85 Indoor Play Places and Activities for Kids around Columbus

When it’s too hot, too cold, or too rainy, indoor play is a great way for kids to burn off some energy. Whether you’re at home with your children during the week, or you’re hanging out with them on the weekends and evenings, sometimes you just need to get out of the house!

There are plenty of indoor play places and activities in Columbus to help your kids of all ages burn off some energy without worrying about the wildly fluctuating temps in Ohio.

Coffee Connections

Please check links or call before you go in case there are changes in hours throughout the year.

Don’t forget to check out the Columbus on the Cheap event calendar to find upcoming activities and events going on in Columbus. You’ll discover family-friendly options, as well as plenty of grown-up date ideas and nights out, wine tastings, movies, and more.

Free Play areas and activities

Note: Some of these play places are offering private playdates only for heath and safety precautions. Reservations and a fee may be required, but it’s still a great deal to be able to play in a safe, sanitized space!

Libraries: Most local libraries have a kids area with puzzles, structures, and other fun activities. The Columbus Main Library is a favorite with lots of play structures, double-sided fish tank, and more. Staff often walk around and interact with kids. You can easily spend a couple of hours playing and exploring. Worthington Northwest Library and Westerville Library have great play areas too.

Graeters Scoops and Shoots Play Area: 2136 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
There’s a great play area in the Graeters on Bethel Rd. with slides and structures to climb in and around. No purchase necessary, but it’s ice cream, so just plan to get some while you’re there. Otherwise, the play area is completely free! Geared for ages 9 and under. Open from 11 am – 8 pm.

The place area closes occasionally for cleaning/sanitizing.

Graeters Scoops and Shoots, Bethel Rd.

Columbus Museum of Art: 480 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
FREE on Sundays! The Center for Creativity offers hands on imaginative and creative play in several areas for all ages. Some hands-on activities have been removed for the time being, but there is still plenty to do! Admission is free on Sundays for all, Kids under 5 are always free, and Thursdays from 5-9 pm are “pay what you want”.

Metro Park Nature Centers: These all vary in substance, but many of the nature centers at the Metro Parks have things for the kids to explore and interactive exhibits, so it’s definitely checking out all of the ones around you.

Coffee Connections in Hilliard: 4004 Main Street. Hilliard, Ohio 43026
This coffee house has a separate annex space behind with more seating and a kids’ area on the second floor. The play area features comfortable seating and creative play opportunities. It’s such a fun spot for kids while you enjoy your coffee!

The play area is open anytime the cafe is open.

Grange Audubon Center: 505 W. Whittier Street, Columbus OH 43215
Small indoor play room with books, bird watching, costumes, climbing structure and cave.
Reserve your playtime! Have an adventure while engaging in imaginative play in the Grange Insurance Audubon Center Forest Room Playroom and Climbing Area! Families and playgroup pods who have been quarantining together only please. No more than 10 in the group please (infants included).

The playroom will be opened on a staggered daily schedule, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday between 10 am – 1 pm only. The climbing area will be cleaned before your arrival and wiped down upon the conclusion of your designated playtime, for your safety. For more information or to ask questions, please contact Allison Clark, Education Program Manager at allison.clark@audubon.org Register HERE!

Reservations for a party with a member is $30. Reservations for non-member groups is $40. See website for details and cancellation policies.

Grange Audubon Center also hosts small group story times and activities on-site if you wish to attend programming without reserving a playtime.

Events and more at Grange Insurance Audubon Center

The Naz Playplace in Grove City Church of the Nazarene: 4770 Hoover Road, Grove City, Ohio
Indoor playground for ages 4-11, and cafe inside the church, so you can grab lunch after the kids play. See hours on the website. Story time is held on select Tuesdays.

Vineyard Community Center: Vineyard Community Center, 6000 Cooper Rd., Westerville, OH 43081 {614}259.5500.
Playground is currently closed
Free indoor playground from 6 pm-8:30 pm M-F, 9 am-1 pm on Saturday. Ages 4-11. Call to ensure the playground is open and not being used for a church or private event.

Chick-fil-A Playgrounds: Located at Grove City, Sawmill, Polaris, Hilliard, Easton, and E. Broad.
Playgrounds are closed until further notice.
Stop for a meal or drinks and let the kids play.

McDonald’s Indoor PlayPlace: Bethel, Sawmill, Renner Rd., W. Broad, Cleveland Ave., Worthington-Galena, and Newark locations
PlayPlaces are closed until further notice.
You’ll spend a little on lunch or a drink, but you have to eat anyway.

Ohio State University Airport: 2160 West Case Road, Columbus, OH 43235
While this isn’t a play area, it’s a great place to explore! Watch planes and helicopters land and walk through the terminal. Pack a lunch or eat at Jack and Benny’s Barnstormer Restaurant.

Westerville Community Center: 350 N Cleveland Ave., Westerville, OH 43082
Free Tree Top Playground right off of the lobby which requires no membership or admission. The structure looks best suited to 2 years and up, as it’s quite high

Central Park Playland at Westerville Christian Church: 471 E College Ave, Westerville, Ohio
Large indoor play climbing structure inside of the Westerville Christian Church. Open play hours are: Mondays 1:00p – 2:30p and Tuesdays 10:00a – 11:30a. Registration is required to limit capacity to 25 (for now). Registration for the following week will open each Monday at 9:00am.

Cancellations/delays follow Westerville City Schools for weather. See Facebook page for updates and details.

Best for kids ages 3-6. If your 2/3 year old, is short, or isn’t a good climber, the structure may be hard for him or her as the climbing platforms are a bit high for that age. There is one small slide that’s good for younger age, but bigger kids will be playing on it as well. Socks required. Great option for birthday parties for just $125; book 6 months in advance as it fills quickly.

Paid Attractions and Play Cafes in Columbus

Some of the play cafes and paid attractions have shifted to a registration-based admission or private play opportunities to ensure the health and safety of their guests. The requirements can change at any time and will likely change throughout the year, so please click on the links to see the most current information.

We update occasionally, but will not always be aware of each change immediately. Help us out by dropping a comment if you see outdated information!

Better Together Playnasium: 5089 York Rd. SW, Pataskala, Ohio 43062 (inside the Cheer Force One building)
Our kids LOVED it here! Safe play space focusing on inclusion and acceptance of all children, advocating for children with special needs and spreading awareness so that young children of all abilities can grow, learn and play together.

The big gym includes larger play toys (little tykes roller coasters and ride-ons, bounce house, and so much more). The smaller play room has a giant wooden playset with tunnels, climbing, slides, hideaway spots and more. This room also has swings, an art area, and a calm down area.
Update: Open play requires registration to limit participants. Private play rental is also available. They also offer classes and special events.
See open play times and pricing here.

Better Together Playnasium

Piccadilly info@piccadillydally.com
Piccadilly has closed the brick and mortar play location (formerly in Bexley), but is still creating fun times for families. They offer classes, crafts, toys and multiple services to make life easier, and to help you connect with new friendships and with your children. Some of the new experiences include Zoom playdates, online culinary classes for ages 18 months – 13 years old, activity kits, and toys. Check out the website or Facebook for all of the new offerings.

Fun Town Play and Learn Café in Dublin: 2000 Hard Road Dublin
Reservations required! Multiple “town” play areas, plus kids can draw or color a picture to drop off at the Fun Town Post Office. Play in the workshop, or in the beauty salon. They can also earn their drivers license at the Fun Town DMV by learning traffic rules. Offers birthday parties and private events.

We Rock the Spectrum: Oak Creek Center, 1250 E Powell Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035 614-396-8773
This amazing place offers an environment full of sensory equipment that is specifically designed to aid children with sensory processing disorders while they play and form friendships with their peers of all abilities. Open play includes includes full use of the gym with all equipment (swings, crash mats and pillows, zipline, trampoline, play structure, sensory toys), and an arts & crafts section that has: beading, painting, lanyards and much more. Offers birthday parties and private events.

Momi Land
Polaris: 704 Radio Dr, Lewis Center, OH 43035, 740-201-8764
Hilliard: 3681 Park Mill Run Dr, Hilliard, OH 43026 614-363-4037
Large indoor playground facility covering 5,690 sqft of endless fun! Features include slides, merry go round, climbing structures, ball pit, trampolines, and more, plus STEM activities, arts and crafts, and storytimes. Infant area available.
Reservations aren’t required, but are recommended on weekends or other busy days. First child – $15, Each additional child – $10, Children under 12 months with a paid sibling – Free. Memberships and multiple visit passes available at a discounted price. Offers birthday parties and private events.

Fun in the Jungle: 345 McGill St, Sunbury, OH 43074
Play Place, Mini Bowling, Arcade, Mini Roller Skating, and more. The Jungle Play Place is $4-$7 all day, and includes Large Kids Play Area, Safari Kid Cars, and Toddler Soft Play Zone. The play area features multi-level play structure with many tunnels, slides, small and large punching bags, and more. Mini Bowling is additional cost, as well as arcade on weekends. Offers birthday parties and private events.

Little Arrows Play Cafe, 29 W. Church Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
Little Arrows Play Cafe is a non-profit play space for children ages 12 mos. – 8 years old and for their parents and guardians to connect over coffee or play with their children. The cafe includes climbing structures, curly slide, active projection games, creative play toys, and board games. They offer comfortable seating as well as tables to dine at. Open Tuesday through Friday 9:30am – 2pm. Birthday party reservations available.

COSI in downtown Columbus: So much fun for all ages, and Little Kidspace keeps kids 6 and under contained and entertained. Tickets are $15-$20, plus parking. Memberships available.

Central Ohio Fire Museum & Learning Center, 260 N. Fourth St., Columbus
The restored 1908 Station #16 is full of fire department history, including hand-drawn, horse-drawn & early motorized fire apparatus as well as other exciting displays. Kids will love visiting the play area, where they can dress up like firefighters, slide down a fire pole, and ride in a real firetruck cab complete with bells and sirens. There are plenty hands-on activities, and a station tour with retired firefighters. They also offer information about what to do in the event of a house fire.

Open Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adults $8, Seniors $7, and Children $6. Check Facebook page for holiday and weather closings.

Arcades

Chuck E Cheese: Arcade, games, pizza, and more. Special offers available on website.
Dublin: 2711 Martin Rd
Columbus: 3631 Soldano Blvd.

Pins Mechanical in downtown Columbus, Easton and Dublin: Duckpin bowling ($6/pp), pinball ($1/game), ping pong ($10/hr or $6/half hr), bocce ($10/hr), and foosball (50 cents/game). Patio Pong, giant Jenga, and other yard games are free. Kids are welcome until 7 pm. 21 and over after 7 pm. The Easton location has a fun (and fast!) 2 story slide!

16-Bit Arcade in downtown Columbus and Dublin: 40+ old school arcade games. All arcade games and gaming consoles are free to play — with the exception of pinball and foosball, which costs $1.
Downtown Columbus: 21+ every day, but every Sunday all ages are welcome with adult supervision (18+) from NOON-5PM for Shorty Day!
Dublin: all ages with adult supervision until 8 PM every day — All minors must be accompanied by an adult (18+). After 8 PM 16-Bit is 21+, no exceptions.

Active Fun

(pricing and hours subject to change; please verify at links before visiting)

Play: CBUS, 535 Lakeview Plaza Blvd Worthington, OH 43085

The 53,000 sq. ft. indoor adventure and entertainment center is a place for all groups and ages.

Attractions include a two-story rope course, Via Ferrata, ninja + obstacle courses, climbing + bouldering walls, and much more! There’s fun for younger kids too! Plus, a restaurant and bar onsite – with great food!

Open Wednesday – Sunday. NEW DISCOUNT! Get 1/2 price admission on Wednesdays from 4-10 pm!

Play: CBUS
photo: Columbus on the Cheap

Ninja Citi, 2620 Sawmill Place Blvd Columbus, OH 43235

30k square feet facility featuring 12 ninja courses, 5 warped walls, rock wall, parkour arena, and ninja training classes. Courses and obstacles are available for kids 46 inches and up, from beginner to expert levels. All obstacles are rotated regularly to give you new experiences each time you visit!

You can purchase a one hour open gym, all day pass, or 10 hour Ninja punch card. Classes, competitions, and parties are also available for booking.

source: Ninja Citi

Urban Air Adventure Park Dublin, 7679 Dublin-Plain City Road Dublin, OH 43016

Trampoline and Adventure park features Indoor Playground, Sky Rider, Warrior Course, Ropes Course, and MORE.

Three levels of tickets are available for various attractions during open play. Discounts for 5 and under as well as parent passes. Reservations recommended in advance; walk-ins are subject to availability and capacity. Membership and birthday party bookings are available as well.

Get Air Columbus, 3708 Fishinger Blvd Hilliard, OH 43026

Get Air Trampoline Park features wall to wall trampolines, dodgeball, ninja courses, foam pit, kiddie court, slamball, and more. Birthday parties are available for booking. Open jump times available everyday. See special events below (subject to change at any time).

Toddler Time: Tuesday and Thursday – 10 AM to Noon, Sunday – 9 AM to 11 AM. Price – $8.99 for two hours, one parent jumps free. Kids under 46″ only.
Club Air: Friday and Saturday 9 PM to close. 2 Hours for $15 or 3 Hours for $20. Join us every Friday and Saturday night from 9 PM to close for a night of dance music, fun with your friends, and JUMPING on trampolines!
Family Day: Monday All Day. Bring the whole family to the park to jump and play together! Families of four to ten get 20% off their jump time (socks are not included in the discount.)
Twice the Time: Tuesday All Day. Get two hours of jump time for the price of one hour. It’s like getting an hour of jumping free! (cannot be split between two people)
Student Day: Wednesday All Day. Whether you’re a homeschool student, private school or public school student, jump in on Wednesday and get 20% off with a valid student ID.

Movement Lab Ohio, 7086 Huntley Rd Columbus, OH 43240

Movement Lab Ohio offers fun and challenging parkour and Ninja Warrior classes for kids and adults, as well as open gyms, adaptive ninja events, family open gyms, and more. Memberships and birthday parties are available, as well as elite obstacle course training opportunities.

Drop-in’s are available for most classes and open gyms. Family open gyms allow for ages 3 and up to participate together. Each family unit must have at least two people, including one adult participating. Drop in pricing is discounted for family open gyms.

Underground Wars, 102 1/2 E. Main St., Newark, Ohio

Underground Wars is a family-friendly indoor AIRSOFT arena filled with a fast-paced, action-packed course. They also offer NERF wars for kids of all ages. Join in an open play time, or plan a private party.

Airsoft open play is held on the weekends for ages 12+. Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday 2 pm – 8 pm. $19 with your own equipment, $39 for open play with basic rental gear.
Family Night Nerf Wars, $12/ person, Friday Night from 6-9 pm.

The Bounce Club in Powell, 3967 Presidential Parkway, Powell, OH 43065
Big Bounce, 1645 Gateway Circle, Grove City, OH 43123
2 large rooms of trampolines built into the floor and 2 foam pits. See website for open play hours for different ages. Pricing is $10 per hour and up, $8.50 for siblings. They also offer fitness classes, mommy & me, kids night out, and teen jump.

Rockin’ Jump Dublin, 5625 Shier Rings Road, Dublin, OH 43016
29,000+ square feet of attractions including Open Jump Arena, Vertigo Climbing, Wipe Out, Ninja Course, Zip-Line, Dodgeball Arena, Warped Wall, Slam Dunk Zone, Bungee and more are included in the Dublin park. New attractions will be coming in the upcoming year. One hour of jumping starts at $12-$16. Memberships start at $25.99 a month, which includes 60 minutes of jump time daily plus a special sibling offer at $19.99. Other discounts include Family Nights, Neon Jump Night, Rockin’ Tots (up to 6 years old), and other discount days.

5.Life facilities and Vertical Adventures
Open Hours are a fun way to check out rock climbing. All first-time visitors receive FREE Day Passes every Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday including all gear. Day Passes can be purchased at some locations. Parents who want to learn more about managing the ropes can take a Rope 101 class; there are options available, one that includes an instructor to climb with the kids. They also offer Rock Climbing classes for kids, summer camps, and climbing clinics.

Open Gym at Integrity Gymnastics in Plain City, 8185 Business Way, Plain City, Ohio 43064
Open gyms for Toddlers/Preschoolers, and for ages 6-16 every week. Check website for schedule changes. Cost is $5-$10.

Gym Skills in Gahanna: 710 Cross Pointe Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
Preschool Area, Foam Pit Gym Area, Tumble Trak, and Juice Bar and Pro Shop. Stay and Play is for kids walking and up (sectioned off for younger kids), $8-$12 non-members Open Gym is for ages 6 and up to work on whatever skills they want. Cost: $12-$15. Reservations required.

Recreation Outlet: 484 W Olentangy St, Powell, OH 43065
Enjoy all of the fun of going to a park – but stay inside! The huge indoor showroom features a huge variety of playsets, trampolines, basketball courts and more. Pay-to-Play on Mon-Fri is $9 for 2 hours, Sat-Sun and school holidays is $12 for 2 hours. Charitable Play is Tuesday-Thursday: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m with a $4 donation per child per visit.

Magic Mountain in Polaris and Reynoldsburg:
KidsGym Playland climbing structure for Ages 3 and older: $8. Arcade games, laser tag, adventure golf, and more, as well as food available.

Lazer Kraze in Gahanna: 5524 N. Hamilton Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
Laser Tag, Inflatables (Lewis Center), Trampoline Park (Gahanna), Arcade and more. Pricing for individual attractions on site; check specials tab for deals.

Galaxy Golf & Games: 3700 Interchange Rd, Columbus, OH 43204
FunGym with 3 levels of tubes and slides big enough for parents to accompany their children. Fun gym is $2.99-$4.99 per person. They also offer adventure golf, fun golf, arcade, and more. Currently closed for repairs as of May 2021; check link for updates.

Glow Putt Mini Golf in Gahanna, 161 Granville St, Gahanna, OH 43230
Indoor glow-in-the-dark putt putt. Pricing is $5 and up. We love this place!

Ice Skating

You don’t have to brave the frigid temps with these indoor ice skating rinks.

Chiller Ice Rinks in Easton, Lewis Center, Dublin and Downtown: Check public skate times and pricing for each location.

The Ohio State University Ice Rink, 390 Woody Hayes Drive, Columbus. Phone: (614)292-4154
Public admission is $6, skate rental is $3.

Lou & Gibb Reese Ice Arena, 936 Sharon Valley Rd, Newark. Phone: (740) 349-6784
Admission $3-$6, skate rental is $3.

Bowling

Star Lanes Polaris, 8655 Lyra Drive, Columbus
Rule (3), 650 Windmiller Dr., Pickerington
Columbus Square Bowling Palace, 5707 Forest Hills Blvd., Columbus
AMF Sawmill Lanes, 4825 Sawmill Road, Columbus
Gahanna Bowling and Family Fun Center, 215 W. Johnstown, Gahanna
Ten Pin Alley, 5499 Ten Pin Alley, Hilliard
Holiday Lanes, 4589 E Broad St, Columbus
Rollhouse Entertainment, 500 Georgesville Road, Columbus
HP Lanes, 2012 Innis Rd. Columbus
Sequoia Pro Bowl, 5501 Sandalwood Blvd, Columbus
Plain City Lanes, 325 South Jefferson, Plain City
Penn Lanes, 451 Pennsylvania Avenue, Delaware
Park Lanes 701 Hopewell Dr, Heath
Dragon Lanes 1189 Columbus Ave, Marysville
Madison Lanes 690 N Main St, London
Tiki Bowling Lanes 1521 Tiki Lane, Lancaster

Some of these bowling alleys participate in the Kids Bowl Free program, so kids can bowl up to 2 free games everyday throughout late spring and summer. See details here!

Sign up for Kids Bowl Free this Summer

Roller Skating

Skate America in Grove City: Great pricing and plenty of discounts through the year

Skate Zone 71 near Morse Rd: Tons of skate parties with character visits. Little kids skate is on Saturday mornings. There are also discounted days, young teen nights, and adult nights.

United Skates of America on Refugee Rd: Lots of family skate and discount days.

Indoor Swimming

Dublin Community Recreation Center ($6-$15 for daily admission) 5600 Post Road, Dublin. Lazy river, zero entry for area, waterslides, and more. Check link for leisure pool hours.

Worthington Community Center ($5-$8, free under 3) 345 E. Wilson Bridge Rd., Worthington, OH 43085, Ph: (614) 436-2743. Great option for little kids with zero entry, little kids slide, plus lazy river and vortex and larger slides. Check link for leisure pool hours.

Westerville Community Center ($5-$12) Westerville Community Center also has a climbing wall (fees required), and a great, free indoor playground for kids off of the lobby. 350 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville, OH 43082, Phone: (614) 901-6500. Pool features shallow area, lazy river, fountains, slides, and more. Check link for leisure pool hours.

Mall play areas and Stores with play areas

In store and mall play areas may be closed until further notice

Polaris Fashion Place: 1500 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240
The zoo themed play space is great for kids under 5 years old. There’s only one point of entry, and seating around the play area. Reopened as of June 14, 2021!

The Mall at Tuttle Crossing: 5043 Tuttle Crossing Blvd, Dublin, OH 43016
The STEAM-themed kids area is on the lower level near JCPENNEY. The area features stations focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. There are fewer options for climbing, jumping, and running off energy than some play areas, but there are engaging activities that most kids will enjoy. There is a separated STEAM, Jr. section for kids 3 and under with soft blocks and other activities. The Food Court entrance is the best entrance to use for the play area.

LEGO Store at Easton: 4004 Gramercy St, Columbus, OH 43219
LEGO lovers can play with a lego table set up inside the store, as well as other hands-on activities

United Art & Education in Hilliard: 3622 Fishinger Blvd., Hilliard, OH 43026
Play area in the front of the store

Pottery Barn Kids in Polaris: 1500 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240
Toys for kids to play with, plus story times on Tuesday and other special events through the year.

Whole Foods Stores: Upper Arlington, Easton, Dublin/Columbus,
Small play areas in the store cafe areas.

Barnes & Noble: Sawmill, Upper Arlington, Lennox, Polaris, Easton, and Pickerington
Store usually have trains or blocks set out for kids, or they can look at books. Area stores all host story times and special events.
Update: All/most events and storytimes are virtual for the time.

Jared – Galleria Of Jewelry Morse Crossing: 4159 Morse Crossing, Columbus, Ohio 43219
While this isn’t a place to take your kids JUST to play, if you are looking at jewelry, or getting repairs on inspections, there is a kids play area with a climbing structure.

Drop-in Programs and Open Gyms

Drop-in programs are currently suspended. Check the links below to see if virtually or registration-based programming is available.

Toddler Time at Westerville Community Center, not currently scheduled: For kids kindergarten age and under and their parents, $3 admission. Wide variety of large and fine motor skills equipment will be available, plus arts and crafts.

Pee Wee Play Gym at Westerville Community Center, Select Fridays at 9:30 am: 3-year-olds and under with parent, Drop In Rate: $3. Wide variety of large and fine motor skills equipment to play with.

Preschool Open Gym at Dublin Rec Center, Select Fridays at 9 am. For ages 6 months – 6 years, $3 per child. The gym is set up with age appropriate toys and equipment for you and your child to play and have a safe, fun time. The program is currently bring held virtually.

Crafts and Activities

Michael’s offers Kids Club where kids can do weekly craft projects for just $2, plus Make Break events through the year with lots of slime-making and other fun activities. Purchase may be required. Currently virtual or suspended.

Lakeshore Learning stores have free crafts on Saturdays from 11 am – 3 pm. Currently suspended.

Home Depot Kids Workshops are held currently a take-home activity. Check the Home Depot site for dates, times, and schedule projects and help teach your kids about safety and building.

Gateway Family Film Center hosts Hoot Family Film Series on the last Saturday of the month featuring crafts, short films, music by the Shazzbots, and more for donation of canned goods. Currently on hold.

Take a little drive for one of these attractions

Altitude Trampoline Park, Indian Mound Mall, 771 S. 30th St., Heath, OH 43056 (740) 915-4045
This huge brand new trampoline park is awesome for all ages! In addition to the wall to wall trampoline court, they also have a warped wall, Ninja course, wipeout spinning wheel, tumble tracks, interactive jumping games, foam pits, moving balance beam and joust beam, and more! There’s a separate Kids Court for kids ages 6 and under with trampolines, foam pits, climbing wall/slide, and more!

Dawes Arboretum in Newark, 7770 Jacksontown Rd. SE, Newark, Ohio 43056
The Discovery Center is located in the lower level of the Visitor’s Center and has hands-on nature activities, puzzles, books, a working beehive (visible from inside), turtles, a snake, and an amazing Bird Watching Garden where you can watch a variety of birds, see chipmunks play, and may even spot a cat wandering around. If you’re there on a nice day, wander through the Storytime Trail outside of the Center, where you’ll read a page of a story at each stop along the trail. This is a fantastic place to get some exercise with a stroller on a nice day (lots of hills, wooded/shaded paths) and enjoy a picnic after you’re done too, so you can easily fill a couple of hours.

Note: Dawes Arboretum now charges admission of $10 per person per visit, or $60 family admission yearly pass. You can check out passes from the Licking County Library. Visitor center currently closed.

The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology in Newark, 55 S. 1st Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
Like a mini-COSI, there are plenty of interactive exhibits for all ages focusing on scientific, technological or artistic topics, driving simulators, invent lab to build and take apart, as well as a little kids area that features creative play with pretend produce and ice cream stands, puppet stage, science lab, firetruck, train table, and much more. There are also history and art exhibits and a few outdoor features including an Interurban Railway Car to check out.

The size isn’t overwhelming and you can check everything out and play in just a couple of hours. Kids 2-16 are $6 and adults are $10; COSI members get 1/2 off with COSI card via reciprocal benefits. Closed Sunday and Monday, offers free Curious Kids programs on Tuesday at 10:30AM with crafts and other fun based around a theme.

AHA! Children’s Museum in Lancaster, 1708 River Valley Circle South, Lancaster, OH, 43130, 740-653-1010
4,000 square foot, adventure space featuring more than 30 hands-on exhibits and activities for children of all ages! $6 per person, open Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm, and on Sunday, November through March only 12-4 pm. On nice days, check out the amazing new outdoor area!

Little Buckeye Children’s Museum in Mansfield, 44 W 4th St, Mansfield, OH 44902
Exhibits in the arts, sciences, transportation, and imagination play for ages 2-12. See website for hours. Admission is $8 for 2 and up. There are 2 floors of imaginative fun, and many different themed sections that kids will enjoy.

When you’re done at Little Buckeye Children’s Museum, walk one block to the Richland Carousel Park for a few spins on the beautiful hand-carved carousel. Ride tickets are just $1, and are less expensive when you buy more.

SPI Sciece Play Initiative in Mount Vernon, 400 South Main Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
Non-profit, local play space with a focus on science and technology, located in the Kenyon College Wright Center (400 S. Main Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio). Visits are by appointment only. Admission is $4; memberships (monthly and annually) available.

Mighty Children’s Museum in Chillicothe, 21 East 4th Street, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
Creative development exhibits and stations while allowing for self-directed learning for building creativity, divergent thinking, problem solving, and the ability to innovate. Open Wednesday – Sundays; admission is $6. Exhibits are ideal for ages 8 and under.

Want more? Sign up of daily email updates of upcoming events (one or less per day), and/or like our Facebook page to see updates there (just know that Facebook doesn’t make every post visible to each follower).

Don’t forget to check out the birthday freebies for kids (and you!), and take advantage of some great offers during birthday months!

Kids Eat Free (or cheap) in Columbus

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