It’s hot. The kids are restless. Here’s how to survive summer indoors.
The first official week of summer is here, and so is the heatwave. If you’re a parent in Central Ohio, you’re probably facing a familiar dilemma: the kids are bouncing off the walls, but it’s too hot to send them outside to play. Don’t sweat it — Columbus is packed with indoor gems that are fun, air-conditioned, and perfect for escaping the swelter.
Here are 15 top-notch indoor activities across the city to keep the whole family cool, entertained, and (mostly) sane.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Easton Town Center | $21.99–$47.99
More info: LEGOLAND Discovery Center
An indoor Lego wonderland with a 4D cinema, rides, and even a miniature Lego version of Ohio.
Columbus Museum of Art
480 E. Broad St., Downtown | $10–$20 (Free on Sundays)
More info: Columbus Museum of Art
Discover interactive art spaces like the Wonder Room and Big Idea Gallery that are perfect for creative play.
COSI
333 W. Broad St., Downtown | $25–$30
More info: COSI
Named the best science center in the nation (four years running), COSI is packed with hands-on exhibits, a dinosaur gallery, and the ever-popular Little Kidspace.
Glow Putt Mini Golf
Gahanna | $8–$10
More info: Glow Putt Mini Golf
Play a full round of glow-in-the-dark, safari-themed mini golf — dinosaurs and all.
Columbus Metropolitan Library – Main Branch
96 S. Grant Ave., Downtown | Free
More info: Columbus Metropolitan Library
Storytimes, reading nooks, a huge children’s area, and regular kid-friendly programming — plus a café for tired grownups.
Franklin Park Conservatory
1777 E. Broad St., East Columbus | $17–$25 (Free first Sundays for Franklin Co. residents)
More info: Franklin Park Conservatory
Explore global plant life, splash through misted walkways, and visit butterflies — all under glass.
Game Arena
Near OSU Campus | Gameplay charged hourly
More info: Game Arena
This high-end gaming lounge lets kids (and teens) dive into the latest PC and console games — with comfy chairs and snacks to match.
Otherworld
5819 Chantry Dr., East Side | $24–$30
More info: Otherworld
Step into 32,000 square feet of surreal, immersive art installations, interactive rooms, and secret passageways.
Little Diggers
Dublin | $12–$21/hour
More info: Little Diggers
An indoor sandbox paradise designed for kids 7 and under, packed with sensory toys and play options.
Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park
Westerville | $12–$25.99
More info: Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park
Burn off summer energy with dodgeball arenas, vertical climbing walls, and tons of open jump space.
Ohio History Center
800 E. 17th Ave. | $7–$13, free for members
More info: Ohio History Center
Dive into Ohio’s past with hands-on exhibits, historical artifacts, and kid-friendly learning zones. From natural history to Civil War stories, there’s plenty to explore in the museum’s cool, air-conditioned halls.
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
OSU Campus | Free
More info: Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
Home to the world’s largest collection of comic art, this hidden gem is a must-visit for any cartoon or graphic novel fan.
Central Ohio Fire Museum
260 N. 4th St., Downtown | $6–$8
More info: Central Ohio Fire Museum
Part museum, part kid-friendly firehouse play zone, this spot offers both fun and fire safety education.
Slick City Action Park
2200 Ikea Way, Columbus (North) | Pricing varies
More info: Slick City Action Park
America’s first indoor slide park — with thrilling dry slides, air courts, launch pads, and a zone just for younger kids. Big fun with no sunscreen required.
Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory Tour
More info: Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory
West Columbus | $1–$2
Cool down with a behind-the-scenes look at how chocolate is made — and yes, there are free samples.
Featured image via Facebook.
