Winter in Ohio means finding creative ways to plug through the cold snap until we see the light of spring. Here are some great indoor activities around the state that are fun for the family and burn off some of that extra energy.
Indoor Science
The cold air outside has given me a great excuse to check out the new planetarium now open at COSI Columbus and some of the new movies showing on the Giant Screen. COSI offers endless ways to stay warm and have fun with hands-on exhibits that explore everything from energy and oceans to engineering and science demonstrations. The seasonally changing exhibits give you plenty of new reasons to return.
Science lovers in northern Ohio can enjoy Imagination Station in Toledo which has touring exhibits throughout the year and hundreds of engaging activities for kids of all ages.
Indoor recreation
Why not hone your skills at tennis, golf or swimming by taking advantage of lessons or public hours at one of Ohio’s many community recreation centers. Nearly every city has one, and if your community does not, check the nearest city to you.
Indoor Play
There are indoor play facilities throughout the state dedicated to working off a little energy. For example, Scene75 is an entertainment center in Dayton that features everything from mini bowling and laser tag to go karts and sand volleyball. There is even something called a Chaos Room which features 15 foot high, hi-definition screens for big time (literally) gaming.
Rinky Dink Family Fun Center in Medina is the prefect alternative to playing outside. With separate areas that feature a climbing playground, arcade, toddler’s area and inflatable play, kids of all age ranges have their own areas to explore.
Entertainment Junction is the world’s largest indoor train layout with more than 25,000 square feet of model train displays. The A-Maze-N Funhouse is another feature that will challenge your mind as you find your way through five elaborate mazes. The mirror maze and the curtain maze are two of my favorites.
Indoor Skating (Ice and Roller)
I hit the Chiller Ice Rink in Columbus to brush up on my ice skating skills. It is a fun and comfortable way to enjoy a chilly day—indoors! Most rinks offer public skate times for families so you can go when the mood strikes and stay for as long as you like. The Chiller operates five ice rinks in Columbus.
If you want to skate outdoors, head to the U.S. Bank Ice Rink at Cincinnati’s Fountain Square. It’s easy to make an afternoon or evening out of it with so many food vendors right on-site. In Northeast Ohio there are nearly 20 venues for ice skating with a convenient directory to find a location near you.
Roller rinks like United Skates of America and Skate Zone 71 in Columbus keep regular public skate hours in addition to special events. Brookpark Skateland in Northern Ohio is the state’s largest roller skating venue with a 53 year history of entertaining families.
To find an ice rink or roller rink in your Ohio community, check out rinktime.com.
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