It’s July, which means that we’re in full summer mode. When all the splash pad and pool visits aren’t enough to cool down from the heat and the humidity, it’s time to take it inside. Thankfully, there are plenty of indoor options around southwest Ohio to entertain your family. Enjoy a break from the heat — and the abundant air conditioning! — with these fun indoor ideas.
Related Article: 100 Awesome things to do this Summer in Southwest Ohio {2024}
Indoor Playgrounds + Entertainment
Entertrainment Junction
7379 Squire Ct., West Chester
Enjoy 25,000 square feet of model trains, with an indoor play area, railroad museum and tons of train tables.
Kid Clubhouse
865 W Central Ave, Springboro
An indoor playground designed for kids with parents in mind, featuring a large multilevel playground, bounce house, party rooms to rent, and a snack bar. Coming soon – Kids Clubhouse Mason!
LilyPad Play
2008 Madison Rd., Cincinnati
For the 6-and-under crowd, this indoor space in O’Bryonville is a must! Kids will love the indoor rock wall, natural wood play structure, whimsical wheely bugs and daily classes.
Magic Land Play Café
10501 New Haven Rd., Harrison
This fun space features a multi-level climber, several Little Tikes jeeps and cars, tall buildings to pretend-play in, a huge pebble rock digging space, lounges for mom and dad, and a life-sized claw machine where your child is the claw!
Scene75
876 OH-28, Milford
Go-karts, virtual reality, mini bowling and laser tag: Scene 75 is a one-stop-shop for year-round indoor fun!
Wonderland Playground
8255 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati
Over 7500 square feet of play space for ages 1-8, including a ninja course and dedicated play area, private rooms for birthday parties, as well as a cafe with snacks and beverages.
Museums
Behringer-Crawford Museum
1600 Montague Rd., Covington, KY
Four floors of interactive exhibits highlight Northern Kentucky’s history at this hidden gem.
Boonshoft Museum
2600 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton
It’s a children’s museum, science center, natural history museum, planetarium, observatory and zoo all under one roof! Enjoy interactive learning experiences, hands-on science programs and interesting exhibits.
Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati
Between the Duke Energy Children’s Museum, the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, and lots more, there are so many reasons to visit the CMC this summer.
Newport Aquarium
One Aquarium Way, Newport, KY
It’s #SharkSummer at Newport Aquarium, with lots of interactive activities for all ages.
Sports + Music
Aqua Tots
Multiple locations
Splash the summer away and have fun learning how to swim. Small group swim lessons (a 4:1 student to instructor ratio) ensures a safe and social environment.
Cincinnati School of Music
Multiple locations
With locations in Anderson, Mason and Olde Montgomery, there’s a place for all ages and skill levels to learn and refine their skills in piano, guitar, voice, drums, violin and more.
Music Together of South Dayton
Multiple locations
Sing, dance, play and learn in a nurturing, musical environment. Classes are available for babies, mixed ages and kids 4-8 years old.
Bookstores + Libraries
Blue Marble Books
1356 S Ft Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas, KY
Promoting youth literacy and a joy for reading in a space where children can discover the magic of books and the adventures to be found therein.
Joseph-Beth Booksellers
2692 Madison Rd., Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s locally owned indie bookstore since 1993.
Your Local Library
The library is a great place to find free indoor events and activities. From art classes and animal shows to chess tournaments and cooking classes, the library has many activities to keep your little ones entertained on hot days. Here are some libraries to check out:
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
Dayton Metro Library
Midpointe Library
Foodie Fun
Aglamesis Bro’s
3046 Madison Rd, Cincinnati
9899 Montgomery Rd, Montgomery
Cool off with super premium ice creams and deliciously decadent chocolates have been delighting Cincinnatians for well over a century.
Graeter’s
8533 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati
You’ll find many Graeter’s locations all around Southwest Ohio, but the one on Beechmont also has a Lil’ Pints Playroom — an indoor play space!
