Map of Rainy Day Things to Do

Indoor Playgrounds

Indoor playgrounds are designed to keep children amused in any weather conditions, too hot, too cold, or too wet, these are the places to take the kids for extreme fun!

Urban Air

Urban Air is an indoor trampoline park with so much fun for the kids and relaxation areas for the parents. There are nine Urban Air locations in Ohio with a variety of attractions, such as ziplining, rope climbing, and, of course, trampolines.

• Check out our article about Urban Air Dublin!

Open the drop-down list for all locations, addresses, and websites:

Scene75

Scene75 is an indoor entertainment center with four locations in Ohio. Attractions vary by location, but there is a games arcade, go karts, mini golf, and food options at all locations.

• Check out our article about Scene75 Columbus!

Open the drop-down box for a list of locations, addresses, and websites.

Acres of Fun

Acres of Fun is an indoor playground for the whole family to enjoy. Attractions include go-karts, bumper boats, spider jump, roller skating, batting cages, laser tag, mini golf, and much more. There is a restaurant with drinks, ice cream, nachos, hamburgers, pizza, etc.

• Address: 3889 Friendsville Rd, Wooster, Ohio 44691
• Phone: 330-345-4386 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ghostly Manor Thrill Center

Ghostly Manor Thrill Center is open year-round with fun and games for all ages, including XD 4D theater, laser maze, escape room, VR gaming, bounce houses, and an open play area.

The haunted house is not recommended for children under 10 as it is truly scary!

• Address: 3319 Milan Rd, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
• Phone: 419-626-4467 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Jump & Jack’s

Jump & Jack’s main focus is on children aged 12 and under. There are toddler play areas for the younger ones, and inflatables for bouncing, climbing, sliding, and jumping. Jack’s Playground is a huge area featuring tunnels, fast slides, climbing structures, and more.

• Address: 7102 Office Park Drive, West Chester, Ohio 45069
• Phone: 513-779-5867 | Website | Facebook

Dig ‘N Play

The Play Structure has a 4-lane racing slide, a zip line, and a see-through twisty slide. The Sand Table encourages kids to think, interact, and explore. A large selection of inflatables. Drinks, including coffee and wine, are available on-site.

• Address: 9405 Cincinnati Columbus Rd (Rt 42), West Chester, Ohio 45069
• Phone: 513-847-1055 | Website | Facebook

Museums

A selection of museums with interactive exhibits and learning activities can be found in Ohio. Make learning fun with a visit to any of these locations!

Dayton Airforce Museum

The National Museum of the US Air Force is the world’s largest military aviation museum. With interactive flight simulators and a lot of space-related exhibits, the kids will love to spend a morning or afternoon here!

• Address: 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, Ohio 45433
• Phone: 937-255-3286 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Check out our article about the Dayton Airforce Museum!

Castle Noel

Castle Noel is a year-round indoor Christmas museum in Medina. Experience the Blizzard Vortex, Santa’s Chimney Squeeze, and ride a slide. It snows inside, and you can see the 25-foot animated Christmas tree.

• Address: 260 S. Court St, Medina, Ohio 44256
• Phone: 330-721-6635 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Check out our article about Castle Noel!

Legoland Discovery Center

Legoland Discovery Center is in Columbus and is a full day of fun for all Lego-loving kids! With more than 12 attractions, Lego-building fun, and Lego characters to meet.

• Address: 157 Easton Town Center, Columbus, Ohio 43219
• Phone: 614-407-7721 | Website | Facebook | Instagram  

COSI – Center of Science and Industry

The Center of Science and Industry in Columbus has interactive exhibits with themes such as Energy Explorers, Gadgets, Life, and Ocean. There are event exhibits that are shown for a short time too. This is an educational and fun experience that can take up a full day.

• Address: 333 West Broad St, Columbus, Ohio 433215
• Phone: 614-228-2674 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Candyland Children’s Museum

Candyland Children’s Museum is aimed at younger kids. It has three floors of exhibits and activities such as a water table, a race track, a wind tube, and a ball track. There is an area specifically for babies, and so much more.

• Address: 202 Market St, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
• Phone:740-876-8987 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Indoor Water Parks

Indoor water parks are great fun year-round. We have picked out the two largest to feature here.

Kalahari Resort

Kalahari Resort is the largest indoor water park in the country and is based in Sandusky. Facilities include a spa for adults only, a lazy river, a toddler play area, a surf simulator, and a swim-up bar. There is also an arcade, an escape room, and a 7-D theater.

• Address: 7000 Kalahari Dr, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
• Phone: 877-525-2427 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge have two locations in Ohio. Each location has different attractions, but both are an ideal day out for the whole family. Each has dining options.

• Mason Address:  2501 Great Wolf Dr, Mason, Ohio 45040
• Phone: 800-913-9653 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Sandusky Address: 4600 Milan Rd, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
• Phone: 800-641-9653 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

More Indoor Fun

The two locations in this section simply do not fall into the above categories!

Alien Vacation Mini Golf

Alien Vacation Mini Golf is a blacklight 3D mini golf and sci-fi movie museum in Medina. Grab a ball and club and play 18 holes of freaky blacklight mini golf in 3D! Wear the 3D glasses to make it extra memorable as you explore an alien landscape. There are 12 different themes you will encounter, from a fair to the jungle, and so much more.

• Address: 260 South Court Street, Medina, Ohio 44256
• Phone: 330-721-1224 | Website | Facebook | Instagram
• Check out our article about Alien Vacation Mini-Golf!

Pins Dublin

Pins Mechanical Dublin is in the Bridge Park area and has duckpin bowling, arcades, Foosball, pinball machines, a huge Jenga, and more. Children are welcome here until 8 pm, when it becomes strictly adults only!

• Address: 6558 Riverside Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43017
• Phone: 614-761-3933 | Website | Instagram
• Check out our article about Pins Dublin!

Let’s Go to Indoor Fun Locations!

Have you taken your children to any of these locations? We’d love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

We have a more comprehensive list of Indoor Playgrounds in Ohio, and Indoor Water Parks in Ohio. Our article about Ice Skating in Ohio has a list of indoor skating rinks, and Train Rides are a great way to spend rainy days! During the festive season, Drive Through Christmas Lights are evening family fun times.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com and we can get it updated.

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The post Rainy Day Things to Do with Kids in Ohio appeared first on Visit Ohio Today.

The train’s vintage coaches are decorated for the season, and storytellers read the story aloud.

The journey staff are all volunteers who dress in costume, sing, dance, lead limbo contests, and more.

Elves entertain guests with games and activities, and a beverage and cookies are served, made by Mrs. Claus.

When the train arrives at the North Pole, guests will see Santa in his workshop through the train window. Once onboard, Santa will visit the children and also gift them all a jingle bell from the reindeer harnesses.

If you can hear the bell ring, you are a true believer!

Almost everybody comes in matching Christmas pyjamas!

We definitely recommend that guests watch the movie before their journey. Songs and dances will then be recognizable.

Times and Seating on the Polar Express

Polar Express train rides run from early December for two weeks on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets sell out quickly and are normally available from late September.

Available seating is: Coach, Deluxe, First Class, and First Class Compartment.

We enjoyed the compartment, which was our own little room on the train. We had our own volunteer who read the story, we had a couch, two chairs, and a private visit from Santa. There were two windows in the compartment to view the Christmas village from the train. This is a great option for children/adults who do not like crowds or get overwhelmed or overstimulated easily. We took a family member with special needs, and this was perfect. 

If you want to stay overnight, the Pullman Bed & Breakfast is a restored vintage sleeper car.

There is usually a sales shop open across from the depot, which has some limited food and specialty items to purchase to remember your experience.

The Dennison Railroad Depot has events and attractions throughout the year. Visitors can call into the Depot Museum and Panhandle Theater, explore unique train cars, and buy a souvenir at the Whistle Stop Railroad gift shop.

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Where is The Polar Express Ohio Located?

• Address: 400 Center St, Dennison, Ohio 44621
• Phone: 740-922-6776 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for The Polar Express Ohio

Let’s Go on The Polar Express Ohio!

Have you taken the Polar Express? Did you take the kids with you? We’d love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

For more Christmas-themed train rides in Ohio, check out our article about Christmas Train Rides, or find out more about Train Rides in Ohio throughout the year.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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There is ample parking at the Buttermilk Falls Trailhead, and the scenic overlook is a short walk across Buttermilk Falls Parkway.

The overlook is a wooded deck providing a view of the geology of North Chagrin Reservation.

The water from Buttermilk Creek travels to the Chagrin River, which flows into Lake Erie.

Nearby attractions include the North Chagrin Nature Center, Squire’s Castle, and North Chagrin Oxbow Lagoon.

The dropdown box below has the wording from the above photo.

Where is Buttermilk Falls Located?

• Address: Mayfield, Ohio 44143
• Website Trailhead | Website Scenic Overlook

Location Map for Buttermilk Falls

Let’s Visit Buttermilk Falls!

Have you visited Buttermilk Falls? We want to know what you thought! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

If you love to visit Ohio State Parks, Ohio Metro Parks or Ohio State Nature Preserves, be sure to check out Mt. Gilead State Park and Clifton Gorge!

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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Fort Steuben depicts the life of the frontiersmen. The site was considered a desirable location for military defense as it is bounded on the east by the Ohio River and lies on a slope of land, with hills to the west.

The Fort was named after the Prussian army officer Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, who assisted General Washington in the Revolutionary War.

The non-profit Old Fort Steuben Project was formed to reconstruct the fort on its original site.

Visitors can see the blockhouses for enlisted men, the officers’ quarters, the quartermaster and the artificer’s shops, the guardhouse, the hospital, and the commissary.

Group Tours, School and Youth Field Trips, and Virtual Tours are available. Self-guided tours are always available, and an informative and friendly interpreter can be scheduled upon request.

An admission donation is payable, and member discounts apply.

The Fort is open from May through October:

• Monday to Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
• Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm

The Fort Steuben Visitor Center and Museum Shop are open all year from 10 am to 4 pm, except holidays.

Events include the Ohio Valley Frontier Days Festival in June, Quilt Show in April, Summer Concert Series, and Christmas at the Fort from late November to late December.

Where is Fort Steuben Located?

• Address: 120 S 3rd St, Steubenville, Ohio 43952
• Phone: 740-283-1787 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for Fort Steuben

Let’s Visit Fort Steuben!

Have you visited Fort Steuben? Did you enjoy the historic feel of the location? We’d love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

If you love Ohio’s history, you will love Squire’s Castle, Mull and Parker Covered Bridges, and the Octagon Earthworks.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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Experience panning for gold or finding gemstones from around the world at the Hocking Hills Gem Mine & Gold Rush.

There are three different gem buckets and two gold buckets to choose from at varying prices:

• Lil Prospect – rough gemstones
• Rock Hound – rough and tumbled gemstones
• Motherlode – the largest selection of rough gemstones
• Gold Rush – gold
• Lucky Strike – gold

Take-home gem mining kits are available, including a bag of gem rough, a mining screen, a suede bag, and a gemstone ID card.

When you are done mining, you can pay a visit to the Rock Shop, where you will discover a great variety of unique gemstone items for sale.

The mining sluice is open to the public from 10 am to 6 pm daily.

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Where is Hocking Hills Gem Mine Located?

• Address: 29150 Pattor Rd, Logan, Ohio 43138
• Phone: 740-385-4295 | Website | Facebook

Location Map for Hocking Hills Gem Mine

More Fun in Hocking Hills

Have you been gem mining in Hocking Hills? Did you feel like an Alaskan gold panner? We’d love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

Hocking Hills is known for its stunning hiking trails, but there are plenty of other things to do in the area, such as Hocking Hills Mini Golf and Hocking Hills Kayaking, and some unique shopping experiences, including the Columbus Washboard Co and Hocking Hills Candle Works.

If you still want to discover more, check out our Ultimate Guide to Hocking Hills.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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Octagon Earthworks is comprised of two geometric enclosures featuring a circle enclosing 20 acres and an octagon enclosing 50 acres. The walls of each enclosure reach eye level.

The Hopewell culture was responsible for creating the Newark Earthworks.

Octagon Earthworks is part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, which is Ohio’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.

As there has been little investigative archaeological work carried out at Octagon Earthworks, historians and researchers have their beliefs about these mounds. Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks are looking forward to having archaeological digs carried out in the future.

Here is a slideshow of the information boards at Octagon Earthworks. A slideshow of photos from the site is below.

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Where is Octagon Earthworks Located?

• Address: 125 N 33rd St, Newark, Ohio 43055
• Phone: 740-344-0498 | Website

Location Map for Octagon Earthworks

Let’s Visit Octagon Earthworks!

Have you visited Octagon Earthworks or any of the Indian Mounds in Ohio? We’d love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

If you would like to know more about Mounds, check out our articles, Indian Mounds in Ohio, and Indian Mound Reserve.

For more information about some of Ohio’s great historical places, you might like Ohio Caverns and Caves in Ohio.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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There are many services available at the Emerald Necklace Marina. The Marina Store and Courtesy Dock has live bait, fishing tackle, boating necessities, bagged ice, cold beverages, gifts, and much more.

There is a dry rack for boats from 18 to 23 feet long. The dry rack includes winter storage.

A gated boatyard for winter and summer storage is available, with access to the boatyard during operating hours. A trailer yard for summer storage is also available.

The Emerald Necklace Marina Café gives visitors the chance to recharge with snacks, including nachos, pretzels, Mozzarella sticks, and buffalo cauliflower. Mains include chicken tenders, summer salad, black bean burger, and cheeseburger. Gluten-free buns are available.

There is a selection of soft drinks, tea, and coffee available too.

The Ice Cream Bar sells a variety of Honey Hut ice cream as well as a good selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.

Kayaks and paddleboards are available for rental at 41 North Coastal Adventures. Reservations are recommended.

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Where is Emerald Necklace Marina Located?

• Address: Rocky River Reservation, 1500 Scenic Park Dr, Lakewood, Ohio 44107
• Phone: 216-226-3030 | Website

Location Map for Emerald Necklace Marina

More Fun in the Rocky River Valley

Have you visited the Emerald Necklace Marina? Did you rent a kayak? We’d love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

The Rocky River Valley has a lot to offer visitors. Here are some of our favorites: Big Met Golf Course, Rocky River Stables, and Rocky River Nature Center.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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Mull Covered Bridge was built by the Mull Sawmill with the help of a grant from the Sandusky County Commissioners for customers to be able to cross Wolf Creek to reach the mill.

The Town Lattice Truss bridge was closed in August 1962 after a new concrete arch bridge was built to carry vehicles across the creek.

The Sandusky County Historical Society approached the county commissioners to order its preservation, and the bridge was kept as a historic site and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The bridge was renovated in 1990 and re-renovated in 2015. Today, the bridge is maintained by the Sandusky County Park District.

Mull Covered Bridge is reservable, but parking is limited

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Where is Mull Covered Bridge Located?

• Address: 1521 Co Rd 9, Fremont, Ohio 43420
• Phone: 419-334-4495 | Website

Location Map for Mull Covered Bridge

Let’s Visit Mull Covered Bridge!

Have you visited Mull Covered Bridge? How about any other covered bridges in Ohio? We’d love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experience.

Do you love historical sites? If so, you may like these articles: Covered Bridges in Ohio, Indian Mounds in Ohio, Squire’s Castle, and Ohio Village.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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The Dayton Air Force Museum collects, researches, conserves, interprets, and presents the history, heritage, and traditions of the US Air Force through exhibits, education, and special programs.

Located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, admission and parking are free, and the museum features more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles. There are thousands of artifacts in more than 19 acres of indoor exhibit space.

Attractions include the screening of military-related movies, interactive flight simulators, and VR Transporter – Apollo 11 & Beyond. There is a small charge for each attraction.

The Museum Store has items such as baseball caps, mugs, die-cast toys and collectibles, coins, and model kits.

Food and beverages are available from the Valkyrie Café and the Launchpad Shop ‘n Snack.

The museum hosts events throughout the year, including the Antique Automobile Club of America Grand Nationals (July), Rocket Day (September), and Holidays in the Hangars (November/December).

The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm, seven days a week. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Photo credits: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Where is The Dayton Air Force Museum Located?

• Address: 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton, Ohio 45433
• Phone: 937-255-3286 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Location Map for The Dayton Air Force Museum

More Things to Do in Dayton

Have you visited the Dayton Air Force Museum? Which part was your favorite? We’d love to know! Share your experience in the comments below.

Dayton has many things to do and places to visit. Here are some of our favorites: Cox Arboretum, Carillon Brewing Company, the Trolls at Aullwood Audubon, and Eastwood Metro Park.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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Located on an ordinary street, at the corner of Oakwood Avenue and Walnut Lane, Smith Gardens are open year-round during daylight hours.

The variety of plants attracts birds, butterflies, and other small creatures.

Concerts and story hour are held once a month during the summer months.

The garden house hosts activities such as the Perennial Sale each April.

Landscaped gardens, shaded benches, a creek, and a pond with fish are some of the attractions at this well-maintained park.

Where is Smith Gardens Located?

• Address: 11 Walnut Lane, Oakwood, Ohio 45419
• Phone: 937-298-0775 | Website

Location Map for Smith Gardens

More Places to Visit in SW Ohio

Have you visited Smith Gardens? In which season did you visit? Or maybe you have been there in more than one season. Did you prefer any of the seasons? We’d love to know! Share your experience with us in the comments below.

While you’re in the area, you may like to check out our article about Things to do in Dayton, or in southwest Ohio, Cox Arboretum, Caesar Creek State Park, the Trolls at Allwood Audubon, and Young’s Jersey Dairy.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

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