By Ohio.org Staff
Posted On: Jan 13, 2022
Winter in Ohio means finding creative ways to plug through the cold snap until Spring arrives with warmer temps. So if you're not looking to bundle up this winter, and want to skip the scarf, hat and gloves – here are some great indoor activities where you (and the family) can romp, play and splash all day!
Photo credit: Kalahari Resort
Splish Splash
Escape the cold this winter and splash around at an indoor waterpark! Fly down giant waterslides, romp in wave pools, and try your hand at games or sports in a variety of play areas. Check out spots like Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, where you can pretend like you're at the beach with surfing, tropical temperatures (84 and sunny!) and mermaid lessons included all without the jet lag.
Feel the Heat
Attend a glassblowing demonstration this winter. As long as you are in a decent (but safe) radius of the 800 degrees required to blow glass, you can catch some serious heat waves and even leave with a souvenir. Handmade glass ornaments from places like The Works in Newark always earns compliments on Christmas trees. And you'll love watching the process by which artists forge beautiful decorations.
Photo credit: Robb McCormick Photography
Science Rules
The cold air outside gives you a great chance to check out Ohio's science museums like COSI in Columbus. COSI offers endless ways to stay warm and have fun with hands-on exhibits that explore everything from energy and oceans to engineering and science demonstrations. The seasonally changing exhibits give you plenty of new reasons to return.
For even more fun, head to the Imagination Station in Toledo which has touring exhibits throughout the year and hundreds of engaging activities for kids of all ages. Or stop by the one-of-a-kind Cincinnati Museum Center.
Art(venture) Awaits
Explore Ohio's many art museums this winter. Inside you'll find a treasure of artwork and classic works. The Columbus Museum of Art's collection spans work from Columbus-born artists like Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson, George Bellows, and Elijah Pierce to 19th and 20th-century art. Rotating exhibits - like the current Van Gogh exhibition (on view until Feb 6) - provide fun and exciting peaks into the art world.
Reach for the Top
Spend your day at the nation's largest indoor adventure park - Play: CLE! Stay active and entertained with rock climbing and zip lining, jump in the ball pit or reach for the sky on the trampolines. If you're closer to Central Ohio, check out their Columbus location.
You can find even more fun at indoor play facilities like Scene75 is an entertainment center in Dayton that features everything from mini bowling and laser tag to go karts and sand volleyball. They also have locations in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus.
The Rinky Dink Family Fun Center in Medina is the prefect alternative to playing outside. Or you can check out Entertainment Junction in West Chester, which as the largest indoor train layout with more than 25,000 square feet of model train displays.
Photo credit: United Skates of America - Refugee Rd., Facebook
Tighten those Laces
Roller rinks like United Skates of America and Skate Zone 71 in Columbus keep regular public skate hours in addition to special events. Or hit the Chiller Ice Rink in Columbus to brush up on your ice skating skills. It's a fun and comfortable way to enjoy a chilly day—indoors! Most rinks offer public skate times for families so you can go when the mood strikes and stay for as long as you like. The Chiller operates five ice rinks in Columbus.
You can find an ice or roller rink in your area by checking out rinktime.com.
Breathe Deeply
Need some "me-time?" Then check out one of Ohio's many unique spa experiences. Try the Tranquility Salt Cave in Columbus, which uses what's known as "halotherapy" (salt therapy) to provide deep relaxation and therapeutic healing to all its customers. Or step into the Moroccan Steam Spa in Columbus where you can experience the ultimate relaxation in a steam room with traditional Moroccan spa treatments.
You can enjoy even more R&R at spots like Dayton's Woodhouse Spa, or head to Hocking Hills in Logan for a weekend away and enjoy the treatments at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls.
For more things to do this #WinterInOhio, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.
