While I do find myself longing for splash parks and playgrounds, there are a lot of great indoor play date options around town to keep your little ones busy on these cold days. I thought I’d share some of my favorites:
Hours: There is Toddler Time (up to age 6) offered throughout the week. Times vary by location.
Cost: $10 per child (you’ll need to purchase Sky Socks on your first visit, which are $2)
What Jeffrey loves: Running, jumping, balls, and foam blocks!
What I love: I get to bounce too. And Toddler Time burns a lot of kiddo energy!
The RainForest at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Hours: 10am-5pm daily
Cost: $13.25 for adults, $9.25 for ages 2-11, free for children under 2 (includes admission to the entire Zoo)
What Jeffrey loves: Monkeys!
What I love: It’s the Zoo, but indoors!
Hours: M-Th – 9:30am-7pm, F-Sat – 9:30am-8pm, Sun – 11am-4pm
Cost: $8.50 per child M-F, $10.50 per child Sat-Sun
What Jeffrey loves: All of it, really, but the big slides are a particular favorite.
What I love: Tons of fun play options, plus a tasty and healthy lunch place all in one location!
The Cleveland Botanical Garden
Hours: T, Th, F, Sat – 10am-5pm, Wed – 10am-9pm,Sun – 12pm-5pm
Cost: $11 for adults, $6 for children 3-12, free for children under 3
What Jeffrey loves: Butterflies, turtles, and waterfalls!
What I love: It’s like a touch of summertime in the cold!
Hours: PlayZone Hours vary by location
Cost: There are free play hours offered, but cost is otherwise $5 per child
What Jeffrey loves: Swinging and sliding!
What I love: Being able to let him swing and slide even when it’s freezing!
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Hours: M-Sat – 10am-5pm, Wed – 10am-8pm, Sun – 12pm-5pm
Cost: $14 for adults, $10 for children 3-18, free for children under 3, $10 for students with ID and seniors with Golden Buckeye Card
What Jeffrey loves: Dinosaurs! And the Sesame Street Planetarium Show.
What I love: It’s both fun and educational. And the Zack Bruell Cafe is tasty!
Western Reserve Historical Society Cleveland History Center
Hours: Tu-Sat – 10am-5pm, Sun – 12pm-5pm
Cost: $10.00 for adults, $9.00 for seniors, $7.00 for Veterans, $5 for children 3-12, free for children under 3
What Jeffrey loves: Cars and airplanes! And the Euclid Beach Carousel.
What I love: See above.
Lake Erie Nature and Science Center
Hours: 10am-5pm daily
Cost: Free!
What Jeffrey loves: Critters and the Planetarium.
What I love: It’s a really fun place that is free!
Library Story Times
Hours: Check your local branch for information.
Cost: Free!
What Jeffrey loves: Stories and a chance to play afterwards.
What I love: It fosters a greater love for reading and we can pick up some new books while we’re there!
So, those are some of our favorite ways to spend winter days! What are your go-to indoor activities?
