Open Gym and Open Play Roundup

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There are so many fun places to take kids in the Columbus area, that sometimes it’s hard to choose what to do on a free day! This list includes a roundup of recreation centers in our city that have open gyms or play times for babies and toddlers. There are also some recreation centers that include older kids, as well as, some private agencies and gyms that have open play times. Most of these are not classes that you have to sign up for and attend weekly, but open times so you can attend when you want. I find this to be an easy, fun, and inexpensive way to expend energy and expose your child to different types of play. Please note there are additions and updates for 2019!

Days, times and pricing are subject to change, so we recommend always using the links to check for yourself.

Recreation and Community Center Open Gyms 

Most of the community centers have large muscle toys and activities, as well as smaller toys like balls and pretend play. There is also a valuable social component in playing alongside or with other children and learning to share. One con is that the ones geared towards the younger age group are often held during the week, so that limits opportunities as a working mom, but we have been able to find times to attend on days I am off work. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, so please share if you know of other play times! Enjoy!

1. Westerville Community Center

Address: 350 N. Cleveland Ave, Westerville 43081
Details: Westerville has a gorgeous community center complete with indoor pools, fitness center, and an amazing indoor playground.
Dates: Mondays through March 11, 2019 (ages three and under) from 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Fridays through March 15 (kindergarten age and under) from 9:30 am-11:30 am
Cost: $3 per visit (or buy a punch card and get six visits for $15)
Website: Westerville Community Center Recreation Guide (reference page 22)

2. Dublin Community Recreation Center

Address: 5600 Post Rd, Dublin 43016
Details: Dublin also has a great recreation center. They hold a “Preschool Open Gym” for kids ages six and under. This is held in a large gym so there is a ton of space to run around. **There a few days that it’s closed, so be sure to check their website for dates.
Dates: Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Ages six months to six years
Cost: $3 per visit (or buy a pass and get 11 visits for $30)
Website: Dublin Rec Center

3. City of Upper Arlington

Address: 2900 Tremont Rd, Columbus 43221
Details: An open gym is held in Upper Arlington at the Tremont Elementary School gym every Sunday (from January 6, 2019 to April 14, 2019) for parents and older kids. 
Dates: Sundays
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.- Families
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.- Kids in grades 7-12
Cost: $5 per person (must be paid in cash or online; kids two and under are free)
Website: City of Upper Arlington (reference page 11)

4. Worthington Community Center

Address: 345 E Wilson Bridge Rd, Worthington 43085
Details: Preschool open gym is held at the North Gym for kids ages two-six years old. Babies under age one can attend free with a sibling. There is also a preschool playtime on Mondays, located in the South Gym. It is for ages one-six years and siblings 11 months and younger can attend free. This a regularly scheduled program with two sessions this winter/spring, and parent participation is required.
Dates: Fridays from 10:30-11:45 am. Winter schedule is January 11, 2019 to March 29, 2019. 
Cost: $2 per child
Website: Worthington Community Center (reference page 13)

Additional Open Gym Locations

5. We Rock The Spectrum

Address: Oak Creek Center, 1250 E Powell Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Details: There are a wide variety of open play times during the day and on weekends when the space isn’t being rented for a birthday party. Check out the days and times here: Open Play Schedule. Check out our review of We Rock The Spectrum.
Cost: Open Play starts at $12. 
Website: We Rock the Spectrum

6. Recreations Outlet

Address: 484 W Olentangy/Powell Road, Powell, OH 43065
Details: A spacious play area with playground equipment, trampolines, basketball and more. Hours vary so please check their website for schedule.
Dates: They offer daily pay-to-play times and charitable play for a reduced rate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Cost: Monday-Friday- $6 per child for two hours of play
Saturday-Sunday and school holidays- $8 per child for two hours of play
Website: Recreations Outlet

7. The Naz Playplace

Address: 4770 Hoover Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
Details: Open play with tunnels and slides. Socks must be worn and there is a story hour on Tuesday. You can register online beforehand to save time! There is a spot to get coffee inside too. Hours vary daily.
Cost: FREE!
Website: Naz Playplace

8. Central Park Playland

Address: 471 E. College Ave., Westerville, Ohio, 43081
Details: Open play at this playland within Westerville Christian Church. 
Dates: First and third Tuesdays of the month from 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Every Thursday from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
First, second, and third Saturdays of the month from 10:00 a.m. -11:30 am
Cost: FREE 
Website: Central Park Playground

9. Easter Seals of Central and Southeast Ohio

Address: 3830 Trueman Ct, Hilliard 43026
Details: Many people are familiar with Easter Seals as an organization that serves individuals with disabilities. Our local chapter also hosts an open gym with many fun amenities for kids ages 1-7. Information is often available as an “event” on Facebook. Check their page for dates as they typically occur around school breaks.
Cost: $5 per child
Website: Easter Seals of Central and Southeast Ohio
Facebook page: Easter Seals of Central and Southeast Ohio

10. Sports Ohio

Address: 6400 Dublin Park Drive Dublin, Dublin, OH 43016
Details: Children can participate in a variety of activities such as inflatables (must be at least 42 inches), basketball, soccer and more. No outside food or beverages permitted besides one water bottle per person. There is a concession stand to purchase snacks.
Dates: Fridays and sometimes an extra day if there is no school (check the link to their calendar to confirm) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m and 1-3 p.m. (unless otherwise noted)
Cost: $8 per session per person
Website: Sports Ohio Open Play Days
Facebook page: Sports Ohio

11. Super Games

Address: 535 Lakeview Plaza Blvd, Ste B, Worthington, OH 43085
Details: Socks are required. 
Dates: varies, check their Facebook page or website for updated information
Cost: $10 per child 
Website: Super Games Open Play
Facebook: Super Games Open Play

12. Get Air

Address: 3708 Fishinger Blvd, Hilliard, OH 43026
Details: Toddler time is for children 46′ and below to enjoy the facility. Club Air is for older children on Friday nights. 
Dates: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. for Toddler Time and Fridays from 9 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. for Club Air
Cost: see website for details 
Website: Get Air Events

13. KSM Sports and Fitness Indoor Facility

Address: 10336 Sawmill Road, Powell, OH 43065
Details: Bring your kids to KSM to burn some energy and play with other kids! Toddler soft play area, balls and games provided. Every Tuesday and Thursday 10AM- 11AM. Ages 6 months-5 Years old.  
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, but confirm with their Facebook page that an event is scheduled. 
Cost: $6 per kid/$3 Siblings. 
Facebook: KSM Sports and Fitness

Gymnastics Locations with Open Gym Times

14. Gym X-Treme

Address: 7708 Green Meadows Dr – Suite A, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Details: Daytime open gym for 15 months and up (during the school year only)
Dates: Wednesdays & Thursdays from 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Friday night open gym (all year long)
Fridays from 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
$10 (all ages welcome) *non-members welcome
Cost: $5 (siblings $4) *non-members welcome

Website: Gym X-Treme

15. Integrity Athletics

Address: 710 Cross Pointe Rd., Columbus, OH 43230
Details: Daytime open gym for walking to five years of age.
Dates: Tuesdays & Fridays from 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
Cost: $5 for members, $8 for non-members
Evening open gym for older children will not take place every Friday night and will be replaced with fun events in 2019. Use this link to find out more information: Friday Night Events
Website: Integrity Athletics

Integrity Athletics Open Play
Integrity Athletics

16. Gym Skills

Address: 710 Cross Pointe Rd., Columbus, OH 43230
Details: Daytime open gym for walking to 10 years of age
Dates: Tuesdays & Fridays from 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 
$8 members, $10 non-members
Evening open gym for ages six and up (drop off is permitted)
Fridays & Saturdays from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
$12 for members & $15 for non-members
Stay and play open gym for ages walking to five years old.
Fridays from 5:30 p.m -7 p.m.
Cost: Price varies based on age and membership *drop off is permitted for ages six and up
Website: Gym Skills

17. The Jungle Gym Adventure Center

Address: 755 US 23 N, Delaware, OH 43015
Details: Open gym for ages 12 months and above
Dates: Tuesdays & Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Cost: Price varies based on age. Family discount available.
Website: The Jungle Gym Adventure Center

Open Play Times at Community Centers within the Columbus Parks and Rec System

The following play times are all at community centers that are within the Columbus Parks and Rec System. They have a ton of fun things for kids to do, and many are free! To take advantage of the programs, you must obtain a Columbus Parks & Recreation Leisure card. Many of them have a course code to register for the class.

18. Holton Community Center

Address: 303 N Eureka Ave, Columbus 43204
Details: This west-side center has a youth (ages 6-17) open gym several days a week as a part of their After School Adventures program, and it’s free! They also have a kids open gym for all ages on Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. this winter, also free!
Dates: Tuesdays-Fridays- begins after school, time varies
Cost: Free!
Website: Holton Community Center

19. Lazelle Woods Community Center

Address: 8140 Sancus Blvd, Westerville 43081
This is part of Columbus Parks and Rec but located in Westerville. There are a few open play choices.

Details: Elementary open gym (school age)
Date: Mondays-Fridays from 2:30 p.m. -4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!

Details: Pre-K open gym (ages 3-5)
Date: Thursdays from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Cost: $5 per child

Details:Teen open gym
Date: Fridays from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Cost:Free!
Website: Lazelle Woods Community Center

20. Westgate Community Center

Address: 455 S. Westgate Ave, Columbus 43204
Details: Pre-K/toddler open play (ages three-five)
Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Website: Westgate Community Center

21. Sullivant Gardens Recreation Center

Address: 755 Renich St, Columbus 43223
Details: Pre-K play day (ages three-six)
Date: Fridays from 12:30 p.m. -2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free! 
Website: Sullivant Gardens Recreation Center

22. Thompson Community Center

Address: 1189 Dennison Ave, Columbus 43201
Details: Preschool playtime (ages two-five)
Date: Fridays from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Website: Thompson Community Center

23. Schiller Community Center

Address: 1069 Jaeger St, Columbus 43206

Details: Pre-K active gym games (ages three-five)
Dates: Mondays from 5:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Details: Pre-K open play-time fun for ages one and a half- five years old 
Date: Fridays from 11:15 a.m. -12:45 p.m
Cost: Drop in for $2 

Details:Parent/child preschool games (ages three-five)
Date: Fridays from 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
Cost: Free

Details: Elementary open gym (must have a leisure card)
Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays (ages 6-17) 2:30 p.m. -5 p.m.
Wednesdays (ages 13-17) 3:00 p.m. -4:30 p.m.
Fridays (ages 13-17) 3:00 p.m. -5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

Website: Schiller Community Center

Don’t forget to check out these other great related resources: Storytimes in Columbus, Indoor Play Areas and 5 Music Classes.

That should keep you busy this winter! Do you have any to add to the list?

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Andrea Connell
Andrea Connell is social worker, wife, and mom to a smart, active, and sweet toddler, Brady. Originally from Lexington, OH (not Kentucky as commonly thought!), she moved to Columbus in 2001 to attend college at The Ohio State University, and it has been home ever since. She earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work, and has worked with children in some capacity for over ten years, including as a therapist, case manager, and early intervention service coordinator. She now works full-time for a large social service agency, but a flexible schedule allows her to manage work, motherhood, and domestic duties and keep (somewhat) sane. She met her husband, Brian, through mutual friends about six years ago and they have been married since 2013. Andrea loves living in Columbus and enjoys exploring all the fun places, events, and festivals that the city offers. Most weekends, you can find her and her family at the Columbus Zoo or any park that is conducive to expending toddler energy. She loves spending time with her friends and extended family, which includes ten nieces and nephews! Other interests include reading (when she can stay awake long enough to do so), occasional date nights with her husband, texting instead of talking on the phone, local coffee shops, live music, and attempting crafty projects that may or may not get finished.