These indoor playgrounds will have your kids feeling foot loose and fancy free in no time
Is it us, or is everyone feeling a little bit cooped up in the house these days? Some call it cabin fever. We call it a need for creative parenting. So the next time you need to escape the confines of your four walls, why not take the kids to an indoor playground DC kids can’t get enough of? More than your typical play spaces, these spots have everything you and the kids need to plan a full day of fun in the city. With everything from giant slides and climbing nets to ropes courses and cafes that serve warm snacks and drinks on cold winter days, these spots have something for everyone. So the next time the kids are bouncing off the wall, give one of these indoor playgrounds a try.
Indoor Playgrounds DC Families Love
PLAY WORK BUILD at National Building Museum
This hands-on exhibit represents the correlation between play and experimentation, with creative ideas and design. Kids and their grown-ups can create massive structures using oversized blue blocks to plan, design, and execute builds that are structurally sound (or not). If half the fun is tearing down what you've built, be sure to check out the virtual build section where you can fill a wall with digital blocks and then knock them down. Kaboom!
Good to Know: PLAY WORK BUILD is currently only allowing 20 people in the exhibition at a time. Timed passes are included in and are available at the admission desk when you pick up your wristbands.
401 F Street N.W.
Washigton, DC
Online: nbm.org
The Lane at Ivy City
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Open Play at The Lane is the place to be for toddlers. It's got everything they want, plus parent perks you won't find at all the playspaces. They can test their skills on the giant slide and climbing nets, play with magnetic walls and balls in the ball pit, and babies and tots can settle in with soft climbing toys and the quiet book nook. While they play, you can too. The cafe serves coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and snacks (plus booze for those that need a boost or a wine-down) Book your Open Play hours to reclaim a little part of your day again, or just drop in for play with your membership.
Insider Tip: Be sure to check out the extra activities here, like WOW Wheelz (running through February), magic shows, and a special stilt walker show on Feb 24.
1408 Okie St. N.E.
Washington, DC
Online: thelanesocialclub.com
Magic Ground
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Have fun. Learn something. And create memories. That's what you'll get when you bring the kids to this DC indoor playground when they need to get out of the house. The multi-level climbing play structure will keep them busy for hours. But so will the other attractions, like the toddler play area, art center, and more. There's even a restaurant where you can grab healthy snacks and meals, not to mention a coffee or smoothie to get you through the play time. Our tip? If you plan to come a lot, try a monthly (or annual) membership.
3100 14th St. N.W.
Washington, DC
Online: magicground.com
Make Your Way to These Virginia Indoor Playgrounds
Jolly Yolly Kids
With over 8,500 square feet of indoor play space and equipment, kids 13 and under can burn off some energy at this multilevel indoor playground. You'll find special designated areas for toddlers and a safe space for kids 2 and under. This ocean themed space is the perfect indoor gym for your wiggle worms to get out their winter wiggles.
Insider Tip: For potty trained kids ages 3 and up, Jolly Yolly offers drop off play Monday through Friday during open play hours, and limited hours on the weekend. It's just $10 for the first hour and $5 per additional 30 minutes.
1101 Lee Hwy., Suite D
Fairfax, VA
Online: jollyyollykids.com
Scramble
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Scramble’s focus is on unstructured play, both physical and cognitive. Kids can explore themed rooms, like a vet office, coffee shop, or construction site if they want to dress up and role play for a bit. Or they can explore the travel themed, two-story play structure. It's a "World of Play" that includes mazes, climbing structures, and oversized slides. Need some place to play with your tot? Check out the sea life and creatures in the toddler play area featuring soft climbers and mats. Our tips? Be sure to pack socks, as they are required to play, and sign the waivers online before you head over to save time. That way the kids can get straight down to playing.
5412 Eisenhower Ave.
Alexandria, VA
Online: goscramble.com
Head to the Maryland ‘Burbs to Check Out These Indoor Playspaces
Kids Play Gallery
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Kids fill up their car at the Service Station, drive to the Grocery Market, grab a bite at the Diner and, if there is time, get a new coif at the Beauty Boutique. Realistic looking miniature structures set the backdrop for imaginative play at this Gaithersburg-based indoor play place.
217 Muddy Branch Rd.
Gaithersburg, MD
Online: kidsplaygallery.com
Be With Me Playseum
Part playground. Part museum. This indoor play space is designed as a scaled-down replica of a real-life town. The Playseum features 12 themed rooms like a grocery store, bakery, pizza parlor, art supply store, and pet store. Children up to age 11 can let their imaginations run free by pretending to be cooks, grocers, doctors, and shopkeepers. Kids can also have special experiences in the playseum (extra charge), and we're pretty sure they'll want to peruse the wears at the store on the way out.
Columbia Mall
10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 1870
Columbia, MD
Online: playseum.com
Adventure Park USA
Saddle up, pardner, for this Western-themed park near Frederick, MD—about 40 miles outside of DC. Open year-round, rain or shine, you don’t have to pay admission to enter the park itself. Instead, you purchase a Fun Pass with credits that works like a debit card (you can even add credits to your account online for return visits). Indoors you will find virtual reality games, a ropes course, laser tag, an arcade, bumper cars, a rock wall, bowling, and more. Outside you'll find a miniature golf course, carnival games, and rides.
Good to Know: All outdoor attractions (other than mini golf) are closed until spring.
11113 West Baldwin Rd.
Monrovia, MD
Online: adventureparkusa.com
The Wiggle Room
When your kids just need to get the wiggles out head to the play place with a not-so-subtle moniker. A day pass lets you stay for an all-you-can-play experience. Exhaust your favorite little monkey in a safe space where they can let their imaginations soar. The Wiggle Room also offers weekly classes in music, art, and baby sign language. But if you ask us, the best thing about this indoor playground is that it's parent-designed.
Insider Tip: Fridays are Bounce House Bonanza days. Yep, it's just what you think it is.
2225 Defense Hwy.
Crofton, MD
Online: thewiggleroom.co