April showers bring May flowers!
With summer vacation coming up, parents need an arsenal of indoor activities for the inevitable rainy day. Today we’re sharing our Rainy Day Fun Guide, courtesy of our April issue!
When you have energetic children, there’s nothing worse than a rainy day! Being cooped up makes everyone grumpy (mom included) and after a few hours of puzzles, videos and crafts, your kids are likely bouncing off the walls. We’re here to help! Here’s a list of our very favorite places for indoor fun.
Behringer-Crawford Museum
1600 Montague Road, Devou Park, Covington, KY
Check out four floors of interactive exhibits and displays that highlight Northern Kentucky’s rich history.
http://www.bcmuseum.org/
Blue Manatee
3054 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH
From story times to “ActivAtees,” there’s always something fun happening at this kids’ bookstore.
http://www.bluemanateebooks.com/
Brazee Street Studios
4426 Brazee Street, Cincinnati, OH
This Oakley studio offers a range of classes for artists, adults and children of all skill levels, using glass as the main medium. Check out Brazee’s kid-friendly storytimes.
http://brazeestreetstudios.com/
Carol Ann’s Carousel
100 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH
Take a ride on this unique Cincinnati attraction at Smale Riverfront Park. Glass doors allow for easy access into the carousel building, making this indoor carousel accessible year-round.
http://mysmaleriverfrontpark.org/carousel.htm
Castle Skateland
980 Loveland Madeira Rd, Loveland, OH
Go retro on the next rainy day by lacing up your roller skates for a family skate date! Castle Skateland boasts the largest skate floor in the Tri-State, and provides a bright, clean, safe and friendly atmosphere for the family.
http://www.castleskateland.com
Creativities
7010 Miami Avenue, Cincinnati, OH
Pop in to this Madeira studio during “Open Studio” hours — and make whatever your heart desires!
http://www.artsandcreativities.com/
Duke Energy Children’s Museum
1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH
Discover eight educational and themed play areas, including two specifically designed with preschoolers and younger in mind. Go on a wilderness adventure through The Woods, be a part of a complex machine in the Energy Zone and explore the neighborhood in Kids’ Town.
http://www.cincymuseum.org/childrensmuseum
EnterTRAINment Junction
7379 Squire Court, West Chester, OH
At EnterTRAINment Junction, you can marvel at the world’s largest indoor train display (25,000 sq. ft. of model trains on an enormous train layout) and slide, climb and crawl in a spectacular children’s play area.
http://www.entertrainmentjunction.com/
Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati
315 West Court Street, Cincinnati, OH
The Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati showcases Cincinnati’s firefighting efforts and contributions to the community. Check out the interactive life-size fire truck and firefighter pole!
http://www.cincyfiremuseum.com/
Jump & Jack’s
7102 Office Park Dr., West Chester, OH
Check out Jump & Jack’s in West Chester designed for the active play needs of young children from toddlers up to age 11.
http://www.jumpandjacks.com/
Krohn Conservatory
950 Eden Park Drive Cincinnati, OH
It’s always warm, dry and wonderful in Krohn Conservatory — and right now, the acclaimed Butterfly Show is happening!
http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/krohn-conservatory/
Mad Potter
7754 Camargo Road, Cincinnati, OH
At Mad Potter you can choose from hundreds of pottery pieces to decorate, includingbowls, mugs, picture frames, banks and much more.
http://www.madpottercincinnati.com/
Newport Aquarium
One Aquarium Way, Newport, KY
Newport Aquarium showcases thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water, including the enormously popular “Sweet Pea” and “Scooter,” the stars of the first shark ray breeding program in the world.
http://www.newportaquarium.com/
Northland Ice Center
10400 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH
Northland Ice Center is a year-round indoor rink offering lessons, all-ages hockey and open skating.
http://www.northlandicecenter.com/
Parky’s Play Barn
10073 Daly Road, Cincinnati, OH
This indoor play area used to be a real barn. For East Siders, check out the Adventure Station at Sharon Woods. A 2016 Great Parks Vehicle Permit ($10) is needed for admission.
http://www.greatparks.org/learn/parkys-farm
Pogo Play
10870 Kenwood Rd, Blue Ash, OH
Pogo Play is an indoor playground with over 160 different games and experiences in a large, interactive facility. Be sure to check out Pogo’s Open Jump hours, which feature giant inflatables.
http://gopogoplay.com/
Recreations Outlet
Milford location: 885 Old Ohio 28, Milford, OH
West Chester location: 7267 Yankee Rd., Liberty Township, Ohio
Kids can get all that pent up energy out at this fun indoor facility.
http://recreationsoutlet.com/playtime/indoor-playland/
Reds Hall of Fame Museum
100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH
It’s baseball season, so what better way to spend a rainy day than at the Reds Hall of Fame Museum? Plenty of interactive areas for kids are available, including a booth where kids can don headsets and be an announcer like Marty and Joe!
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/cin/hof/
Run, Jump and Play
8481 Duke Blvd, Mason, OH
Wall to wall swing sets where the magic of childhood turns swings, slides, monkey-bars and rock walls into adventurous mountain sides, jungles, rockets and even pirate ships. Mom and Dad might be tempted to play on one of the full-sized trampolines too!
http://www.runjumpnplay.com/
Sky Zone
11745 Commons Dr, Springdale, OH
Sky Zone Springdale offers open jump, a SkySlam court, SkyRobics fitness classes, Ultimate Dodgeball (when available) and the Foam Zone.
http://www.skyzone.com/springdale
Taft Museum of Art
316 Pike Street, Cincinnati, OH
Visit the museum on select third Sundays to explore, create, and play. These free afternoon programs offer great art, kid-sized art info, hands-on fun and family-friendly performances.
www.taftmuseum.org
The Silver Diva
9797 Montgomery Road, Ste. F, Cincinnati, OH
Kids ages 6 and up can hand stamp their own necklaces, bracelets, rings or make a gift for someone else!
www.thesilverdiva.com
With so many indoor places for fun around Cincy, you might just be wishing for the next rainy day!
