I think we all know how unpredictable any season can be so I’ve put together this handy guide when you’re looking for things to do that are indoors with your little ones. Enjoy!
Don’t have toddlers or preschoolers? Tap HERE for an alternate indoor list of things to do & be sure you’re following on Instagram for more valuable resources. Have a suggestion for this list, comment below!
DOWNTOWN
1. GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER – tap for more info
Get your science on at the Great Lakes Science Center. There are special exhibits just for little ones including the Polymer House which is only for kids ages 7 & under!
2. WESTERN RESERVE FIRE MUSEUM – tap for more info
This fire department themed museum has a newly decorated play area just for kids!
3. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S AIR & SPACE MUSEUM – tap for more info
Always free admission for their exhibits – a wonderful place for any plane loving toddler – Tap to watch an IG reel on this!
4. CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY – MAIN BRANCH – tap for more info
Visit the main branch & see the beautiful view from the 10th floor observation deck.
5. GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM – tap for more info – The Flats
Touch some stingrays at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium & explore all there is do at the aquarium!
ALL AROUND CLEVELAND (WEST, EAST, & SOUTH SIDE)
VISIT A FUN LIBRARY PLAY SPACE – tap for locations
There are plenty of libraries with fun indoor play spaces for kiddos all around Cleveland. Tap the link above for a list!
VISIT A NATURE CENTER – tap for locations
With over 10 nature centers around Cleveland, there’s plenty to explore at these fun play spaces.
WEST SIDE
1. CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO RAINFOREST – tap for more info – Old Brooklyn
Visit the newly renovated rainforest at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Toddlers will love exploring this beautiful place on a rainy or chilly day.
2. B.A. SWEETIES – tap for more info – Old Brooklyn
Visit the largest candy store in North America. Kids will have fun pushing little carts made for their shopping extravaganza!
3. MAKE BELIEVE FAMILY FUN CENTER – tap for more info – Parma
With specific packages just for toddlers, Make Believe Family Fun Center is a great place to get your little ones’ energy out!
4. FAIRVIEW PARK REC DEPARTMENT AT THE GEMINI CENTER – tap for more info – Fairview Park
Toddler Tumble Time during the fall/winter at the Gemini Center! Mondays & Fridays from 9:30-11:30am. Ages 6 months – 5 years.
5. GREAT NORTHERN MALL – tap for more info – North Olmsted
The play area at Great Northern Mall is super cute. There is even a height requirement so you can rest assure your toddlers will be safe here. The mall also has a very nice family lounge by the restrooms.
6. NORTH OLMSTED GYMNASTICS – tap for more info – North Olmsted
North Olmsted Gymnastics holds an open gym for children 6 & under typically every Thursday & Friday. Call for current day/times.
7. JOHN KNOX PRESBYTERIAN – tap for more info – North Olmsted
On Thursdays from 10-11 am, visit their free toddler playgroup for littles & caregivers. From babies in arms through pre-school age, this program focuses on playing, basic circle time, crafts, & caregiver community. Everyone is welcome!
8. ABOVE THE BARRE – tap for more info – Berea
Above The Barre Dance & Gymnastics holds an open gym for children ages 5 & under every Friday.
9. GET AIR TODDLER TIME – tap for more info – Middleburg Heights
Get Air Trampoline Park in Middleburg Heights has Toddler Time just for little kids (under 46″) Tuesday, Thursday, & Sundays.
10. SHOP N PLAY – tap for more info – Strongsville
Drop the kids off while you shop at SouthPark Mall or stay & play at this indoor locations for little ones!
11. SOUTHPARK MALL – tap for more info – Strongsville
Another nice mall play area for little ones under 42″.
12. LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER – tap for more info – Bay Village
Always free – check out the great selection of animals & interactive kids activities located in Bay Village. They also have a planetarium with shows for $5 per person. For additional nature centers, tap here.
13. SKY ZONE – tap for more info – Westlake
Get out some energy at Sky Zone trampoline park in Westlake with their toddler times!
14. URBAN AIR – tap for more info – Westlake
Jumperoo is a special time where the park is open only for children 5 & under! They open up the park just for the little ones and their parents to jump, bounce and crawl around safely!
15. MILLER NATURE PRESERVE – tap here for more info – Avon
Visit the 5000 square foot conservatory & see multiple displays of beautiful plant specimens from all over the world in Avon.
16. THE ADVENTURE FACTORY – tap for more info – Avon Lake
Newly opened! This indoor place center is just for kiddos ages 7 & below or up to 70lbs.
17. SQUEAKY SNEAKERS AT ANCHOR RECREATION CENTER – tap for more info – Avon Lake
Designed for children ages 18 months through five years, this is an open gym program for preschoolers. They offer an assortment of balls, blocks, mats, parachutes and much more! Open Monday, Wednesday, & Fridays
18. NORTH RIDGEVILLE PARKS & REC GYM & STORY TIME – tap for more info – North Ridgeville
View the flyer below for more info & details to register! Call for current days/times.
19. KIDDIE JUNGLE – tap for more info – Parma
With three different locations, to explore Kiddie Jungle is a wonderful indoor activity for the little ones. Under 1 AND adults are FREE!
EAST SIDE
1. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF CLEVELAND – tap for more info – Midtown Cleveland
What better place to spend time indoors with your toddlers than the Children’s Museum of Cleveland?!
2. CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY – tap for more info – University Circle
Lots to do & see here with toddlers! *some exhibits are closed due to the renovation*
3. CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN – tap for more info – University Circle
The beautiful gardens are open year round – rain or shine! A wonderful indoor place to explore with a new kids area to play in.
4. THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART – tap for more info– University Circle
The art museum is FREE & has a beautiful atrium for little ones to toddle around. The Artlens Gallery has a bunch of interactive components to enjoy as well!
5. PLAY DAY CAFE – tap for more info – Solon
Play Day Café is an indoor playground for kids ages infant through 12 years with a café and party center with a unique style that parents will also enjoy!
6. RECESS ROOM – tap for more info – Cleveland East Side
recessROOM is 12,000 sq ft kid & adult play space featuring ride-ons, bounce houses, soft play, & more. While you’d have to use your own discretion if you think this is toddler friendly, preschoolers would definitely have a great time here!
7. TREEHOUSE TOYS + PLAY tap for more info – Aurora
Little ones under 1 years old get in for FREE. This toy store + play area is perfect for toddlers & preschoolers!
8. SKY ZONE – tap for more info – Highland Heights
Get out some energy at Sky Zone trampoline park in Westlake with their toddler times!
9. KIDDIE JUNGLE – tap for more info – Lyndhurst & Mentor
With three different locations, to explore Kiddie Jungle is a wonderful indoor activity for the little ones. Under 1 AND adults are FREE!
10. THE JUMP YARD – tap for more info – Eastlake
Designed for kids 12 & under, little ones can still have a great time here!
SOUTH SIDE
1. JURASSIC MOUNTAIN – tap for more info – Medina
With bounce houses & a jungle gym, this is a great place for the younger crowd!
2. AKRON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM – tap for more info – Akron
Akron Children’s Museum has hands-on, interactive exhibits to engage kids and encourage learning through play.
3. AKRON FOSSILS & SCIENCE CENTER – AKRON – tap for more info – Akron
Unlike many other science centers, these fossils aren’t in glass cases; they are in your hands where you can truly experience and learn from these records of the past, perfect for little hands!
4. THE NINJA HIVE – tap for more info – Akron
New to Akron, this adventure park has a dedicated foam pit area just for babies & toddlers!
Looking for Toddler/Preschooler Friendly Playgrounds? Tap HERE for the list!
Related resources to check out – tap below for more info
This is a great list. So many I didn’t know about. Are any of these better than others if you’re still trying to keep your little one mostly away from humans (re: COVID)?
My first recommendation is the International Women’s Air & Space Museum during the week. We have always been the only ones there every time we’ve gone. Also, I think if you go right when the libraries open, there’s a good chance there won’t be as many people. French Creek Nature Center is also usually very quiet.
Hi! This is an amazing list!
Thanks for checking it out! 🙂
Hi! I love the libraries, bit do you know of they are open now? I tried to go to my local library in Ohio City and it’s closed due to Covid. 🙁
Hello, the Cuyahoga County libraries are unfortunately closed temporarily, yes; however, Lorain County libraries are still open at the moment. I always suggest double checking before going due to the current climate.
Thanks for sharing all these ideas! Do you have any suggestions on best ideas for a 3-year-old to do on their actual birthday on the West side? My top thoughts thus far are the kiddie park, Wittle Town or Children’s Museum? It could be outside, too. Thank you!
I think those are great ideas! You may also find some inspiration on the Attractions page: https://theclevelandmoms.com/resources/attractions. I also have some venue ideas on the Parties page as well: https://theclevelandmoms.com/resources/parties. It all really depends on the type of event you’re envisioning. If more laid back, you can always just rent a pavilion at any local park, too. Most are near playgrounds.