When winter settles over Columbus, the chilly weather doesn't mean you have to sit out for the season! The city's indoor sports scene keeps athletes and fans busy with basketball courts, pickleball facilities, volleyball venues, and ice skating rinks spread across the city.
Basketball
FieldhouseUSA at Polaris Fashion Place has five hardwood courts in a 90,000-square-foot complex and partners with Mintonette Sports to host year-round leagues, tournaments, training programs, and camps. The courts also boast easy access to Polaris Mall shopping and dining, perfect for spending time between games.
Columbus Recreation and Parks manages five indoor athletic complexes throughout the city, each with basketball courts available for pick-up games, tournaments, and league play. These include Berliner Sports Park and Anheuser Busch near the Olentangy River.
Pickleball
Pickle & Chill is the Midwest's largest dedicated indoor-outdoor pickleball facility, with nine indoor courts and 10 outdoor courts. Located near Ohio State’s main campus, the venue also includes Ray’s Bar (perfect for a mid-match drink) and hosts everything from open play sessions to multi-day tournaments. Plus, equipment rentals are free for all players!
Paddle Taps in Worthington is a 57,000-square-foot facility that features 17 climate-controlled championship courts with individual entrances and fencing to minimize stray balls. Players can enjoy courtside food and beverage service, plus a full-service restaurant and bar serving craft beers and wines. The facility welcomes all skill levels with beginner lessons, advanced clinics, leagues, and open play sessions available for members and non-members year-round.
Volleyball
Woodland's Backyard transitions its nine sand volleyball courts into a temperature-controlled indoor dome from October through mid-April. After matches, players can grab Mikey's Late Night Slice pizza and choose from over 30 beers on tap!
For a more professional training experience, the Columbus Volleyball Center in Powell features three Mateflex volleyball courts with Senoh net systems, functioning as central Ohio's dedicated volleyball training facility. For serious volleyball athletes, this is definitely the place to be!
And if you’re looking to catch professional volleyball up close, Nationwide Arena is home to the Columbus Fury of Major League Volleyball. The winter season is packed with exciting fixtures, so grab some tickets and cheer on the home team!
Hockey
Nationwide Arena is also home to the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, who play from mid-September through mid-April. Winter is a great time to catch the team in action as they push toward a playoff spot—and to experience the city’s strong sense of local pride firsthand!
And for college hockey, Ohio State University’s women’s team plays throughout the winter at the OSU Ice Rink. The men's team holds it down at the Schottenstein Center. Cheer on the Buckeyes as they battle it out for NCAA glory.
Ice Skating
The OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks operate five locations across Columbus, Dublin, Lewis Center, Worthington, and Easton. Public skating sessions run throughout the week, with admission ranging from $6 to $10 and skate rentals at $5. Special sessions, like “Cheap Skate,” offer $6 admission with free skate rentals for kids five and under. No reservations are required, just show up and hit the ice!
Indoor Sports in Columbus Made Easy this Winter!
Columbus keeps indoor sports accessible throughout winter, with facilities designed for both casual recreation and competitive play.
For more information on sporting events and venues, check the Greater Columbus Sports Commission's facility directory and start planning your next pick-up game, tournament, or spectator experience—rain, snow, or shine!