These 6 indoor play areas offer free or inexpensive options for getting out all that pent up energy when it’s cold or rainy!
6 Free or Cheap Indoor Playgrounds in Columbus
There are lots of places to play inside in Columbus – for that we are extremely thankful come winter! So many of them are free (see a list of over 20 here!) and we also have our fair share of fun play cafes (see a complete list here!) but this list is about places where kids can really run and play – places for LARGE muscle movement and getting out all the pent up energy that threatens to explode after being stuck inside in sub zero temperatures!
As my kids transition from toddler play to big kid play, I’m finding the answer to What Should We Do Today? requires a little closer assessment of their current energy level. There are lots of things we could do indoors, but some days they really need a space where they can run, jump, slide and climb!
These 6 places accomplish just that and, if you play your cards right, they don’t break the bank! 😉 All of these places are FREE or less (some way less) than $8/kid!
Free Indoor Playgrounds in Columbus:
1. Central Park at Westerville Christian Church
471 E. College Ave., Westerville, OH 43081, 614-891-6842
This play area is open mid September through May: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM – 11:25 AM, Saturdays 10:00 AM – 11:30AM. It has an indoor climbing area including slides and a rock climbing area. Shoes must be removed for play!
Price: Free!
2. The Naz Playplace
4770 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123, 614-305-2034
This indoor play area has lots of opportunity for climbing, sliding and large muscle movement! Shoes must be removed and socks worn for play. Socks can be purchased for $1. There is a story time with crafts on Tuesday mornings! You can also register online before your first visit to save time! Outside the play area there is a cafe where you can purchase food and lots of seating!
Hours are: Sun: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Price: Free!
Cheap Indoor Playgrounds in Columbus:
3. Recreations Outlet
484 W. Olentangy/Powell Rd., Powell, Ohio 43065, 614-792-3700
This play equipment showroom features an area for kids to play during select hours. It includes large indoor play area features play equipment like slides, swings, climbing, etc., small soccer field, basketball hoops, play houses, trampolines and more.
Price: Monday-Friday: $7/child ages 1 and up for 2 hours of play, Weekends: $10/child ages 1 and up for 2 hours of play, School Holidays: $10/child ages 1 and up for 2 hours of play. Charitable play happens on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM for a donation of $4/child. Donations are given to local non-profit organizations.
More Details: See $2 Tuesdays: Recreations Outlet, Columbus Zoo and Tacos!
4. Galaxy Games and Golf
3700 Interchange Rd., Columbus, OH 43204, 614-351-8400
The FunGym at Galaxy Games and Golf includes ball pits, climbing, slides, tunnels and more. There is also a toddler area with a play house, ball pit and ride-on toys. The whole facility also includes mini-golf, an arcade and party rooms.
Price: Ages 1-2: $2.99, Ages 3-10: $4.99
5. KidsGym Playland at Magic Mountain
Polaris: 8350 Lyra Drive, Columbus, OH 43240, East: 5890 Scarborough Blvd., Columbus, OH 43232, Polaris: 614-840-9600 East: 614-892-3335
Besides all of the outdoor activities and arcade, Magic Mountain offers an indoor KidsGym Playland. (These pictures are from the Polaris location.) The Playland is for kids 58 inches and under and includes a climbing gym with interactive elements and smaller climbing elements for toddlers.
Price: Ages 3 and up: $5 on weekdays and $6.50 on weekends Kids under age 3: $3 Toddler Thursdays: $2.50/child from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Labor Day through Memorial Day you can purchase a season pass for $35/person ($15 for additional siblings). Pass offers admission 7 days a week plus special discounts on additional add ons such as $1 off a kids combo meal.
6. Fun in the Jungle
345 McGill St., Sunbury, OH 43074, 740-913-0692
Inside Fun in the Jungle there is a large indoor play area, toddler soft play zone, mini bowling, virtual reality games, cafe with food and drinks, arcade games and room for parties. There are special needs sensory hours on the first Sunday of each month.
Price: Play place (for ages 0-10): $7/child for all day, Kids 2 and under are $2 during the week and $4 on the weekend, Additional costs for bowling, arcade and virtual reality. Keep an eye on their social media pages for specials throughout the week!
Save this post on Pinterest!
Use the share buttons to share this post with your friends!
Need more ideas? Check out Over 100 Fun Things to do in Columbus, Ohio
You may also like:
Over 20 Free Indoor Play Areas in Columbus