We asked for it, and now it’s here: The heat and humidity have descended upon Cincinnati, and we’re in full summer mode. By now, you’ve probably taken the kids to all the splashpads, parks and playgrounds, and maybe even the zoo or Kings Island. But chances are, everyone is ready for a break from the heat.
Thankfully, no matter where you live in Cincinnati, there are plenty of indoor options to entertain your family — air conditioning included!
Here’s our ultimate guide to Summer Fun without the Sun – 15 indoor activities to escape the heat!
NORTH
Pogo Play (pictured)
10870 Kenwood Rd., Blue Ash | gopogoplay.com
In addition to its massive 7,600–square-foot play structure, Pogo Play boasts a sports court, LEGO area, interactive floor, toddler area, dramatic play space and inflatables.
Great Wolf Lodge
2501 Great Wolf Dr., Mason | greatwolf.com/mason
Who can resist attractions with names like the Hydro Plunge, Triple Twist and Raccoon Lagoon? Great Wolf Lodge is the ultimate close-to-home staycation.
Lazer Kraze
7082 Columbia Rd., Mason | lazerkraze.com
Laser tag, a trampoline park and arcade games provide hours of family fun. North Kentucky parents: Lazer Kraze has a location in Erlanger, too!
SOUTH
Behringer-Crawford Museum
1600 Montague Rd., Covington, KY | bcmuseum.org
Four floors of interactive exhibits highlight Northern Kentucky’s history at this hidden gem. Be sure to visit each of the museum’s “Top Ten Picks,” which include a drive-in theatre and train display with interactive crawl space.
Newport Aquarium (pictured)
One Aquarium Way, Newport, KY | newportaquarium.com
It’s #SharkSummer at Newport Aquarium! In addition to a brand-new baby epaulette shark, extended summer hours and lots of interactive activities make Newport Aquarium the perfect place to cool off.
Totter’s Otterville
4314 Boron Dr., Covington, KY | tottersotterville.com
A variety of interactive spaces and pretend-play stations encourage hours of creativity at this N. KY gem.
EAST
Mosiac Climbing
9501 Union Cemetery Rd., Loveland | mosaicclimbing.com
This brand-new indoor climbing center is the real deal. Memberships, classes, camps — Cincinnati climbers of all ages will love Mosaic Climbing!
Recreations Outlet (pictured)
885 St. Route 28, Milford | recreationsoutlet.com
Trampolines, a basketball court and rows of giant, indoor playground equipment — Recreations Outlet is an absolute favorite place on a hot summer day!
Scene75
876 OH-28, Milford | scene75.com/cincinnati
Go-karts, virtual reality, mini bowling and laser tag: Scene 75 is a one-stop-shop for year-round indoor fun!
WEST
Discovery Center at Liberty Center (pictured)
7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township | liberty-center.com
This unique indoor playground has a “flying pig” theme, which can be found in everything from the walls to the pig-shaped play structure. It’s free to visit, and across from the play area, the MidPoint Library has a full-service branch, making Liberty Center a satisfying afternoon for kids and parents.
Entertrainment Junction
7379 Squire Ct., West Chester | entertrainmentjunction.com
Entertrainment Junction is 25,000 square feet of model trains, with an indoor play area, railroad museum and tons of train tables. Stop by this month for “Christmas in July” and enjoy some holiday cheer with a visit from Santa!
Scallywag Tag
5055 Glencrossing Way, Cincinnati | scallywagtag.com
Kids of all ages will love the pirate-themed, black–light mini golf, laser tag and arcade favorites at this West Side gem.
CENTRAL
Cincinnati Museum Center (pictured)
1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati | cincymuseum.org
Between the Duke Energy Children’s Museum, Public Landing, OMNIMAX and Cave; the all-new Dinosaur Gallery, Science Interactives Gallery and Neil Armstrong Exploration Gallery; and the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts to ever show in the U.S., there are so many reasons to visit Cincinnati Museum Center this summer.
The Dungeon at King Arthur’s Court
3040 Madison Rd., Oakley | kingarthurstoys.com
The Dungeon is a fun and free indoor play area that truly transforms King Arthur’s Court into a land of imagination.
LilyPad Play
2008 Madison Rd., Cincinnati | lilypadplay.com
For the 6-and-under crowd, this new 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.