Looking for indoor family-friendly activities in Central Ohio? Look no further! Whether you’re trying to beat the rain or escape the chill, there are plenty of fun options to keep you entertained. From exciting arcades and open gyms to bounce clubs and nature centers, the possibilities are endless. As your trusty guide, I’ve done the legwork to bring you a comprehensive list of all the coolest indoor activities in the area. So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and get ready to have a blast!
Updated September 2022
It’s important to keep in mind that hours of operation for these indoor activities may vary based on the season. To ensure a successful visit, I highly recommend checking the website and/or social media of the place you plan to go beforehand. This will not only keep you up-to-date on any changes but also provide any important information you might need. Additionally, if I’ve visited a particular spot before, I’ve included a blog post or social media post for an inside look. So don’t forget to check those out for even more insight!
Arcades/Game Spots
- Chuck E Cheese – Columbus: 3631 Soldano Blvd. Columbus, OH 43228
- Chuck E Cheese – Dublin: 2711 Martin Rd. Dublin, OH 43016
- Dave & Busters – Polaris: 1554 Polaris Pkwy #206, Columbus, OH 43240
- Dave & Busters – Hilliard: 3665 Park Mill Run Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026
- 16-Bit in Dublin {Before 8 and Sundays} – Dublin: 6564 Riverside Drive, Dublin, OH 43017
- Level One – 130 Hutchinson Ave. Columbus, OH 43235
- Every Saturday and Sunday persons under the age of 21 are welcome from Noon to 6pm.
- Website
- Game Arena {Video Arcade – Premiere esports gaming center }
- Multiple locations in Columbus, Ohio
- Website
- LegoLand
- Website
- Check out this Instagram Reel from our last visit.
- Pins
- Scene 75 {Largest indoor entertainment center in the country at 220,000 square feet}
- Website
- Instagram Reel from our last visit
Art Spots
- Otherworld {Immersive Art Experience} – 5819 Chantry Drive, Columbus, OH 43232
- 40,000 square feet and 45+ rooms of immersive, psychedelic, and interactive art
- Website
- Check out this Instagram Reel from our last visit.
- Columbus Museum of Art – 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Website
- Free Admission on Sundays
- The Wonder Room is GREAT for kids + there are hands-on activities throughout the museum.
- Check out this Instagram Reel from our last visit to The Wonder Room.
- Columbus Children’s Theatre
- Wexner Center for the Arts – 1871 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210
- Website
- All visitors are admitted to the exhibitions for free on Fridays after 4 PM and every Sunday courtesy of the American Electric Power Foundation
- Candle Making at Penn & Beech Candle Co. {Multiple Locations}
- Clay Cafe {Paint-Your-Own Pottery} – 4610 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43214 and 1644 West Fifth Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
- Color Me Mine {Paint-Your-Own Pottery} – 6375 Perimeter Dr, Dublin, OH 43016
Bounce Clubs/Trampoline Parks
- Get Air {Hilliard} – 3708 Fishinger Blvd, Hilliard, OH 43026
- Website
- They have toddler time Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday
- Check out this Instagram Reel from our last visit.
- Buckeye Bounce {Powell} – 3967 Presidential Parkway, Powell, OH 43065
- Website
- They have dedicated preschool open jump and toddler time.
- Big Bounce {Grove City} – 1645 Gateway Cir, Grove City, OH 43123
- Website
- They have dedicated preschool open jump and toddler time.
- Rockin’ Jump {Westerville} – 1220 County Line Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Bowling Alleys
- Star Lanes Polaris – 8655 Lyra Drive, Columbus 43240
- Website
- Kids eat FREE on Wednesday (5P-Close)
- 1/2 price shoe rental & 1/2 price hourly bowling on Mondays
- AMF Sawmill Lanes – 4825 Sawmill Road, Columbus 43235
- Ten Pin Alley – 5499 Ten Pin Alley, Hilliard 43026
- Rule (3) – 650 Windmiller Dr., Pickerington 43147
- Columbus Square Bowling Palace – 5707 Forest Hills Blvd., Columbus 43231
- Gahanna Bowling and Family Fun Center – 215 W. Johnstown, Gahanna 43230
Looking for a fun and affordable summer activity for your kids? Look no further than Kids Bowl Free! Your little ones can enjoy two free games of bowling every day at participating centers nationwide, including five awesome locations in Columbus. Keep your kids entertained all summer long with this awesome program, while staying safe and on budget. Check out our blog post for more information and get ready for a summer of bowling fun!
Church Play Spaces
- Central Park Playland – 471 E College Ave, Westerville, Ohio
- Free Admission
- Open Play will reopen on September 12, 2022
- The Naz – 4770 Hoover Road, Grove City, OH, United States
- Website
- Free Admission
Ice Skating Rinks
- Chiller Ice Rinks – Multiple locations, click here to find then closest to you.
- The Ohio State University Ice Rink– 390 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, OH 43210
Indoor Putt-Putt
- Glow Putt – 161 Granville St, Gahanna, OH 43230
- Miner 49 – 1158 W 3rd Ave b, Columbus, OH 43212
Indoor Swimming
- Worthington Community Center: 345 E. Wilson Bridge Rd. Worthington, OH 43085
- Dublin Rec Center: 5600 Post Road Dublin, OH 43017
- Westerville Rec Center: 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082
- Website
- Check out this Instagram Reel from our last visit.
Laser Tag
- Laser Kraze {Gahanna} – 5524 N. Hamilton Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
- Coliseum X {North Columbus}– 100 Dillmont Dr, Columbus, OH 43235
- United Skates {Columbus} – 4900 Evanswood Dr, Columbus, 43229
Libraries
Columbus is home to an impressive library system, with over 20 libraries offering fantastic play areas for kids. From simple yellow bus play spaces to interactive areas perfect for all ages, there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for even more library fun, be sure to check out Westerville’s awesome play area, complete with a fun tree house inside. We’re incredibly lucky to have so many great library options for kids to explore and enjoy!
Check here for {Columbus Metropolitan} locations closest to you or maybe explore a new area you’re not a familiar! Click here for their 16 partner locations. For information on Westerville location, click here.
Malls with Play Areas
- Polaris Fashion Place – 1500 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240
- Mall at Tuttle Crossing – 5043 Tuttle Crossing Blvd, Dublin, OH 43016
Movie Theatres
Museums
- Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
- The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum houses the world’s largest collection of materials related to cartoons and comics, including original art, books, magazines, journals, comic books, archival materials, and newspaper comic strip pages and clippings.
- 1813 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210
- Website
- COSI – Center of Science and Industry
- 333 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
- Website
- Columbus Museum of Art
- 480 E Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
- Website
- Free on Sundays
- Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center
- 260 N. Fourth Street, Columbus, OH
- Check out our last visit here. Keep in mind its from 2016!
- Franklin Park Conservatory
- Jack Nicklaus Museum
- 2355 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43210
- Website
- 12,000 square-foot educational and historical facility with over 2,000 pieces on display
- Kelton House Museum and Garden
- 586 E Town St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Website
- They offer tours which highlight the restored Museum and tell you about life in early Columbus through the eyes of the Kelton family.
- National Veterans Memorial and Museum
- 300 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Website
- Ohio Craft Museum
- 1665 W. Fifth Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
- Website
- Admission to the Ohio Craft Museum is free.
- Ohio Statehouse
- Orton Geological Museum
- 155 Oval Dr S, Columbus, OH 43210
- Website
- Admission the Orton Geological Museum is free.
- Wexner Center for the Arts
- 1871 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210
- Website
- All visitors are admitted to the exhibitions for free on Fridays after 4 PM and every Sunday courtesy of the American Electric Power Foundation.
Check out this post to see how you can use your library card to get FREE admission to museum all over Columbus. Yes, FREE!!!
Nature Centers at Metro Parks
Enjoy free admission to the Metro Park Nature Centers, but be sure to check their website and social media before you visit, as hours may vary depending on the season. For more detailed information and pictures of what to expect at each center, check out our blog post . Get ready to explore the wonders of nature!
- Grange Audubon Center – 505 W. Whittier Street, Columbus OH 43215
- Forest Playroom
- Grab a nature-themed backpacks for you and your family and explore. Families will be able to check out a backpack for an hour and a half at a time.
- Thursday Preschool Story Time
- Be sure to pre-register HERE!
- Battelle Darby Creek – 1775 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119
- A 53-foot living stream flows through the center’s exhibits, stocked with creatures found in Big Darby Creek. Natural and cultural history exhibits, many of them interactive, allow visitors to enjoy learning about the wonders of nature
- Blendon Woods – 4265 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43081
- Discover nature through displays and look through the nature center’s windows to see wildlife at the features and stream.
- Instagram Reel from our last visit
- Blacklick Woods – 6975 East Livingston Avenue, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
- Features exhibits of local and natural history, with observation windows to view wildlife.
- Highbanks – 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035
- Discover nature and cultural history at the many displays and see wildlife at the feeders through the nature center’s windows
- Homestead Park – 4675 Cosgray Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026
- Check out this Instagram post from our last visit for more details + pictures
Make sure you subscribe to the Metro Park emails or check their website for events. They do a great job with their preschool programs.
Open Gym
- Dublin Recreation Center – Preschool Open Gym
- Website
- Fee is $3 per child
- Westerville Community Center – Drop in Play
- 350 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville, OH
- Website
-
- Ages 3 and under with parent
- $3, Frequent visitor cards can be purchased at the the front desk. Cards are $15 for six visits.
- Hilliard Community Center – Little Tyke Time
- Thursdays in the Fall, 9 – 11 AM
- No registration required, but participants must buy a family pass ($15 for residents, $20 for non-residents) in advance for all drop-in times.
- Website | Here is their Facebook
- Gym Skills – Open Gym {Swing on the bars, jump into the foam pit, or walk on the balance beam.}
- 710 Cross Pointe Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230
- Website
- Every Friday Morning: 9:30-11:30AM
- Ages walking & up. Spots are limited. RSVP required.
- $18/participant
- Integrity Gymnastics – Preschool Open Gym
- 8185 Business Way, Plain City, Ohio 43064
- Website
- Tuesdays & Fridays: 9:30am – 10:30am
- $10 for single / $18 for family
- Walking to 5 years
- Sports Ohio – Dublin/Plain City – They aren’t doing it in 2021, but mentioned when I asked them that they plan to start back up in 2022.
Play Cafes
- Fun Town Play and Learn Café {North Columbus} – 2000 Hard Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
- MomiLand Indoor Playground {Lewis Center} – 704 Radio Dr, Lewis Center, OH 43035 and {Hilliard}
- Little Arrows Play Cafe {Newark} – 30 N 4th St, Newark, OH 43055
Play Gyms
- Better Together Playnasium {Indoor Playground}
- Graeter’s Scoops and Shoots Play Area
- 2136 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
- We Rock the Spectrum {Indoor Playground with Safe Sensory Experiences)
- Oak Creek Center, 1250 E Powell Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035
- Fun in the Jungle {Play Place, Mini Bowling, Arcade}
- 345 McGill St, Sunbury, OH 43074
- Website | Facebook
- Read this blog post from our visit when they first opened back in 2017.
- Recreations Outlet {Playground Equipment}
- 484 W Olentangy St, Powell, OH 43065
- Website
- Save money & donate to charity during charitable play hours. Tuesday-Thursday from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. for just $4/child.
- Vertical Adventures {Rock Climbing}
- 6513 Kingsmill Ct, Columbus, OH 43229
- Website
- Play: CBUS {Adventure Sports Center}
Roller Skating Rinks
- Skate Zone 71 – 4900 Evanswood Dr, Columbus, OH 43229
- Skate America – 4357 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123
Kid Friendly Tours
- Learn how chocolate is made at Anthony-Thomas Candy Company
- Website
- Available every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 3pm, Children 12 and under are $1.00 per person. Anyone over the age of 12 is $2.00 per person.
- Take a Factory tour at Phoenix Bats
- Learn how whistles are made at the American Whistle Corporation
- Website
- 6540 Huntley Rd, .Columbus, OH 43229
Other Ideas
- Aquarium Adventure {Fish Store} – 3649 Fishinger Blvd, Hilliard, OH 43026
- Dreamscape – Virtual Reality Experience
- 275 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
- Website
- Visit the Ohio State Airport
- Discover more about Ohio State’s aviation history on our centerpiece timeline wall, take in the buzz of activity from our comfy observation deck, explore unique aviation artwork in our gallery, be inspired by our vintage Piper Cub J-3, snap a photo with Barnstormer Brutus Buckeye and enjoy free popcorn and coffee in our vibrant, new terminal.
- Website
- 2160 West Case Road, Columbus, OH 43235
- Download and print this scavenger hunt before going!
