Indoor things to do with kids in Toledo
Rainy day? Too cold to play outside? These indoor family events around Toledo keep the kids busy whatever the weather.
STEAM Sundays Circuits with Jessica Fries-Gaither
Hands-on circuits and electronics workshop with award-winning science educator Jessica Fries-Gaither.
STEAM Sundays Chalk Prints
Hands-on STEAM chalk-print workshop at Cover to Cover Children's Books.
10 Minutes on the Dot
Guided close-up look at a single artwork with an educator at Columbus Museum of Art.
The Cowboys (1972) - Midland Movies
Classic Western film screening—adventure and cowboy stories at Midland Movies.
Music of Chopin – Piano Concert
Classical piano concert featuring Chopin at Rose Run Presbyterian Church.
Marcus Theatres Kids Dream Summer Film Series: The Muppet Movie
Discounted family-movie screenings featuring beloved kids' films.
Pippin
Whimsical musical at Short North Stage—colorful, adventure-filled storytelling.
The Lightning Thief
Percy Jackson comes alive on stage—a theatrical adventure for fans of the beloved book series.
Timeless Blooms
Paint-your-own guided art class at Brush Crazy with step-by-step instructions.
Mason Summer Studio Recital
Summer recital celebrating young musicians at Mason Studio, held at Natalie's Grandview.
Pippin
Spirited musical at Short North Stage — a fantastical adventure perfect for older kids and teens.
Ealy House Museum Open
Historic home museum open for tours—explore local heritage.
Home School Art Day August - Ohio
Hands-on art day for home-schoolers at Polaris—creative projects in a community setting.
Be Strong (boys in grades 4-7): Summer Series 2
Strength-building fitness class for boys in grades 4–7 at Philip Heit Center.
Digital Video Studio
Learn video production skills in a hands-on studio workshop at Hospital Drive, Dublin.
It's Family Night @ Our Haus!
Family dinner night with free kids' meals and entertainment at Hofbrauhaus Columbus.
Caribbean Flavor Celebration series
Caribbean cooking class at Philip Heit Center Demo Kitchen—fun culinary exploration.
Summer Art Breaks
Sensory-friendlySensory-inclusive art-making for kids & families at Columbus Museum of Art.
Alexandra Ammon Parthun; "For the Love of the Quest"
"For the Love of the Quest" theatrical performance by Alexandra Ammon Parthun.
Galapagos-Reveal
Details reveal for the Galapagos 2029 travel adventure at Aquatic Adventures Ohio.
Farmers Market
Free farmers market inside the Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.
CAPA Summer Movie Series Another Thin Man (1939)
Mystery classic Another Thin Man (1939) screens at CAPA.
The Play Spot: Summer Series 2
Playful summer activities for babies and toddlers at Philip Heit Center.
The String Cheese Incident: Just Keep Spinning Tour
The String Cheese Incident indie jam band concert at Columbus's KEMBA Live! venue.
The String Cheese Incident
String Cheese Incident live jam-band concert for teen music fans.
Greater Columbus: Up Close with Dana Lynn Harper
Artist talk at Columbus Museum of Art—learn about local creative work.
Teen Studio
Teens-only art workshop exploring new materials and creative ideas.
2026 ProMusica Summer Music Series
Free ProMusica summer classical music series at Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus.
Sand Dollar
Step-by-step guided painting class at Brush Crazy—no experience needed.
BAM Thursdays
Free all-ages evening at the museum with live music, art, and food on Thursdays.
Summer Music Series: A Classical Evening
Free ProMusica classical concert for all ages at Franklin Park Conservatory.
Abbey Theater - The Lightning Thief
Percy Jackson comes to life in this stage adaptation of the beloved fantasy series at Abbey Theater.
Daisy and Butterfly
Paint a guided acrylic masterpiece (Daisy & Butterfly) at Brush Crazy.
Summer Music Series: A Little Night Music
Free all-ages classical music celebration with ProMusica at Franklin Park Conservatory.
Lake Effect Band at The Grainery Live!
Lake Effect Band at The Grainery Live in Plain City—local live music.
KidX Paw Patrol
Paw Patrol celebration and meet-and-greet event at Polaris Fashion Place.
The Purple Xperience
The Purple Xperience tribute at Hollywood Casino Columbus—concert celebration.
Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
Candlelit tribute to Taylor Swift at an iconic Columbus church venue.
Zac Brown Band and Old Crow Medicine Show
Zac Brown Band & Old Crow Medicine Show at Nationwide Arena—major concert event.
Gremlins (1984)
Family-friendly 1984 comedy-horror film in CAPA's summer movie series.
The Blue Jays Jazz & Funk Band - FREE Happening Hour Show
Free live jazz & funk with a horn section—Columbus's Blue Jays play everything from standards to funk.
Karate Coyote at Rumba Cafe
Karate Coyote live at Rumba Cafe—fun band performance.
Miracles & Magic 2026
Magic and illusion performances delight families at this 2026 event.
Swingin' n Shakin' with Whirlybirds - FREE Happening Hour Show
Free live music and dancing with Whirlybirds every Saturday at Natalie's Grandview.
The Miss Ohio and Miss Ohio Teen Volunteer Pageant
Watch teen competitors showcase talent and community service at Ohio's official pageant.
CCT's SandBox Series: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
30-minute immersive play based on Mo Willems' beloved picture book.
Love Hummer
Paint a guided acrylic masterpiece (Love Hummer) at Brush Crazy.
Columbus Jazz MJ & Motown
Jazz tribute celebrating Michael Jackson and Motown hits at Columbus Jazz event.
Excavator - A Staged Reading
Staged reading at Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center—theatrical performance.
Kids Markets at Hilliard
Kid-friendly vendor market at Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard.
Beethoven and the Natural World
Classical concert exploring nature through Beethoven with violinist Alicia Hui.
Community Crafters
Family craft time at New Albany Library—create together.
Common Ground Concert - Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers: Indigo Park Tour
Concert by Grammy-winning artist Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers at a Columbus venue.
Remake Saturday Feature: THE NUTTY PROFESSOR - 1963 [The Movie]
Classic 1963 comedy film screening of The Nutty Professor in Marysville.
Wild Threads -- Led Sewing Workshop: UFO Edition
Guided UFO-themed sewing workshop in South Bloomfield—learn creative skills.
Arch City Big Band
Arch City Big Band live jazz concert in Columbus.
CMA Community Days | East of the Pacific: Making Histories of Asian American Art
Museum community day with activities celebrating Asian American art.
Storyline Presents: Author Talk and Signing with Joss Richard
Meet bestselling author Joss Richard, chat about her new book, and get a signed copy.
You Are My Sunshine
Paint-and-sip style class at Brush Crazy with step-by-step instructions.
Fresh Start Baking Club
Hands-on baking fun for kids in Delaware.
Grease (1978) - Midland Movies
Classic musical Grease (1978) screening at Midland Movies in Newark.
Don Rigsby, Hammertowne, Junior Sisk, and The Kody Norris Show
Bluegrass & country music concert at Mershon Auditorium with Don Rigsby.
Make Art on High
Learn Japanese fish-print art (Gyotaku) at this hands-on workshop.
Art Builds Community Explore watercolor painting with Alex Ferree
Watercolor painting workshop with local artist at Bexley Public Library.
Apiary Gatherings
Bee-focused gathering at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus.
Frankie Ballard at Lincoln Theatre Columbus
Country music performance by Frankie Ballard at the historic Lincoln Theatre.
Brit Floyd
Brit Floyd's Pink Floyd tribute show—'The Moon, The Wall and Beyond' tour.
Joseph & His Ghost/Friends with Elephants/Jake McKelvie/Clay Beechy
Live music from multiple artists including Jake McKelvie and Clay Beechy.
Chance Peña and Hans Williams
Live concert at Newport Music Hall featuring Chance Peña and Hans Williams.
Reclaimed Oak Cutting Board
Learn woodworking basics and craft your own reclaimed-oak cutting board at Idea Foundry.
August Member Walk
August Member Walk at Franklin Park Conservatory—explore gardens & greenhouses.
Much Ado About Nothing
Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado About Nothing in Lancaster.
Adirondack Chairs
Guided painting class at Brush Crazy with all supplies and step-by-step instructions.
Dream
Paint a guided acrylic masterpiece (Dream) at Brush Crazy with easy step-by-step instructions.
The Fab Four - The Ultimate Tribute
The Beatles tribute band The Fab Four takes the stage at Hollywood Casino.
Weathervane Playhouse - Newark, Ohio - Fleetwood Gold
Fleetwood Gold tribute performance at Weathervane Playhouse in Newark.
Brian Bacon Band with John Turck Trio
Brian Bacon Band and John Turck Trio play at The Rambling House in Columbus.
The Hoppers in Plain City
The Hoppers bring wholesome live music to Plain City.
The Fab Four - The Ultimate Tribute at Hollywood Casino Columbus
Beatles tribute band at Hollywood Casino—sing along to iconic hits.
Pop of Africa Pop up Experience
Pop-up experience celebrating African culture in Columbus.
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Columbus
Interactive murder-mystery dinner show in Columbus—solve a crime over dinner.
Soulful Symphony - A Tribute to Hip Hop & RnB
Hip-hop and R&B tribute show at The Forum—music celebration for teens.
MINIs at Museums #6-Honda Heritage Museum
Family fun day at Honda Heritage Museum with MINIs and activities for all ages.
THE RIGHT STUFF [The Movie]
Classic film screening of The Right Stuff in Marysville.
B2S @Whit's for our First Dine-to-Donate
Back-to-school dine-to-donate at Whit's in Gahanna—family meal with purpose.
Hadden Sayers presents Ol'ZZ - The Ultimate Tribute to ZZ Top
Energetic ZZ Top tribute featuring Hadden Sayers & full band at Natalie's Grandview.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire 2026 Tour
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live at Nationwide Arena with stunts and glow effects.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire
Hot Wheels monster trucks perform high-octane indoor stunts and tricks for thrilled families.
Storyline Presents: Author Talk & Signing with Kristy Boyce
Meet author Kristy Boyce, hear about her new book, and get it signed.
Books & Crafts in the Barn
Hands-on books and crafts activities in a barn setting in Radnor.
Paint Your Pet
Paint your own pet—or choose a canvas design—at Brush Crazy's special pet-portrait painting class.
Violin and Percussion Extravaganza at McConnell Arts Center
Violin and percussion performance at McConnell Arts Center in Worthington.
Bobby Floyd Trio - Free Happening Hour Show
Free live jazz with Bobby Floyd on Hammond organ and his trio at Natalie's Grandview.
Fourth Annual Battle of the Badges - Police vs. Fire Basketball Game
Fourth Annual Battle of the Badges: Police vs. Fire Basketball Game.
STEAM Sundays Bridges
Interactive STEAM bridge-building workshop at Cover to Cover Children's Books.
Hurling Habaneros
Americana roots jam band with 3 decades of Ohio music experience—high-energy singalong fun.
The Jazz Room: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans
Jazz-themed theatrical journey to New Orleans—family-friendly storytelling.
World War I-Era Collections Display, 1914-1919
Explore WWI uniforms, weapons, and home-front artifacts at Ohio History Connection.
Bingo Night
Family bingo night at Chick-fil-A with prizes and fun.
Seed Saving: Learn To Save Your Own Seeds
Learn seed-saving techniques from Franklin Park Conservatory expert at library.
Blues & Beyond: Anything Blue
Traditional & original blues 'fun music you can dance to' at Natalie's Grandview.
Make Your Own Floral, Ocean-Themed, or Geode Charcuterie/Cutting Board
Design your own decorative floral, ocean, or geode charcuterie board.
Daisy Dragonfly
Paint "Daisy Dragonfly" at Brush Crazy with step-by-step art instruction for all skill levels.
Bop to the Top
Bop to the Top concert at Newport Music Hall in Columbus.
Daisy Joy
Paint a cheerful daisy design with step-by-step guidance at Brush Crazy.
Monthly Karaoke
Paint while singing karaoke at this fun monthly gathering.
2026 Central Ohio Home & Design Show
Central Ohio's premier home design and style expo showcasing décor, furnishings, and garden ideas.
Jim Stone Challenge (NKU vs Fresno St & Ohio St vs Bowling Green)
College volleyball tournament at Covelli Center featuring NKU, Fresno St, Ohio St & Bowling Green.
Community CREATurEs Collage Workshop
Free all-ages collage art workshop on the last Friday of the month at We Amplify Voices Studio.
Central Ohio Home & Garden Show
Explore gardens, décor & design ideas at Ohio Expo Center.
The LEGO Batman Movie | The Birdcage
Double-feature film screening with a free LEGO workshop at Wexner Center.
Hang on Sloopy
Film screening & live performance celebrating Ohio's iconic rock hit 'Hang on Sloopy'.
Sound of Music | Auditions
Auditions for Sound of Music in Lancaster—great for kids interested in theater.
Rescheduled: Speaking of History… Let’s Explore Ohio’s Architectural History
Discover Ohio's architectural heritage with a historian exploring buildings, neighborhoods, and landscapes.
Tailgate Takeover
Saturday tailgate celebration at DICK'S House of Sport with activities and fun ahead of football season.
Blush of the Meadow
Paint a meadow-inspired design with simple step-by-step instructions at Brush Crazy.
Jim Stone Challenge (NKU vs Bowling Green & Ohio St vs Fresno St)
College volleyball tournament at Covelli Center featuring NKU, Fresno St, Ohio St & Bowling Green.
Harvest Gathering of the Crops
Hands-on historic food prep demonstrations — make hominy, preserve beans, grind corn at Ohio History Connection.
Concrete Brutus Workshop
Concrete Brutus Workshop in Circleville—hands-on creative class.
Fran Ryan Center: Demo Day
Explore art and demonstrations at Fran Ryan Center's Demo Day.
STEAM Sundays Comics with Bryan Christopher Moss
Learn comic art from Grammy-nominated artist Bryan Christopher Moss at Cover to Cover Children's Books.
Ohio State Women's Volleyball vs. Northern Kentucky
Ohio State Women's Volleyball vs. Northern Kentucky at Covelli Center.
Cake Decorating For Beginners
Learn cake decorating basics in Delaware—a fun, creative class for kids & families.
Jim Stone Challenge (Fresno St vs Bowling Green & Ohio St vs NKU)
College volleyball tournament featuring Fresno State, Bowling Green, Ohio State, and NKU.
Tea at Three: Columbus Jazz Celebrates Miles Davis and John Coltrane
Jazz celebration of Miles Davis and John Coltrane with local musicians.
The Columbus Toy & Game Show
Columbus Toy & Game Show at Ohio Expo Center—browse & play collectibles.
2026 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour
Award-winning Sundance short films spanning animation, docs & fiction.
Bubble Art
Bubble-themed art workshop at Brush Crazy—paint, play, and create with bubbles.
Steve Forbert
American singer-songwriter Steve Forbert performs original songs at Natalie's Grandview.
Blues & Beyond: Micah Kesselring
Young Ohio blues musician Micah Kesselring performs traditional & original blues at Natalie's.
Black Panther
Paint a bold Black Panther portrait using simple step-by-step guidance at Brush Crazy.
Matsuricon
Matsuricon anime convention at Hyatt Regency—fans & creative celebration.
uPaint a Story September - Ohio
Kids paint & take home their own artwork at uPaint a Story session.
Ceramic Art
Paint ceramic pieces and let creativity shine at Brush Crazy pottery studio.
Clay Handbuilding
Get hands-on with clay handbuilding at Brush Crazy art studio.
Level One Open Flippin' Friday Night (Amazing Race Finals!)
Amazing Race Finals at Level One—watch kids compete in fun obstacle challenges.
Washington and Lee University Volleyball vs. Franciscan University
Watch collegiate volleyball at Washington and Lee vs. Franciscan University in Granville.
Biome Bonanza: Scents of the Himalayas
Explore Himalayan plants and aromas at Franklin Park Conservatory's Biome Bonanza.
Explore! Series: Sounds of Space
Hands-on STEM activities: make music with Boom Whackers, build a harmonica, explore music's space history.
Tall Gnome Welcome
Paint a whimsical gnome character with simple step-by-step instructions at Brush Crazy.
September Chihuly Night
Evening celebration of glass artist Chihuly's work at Franklin Park Conservatory.
Candle Making
Try your hand at candlemaking craft at Brush Crazy art studio.
Historical Miniatures Gaming at the Ohio History Center
Tabletop miniatures gaming afternoon with the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society.
Concert Bringing Meaning Back to Labor Day
Concert celebrating American workers' contributions at Columbus Mennonite Church.
Realm of the Reptile
Learn about reptiles in an educational program at Franklin Park Conservatory—included with admission.
September Community Day
Free community day at Franklin Park Conservatory with gardens.
Hide and Seek: Finding Young Ohioans in the Archives
Interactive exhibit celebrating young Ohioans throughout history as poets, musicians & explorers.
1950s: Building the American Dream
Step into a 1950s home at the Ohio History Center and explore post-war American life.
Special exhibit: “Welcome to the World’s Fair: Philadelphia 1776”
Travel back to 1876 and discover how America celebrated 100 years of independence.
New Exhibition—Trailblazers of Innovation: African American Inventors Who Changed America
New permanent exhibit celebrating African American inventors who revolutionized everyday life.
Armstrong Remastered Exhibition
Stunning remastered NASA photos from Apollo 11 and Gemini VIII at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum.
African Art: Form, Function, and Fraught Histories Exhibit
Discover the profound impact of African art on world culture at Ohio History Connection.
Prickly and Pink
Paint a prickly-and-pink design using step-by-step guidance at Brush Crazy.
Doggie Dippin’
Bring your dog for a pool day at Clyde Butch Seidle Community Pool.
Myrtle Beach Sun & Surf Adventure
Beach-themed adventure at Creekside Gahanna — summer water fun for kids.
Author Talk with Kristy Boyce
Author talk with Kristy Boyce in London, OH — perfect for young readers.
Kacey Musgraves - Middle of Nowhere Tour
Country star Kacey Musgraves brings her tour to the Schottenstein Center.
O.A.R., Gavin DeGraw, and KT Tunstall
O.A.R., Gavin DeGraw & KT Tunstall at KEMBA Live! — hit-filled concert.
Cat Funk
Paint a cat-themed canvas with step-by-step guidance at this fun studio session.
Future Icons
Future Icons at BalletMet—dance performance celebrating young talent.
Thomas Rhett: The Soundtrack to Life Tour
Thomas Rhett's Soundtrack to Life Tour comes to the Schottenstein Center.
Thomas Rhett, Vincent Mason, and Emily Ann Roberts
Thomas Rhett & guests at Schottenstein Center — live country music for families.
Sports Imports Classic (SIU vs YSU & Ohio St vs Winthrop)
College volleyball tournament at Covelli Center featuring Ohio State and other teams.
Owl Family Date NIght
Paint together on a family date night with an owl-themed canvas at Brush Crazy.
Curtain Players Presents: The Sunshine Boys
Classic comedy about two estranged vaudeville stars forced to reunite.
Dine-to-Donate @Chipotle
Dine-to-donate fundraiser at Chipotle in Gahanna supporting a good cause.
Sports Imports Classic (Winthrop vs YSU & Ohio St vs SIU)
Watch college volleyball as four teams compete at the Sports Imports Classic.
Welcome Porch Leaner
Paint a welcoming porch scene step-by-step at Brush Crazy's guided art session.
Sports Imports Classic
Collegiate gymnastics competition at Covelli Center.
Juanes North American Tour 2026
Latin music star Juanes brings his North American Tour to Mershon Auditorium.
Welcome, Hope You Like Dogs
Create a dog-themed canvas painting with step-by-step instruction at Brush Crazy.
Sports Imports Classic (Winthrop vs SIU & Ohio St vs YSU)
College volleyball tournament continues with Winthrop, SIU, and Ohio State competing.
Home School Art Day September - Ohio
Homeschool art day for kids at Polaris in Columbus.
Stained Glass 4 Week Series
Four-week stained glass craft series for hands-on creativity.
underscores: Galleria - North American Chapter
All-ages concert featuring underscores on their Galleria North American Chapter tour.
CAIN Live and In Worship Tour with special guest Jenn Johnson - Grove City, OH
Christian music concert with CAIN and special guest Jenn Johnson at The Naz Church.
September Member Walk
Member walk at Franklin Park Conservatory gardens.
Dream Catcher
Paint a dreamy dream-catcher design with guided instruction at Brush Crazy.
Ice Cream Land
Free family-friendly ice cream event at Lincoln Theatre Columbus.
Good to know
- What indoor activities are good for kids on a rainy day in Toledo?
- Children's museums, indoor play places, library programs, shows, and aquariums all work — this list surfaces the indoor events happening now.