10 Indoor Toddler Activities in Columbus, GA
It’s common knowledge that summers in Georgia are scorching hot – and the winters are fairly cold. But being stuck at home for too long can lead to cabin fever — especially when you’ve got little ones underfoot. For your convenience (and sanity) we have compiled a list of our 10 favorite indoor (fully air-conditioned and heated) play areas for toddlers. Visit one of these venues when it’s too hot (or too cold) for the park, too sunny for the beach, and you’ve already been to the pool.
Note: The locations showcased here were chosen specially for their appeal to children under age 5.
1. Columbus Museum
Do you have a pint-sized Picasso? Take them to Transformations at the Columbus Museum. This children’s interactive discovery gallery located on the lower level features a dozen creative play areas both fun and educational. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays. Free admission.
2. Chick-Fil-A on Wynnton Road
Chick-fil-A restaurants are known for their great play areas, but the play area at Chick-fil-A Macon on Wynnton Road is specially designed for small tykes. Moms will find plenty of disposal placemats and hand sanitizing wipes available for FREE! With polite, friendly employees and a clean, wholesome atmosphere, this restaurant wins first prize!
3. Launch Trampoline Columbus
Launch Trampoline is an indoor trampoline center. Jumpers of all ages and abilities have fun bouncing on our trampoline courts and launching into our foam pit. The facility has a designated area just for little launches (42″ and under) called the Kids Court. Although younger children are allowed to play in all areas of the park as long as they follow the rules.
Don’t miss the weekly Toddler Time sessions. The park is open for children ages 5 and under. The staff will lead the kids in fun trampoline games, let them play a few rounds of trampoline dodgeball, and have free time for open jump fun. (See website for schedule!)
4. MyGym Columbus
Parents who are looking for a more structured activity might want to try out a class at My Gym Columbus. The classes start at age 4 months and continue to age 3 from Parent and Me classes and continue with Ninja Training and Gymnastics from age 3-10 years. Each Class provides one hour of indoor tumbling and jumping. Try a class absolutely free. Unstructured Practice and Play sessions are available each week for children (all ages) enrolled in a class. Call for enrollment information.
5. Peachtree Mall
Located next to Macy’s, the Under the Sea play area at Peachtree Mall features areas and activities that encourage kids to play with other kids, climb, slide, problem-solve and use their imagination, all in an enclosed in an area where parents can have a seat, enjoy a moment and allow their kids to interact in a safe and clean environment. For safety reasons, the Under the Sea area is for children under 8 years old and 46″ tall.
6. Local Libraries
Four library systems intersect in the Chattahoochee Valley area. And each branch offers multiple opportunities each week for toddlers to exercise their imaginations through structured storytimes. Memberships are available for residents and non-residents alike.
- Sayers Memorial Library (Fort Benning)
- Phenix City-Russell County Library
- Chattahoochee Valley Libraries, (seven branches)
- Harris County Library
7. Barnes & Noble
While Barnes and Noble is not a physical play area, it offers a significant number of activities to entertain and stimulate your tots. Each location maintains a schedule of storytimes and special events. The Children’s Area at the Columbus location features a reading nook and a train table. Purchase snacks and beverages at the Cafe, then relax while your tots play with Thomas, James, and Percy. There is also a LEGO table for children located outside the Children’s Area.
8. Chuck-E-Cheese
From the video games and high-tech simulator rides to kiddie rides for the little ones – Chuck-E-Cheese in Columbus has fun covered. To help separate the older kids from the younger kids, game rooms are arranged into three unique sections: Toddler Zone, Kiddie Area, and Skill Games & Arcades. And every zone can be a parents zone. Mom and Dad are free to relax and watch their kids explore and play along anywhere.
9. Coca-Cola Space Science Center
Do you have a pint-sized astronaut? Take them to the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. Owned and operated by Columbus State University, the CCSSC is a small space museum located in Uptown Columbus. Don’t let the size fool you! This museum is packed with fun, interactive exhibits — just right for sparking your child’s interest in science, engineering, math, and technology. There’s even a Preschool Zone just for Tots.
Click here to read our review. Admission: $4-$6. Kids 3 and under are free.
10. Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center
Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center provides exhibits, natural history displays, and nature trails to explore. Inside the center, visitors can view a variety of snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, turtles, tortoises, fish, alligators, bees, invertebrates, and lots more. Regularly scheduled programs are available for kids of all ages. Admission: $5 suggested donation
