When the weather turns chilly, it can feel impossible to keep little ones entertained. But you don’t have to break the bank or brave the cold to enjoy family fun! Columbus has plenty of free indoor activities that are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged kids. Here are eight favorites that locals love:
1. Central Park Playland
471 E. College Avenue Westerville, Ohio. Central Park is an indoor Playland for children ages 3 – 12 years old and is open for private party reservations and open play. Learn more here.
- Ages: 3 – 12 years old
- Hours: Tuesday from 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for open play!
2. Coffee Connections
4004 Main Street Hilliard, Ohio. Coffee Connections pairs a cozy café with a kid-friendly play area. Parents can sip coffee, connect with friends, and watch their little ones explore safely indoors. Learn more here.
- Ages: 9 and younger
- Hours: Monday 7 AM–4 PM, Tuesday 7 AM–4 PM, Wednesday 7 AM–4 PM, Thursday 7 AM–8 PM, Friday 7 AM–4 PM, Saturday 7 AM–4 PM, Sunday – Closed
3. Graeter’s Bethel
2136 Bethel Road Columbus, Ohio. Grab a scoop while your kids enjoy this one-of-a-kind ice cream-themed play area! Learn more here.
- Ages: 9 and younger
- Hours: Monday 10:00am – 10:00pm, Tuesday 10:00am – 10:00pm, Wednesday 10:00am – 10:00pm, Thursday 10:00am – 10:00pm, Friday 10:00am – 11:00pm, Saturday 10:00am – 11:00pm, Sunday 11:00am – 10:00pm
4. Grange Insurance Audubon Center
505 W Whittier Street Columbus, Ohio. The Forest Playroom features a 2 story climbing structure, a puppet show/discovery tunnel, and puppets and toys for little nature explorers to use. Costumes can also be checked out at the front desk to be used in this space as well. Learn more here.
- Ages: ideal for toddlers and preschool-aged children
- Hours: Monday – CLOSED, Tuesday 10am – 4:30pm, Wednesday 10am – 4:30pm, Thursday 10am – 4:30pm, Friday 10am – 4:30pm, Saturday 10am – 4:30pm, Sunday 12:00pm-4:30pm
5. Local Libraries
Libraries aren’t just for reading! Many Columbus libraries have story times, play areas, and interactive activities. They’re perfect for quiet indoor days and encourage a love of learning from a young age.
- Alexandria Public Library
- Bexley Public Library
- Columbus Metropolitan Library
- Delaware County District Library
- Fairfield County District Library
- Grandview Heights Public Library
- Granville Public Library Association
- London Public Library
- Marysville Public Library
- Pataskala Public Library
- Pickaway County District Library
- Pickerington Public Library
- Plain City Public Library
- Southwest Public Libraries
- Upper Arlington Public Library
- Wagnalls Memorial Library
- Westerville Public Library
- Worthington Libraries
6. Metro Parks Nature Centers
Columbus Metro Parks’ nature centers are indoor gems. They offer interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and sometimes even craft activities. It’s a wonderful way to bring the outdoors inside without braving the cold. Learn more here.
- Battelle Darby Creek – 1415 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, Ohio
- April to September: 9am to 8pm
October to March: 9am to 6pm
- April to September: 9am to 8pm
- Blacklick Woods – 6975 E Livingston Ave, Reynoldsburg, Ohio
- April to September: 9am to 8pm
October to March: 9am to 6pm
- April to September: 9am to 8pm
- Blendon Woods – 4265 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio
- April to September: 9am to 8pm
October to March: 9am to 6pm
- April to September: 9am to 8pm
- Highbanks – 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, Ohio
- April to September: 9am to 8pm
October to March: 9am to 6pm
- April to September: 9am to 8pm
7. The Naz Playplace
4770 Hoover Rd, Grove City, Ohio. The Naz Playplace was created as a welcoming space for community and connection. Learn more here.
- Ages: 3 – 12 years old
- Hours: Monday – Friday : 10AM-2PM, Wednesday: 10AM-2PM & 5PM-6:30PM, Saturday: 10AM-4PM, Sunday: 11AM-1PM
8. Polaris Fashion Place
1500 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, Ohio. Take a break from shopping and let your little one enjoy some fun in the zoo-themed Play Area located on the Lower Level. Learn more here.
- Ages: Open to all children 48 inches and under
- Hours: 11AM-7PM
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