This list of indoor play areas and play cafes in Columbus will keep you sane this winter!
I can’t remember anything like play cafes existing when I was a kid! And mostly I know, deep down inside, these places were invented for the adults more than the kids. 😉
Play cafes offer everything that’s good about an at-home play date minus everything that could go wrong. Nothing can get broken, there’s room to run, you don’t have to prepare a meal and you get to have a half-way decent conversation with your mom-friend while the kids are entertained!
Sadly, many of what we think of as traditional “play cafes” did not survive the pandemic of 2020. I’ve updated this list to reflect current openings.
Updated: April 6, 2023
Play Cafes and Indoor Play Areas in Columbus:
After reading this list, don’t forget to check out 6 Free or Cheap Indoor Places for Kids to Run Wild in Columbus or my list of Over 20 Free Indoor Play Areas in Columbus.
Disclaimer: several of the play cafes listed here hosted my family to aid in the completion of this list. *Please make sure to check individual website links as hours of operation, special features and pricing may change with the seasons!*
1. Recreations Outlet
Location: 484 W. Olentangy/Powell Rd., Powell, Ohio 43065
Phone: 614-792-3700
Features: 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: $9/child, Weekends: $12, School Holidays: $12/child
How to Save: Charitable Play hours, Tuesday-Thursday from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. for just $4/child.
More Details: See $2 Tuesdays: Recreations Outlet, Columbus Zoo and Tacos!
2. Blue Monkey Parties and Events
Location: 13260 National Rd SW, Etna, OH 43068
Phone: 614-828-8236
Features: Mostly available for parties, the center offers bounce houses and basketball hoops for open play hours.
Price: $10/child during open play hours
How to Save: Keep an eye on social media for special events and deals.
3. little kidspace at COSI
Location: 333 West Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-228-2674
Features: Within COSI, kids 1st grade and under can play in the little kidspace on the second floor. This huge space includes water play, an art studio, imaginative play area including farm stand, house, barn and truck. Other play area features a medical theme with a doctor’s office, ambulance, helicopter and more!
Price: $25 for those age 13 and up, $20 for kids age 2-12, kids under 2 are free. Price includes admission to the entire museum.
How to Save: A membership is a must here to save money. While there are several membership levels, the Basic Family membership is $179/year. If you live in or relatively near Columbus, you could conceivably come here once a week, making your cost per visit around $3 for the whole family!
4. The FunGym at Galaxy Golf and Games – temporarily closed for repairs as of 4/5/22
Location: 3700 Interchange Rd., Columbus, OH 43204
Phone: 614-351-8400
Features: The whole facility includes mini-golf, an arcade, party rooms and a FunGym. The FunGym includes ball pits, climbing, slides, tunnels and more. There is also a toddler area with a play house, ball pit and ride-on toys.
Price: Ages 1-2: $2.99, Ages 3-10: $4.99
How to Save: Combos are available to include golf (seasonal) and the arcade. A Pizza Fun Deal features a large cheese pizza, pitcher, 15 tokens and a choice of two admissions to FunGym or Golf.
5. Fun Town Play and Learn Cafe
Location: 2000 Hard Road, Columbus Ohio 43235
Phone: 614-285-7503
Features: A town-themed play area including a pet store, gas station, grocery store and more! The space also hosts parents night out activities, parties and Spanish classes. A cafe with drinks and snacks is also available! The space is also available for birthday parties!
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays the indoor play area is available by reservation!
Price: Reservations for up to 6 kids is $50 for 1.5 hours.
How to Save: Go in on a reservation with a friend or two and the cost is less than $10/kid.
6. Momi Land
Locations: 704 Radio Dr, Lewis Center, OH 43035 and 3681 Park Mill Run Dr, Hilliard, OH, 43026
Phone: 1-740-201-8764
Features: A ball pit with slides and an obstacle course play area, trampolines, foam pit, a play kitchen and market area, a mini carousel and a play area for babies!
This is a super modern play area with a commitment to cleanliness! This is the only play cafe (besides IKEA) with a ball cleaner and those balls get cleaned at least once a week! There is a party room for up to 25 kids available for rent and a break room for eating snacks or lunch. This is a peanut free facility.
Recommended for kids up through age 8, adults and kids alike must wear socks inside the play area. Trampoline socks are available for purchase for children if you need them and adults can wear regular socks.
Price: $15 for the first child, $10 for each additional child. Children under 2 are $10 and children under 12 months with a paid sibling are free.
How to Save: Buy a 10 pack of visits for $129 or purchase a membership for $49/month for the first child, $29/month for the second child and $10/month for each additional child. Or choose an annual membership that starts at $199/year for the first child and $100 for each additional child.
7. We Rock the Spectrum
Location: 1250 E Powell Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Phone: 614-396-8773
Features: Open play in a sensory-safe gym featuring therapy equipment, arts and crafts, toys, a zip line and more!
We Rock the Spectrum is an inclusive facility with services that include children of all ability levels. Kids with autism or special needs will benefit from the therapy equipment and also have fun!
Price: Open play drop in price is $14/child.
How to Save: Toddler Thursdays offer a special rate for kids age 1-4. Price as of April 2023 is $10/child.
Open Play Memberships offer the following discounts:
- Rock Basic: 5 visits for $55
- Rock Gold: 12 visits for $120
- Rock All Day: 5 visits for $75
- Rock Platinum: Unlimited (3 children max) for $175
*Please make sure to check individual website links as hours of operation, special features and pricing may change with the seasons!
Need even more ideas? Try 100 Fun Things to do in Columbus, Ohio
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ICYMI: 3 Places I Love to Take My Kids in Columbus: Malini Swank
James
Monday 29th of April 2019
A new place called Momi Land opened in Lewis Center. Their website is Momiland.com. It's super clean with ball pit, slides, trampolines, climb walls and much more.
Bill
Thursday 21st of March 2019
I didn't see We rock the Spectrum in Lewis Center. Open play for all children but they are operated by a non profit for ASD children and designed with the same in mind. Highly recommended for anyone though.
Julie Miller
Thursday 21st of March 2019
I'll have to add them! Thank you!
Jennifer Gordon
Tuesday 12th of March 2019
Tuttle Mall looks to have a new play Cafe on the second level. I think it's called Ja'Laes Jungle Gym!
Julie Miller
Tuesday 19th of March 2019
I saw that recently! Thanks for the tip! :)
Gisselle Baci
Wednesday 8th of November 2017
Love this! Thanks so much! I had no idea there were this many play cafes in Columbus! Now to tackle this list!
Julie Miller
Saturday 11th of November 2017
You're welcome! :) Have fun exploring!