7df7680c8) — Sun, Nov 29 · 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM · Westerville Community Center · From $15 · sensory-friendly · checked Oct 20. Westerville Parks and Recreation sets up Santa's Workshop in a calmer, sensory-friendly form for people with developmental, physical or invisible disabilities. In 30-minute…
- [Sunday Funday: Holiday Open House in Old Worthington](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/sunday-funday-holiday-open-house-in-old-worthington--listing-04cd689c721317ae0a93f913) — Sun, Nov 29 · 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM · Downtown (Old) Worthington · Free · checked Oct 16. Downtown Worthington's holiday open house brings horse-drawn carriage rides, live music and a photo opportunity with Santa, while local retailers run special promotions and…
- [Worthington Tree Illumination](https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/worthington-tree-illumination--listing-e66953ff67aaab54012c9cf2) — Sun, Nov 29 · 5:30 PM · Village Green (Southeast quadrant), Worthington · checked Oct 14. Worthington's holiday Tree Illumination on the Southeast Village Green: see Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and get into the holiday spirit with the community. The celebration begins…

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