Just because the weather isn’t cooperating doesn’t mean the fun has to end! Here’s a list of some awesome kid-friendly indoor destinations to visit in NW/NE Ohio and SE Michigan that will allow the adventures to continue no matter the weather!
Dave & Busters (Local)
Family-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food & arcade games.
Address: 5001 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43623
Hours: Monday-Thursday and Sundays 10AM–12AM Fridays & Saturdays 10AM-2AM
Phone: (419) 481-9800
Website: https://www.daveandbusters.com/
Admission: Varies
Funagin’s (Local)
Boys and girls, men and women, colleagues, families, bridal parties, and networking groups have all escaped to Funagin’s for exciting, belly-laughing fun with options for all ages!
Get dirty in an adrenaline pumping game of paintball. Or outwit your opponents with your unbeatable laser tag strategies. Climb, slide, and run around like a kid (even if you aren’t one) on our new giant indoor playground straight from memories of King Jason’s childhood. And nothing beats the fun of skating around on our new Roller Rink with your whole family!
Address: 5340 Centennial Rd, Sylvania, OH 43560
Phone:(419) 517-1750
Website: https://www.funagins.com/
Cost: Varies, click on website for info
Imagination Station (Local)
Phone: (419) 244-2674
Address: 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, OH 43604
Website: http://www.imaginationstationtoledo.org/
Imagination Station, Toledo’s Science Center, is dedicated to making science, technology, engineering and mathematics fun and accessible. There are hundreds of interactive, hands-on exhibits that are fun and educational for the entire family. Whether you only have an hour or you have all day, there is plenty to see and do at Imagination Station. Come join us and explore everything that Imagination Station has to offer!
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: Noon – 5pm
Monday: CLOSED
Admission Prices:
Big Kids (13 – 64): $13
Kids (3 – 12): $12
Seniors (65+): $11
Children 2 & under: Free
NickelWorld (Local)
NickelWorld is a unique concept in Family Entertainment. They have Over 100 Games!! All Games Operate with NICKELS!! While some Games Take Two or Three Nickels, MOST Games are one Nickel each to play!! PLUS, they have 13 FREE GAMES!! Most Games also WIN TICKETS to trade in for all sorts of PRIZES!!
Address: 2545 S Reynolds Rd, Toledo, OH 43614
Hours: Open 7 days a week, 11AM–10PM
Phone: (419) 385-3297
Website:http://www.nickelworldtoledo.com/
Admission: $2.50 to enter and then however many nickels you would like…$5 is usually more than enough
Q-Zar (Local)
This entertainment center known for its large laser tag arena also has arcade games & hosts parties.
Address: 5836 Monroe St, Sylvania, OH 43560
Hours: Thursday 5-9pm, & Friday 5–11PM Closed Monday-Wednesday, and on Saturdays 12pm-11pm & Sundays 12pm-6pm
Phone: (419) 885-3460
Website:https://www.qzartoledo.com/
Admission: Laser Tag Prices -$9 One game of laser tag, $16.00 Two game pack, & $12.00 Three game pack
Sky Zone (Local)
Phone: (419) 491-1194
Address: 1600 Albon Rd. Holland, OH 43528
Website: http://www.skyzone.com/Toledo
Warrior Course-Enter a jumper. Exit a warrior. For athletes looking to push themselves, the Warrior Course will put your abilities to the test. Take on a variety of obstacles in a test of speed, strength, and agility. Go for a personal record or dominate your friends.
Parkour Blox-Ready to level up? Test your parkour skills to the next level on the Freestyle court using the foam vault blocks. Train your speed, power, and strength by practicing on hurdles placed in your path.
SkyLadder– Another balance challenge, SkyLadder challenges you in a different way: off your feet. Climb this fidgeting ladder to the top and plant your flag. Or fall into the padding below, get up, and try again.
Classics
Ultimate Dodge Ball– Remember that ever popular rite of passage game from childhood that would have you ducking and dodging the ball? Guess what happens when you add Sky Zone’s patented wall-to-wall trampolines to the ever popular game of dodge ball? Ultimate Dodge ball!!
Foam Zone– Run and jump, flip, and fly into a huge pit filled with 10,000 foam cubes. Defy gravity; work on your fancy air poses, or just wing it, no matter how you fly fun will always be your copilot!
Sky Slam– Wish you could slam dunk like an NBA player? Guess what? Sky Zone is making your dream come true! Pair Sky Zone’s basketball hoops, (each set at various heights to accommodate even the littlest slam dunkers) with a trampoline and you will be dunking like a pro in no time!
Freestyle Jump– The main court offers you the freedom to take flight in your own defined space; you don’t have to worry about anyone else jumping in your square.
Comfort Zone– Sky Zone hasn’t forgotten about parents, grandparents, and chaperons. This is where you can sit, watch television, relax, have a snack, and still chaperon your children.
There is no age limit on jumpers; if you can walk you can jump. Destress and have a blast jumping and possibly even flipping in/on Sky Zone’s awesome trampoline courts. Simply sign the waiver, get your jump time, put on your Sky Zone Socks and reach for the sky! Enjoy full access to the park, including, the Main Court, Ultimate Dodgeball, SkySlam, the Foam Zone, etc. Sky Zone also offers food and beverages so you can recharge after all that jumping. If you wish to expedite your experience you can sign the waiver and get jump time in advance, so you can get kiddos on the courts ASAP!
Hours: Vary, click on link, https://www.skyzone.com/toledo
PRICING: 60 MINUTE JUMP PASS – $15.99, 90 MINUTE JUMP PASS – $19.99, 120 MINUTE JUMP PASS – $22.99
Sylvania Playland (Local)
Phone: (419) 517-9094
Address: 3620 Centennial Rd, Sylvania, OH 43560
Website: http://sylvaniaplayland.com/
Sylvania Playland is the one and only indoor bounce house and playground in Sylvania! Come in and play on their five inflatables, four swing sets and toddler area. Our glow-in-the-dark mini golf is now OPEN! 18 holes, 4 themes (underwater, pirates, dinosaurs, knights and dragons). Win prizes in their arcade and have a taste of Toft’s ice cream!
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Friday & Saturday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Cost: Ages 1-3 1 hour bounce is $7 (unlimited $10)
Ages 4-12 1 hour bounce is $10 (unlimited $14)
18 hole Mini Indoor Golf $7 (unlimited $10)
1 Hour of Bounce and 1 Round of Golf……………$15.00
Unlimited Bounce and Unlimited Golf………………$20.00
Toledo Playzone (local)
Playzone Toledo is a family owned and operated family fun center with one goal in mind – to make sure you and your family have as much fun as possible!
We have a wide variety of entertainment to offer, with our state of the art Laser Tag arena, brand-new bumper cars, and hundreds of arcade games to choose from, even the youngest of kids can enjoy their time here with our arcade games. Our options are as endless as the smiles you’ll have. If you get worn out from all the activities, we have a fully stocked Café and plenty of seating for you to grab a snack – or a meal – and recharge.
From our Family to yours, we hope to see you soon!
Address: 130 New Towne Square Dr, Toledo, OH 43612
Phone: (419) 540-0000
Website: https://playzonetoledo.com/
Cost: It’s complicated click on the website
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 12PM – 9PM, Friday: 12PM – 10PM, Saturday: 10AM – 10PM, Sunday 11AM – 9PM
Jungle Junction (Bellevue, OH)
Phone: 419.484.5532
Address: 110 Cherry Blvd. Bellevue, Ohio 44811
Website: http://www.junglejunctionplay.com/
The largest indoor play structure in Ohio! Jungle Junction is an AMAZING fun time for children ages 12 and under. Six levels of adventure with over 60 play features including slides, air cannons, obstacle courses, and interactive game panels keep kids entertained and challenged for hours. A dedicated toddler tumble zone with molded jungle friends for climbing, crawling and sliding the day away. Their controlled environment will keep you cool in the summer and warm when the weather turns cold and wet.
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (Sensory Day- The first and third Wed. of each month. 10a-2p, no air cannons)
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday Noon – 7:00 pm
DAILY ADMISSION: $6 (ages 2-12)
Parents and Caregivers are FREE!
Children 1 and under are FREE!
Don’t forget your socks!
“Coolest place EVER!”! “I want to have my B-day party here”! ”Finally a place for older kids to play”! Those are quotes from my kiddos, age 8-13 yrs old on their experience at Play: CLE. And I couldn’t agree more, finally a place where older kiddos can let loose and have fun without the fear of trampling a toddler or running down a preschooler. This momma highly recommends Play:CLE for a fun filled afternoon/evening for the entire family (kiddos 7+).
Play:CLE (Cleveland, OH)
Address: 38525 Chester Rd, Avon, OH 44011
Website: https://www.playcle.com/
Phone: (440) 695-3565
Hours: Monday: Closed for Private Events
•Tuesday: 3-9pm; *Ninja Night 7-9pm
•Wednesday: 3-9pm
•Thursday: 3-9pm
•Friday: 3-11pm; College Discount All Day
•Saturday: 10-11pm
•Sunday: 10-8pm
Cost: Pricing for 2-hours is structured as follows:
•Under 18 – $20
•Adult – $25
•65+ – $20
•Family (2 adults, 2 kids) – $80
Have older kiddos, but not old enough to stay home alone? Play: CLE has you covered, kiddos can play while mom & dad enjoy an impromptu date night complete with a glass of wine/beer and delicious food.
Or, mom and dad can get their climb on too then everyone can eat together as a family.
Attractions
If you’re looking for the place to mix fun and fitness, you’ve come to the right spot. Play: CLE has created a unique mix of attractions that will have kids and adults’ alike running, jumping, climbing and challenging themselves!
- Zip line
- Ropes course
- Climbing wall
- Ninja warrior course
- Parkour course
- Bouldering wall
- Dining area (The Biner)
- Kids’ area
Michigan Science Center (Detroit, MI)
Phone: 313.577.8400
Address: 5020 John R Street Detroit, MI 48202
Website: http://www.mi-sci.org/
Explore hands-on exhibits, gaze at the stars, discover new worlds in our IMAX® theatre, and take part in live stage shows. As Michigan’s STEM Hub, we inspire curious minds of all ages.
General admission: $14/adult, $11/child 12 and under or senior citizen (60+).
Children under age two are free.
Check out the additional options/packages on their website. (General admission doesn’t include IMAX theatre)
Regular Hours:
Monday – Tuesday Closed
Wednesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The Mazza Museum (Findlay, OH)
Phone: 419-434-5521
Address: Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion University of Findlay 1000 North Main St.
Findlay, OH 45840
Website: https://www.mazzamuseum.org/visit/
The Mazza Museum is the most diverse collection of original artwork by children’s book illustrators in the world. The museum’s goal is to promote literacy and enrich the lives of all people through the art of picture books.
“BOOKS TO FILM EXHIBIT”
Many children’s books have been made into films. Come see your favorite characters from movies in their original picture book form…or better yet take note of the books and read them before your see them on film.
“Patricia Polacco Exhibit”-The Keeping Quilt is one of our favorites….Come see why!
Admission: FREE
Museum Hours of Operation:
Wednesday-Friday: Noon – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 – 4 p.m.
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (Ann Arbor, MI)
Phone: (734) 764-0478
Address: 1105 North University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1079 (Look for the “Golden Dome”…that’s the planetarium in the building)
Parking: Free Parking on Sundays! Most non-marked spots in any Campus Faculty/Staff Parking (including Palmer) is free on Sundays. (Do NOT park in Gold, Business Vehicle, or other marked spots.)
Website: https://lsa.umich.edu/ummnh
With the largest display of dinosaurs in Michigan, the University Of Michigan Museum Of Natural History offers an array of educational programs and exhibits for families, students and adults. Exhibits include the Hall of Evolution, Michigan wildlife, anthropology, geology, and several changing exhibits.
Museum Hours: Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm
Admission: FREE to individuals and groups of 10 or fewer. (Suggested donation is $6 per person)
IMAX (Ypsilanti, MI)
Phone: (734) 973-8424
Address: 4100 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Website: http://www.imax.com/theatres/ann-arbor-20-imax
Don’t just see a movie, experience it!! An immense explosion….A whisper heard over your shoulder. The rumbling bass you feel instead of hear. The combination of their perfectly tuned integrated sound system and precise speaker orientation ensures you can hear a pin drop and be able to tell exactly where it landed. Every note of the soundtrack and every scuff of a shoe are clearer in IMAX, with a complete overhaul of each movie’s audio overseen by the film’s director. All of this pristine sound is then pumped into a theatre that has been customized for an optimal experience. Clarity, detail and size make IMAX more than a movie. Two projectors run simultaneously to provide the perfect image with a balance of warmth and sharpness. IMAX draws you into something as close to reality as you have ever experienced!
For list of shows and times click on the website above….I do know, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story starts showing this week!
Wednesdays are the discount days…$10 for IMAX all day! (FYI: Kids concessions combo-drink, popcorn, fruit is $5.65)
Snook’s Dream Cars (Bowling Green, OH)
Phone: 419-353-8338
Address: 13920 County Home Rd, Bowling Green, OH 43402-8670
Website: http://www.snooksdreamcars.com/
Snook’s Dream Cars displays the extensive collection of “long time car guy” Bill Snook (deceased) and operated by his son Jeff Snook. It features a recreated 1940s era Texaco gas station, a showroom of extensive automobile memorabilia and a car collection presented within period scenes ranging from a 1930s general store to a racetrack from the 1960s.The car collection, which features models from the 1930s to the 1960s, includes coupes, convertibles, sedans, roadsters and racecars, made by Cadillac, Ford, Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, Packard, Kaiser, Willys, Jaguar, Triumph, MG and Lotus. The facility also houses a complete four-bay shop for maintaining collector cars.
HOURS:
Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sat. & Sun: By appointment
ADMISSION:
Adults $8
Seniors $6
Children $5
This isn’t Just for the Kids! Fort Clarkston is a relaxing adult environment that just so happens to provide unique & fun activities for kids too!
Finally a place that understands what moms’ really!! This is the #1 hot spot for children entertainment & adult relaxation combined!! Parents can enjoy free wi-fi, sipping on coffee or tea from the café, or just cozying up with a magazine or book with a tasty treat. You may not even notice your kids as they will be completely mesmerized by the astounding 2,400 square foot playstructure standing 3 levels tall and the 2 level bitty playstructure for the tots. Twisty, bullet and wavy slides will take the children from peaks to valleys, meanwhile the maze, bumper balls and rope climbs engage children of all ages. They also offer redemption games and arcades! Be sure to redeem your tickets at their ticket redemption desk for valuable prizes.
Fort Clarkston offers a bar where moms can grab a glass of wine or beer and visit with other moms (or enjoy a little solitude), as well as feed the kiddo’s dinner/lunch at the café; it really is a mini vacation for moms!!
Hours: Monday – Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-9pm, & Sunday 9am-6pm
Address: 7127 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, MI
Phone: (248) 297-5453
Website: http://fortclarkston.com/
Hours: Monday – Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-9pm, & Sunday 9am-6pm
Cost: Mon-Thurs. $10 for the entire day!! Fri-Sun. $12 for the entire day!! Parents are $5
While you’re in the area you might want to check out:
- The Environmental Discovery Center (EDC) (This is the one with the underwater pond viewing room; kids can get a below-the-water peek at pond life, including native fish and plants). http://www.metroparks.com/facilities-education/indian-springs-environmental-discovery-center/
Spangler Candy Factory Tours (Bryan, OH)
Phone: 419.633.6439
Address: 400 N. Portland St., Bryan, OH 43506
Website: http://www.spanglercandy.com/about-us/tour-store-museum
Public tours of the factory are available on their Dum Dums Trolley Wednesday through Friday 10 am to 3:00 pm ET. There are no reservations. Tours are on a first come, first served basis. You may wish to call ahead for information. Store & Museum admission is free – tour prices are shown below.
Due to safety and FDA regulations, the trolley tour will not go through the main kitchen areas, but will go through the warehouse areas and their most recent addition, the Portland Street expansion. It is the 87th production expansion in company history and nearly 20,000 square feet in size. Visitors are able to see their palletization area and automatic case packers. Candy cooking and forming in the kitchen areas will be shown via a DVD player while on the trolley tour.
Hours: Fall/Winter/Spring: Wednesday thru Friday 10am – 3pm
Factory tour prices are: Adults $5, Children 6-18 years $3, Children 5 & Under Free with paid Adult, Seniors $4. Tours will not be offered on any day that is a holiday for the factory.
Outdoor Adventure Center (Detroit)
Phone: 844-OAC-MDNR (844-622-6367)
Address: 1801 Atwater Street Detroit, MI 48207-4020
Website: http://www.michigan.gov/oac/
Experience exciting outdoor adventures with hands-on activities, exhibits and simulators — walk behind and touch a waterfall, step into a fishing boat and reel in a big fish, hit the trail on a mountain bike or snowmobile, and much more. At the OAC, you’ll learn about how the DNR manages state parks, forests, wildlife and fish as you climb the roots and explore the canopy of a massive bur oak tree, hop aboard a real airplane, and see what’s swimming in our aquarium.
Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday Noon – 5 p.m
Admission:
Adults (age 13-61) $5
Seniors (age 62 and older) $3
Children (ages 2-12) $3
Children under age 2 Free
National Museum of the Great Lakes (Local)
Address: 1701 Front Street Toledo, Ohio 43605
Hours: Tuesdays– Saturdays: 10a.m. – 5p.m., Sundays: Noon – 5p.m., Closed Mondays
Website: http://www.inlandseas.org/
The National Museum of the Great Lakes is a fun and unique experience for all. Learn about the rich history our Great Lakes have afforded us, making up 84% of all the fresh water in North America it is no surprise they are treasured waters. Explore the history and enjoy some hands-on displays as you learn about one of the world’s greatest natural resources. Kids will be intrigued by all the means of transit along the Lakes, including the huge ship, the Schoonmaker just outside the museum in the Maumee River, (tours of the ship are offered May-Oct). Be sure to stop in the museum store so the kiddos can pick out some souvenirs to commemorate their visit.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Admission:
Museum Only: Adult – $11
Museum Only: Senior, AAA, or Military – $10
Museum Only: Kids (6-17) – $8
Museum Only: Toddlers (0-5) – Free
Historical Museum of Fulton County
Phone: 419-337-7922
Address: 8848 State Highway 108 Wauseon, OH 43567
Website: https://www.museumoffultoncounty.org/
Calling all history buffs and those simply intrigued by the vast history located in NW Ohio tour this an amazing 1868 Romanesque Revival two-story brick building that originally housed Wauseon’s first high school, and later, the county’s first hospital. Experience thirteen rooms that showcase permanent historic exhibits of hidden historical gems. Listen to locally written abolition hymns of the Underground Railroad movement in the county; see the crackling campfire of local Civil War soldiers and the museum’s extensive collection of Civil War era artifacts which are the impressive centerpiece of this exhibit.
Call ahead and make an appointment to see the Depot! Two blocks south of the museum, visit the Wauseon Depot. A collection of items from Fulton County’s railroad past, which included 6 steam lines and two electric inner urban lines, is on display inside the depot. Watch and listen to an O-scale working model railroad display that highlights Fulton County’s railroad 1920s hay-day.
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10:00am – 04:00pm
Sunday: noon-4:00pm
Rates: Adults – 18 and over: $8.00
Seniors – 55 and over: $7.00
Children – 6-15: $3.00
Children 6 & under are FREE
When you’re finished with your awesome tour stop by Red Rambler for a hot cocoa for the kiddos and a Flight of their brewed beers for mom and dad!
Website: http://www.redramblercoffees.com/
Toledo Museum of Art (Local)
Phone: (419) 255-8000
Address: 2445 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43620
Website: http://www.toledomuseum.org/
Since the founding in 1901, the Toledo Museum of Art has earned a global reputation for the quality of its collection, innovative and extensive education programs, and architecturally significant campus. The main Museum building interior contains four and a half acres of floor space on two levels. It has 45 galleries, 15 classroom studios, the 1,750-seat Peristyle concert hall, the 176-seat Little Theater lecture hall, the Resource Center for Educators, the Family Center, the Visual Resources Collection, the Museum Café, and the Museum Store featuring Collector’s Corner. The Glass Pavilion has five galleries, a glass study room, classrooms, two hotshops, a multipurpose GlasSalon, public and private courtyard space, and a coffee bar.
Family Center: Free, fun, and open to everyone! The TMA Family Center, located in the education wing near the Plough entrance, is the perfect place for our youngest Museum visitors to make and take memories with their parents and caregivers. Drop in for themed activities that enliven the world of art for kids ages 1-10 (and even grown-ups!). Check the calendar on this page for upcoming projects. Calendars can be customized and printed by clicking on the Google Calendar icon at the bottom of the calendar listing.
Family Center Hours:
Tuesdays & Thursday: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Friday: 3:30–8 p.m.
Sunday: noon–5:00 p.m
Admission: The Museum and the Family Center are FREE
Planet Rock (Ann Arbor)
Phone: 734-827-2680
Address: 82 Aprill Dr Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Website: http://www.planet-rock.com/
Since 1994, Planet Rock has been providing world class indoor rock climbing. With creative wall design and innovative route setting, Planet Rock enables climbers of all ages and experience levels to love a sport that is like no other. Over 25,000 square feet of climbing surface with walls up to heights of 50′ and routes up to 70′ long, their gyms cater to competitive and recreational climbers alike. The gym also features unique climbing features such as the full-training areas and giant bouldering mushroom. Both beginner and experienced lead climbers will find routes that are both technical and fun. Their dedicated lead climbing walls have extensive lines and challenging features, while their bouldering areas offer interesting topography and an innovative mat system for softer landings.
Hours: Monday- Friday | 3:00PM – 10:00PM
Saturday | 11:00AM – 8:00PM
Sunday | 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Admission: Starter Packages (first time) Price
Adult 14 or older $44.00
Adult and child (5-8) $50.00
additional children (each) $25.00
Adult and child (9-13) $60.00
Additional children (each) $32.00
Daily Passes
Price Adult Daily Pass $17.00
Student / Military Daily Pass $16.00
Kids (5-13) $13.00
Belay only $10.00
Belay check $3.00
Merry-Go-Round Museum (Sandusky)
Enjoy a fun and relaxed atmosphere while you tour the Merry-Go-Round Museum and learn about the history and art of the carousel. The “oom pa pa” of the band organ, and the “painted ponies” on display will thrill and enchant you.
Have your smiles ready as you relive your childhood excitement when you climb aboard the working “fully restored” Allan Herschell Carousel with the band organ playing. Watch carvers bring neglected carousel pieces back to their full beauty.
Address: 301 Jackson St Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: (419) 626-6111
Website: http://www.merrygoroundmuseum.org/
Hours: Wed-Sat: 11am-4pm & Sundays 12pm-4pm
Cost: Adults: $6.00, Senior Citizens: $5.00, Children (4-14): $4.00, (under 4): FREE (The cost Includes 1 Ride Token)
While you’re in the area you might want to check out:
African Wildlife Safari http://www.africansafariwildlifepark.com/
The Maritime Museum https://www.sanduskymaritime.org/information
