There’s nothing worse than cooped-up, stir-crazy, all-over-each-other kids. Throw in an “I’m bored!” and you pretty much have every parent’s worst nightmare.The solution? Indoor playgrounds! These state-of-the-art indoor spaces are interactive, safe and totally kid-and-parent approved. (In fact, many even offer cafes where parents can enjoy an interrupted cup of coffee and Facebook browsing session!)
Scene75/Bounce Zone Extreme– The bounce zone features a variety of exciting jumbo inflatables including: inflatable slides, inflatable obstacle courses, bouncy houses, and an area specifically designed for toddlers. The Scene75 Bounce area is always available for open bouncing during our normal hours of operation.
The bounce zones at Scene75 are different depending on which location you visit. Scene75 Dayton is designed for all ages. $6 for 30 minutes/ $9 for one hour
6196 Poe Avenue Dayton, OH 45414
Dayton Parent Tip- If you have a variety of ages, be prepared that some will be in one section while others are in another.
Run Around Fun Town XL–Run Around Fun Town XL is Dayton’s newest indoor family entertainment center. Children can run, jump, ride, play and learn throughout our 10,000 square foot facility. We offer Open Play and Party Packages in our always clean and friendly environment. There are four themed interactive play rooms, multiple inflatables, a Tubes and Tunnels playground, cars and scooters to “drive” around Fun Town roads and a fantastic toddler area designed for crawlers to age two. Perfect for toddlers up to age 11. Stadium Cafe offers a refreshing beverage or a quick snack for that appetite the little ones will work up! We offer open play for children Monday 10-2pm, all day Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Age 3 and Up is $ 10 Age 2 and under are $5 Crawlers are free with paid sibling. Adults are free.
Dayton Parent Tip- this is a great place for working moms and dads to let the kiddos have fun while you are on the internet.
4401 Lyons Rd. Miamisburg, OH 45342
EnterTRAINment Junction– Imagination Junction features an interactive play area designed specifically for kids. A 5,000 square-foot railroad-themed entertainment center includes a colorful, innovative play structure with dozens of challenging elements. Completely indoors, it’s the perfect place to come on a rainy day or any day!
Climb, slide, and crawl through tunnels, shovel coal, push buttons to run trains, and more! Imagination Junction also has an entire play area devoted to the wildly popular Thomas the Train children’s icon. Adults are $13.95, Seniors are $11.95, Children (3-12) $9.95 and under 2- free.
Dayton Parent Tip- The price includes the Train Journey which is very cool for all ages! Only $3 more for unlimited indoor and outdoor train rides.
7379 Squire Court West Chester, OH 45069, www.entertrainmentjunction.com
Boonshoft Museum– The Boonshoft Museum is the premier destination for family learning in the Miami Valley. It is a natural history museum, science center, children’s museum, planetarium, observatory and zoo! The children can play make believe in the veterinary office, the pizza kitchen, grocery store, get wet with water play and our favorite is the net climbing rope and 2 story slide. Children (3-17) $11.50, Adults $14.50, Seniors (60+) $12.50 and Children under 3 are free.
Dayton Parent Tip- If you have younger children the slide is fun as long as you have an adult with them at the top and another waiting for them at the bottom- otherwise very stressful for a guardian trying to find them.
2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton, OH 45414
Chuck E. Cheese– From kiddie rides and Skytubes® for the little ones to high-tech simulator games & Chuck E.’s Laser Challenge for older kids, they have attractions for all ages. With their 1 token per ride/game concept- it really does make an outing a lot more fun for both the kiddos and mom/dad. We also like that it isn’t so large where you feel like they could get lost at any moment. As long as you are there during a weekday when it isn’t too crowded, it is nice to let the kids get a little independence and have fun putting their own token in each game. Once the money runs out- let them enjoy the play tubes and indoor play area which are free.
Dayton Parent Tip- Eat before you go and just order drinks and maybe a salad bar or side item to keep the outing cheaper.
30 Prestige Place, Miamisburg, OH 45342 and 2345 Valley Loop Rd. Springfield, OH 45504
Dayton Mall- Dayton Children’s Flight Zone– The play area has elements like a rocket ship, an airplane and a hot air balloon. The play area’s location is on the lower level between Macy’s and JCPenney. We love that there are seats surrounding the area with boxes below for shoes. We also love that everything in the Flight Zone is made of a soft foam type of material so even if the kiddos are playing a little rougher or take a tumble as many do they are surrounded by softer material.
Dayton Parent Tip- If you have a runner- sit close to the entrance/exit so you can grab them quicker 😉
2700 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd. Dayton, OH 45458
Jumpy’s Fun Zone– Jumpy’s features the all-new 2 Lane Mini-Bowling, 5 giant inflatables, a huge arcade and a cafe with great food and drinks! The Jumpy Zone is open to guests 12 and under and parents who want to play with their children. (NOTE: Children must be 34″ or taller to enter an inflatable. This height recommendation is now being enforced by the State of Ohio Amusement Ride Division. It is not the decision of Jumpy’s Fun Zone. We do have a toddler area for smaller children to interact and play.) They are open to the public for laser tag games, jumping fun, or just stop in and enjoy a pizza or hot dog in the Cafe while the kids play a few games. $9 per child and adults are free.
Dayton Parent Tip- They offer free wifi.
1528 West Main St. Troy, OH 45373
Chick Fil A– Chick Fil A not only offers yummy food options that the kids and moms/dads love but also a fun indoor play area. Let the children get some pent up energy out and go down the slides and through the tubes while making new friends.
Dayton Parent Tip- Try to avoid lunch hours as this restaurant can get very crowded.
Multiple Locations
Fairhaven Church- Centerville Location– Fairhaven’s indoor children’s play area provides a free, safe, clean place for children ages 0-6 to play, while allowing parents and caregivers the opportunity to connect with friends and other families. The soft play area is only for children ages 0-2. The tube play area is recommended for children ages 3-6. All children must be under adult supervision. FREE
Dayton Parent Tip- No food and drink allowed.
637 E. Whipp Rd. Centerville, OH 45459
Magic Castle- For ages 11 and younger, Magic Castle has a massive, indoor jungle gym called Soft Play. Soft Play consists of three levels and is filled with tunnels, slides, and mazes that will spark children’s imagination. Adults can enter the Soft Play zone FREE with a paying child. Ages 3-11 $5, 2 and under $2.50
Dayton Parent Tip- They also have tons of arcade games (2 floors), batting cages, mini golf and water wars when the weather is warm.
4990 Wilmington Pike Dayton, OH 45440
Prices are subject to change so always check website first. Wifi is great to catch up on emails but we suggest catching up on memories with your children and play with them. Have fun and enjoy all that Dayton has to offer even in the winter months!
This guide is sponsored by Dayton Children’s Hospital.
