Okay, fine. I will come to terms with it. Our warmer days are gone, which means our easy, low stress days at the zoo and playing in the backyard are also gone. While I love staying home with the girls, there is only so much we can do at home before we all start going a bit crazy – which means I am on the hunt for the best indoor spots this winter.
The list below are my tried and true spots that I have taken the girls to already. In my opinion, they’re all great for non-walkers. There is nothing worse than packing your kids up to a place that claims to be baby friendly, just to find out they have one soft block fo them to play with…..total waste of time!!
As I discover new spaces, I will update this list!
Dublin Open Gym
I think of all the open gyms, this might be the best one for smaller, non-crawling infants. It is in a huge space. They have two mats that have age appropriate toys. It is off to the side, which keeps them out of the way of running toddlers and preschoolers.
- Soft mats
- Baby friendly toys
- Room to explore safely
Day: Mondays & Fridays thru December 16th
Time: 9AM – 11AM
Location: DCRC: 5600 Post Rd, Dublin, OH 43017, Gymnasium B
Ages: 6 mos – 6 yrs
Cost: $3 per child/per visit or purchase a POG pass for $30 (11 visits)
Website
COSI
- Designated Kid Space
- You get a ticket going in that says how many kids are with you and you will need that ticket to get out .
- Very small designated space to just non-crawling infants. Soft blocks, etc.
- If you walk in and go to the right, you will find a water table that infants can sit in, big blue blocks to climb on and a light table that would be great for smaller kids to look at.
- If you walk in and go to the left, you will find a soft foam block area.
- Besides the kidspace, the girls really like the water exhibit and the new ocean exhibit. They love looking around at all the lights.
Fall Dates: Sept 21 – Dec 22: Wed-Sun
Fall Hours: 10am-5p
Location: COSI, 333 West Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Cost: $25 (13 and over), Under 2 are FREE!!!
Website
Momi Land
Momi Land is an indoor play space in Lewis Center. It is literally one of the cleanest play spaces I have ever been to, perfectly for the upcoming germ filled season! “To maintain the cleanliness and safety of the ball pit, we use a commercial ball cleaning machine as part of our routine cleaning.” — I mean, c’mon! That is amazing!
- Designated baby area, away from bigger kids
- All soft toys, including extra padding on floor and walls
- They have a 4moms mamaRoo® in the same area.
- Just outside of the blocked off infant area, they have toys that they can grow with + it’s still out of the main area where the bigger kids would be
- Changing table, bottle warmers, high chair
Day/Time:
Monday – Thursday: 10am – 7pm
Friday – Saturday: 10am – 8pm
Sunday: 11am – 6pm
Location: 704 Radio Dr., Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
Cost: Children under 2 – $10, Children under 12 months with a paid sibling – Free.
Website
Library Babytime
Babytime at the library is one of my most favorite things to do with the girls. We have gone since they were teeny tiny. My favorite library to visit is Old Worthington. Miss Karen is absolutely fabulous with the babies + it’s a smaller space than other libraries.
Each library has a different schedule, however most do take place between 10am and 11am. Click the library closest to you (below) to check out the times.
Grandview Library
Worthington Library
Westerville Library
Columbus Libraries
Upper Arlington Libraries
I am not sure about other libraries, but Old Worthington has toys out int her afternoon for the kids to place with. They are very baby friendly.
Goldfish Family Swim
You obviously know I am a huge fan of Goldfish and a big advocate of getting your little ones in the water as soon as possible. While I love our lessons, this suggestion isn’t just for lessons. Goldfish offers an open swim time, which is less of a commitment – but, just as much fun! Less pressure, too. Great way to introduce your little babe to the water.
Days/Time: Mon-Thu: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM and Fri: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location(s):
Westerville: 765 Brooksedge Blvd, Westerville, OH 43081
Lewis Center: 7838 Green Meadows Dr, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Dublin: 6175 Shamrock Ct. Ste G, Dublin, OH. 43016
Cost: $5 per person, but no more than $15 per family.
Website
Franklin Park Conservatory
If you haven’t been before or aren’t familiar, Franklin Park is a beautiful conservatory and garden. This would be more of a baby wearing activity. I took the girls with the stroller and while I was able to get around, it wasn’t the easiest. Then again, you might not have a triple stroller. The girls loved looking at all the lights, plants and flowers. They do offer story times and crafts, but depending on the age of your babe – they might just be a little bit too small!
Day(s): Open Daily
Time: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
Cost: General Admission (13-59) – $19, Children (3-12) – $12, Children 2 and under are FREE!!
Website
You can get a FREE pass to Franklin Park Conservatory with your Columbus Metropolitan Library Card!! It is good for TWO (maybe three) days and yes, it is FREE! Check out the details here.
Firefly Play Cafe
Firefly is the OG play cafe. I remember taking my nanny kids there when they were babies, this was YEARS ago. While they baby area isn’t huge, she does have a designated area and the vibe at this spot is just fabulous. Plus, they have delicious, affordable coffee!
- Designated baby area out of the way of older kids
- Huge mirror, which the babes love
- Age-appropriate toys
- Books
Day/Time:
Monday: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM- 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Location: 4822 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
Cost: Children under 12 months and Adults are FREE
Website | Facebook
Art with Anna
Bring your babe to Art with Anna for a MESSY and CASUAL morning together exploring new supplies, sensory items, and meeting with other mamas.
Date: Second Sunday, Monthly
Time: 10:00-10:30 am
Location: 420 N Cassady Ave, Columbus, OH 43209
Age: 6+ months to 3 years old(or whatever age you think appropriate for your kid, they’re all different) They use washable + edible paint.
Cost: $10 for the ENTIRE family
Website
December FB Event
January FB Event
February FB Event
Other ideas that I haven’t done yet, but am planning to. I will report back on truly how baby friendly they are!
– We Rock the Spectrum, Lewis Center
– Funtown, Worthington/Dublin
– Coffee Connections, Hilliard
– The Naz, Grove City
– Piccaddily, Bexley
– AHA! A Hands-On Adventure, A Children’s Museum, Lancaster
If you have any favorite spots that are great for non-walkers, please share with me! I don’t think I can spend all winter at home with three one year olds! 🙂
