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Winter at Christmas time is magical. Wintertime in general, though…..can seem never ending. At least it does for me. As someone who doesn’t love winter sports, prefers playing in snow in small increments and would rather stay cozy inside with a giant cup of hot chocolate, I don’t really share the same excitement for playing outside in the cold as my kids do. That’s what I’m always looking for ways for them to get some of their energy out indoors when the weather is too cold and crummy. This is a list of my favorite things to do with our kids in Columbus during the winter:
Indoor mall play areas
Indoor mall play areas are free and generally convenient to spend an hour or two during your day. In Columbus, we’re lucky to have so many malls that include play areas for kids. The zoo-themed play area at the Polaris Mall is typically the most convenient for our family, but we’ve been meaning to check out the one over at the Mall at Tuttle Crossing. It has a STEAM theme and looks like a lot of fun. Another favorite for our family is the playground at the Shops at Worthington Place. I really like this one because there’s usually not a lot of other kids around.
Family swims at Goldfish Swim School
Our family loves family swims at our local Goldfish Swim School. It’s a great opportunity to get out some energy in the pool as well as practice those swimming skills. You also don’t have to be a current member to go to one. It’s a great opportunity to check out the pool and facilities. Family swims are available in the afternoons during the week as well as one Friday evening a month.
Indoor playgrounds
While indoor mall play areas are free, indoor playgrounds will have a fee. But on the plus side, this also generally means that they’re less crowded and have more rules that are enforced. Momi Land is a newer one that recently opened close to us and it’s on of our favorites. The boys love the ball pit and I’m a huge fan of the aesthetics in the place. A huge plus is that there’s a separate room for eating and you’re welcome to bring in any outside food. We’ll often go in the late morning, pack a lunch and stay until nap time. Other favorite indoor playgrounds around Columbus include: Recreations Outlet, Fun in the Jungle, Peapod Play Cafe, Firefly Play Cafe, Piccadilly Play Cafe, and We Rock the Spectrum.
Watching planes take off from Ohio State University Airport
Our family discovered the OSU airport just before they renovated the place. We haven’t visited since it reopened, but I’ve heard it’s fantastic. You can always call ahead to find out when they have planes schedule to take off an land. We spent a couple hours here with a group of friends and saw several planes and even a helicopter fly in and out. Make sure you grab a free coloring book and some free popcorn in the lobby too. With a new baby coming, this one is at the top of our list of things to do with our kids in Columbus this winter.
Story time at the library
Our family loves story time at the library. Both because it gets us out of the house but it also gives us the opportunity to pick up new books to bring home while we’re there. Check out the schedule at your local library. You may also find that they offer additional activities like dance parties, crafts and music.
I know that our family is looking for more fun things to do around Columbus, so let me know if you have any suggestions to add to this list!
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