Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Columbus, OH

We're at the beginning of what is predicted to be the coldest week so far this winter. More snow, high winds, and below zero wind-chills. In other words, not the best environment to let the kids play in for long periods of time. So where do we take our kids when cabin fever hits and they need somewhere else to go?

Here are a few ideas for indoor fun on these cold days:

COSI This science museum for children has a lot of interesting exhibits, but for the younger set, it boasts the city's largest indoor educational playground. Kids can climb in the treehouse, put on doctor's coats and bandage dolls, learn about water at the water table (raincoats & dryers provided!), and learn about all sorts of bugs and spiders during story time. Little Kidspace even has a nursing room, bathrooms, and a small eating area so you never have to drag a screaming child away from all the fun for a snack.

Franklin Park Conservatory The outdoor gardens may be covered in snow, but Franklin Park has just as much to see on the inside, too. The current featured exhibit is Orchid Forest, surrounding visitors with orchids of all colors. Come back on the second Saturday each month for family fun activities. Be sure to close your eyes in one of the warm, humid rooms and forget, for just a moment, the cold and snow outside.

Columbus Metropolitan Libraries Whether it's relaxing in the bright, open spaces of the main library children's area, or attending one of the story time events held at all of the library branches, your kids can immerse themselves in new worlds, while you pick up a few books for yourself, too.

Magic Mountain - If your child's hyper mood happens to fall on a Thursday, Magic Mountain is the place to go. On Thursdays all children 1-6 can play in the KidsGym Playland for $2.25 each. There is no time limit, either - they can stay in as long as it takes to get all that energy out. Children under 1 are free also. There's something relaxing about taking your preschooler to an indoor play gym (with limited exits, so you won't lose sight) and letting her run, jump and climb to her heart's content. $2.25 is a small price to pay when you consider that most of the equipment in that gym would never fit in your backyard.

What are your favorite indoor play areas?