Packing up all the gear necessary to spend an afternoon out of the house with a baby can be an ordeal. But sometimes you’ve just gotta get out! Here’s a rundown of places to go around Southwest Ohio with baby in tow.
Wonderland Playground, Anderson
With a designated soft play baby area full of brightly colored, soft-cushioned climbers, slides and merry-go-round, your baby will be stimulated and cheerful after a trip to Wonderland. Regardless of age, taller children over 36 inches are not permitted in the baby area, keeping our youngest babes safe and happy. Wonderland features a delicious snack and coffee bar to keep parents alert and moving.
Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati
A Cincinnati treasure is back in business with a fully reopened Children’s museum. The museum boasts two play areas specifically designed for young children and babies, encouraging STEM play from an early age. Little Sprouts Farm infant garden and toddler farmyard has privacy space for nursing mothers and story time every Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Kid Clubhouse, Springboro
A goal of creating a fun, safe, affordable space for kids and families is at the very center of the husband-and-wife team at Kid Clubhouse. Specifically designed for children ages 3 and younger, the toddler zone — with small slides, soft play toys and seating around the entire zone — encourages babies to crawl and build those tiny muscles! A multilevel playground keeps older siblings busy as babies stay low and active with fun mirrors and climbing toys.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton
Under age 3 plays for free at Boonshoft, with everything reopened including the baby and toddler spaces. With ample free parking and reciprocacy benefits, Boonshoft Museum is an impressive gem for the entire family. The museum offers a quiet room on the first floor for nursing families and free stroller rental on a first come, first serve basis. The museum is least crowded during early morning hours of 9 to 11 a.m. for a calmer, relaxing visit with your baby explorer.
Adventure Reef Water Park, Kettering
Located at the Kettering Rec Center from Memorial Day through Labor Day, babies can show off their swimsuits and sun hats at Adventure Reef Water Park. With a smaller pool just for babies, parents can ease their minds knowing there’s a safe space without the bigger kids splashing around. For walking babies, an interactive splash pad keeps them cool and stimulated. Don’t forget your water buckets and sunscreen!
Graeters Lil’ Pints Play Room, Kenwood
The Lil’ Pints Play Room at Graeters is a free, baby friendly play space with soft floors and interactive play features throughout. Designed for children ages 9 and younger, babies have their very own space to crawl freely between bites of Graeter’s deliciously creamy ice cream. Socks are required and are available for $1 with the most adorable ice cream prints. Other Lil’ Pints Play Room locations include Cherry Grove and Bethel Columbus.
Great Parks of Cincinnati Splash Pad, Forest Park and Anderson
Opening after Memorial Day, Great Parks splash pads are back and better than ever! The staff at Great Parks have spent the off-season renovating the splash pad grounds with brand new soft padded flooring and upgrades. Diaper-wearing babies are required to wear swim diapers under suits and are available for purchase at both Parky’s Ark in Winton Woods and Parky’s Wetland in Woodland Mound, both open daily.
LilyPad, Oakley
For curious babies, LilyPad indoor playground offers an enclosed space for pre-walkers, encouraging healthy development through open play. Soft play equipment and age appropriate toys like train tables, soft climbers, bouncy seats, blocks and wooden toys keep your baby happy and healthy. Whether you’re looking for drop-in play, monthly memberships or birthday party rentals, LilyPad also offers classes for postpartum Mamas, Zambini, acoustic jam, art classes and more.
Milk and Beans, Crescent Springs
Dare we say, absolutely genius?! Coffee shop on one side, play space on the other; happy parents and baby! Open Monday through Saturday, toys in the playroom were carefully chosen to promote calm play. The area features a Pikler triangle for climbing, bouncing bees, soft climbers, stacking blocks and a library. With a full espresso bar and pastries, enjoy a cup of coffee while the babies play.
