The coveted days of tank tops and shorts have ended, and we are delving into the unpredictable fall weather soon followed by our Ohio winters…which have hit us hard the past couple of years! We went on the everlasting quest for the ‘perfect location’ where the kids can release some built up energy without braving the elements.
To survive the ups and downs of our weather with the kids (aka keep our sanity), we have compiled a list of some great indoor play options in and around the Dayton area. From libraries to indoor playgrounds, from city recreation centers to museums, from art studios to bowling allies, you’re sure to find something to keep you busy on rainy days and all throughout the winter. We smell a Cold Weather Bucket List!
#DMBcoldweatherbucketlist
ART
OPEN GYMS
Check out the individual sites below for details on their open gyms (and some have parents nights too!) that they sporadically offer. They also offer registration only classes for all ages!
Twigs Kids Gymnastics, Swimming, and Cheer, 1900 S. Alex Road, West Carrollton – (937) 866-8356
INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS & ENTERTAINMENT
Fairhaven Church Soft Play Area, 637 East Whipp Rd., Centerville – (937) 434-8627 – Free and open 12pm-4pm for the public. Ages 0-6 welcome. There is an area outside of the soft play room for packed lunches to be enjoyed as well.
Run Around Fun Town, 1218 East Stroop Rd, Kettering – (937) 813-4268 – featuring a toddler school yard, ball pit, tubes and tunnel playground, chalk board wall, and themed interactive rooms (grocery store and diner among others) – this is a great spot during the chilly days! Hours are 10am-7pm Wed thru Fri, and 11am-5pm Sat/ 11am-4pm Sunday. Age 3-8 are $10 ,Age 2 and under are $5, and adults are always free.
Sky Zone, 976 Senate Drive, Washington Twp – 937-396-6600 – imagine a bunch of huge trampolines. Yup. Great place for energy release for all ages! Jumpers are separated by size, so littles wont be mixed with the big kids. Reservations are recommended, as they do have limits on the number of jumpers at a time. Prices range from $12 for 30min of jumping to $22 for 120min of jumping. On Fridays from 10am-11am there is a special Toddler Time for those 5 and under. Call for all open jump times.
EnterTRAINment Junction , 7379 Squire Court, West Chester Twp. – (877) 898-8000 – an indoor play experience, featuring the world’s largest indoor train display, a railroad museum, train rides, fun house and huge kids play area. While it is catered toward train enthusiasts, it is definitely appealing to all ages and interests. They also feature many holiday and seasonal themed exhibits throughout the year. .
Scene 75, 6196 Poe Ave, Dayton – (937) 619-3200 – from arcades to laser tag, indoor go carts to mini bowling, bumper cars to inflatables – there is a vast amount of action to choose from. Prices vary pending what activities you choose to take part in, so call or refer to website for details.
The Magic Castle, 4990 Wilmington Pike, Sugarcreek Twp. – (937) 434-4911 – features an indoor and outdoor entertainment center for kids, more then 70 arcade games, and a three-story soft play area filled with tunnels, slides and mazes. Soft Play admission is $2.50 for kids 3 and younger and $4.50 for ages 3-11.
SkateWorld of Kettering, 1601 E David Rd Kettering – (937) 294-4052 – register for Kids Skate Free and receive a free skating pass for each of your children, ages 12 and younger, while only paying the $4 skate rental. Check website for special events, open skate and themed skating events.
Click on Bowling to see a list of local bowling lanes. A great indoor activity for the entire clan.
MUSEUMS
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton, (937) 275-7431 www.boonshoftmuseum.org. – features an indoor zoo, hands-on science experiments and plenty of opportunities to play. It also has That Kids’ Playce, just for ages 6 and younger, including babies. General Admission charges are as follows: Children (3-16) $10.00, Seniors (60+) $11.00, Adults $13.00,
Children under 3 and members are FREE.
The Experiencenter at the Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton – (937) 223-5277 – a fun area for children to play within the museum, complete with temporary exhibits for children and the permanent Art Place for Young Learners, which focuses on ages 3 to 6. Admission is free, although visitors are encouraged to donate per adult.
RESTAURANTS
Chick-fil-A restaurants have indoor playgrounds. There are many locally, including one currently being completed near Costco at the Cornerstone of Centerville. The current locations include: 2360 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek; 1482 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Dayton; 3339 Benchwood Road, Dayton; and 733 Voice of America Park Drive, West Chester Twp.
Chuck E Cheese’s . The restaurant/entertainment center serves pizza, offers interactive video games, carnival-like games and kid-friendly stage shows. Locations include 30 Prestige Place, Miamisburg (937) 439-2364); 2345 Valley Loop Road, Springfield, (937) 324-4155; and 1429 Kemper Road, Sharonville, (513) 772-2720.
MALL PLAY AREAS
The Mall at Fairfield Commons, 2727 Fairfield Commons, Beavercreek – (937) 427-4300 – features a soft play area with climbing and crawling equipment. The mall also occasionaly hosts free “Momtopia” events on weekdays that include entertainment for children. www.momatfairfieldcommons.com
Dayton Mall, 2700 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Miami Twp. – (937) 433-9834 – also features a large playland. Momtopia events are held here as well.
LIBRARIES
Most libraries have specially designed children’s sections that offer an opportunity for quiet, but stimulating, hands on play and reading for children of all ages. Check with your local library regarding special events, story times, and register only classes that they may offer. The Dayton Metro Library has a wonderful site with tons of information on kid friendly library events.
RECREATION CENTERS
The following recreation centers have a vast amount of activities offered for babies thru school aged children. Call or visit the websites for updated information on programs, registration and fees.
Greater Dayton Recreation Center, 2021 W. Third St. – (937) 333-4732
Kettering Recreation Center, 2900 Glengarry Drive – (937) 296-2587
Washington Township Recreation Center , 895 Miamisburg Centerville Road – (937) 433-0130
Vandalia Recreation Center, 1111 Stonequarry Road – (937) 415-2340
Also, check out your local YMCA for a multitude of offerings.