Looking for FREE indoor play for rainy day fun in Cincinnati? Too hot or cold to go outside? Check out some of my favorite places to play!
1. King Arthurs Court Dungeon Playroom
šOakley: 3040 Madison Road, 45209
This awesome store on Oakley square has some amazing toys to play with including kitchen and baby doll stations, a stage with dress ups, a knights tower and THE DUNGEON downstairs! The Dungeon has hanging Hugglepods, a zip line, archery area, rope climb and little climbers that are perfect for tots. Follow their facebook page for events and storytime. Often there is free popcorn and coffee, under ‘normal circumstances’.
AGES suggested: infant – 8.
2. Greaters Indoor Play Room
šCherry Grove: 8533 Beechmont Avenue, 45255
šKenwood: 8167 Montgomery Rd, 45236
This indoor play place has a giant ice cream cone slide with climbing wall, ice cream truck, banana see saw, climbing bridge and little kid area. SOCKS ARE REQUIRED and available for purchase for $1. If you’re looking to host a party, they have 2 private party rooms available for rent and you can also get exclusive access to the playroom! P.S. Besides having amazing ice cream, their donuts are delicious.
AGES suggested: infant – 10
3. Jungle Jim's
šEastgate: 4450 Eastgate S Dr,Ā 45245
šFairfield: 5440 Dixie Hwy, 45014
This is NOT your typical indoor play place, but there is PLENTY to keep your family entertained. When you first arrive there is a ‘movie’ theatre about the history of the market. The ‘port a potty’ is entertaining, and there are carnival type displays throughout the store to entertain kids. Parents, you can grab a beer while you shop too.Ā Gather items for a taste test challenge. Each kid can pick out a unique drink or snack to try during your family taste test at home. It’s not often you can try candy, snacks and drinks from all over the world!Ā
AGES suggested: infant – 10
4. Crossroads Oakley Kid City
šOakley: 3500 Madison Road,Ā 45209
Closed at the time this was written, but keep this saved for when they open again!
Normally open during the week for play in a 2 floor ‘house’ with dramatic play area and slide. Plenty of room to run and play. Bring a blanket to have a picnic on.
AGES suggested: infant – 6
5. Chick-Fil-A Indoor Play
šMultiple Locations: Click Here To Find One
Closed at the time this was written, but keep this saved for when they open again!
We love to have lunch here and play on rainy or cold days.Ā
AGES suggested: infant – 6
6. Contemporary Art Center UnMuseum
šDowntown: 44 E 6th St āĀ Contemporary Arts Center WEBSITE
Closed at the time this was written, but keep this saved for when they open again! Admission varies from free to a few dollars a person depending on their grant cycle.
We love theĀ UnMuseum as a great option to play and discover interactive art, like the flashlight room, the colored music boxes and the found object fun. During normal times, they host a fun event on Thursday mornings with art, yoga followed by unstructured play. The other exhibits in the museum are great for all ages, including teens.Ā
AGES suggested: infant – 8
7. The Cincinnati Art Museum
šEden Park: 953 Eden Park Dr, 45202
General admission is always free at The Cincinnati Art Museum. There are plenty of interesting exhibits and if the weather is good, climb the art sculpture steps!Ā The Rosenthal Education Center (REC) has great to-go art kits and come September 2021, they will have in-room activities available again.
There are always amazing programs happening there but most include a small fee like the madcap puppet shows. Click here to check out the events at the Cincinnati Art Museum.Ā
AGES suggested: infant – 18+
8. The Public Library of Cincinnati
šMultiple Locations: Click Here To Find One
Head to your local library for a story times or craft or check out 1 of 4 MakerSpaces in a Cincinnati Library that you can use for FREE! Make something on a 3D printers, button maker, laser cutter, recording booth and more. There are tons of free events for all interests. Check out the event schedule at your Cincinnati Library location.
AGES suggested: infant – 18+
9. Cincinnati Childrens Discovery Center at Liberty Center
šLiberty Township: 7100 Foundry Row,Ā 45069
Currently undergoing renovations and will be open fall of 2021!
A fun play area with a giant pig structure with multiple levels and an enclosed pink slide that looks like the pigās tail. Other free play areas. The suggested age for the structure is 5+ but littles are welcome to enjoy with help.Ā
AGES suggested: infant – 10
Photo cred: Liberty Center
10. The Play Library
šOTR: 1306 Main Street –Ā The Play Library website
There is a small monthly membership fee, so it’s technically not free. But you don’t have to pay per visit. This place is an AWESOME library of games and fun things to PLAY with! You can borrow and return puzzles, games, toys, etc. Stop by here to grab a game to play at Findlay Market or Washington Park as you watch the world go by or play at their location.Ā And be sure to check out The Play Library Events here!
AGES suggested: infant – 18+
11. Drive The ArtWorks Public Art and Murals Tour
šMultiple Locations: Click Here To Find The Murals You Want To See
This is NOT indoor play, but it gives you a great FREE activity to do from inside your car during rain or cold weather! Check out the art all over downtown and USE THE MAP below to visit 9 downtown mural locations.Ā
AGES suggested: 4 – 18+
Link to google map tour here.
12. Eastgate Mall Play Area
šEastgate: 4601 Eastgate Blvd, 45245
A VERY SMALL play area with little structures to climb on. This is a ‘get what you pay for’ situation. Great in a pinch, but don’t have high expectations.Ā
AGES suggested: infant – 4
13. Anderson Ferry And CVG Plane Viewing Area
šAnderson Ferry: 4030 River Rd, 45238
šCVG Viewing Area: 1459 Donaldson Hwy Villa Hills, KY 41018
Take the Anderson or Augusta Ferry across the river, a unique Cincinnati experience to cross the river into Kentucky in your car, on a boat. This is $5 per car. Pair this with a trip to watch the planes land at CVG from the viewing area picnic tables or from your car. Pack a lunch and stay for awhile!
AGES suggested: 2 – 12
šCamp Washington: 1330 Monmouth Avenue,Ā 45225
This isn’t 100% free, but 3 kids 12 & under are FREE with an adult admission for $15!
A unique museum collection of signs old, unique and elaborate! Neon, moving, historic and more! There is plenty to see and explore. Closed Mon & Tues.
AGES suggested: 5 – 18+
šMilford: 885 OH-28, 45150
OPEN beginning July 2021. This isn’t 100% free, but charitable play hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 9 ā 11 am for just $4/child!
Play on the swing sets, trampolines and play structures. Shoot hoops or ride the little trikes.Ā
AGES suggested: 18mos – 14
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