Escape the extreme Chill or blazing Heat, there's no need to stay cooped up during these temperatures! It is always the season for indoor adventures in Jefferson City! Play and discover at these fantastic indoor destinations in Jefferson City where kids can unleash their energy and have a blast without turning your house upside-down.
The Runge Nature Center (FREE!) - 330 Commerce Drive, Jefferson City
While the park as a whole has a tremendous trail system, you can also just kick it indoors at their Nature Center. Inside you will find regularly scheduled educational programs (usually requiring registration), nature exhibits with live animals, a large aquarium, wildlife viewing area, as well as a gift shop. If your littles require a little run around, outside there is immediate access to their trail, and very nearby is a natural musical play area.
Missouri River Regional Library (FREE!) - Both Jefferson City and Osage Branches
There is something almost daily at our local libraries for kids of all ages. Check out our resource guide for all the story and playtime options, as well as our calendar to see what fits your schedule and needs. Highlights for play include Jefferson City's biweekly Rhyme Time that occurs in 3 different sessions including story, music, and movement, the monthly Sensory Play Day at both locations that allows for exploring sensory and activity stations, as well as Families in Motion for whole family fun including stories and yoga/movement activities. The Children's Library always has an assortment of toys and play setups (puzzles, STEM activities, coloring).
Capital Mall Play Area (FREE!) - 3600 Country Club Drive, Jefferson City
Monday-Friday 12pm-4pm, Weekends Reserved for Birthday Parties only.
The perfect indoor playroom for when the weather is not cooperating with your kid's energy levels. The space is HUGE and filled with an array of soft climbers designed to showcase Jefferson City sights on a soft cushiony floor to protect the newly walking toddlers and the daredevil jumpers alike. This is perfect for ages ranging from 0-10 as the climbers range from small little stumps for babies in pull-up stage to climbers with slides. Benches line the room on all sides for parents and supervising caregivers to relax. There is a private mother's room complete with outlets, comfortable chair, and a sink. The bathroom has an adult-sized toilet, child-sized toilet for those potty training, as well as two diaper changers. Drinking fountain, but no bottle refill station. There is also a party room attached that is available for 1.5-hour rentals.
Quik Play Arcade (Pricing Varies by Preference) - 3600 Country Club Drive, Jefferson City
Open During Mall Hours
Quik Play is a coin-operated arcade located inside of Capital Mall and is a redemption arcade where all prizes are won on the spot through claw machines, coin pushers, and other various prize games. They also have a collection of vintage and classic games for mom and dad to feel the nostalgia of arcade play. The arcade also has a birthday party option.
Chick-fil-A Play Area (Menu Pricing Varies, Play Area FREE!) - 3407 Missouri Blvd, Jefferson City
After a long hiatus post-COVID, the play area has recently reopened! Classic fast-food play space that includes climbers, tunnels, and slides. The play area is open during regular restaurant business hours, always check for updates! Please patron the restaurant to use the play area. Restrooms have diaper changing stations.
Local YMCA Branches (FREE with membership) - Knowles, Firley, and Hartsfield locations
This one is great for YMCA members - childcare hours allow for you to drop off and take time for you! Not feeling like working out? That's okay! So long as you stay on grounds, YMCA has free Wi-Fi to relax, sit and scroll, or bring your laptop to get in some work while the kids play and socialize. Check the preferred location for closings. Staff reserve the right to limit the number of children in their care, due to ages. They are no longer changing diapers, so be prepared to return if your little one is still in diapers. No food or drink allowed in the nursery or kid center. Nursery allows ages 3 months-preK, Kid Center allows kinder-13 years.
Tiny Tumbler Gym ($5 per child) - 1716 Four Seasons Dr, Jefferson City
Tiny Tumbler Gym of Jefferson City hosts 4 weekly options for open play in their gym. Ideal for children between ages of 1-8. Time can be spent exploring the gym which includes all sorts of gymnastics equipment (balance beams, bars, trampoline, climber, and slide) - also ideal for current students to practice and work on their skills. Option to buy vouchers for 10 visits for $40. Parents MUST supervise, and everyone must remove shoes. Check Facebook for changes to the open play schedule, as inclement weather and party reservations may impact open play times. Sunday session is $10 per child.
SK8 Zone ($6-$10 Depending on Session) - 301 Flora Drive, Jefferson City
Sk8 Zone is Jefferson City's only roller rink. They offer a variety of public skating hours, Wednesday being their value night with admission at $6. No skates, no problem - regular rental skates $2, inline or speed skates at $5. Evening sessions do require teens under the age of 15 to be accompanied by an adult. No Concessions. Birthday Party options!
Washington Park Ice Arena ($3.50-$8 Depending on Session) - 711 Kansas Street, Jefferson City
Jefferson City's own year-round indoor ice rink, maintained by Jefferson City Parks. The rink offers a variety of sessions from public skating to figure skating and hockey, each with its own admission price. They offer a weekday special for all ages of $3.50 if you visit before 3pm, skate rentals are $3. Times listed below are just public skate options, check their website and calendar for blocked off time for specialty skating sessions, as well as scheduling changes.
Cork and Board ($3 per person) - 124 E High Street, Jefferson City
Cork and Board is a family-friendly board game pub located uptown on High Street. They have a collection of over 150 games (some for all ages) with a creative food menu ranging from snack bowls with candy, charcuterie boards to hot sandwiches, and an impressive drink selection.
Unique Creations (Price Dependent on Selections) - 120 E High Street, Jefferson City
Unique Creations LLC is a fantastic indoor option for kids and families in Jefferson City. This creative arts and crafts studio offers a wide range of activities designed to inspire and engage children of all ages. From painting and pottery to DIY crafts and special themed workshops, there's always something fun and educational happening at Unique Creations. The studio provides a welcoming and safe environment where kids can explore their creativity, develop new skills, and make wonderful memories. It's the perfect place for a rainy day adventure or a fun weekend outing.
Art 101 (Price Dependent on Selections) - 101 Boonville Road, Jefferson City
Art 101 is a vibrant and inviting studio offering an excellent indoor play option for families in Jefferson City. Specializing in providing a creative space for kids to explore their artistic side, Art 101 offers a variety of activities, including painting, drawing, and crafting. The studio hosts regular classes, workshops, and open studio times where children can experiment with different art mediums under the guidance of skilled instructors. Art 101 also offers special events such as themed art parties and family art nights, making it a perfect destination for a fun and educational indoor adventure. Whether your child is a budding artist or just looking for a fun activity, Art 101 provides an inspiring environment to unleash their creativity.
Labspace Robotics (Price Dependent on Selections) - 3600 Country Club Drive, Jefferson City
Labspace Robotics offers an exciting and educational indoor play option for kids and families in Jefferson City. This innovative space focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities, providing hands-on experiences with robotics, coding, and engineering projects. Kids can engage in interactive workshops, participate in robot-building challenges, and explore the fascinating world of technology in a fun and supportive environment. Labspace Robotics also offers after-school programs, summer camps, and special events designed to inspire young minds and foster a love for STEM subjects. It's the perfect place for curious kids to learn, play, and create unforgettable experiences. Check their schedule for an opportune time to visit!
GQT Capital 8 - 3550 Country Club Drive, Jefferson City
GQT Capital 8 provides an entertaining movie-going experience in Jefferson City. This theater features eight screens showing the latest blockbuster movies, family-friendly films, and special screenings. GQT Capital 8 ensures an enjoyable movie experience for all ages. The theater also offers a variety of concessions, including popcorn, candy, and drinks, making it the perfect spot for a family outing or a rainy day activity. Additionally, GQT Capital 8 frequently hosts special events and promotions, providing even more reasons to visit. Be sure to check out their Summer movie specials!
Jungle Ride / Jungle Bounce - 3600 Country Club Drive, Jefferson City
Open During Mall Hours
Jungle Rides and Jungle Bounce at Capital Mall offer fantastic indoor play options for kids seeking adventure and fun. Jungle Rides features motorized animal rides that allow children to cruise around the mall on adorable, battery-powered animals. It's a unique and exciting way for kids to explore the mall while enjoying a safe and controlled ride.
Jungle Bounce, located nearby, is an inflatable obstacle course that promises active play. Kids can jump, climb, and navigate through a variety of inflatable challenges, burning off energy and having a blast in a supervised environment. These attractions provide a great indoor play option, especially on days when the weather isn't ideal for outdoor activities.
Have a favorite FREE or low-cost indoor play place we're missing in Jefferson City and Fulton? Let me know at chelseahy@macaronikid.com and I'll add it to the list!
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