Central Ohio is home to amazing outdoor play opportunities with its beautiful parks and playgrounds. However, there are times when the weather takes an unexpected turn or you simply crave some indoor playtime. That’s where this list of free indoor play spots in Central Ohio comes to the rescue, offering fun for kids of all ages that won’t cost you a dime!
1. Westerville Public Library
Address: 126 S State St, Westerville, OH
The Westerville Public Library hosts a monthly indoor play session for kids aged 2-5. With a different theme each month, your little one can explore various activities without the need for registration. Here are some upcoming themes:
- S̶e̶p̶t̶e̶m̶b̶e̶r̶ ̶2̶9̶:̶ ̶T̶r̶a̶n̶s̶p̶o̶r̶t̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶
- ̶O̶c̶t̶o̶b̶e̶r̶ ̶1̶3̶:̶ ̶B̶u̶b̶b̶l̶e̶s̶,̶ ̶B̶a̶l̶l̶s̶,̶ ̶B̶o̶u̶n̶c̶i̶n̶g̶
- November 10: Sorting, Matching, Puzzles
2. Westerville Christian Church – Central Park Playland
Address: 471 E. College Avenue, Westerville, Ohio 43081
Facebook: Central Park Westerville Christian
- Mondays from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
- Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.
You’ll need to fill out a release waiver here. Note that they follow Westerville school weather delays and cancellations, so check their social media for updates during inclement weather.
3. New Life Gahanna – Cafe/Play Cafe
Address: 3690 N Stygler Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
Facebook: New Life Gahanna
- Wednesday and Friday morning from 10 am to 12 pm.
- Note: These pictures are outdated! Will update as soon as we visit.
4. Kids Open Gym at Orange Church
Address: 3467 East Orange Road, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Website: Orange Friends Church
- Every Friday until the week before Thanksgiving, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am
- Geared towards kids aged 5 and under. They have seesaws, balls, puzzles, dollhouses, hot wheels mats, rocket launchers, snacks, and more.
Note: I haven’t ever been, but this is a picture I found on their Facebook page! Looks like a great way to burn some energy!
5. The Naz Church in Grove City
Address: 4770 Hoover Rd., Grove City, OH 43123
The Naz Church offers a great indoor play space with climbing areas, tunnels, slides, and more.
- Monday – Friday: 10 am – 2 pm
- Wednesday: 10 am – 2 pm + 5 pm – 6:45 pm
- Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
You can save time and preregister for their Playplace on their online form.
6. Coffee Connections in Hilliard
Address: 4004 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026
Website: Hilliard Coffee Connections
The play cafe at Coffee Connections, located in their “annex” behind the main shop, is open during regular coffee shop hours. Enjoy a coffee while your kids explore various activities and imaginative play options. You can also find seating for work and relaxation. Check out Hannah and Finn’s (The Beard and the Baker) fun review visit a couple weeks ago over on Instagram.
7. Graeter’s Scoops & Chutes Indoor Playground
Address: 2136 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220
Website: Graeter’s Scoops & Chutes
This indoor playground is suitable for children aged 9 and younger. It features slides, a rock climbing wall, ball shooters, and more. Plus, you can treat your little ones to ice cream before, after, or in between play sessions. Check out this blog post for more details and pictures.
- Monday – Thursday: 10am – 10pm
- Friday – Saturday: 10am – 11pm
- Sunday: 11am – 10pm
8. Genoa Cafe and Indoor Playground
Address: 7562 Lewis Center Rd., Westerville, OH
Facebook: Genoa Cafe and Indoor Playground
9. Polaris Fashion Place
We love this zoo-themed Play Area. It is located on the lower level near Saks Fifth Avenue and FieldhouseUSA. The play area is designed for children 48 inches and under. Closed for cleaning daily from 2pm-3pm.
Address: 1500 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240
Facebook: Polaris Fashion Place
Hours: 9:30 am – 8 pm. On Sundays, the mall closes at 6 pm. Keep in mind that most stores don’t open until 11 am, so the play area opens before most stores do!
10. Nature Centers at Franklin County Metro Parks
Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center
- Location: 1415 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH 43119
- Features a 53-foot living stream showcasing creatures from Big Darby Creek.
- Offers interactive exhibits showcasing natural and cultural history.
- Open hours: April-September: 9am-8pm, October-March: 9am-6pm.
Blacklick Woods Metro Park Nature Center
- Location: 6975 East Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg, OH
- Spacious building ideal for birdwatching, with covered outdoor seating.
- Activities include fossil matching, bird watching, and a mini-theatre.
- Open hours: April-September: 9am-8pm, October-March: 9am-6pm.
Highbanks Metro Park Nature Center
- Location: 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035
- Offers educational experiences including Adena Life history and wildlife tanks.
- Highlights include a birdwatching library and an engaging play stage.
- Open hours: April-September: 9am-8pm, October-March: 9am-6pm.
Blendon Woods Metro Park Nature Center
- Location: 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, OH 43081
- Serene location with multiple walking trails and a lush natural environment.
- Features various rooms for learning, reading, and observing critters.
- Open hours: April-September: 9am-8pm, October-March: 9am-6pm.
Tip: Before planning your visit, be sure to check the Metro Parks website for the latest updates. They often host fantastic events, many of which are tailored specifically for preschool-aged children.
11. Local Libraries
Columbus has a great library system with over 20 libraries that have fun play areas for kids. You’ll find everything from cool yellow bus play spots to interactive areas for all ages. Don’t miss the awesome play area in Westerville with a fun treehouse inside. Our city is lucky to have so many great library options for kids to enjoy. And don’t forget about the exciting storytimes
Our favorite libraries are:
- Downtown Columbus: 96 S Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
- Old Worthington: 820 High St, Worthington, OH 43085
- Westerville: 126 S State St, Westerville, OH 43081
- Wagnalls Memorial Library: 150 E Columbus St, Lithopolis, OH 43136 (A short drive out of Columbus. Totally worth it – magical!!)
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.
12. Visit the Ohio State Airport
Do you have a child interested in planes or are you looking for an indoor activity? Head to The Ohio State University and discover more about Ohio State’s aviation history.
You can:
- Learn all about Ohio State’s aviation history on their centerpiece timeline wall.
- Take in the buzz of activity from their comfortable observation deck.
- Explore unique aviation artwork in their gallery.
- Be inspired by their vintage Piper Cub J-3.
- Snap a photo with Barnstormer Brutus Buckeye.
- Enjoy free coffee and tea in their vibrant new terminal.
- Watch the planes arrive and depart! Check out the Aircraft arrival/departure schedule: https://flightaware.com/live/airport/KOSU
Tip: Print off the Airport scavenger hunt, self-guided tour and coloring sheets from their website before you go! They do have a few printed off upstairs, but just in case! It’s relaxing to watch the planes go and color!
- Location: The Ohio State University Airport, 2160 West Case Road, Columbus, OH 43235
- Hours of operation: Daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Parking: Ample free parking is available in front of the airport terminal.
- An elevator is available to reach the second-floor NetJets Observation Deck, and they have bathrooms.
You can also check out this blog post with 100+ ideas for indoor play!
No matter where you are in Central Ohio, there’s likely a free indoor play spot nearby to keep your little ones entertained on those less-than-ideal weather days. So, grab your kids, get out there, and have some fun!
