Cold weather means trips to the backyard and playground will be put on hold for a few months. But it doesn’t mean that kids no longer have the need to run, jump and play. Lucky for us, there are plenty of indoor play spaces where kids can go to get their wiggles out no matter what Mother Nature is up to. Read on for the 14 best play spaces in the Washington, D.C. area.
1. JW Tumbles, Arlington & Alexandria, VA
Where: 2499 N Harrison St, Arlington, VA
Where: 3223 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA
With classes ranging from sign language to messy art, you’re sure to find something to keep you and your little one busy. Or if your little one does better in free play, JW Tumbles hosts open play several times a week. Kids ages seven and under can explore the soft play area, climbing wall, tunnels and slides at their own pace.
2. My Gym, Bethesda, MD
Where: 5110 Ridgefield Road, Bethesda, MD
My Gym is a great place for restless little ones to get tired out during the winter months. There are plenty of practice and open gym times available for kids to use the balance beam, trampoline, ball pit and slide as they please. Or, sign up for any one of the classes in pre-gymnastics, sports or cardio and get an action-packed, instructor-led playtime. Best of all, they offer a free trial class.
3. Kidville, Bethesda, MD
Where: 4825 Bethesda Avenue, Bethesda, MD
Kidville is known for their unique extras like the boutique and hair salon. Pop in for a simple haircut or let your little one get a matching hairdo with their doll. After, head to one of Kidville’s amazing classes. Our favorite? The “Rockin’ Railroad” music class where kids can play instruments, clap and sing. To finish it off, purchase admission to their free play sessions in the gym, equipped with lots of soft mats and a trampoline.
4. Gymboree, multiple locations
Colorful gym equipment including tunnels, mini-climbing walls, soft mats and bridges are waiting for your kids at this gym’s open play time. Open play is scheduled regularly but only available to members and their guests. Members are also able to sign up for classes that include lots of gym time! They even offer classes like “School Skills” where preschoolers gain confidence before they start kindergarten. There are lots of locations around the D.C. area; check the Mommy Nearest app for the one closest to you!
5. Chibis Indoor Playground, Ashburn, VA
Where: 44675 Cape Court, Ashburn, VA
Just because it’s cold, windy or rainy doesn’t mean that kids need to skip their time at the playground. Chibis Indoor Playground has everything an outdoor playground should have (and more!). Kids can have fun on the enormous play structure with slides and soft blocks, a train table and a playhouse.
6. The Magic Ground, D.C.
Where: 3100 14th St NW, District of Columbia, DC
This is much more than just an indoor playground, it’s a castle! Kids can use their imagination in the “Toddler’s Cave,” get messy in the art space, play educational video games and even get a make-over for both boys and girls. They have full day and half day drop-off options so parents can take a break, too. Head to the restaurant for a salad, pizza or panini and keep your kids happy with a children’s menu with over ten kid-friendly items.
7. Be with Me Playseum, Bethesda and Annapolis, MD
Where: 7000 Wisconsin Ave, Chevy Chase, MD
Where: You and your little ones can explore the labyrinth of themed playrooms and activity centers that range from soft blocks and Legos to mini manicures and milkshake mixing. Your animal-lovers will flip for the room full of creatures like bunnies and birds. Kids can let their imagination run wild with a ride-on fire truck, a dress-up princess boutique and a pretend restaurant. Stop by the original Be with me Playseum in Bethesda or the newest location in the Annapolis Mall.,
8. Busy Bees, Falls Church, VA and Chevy Chase, MD
Where: 6110D Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, VA
Where: 11 Wisconsin Circle, Bethesda, MD
Where: This indoor space is anything but ordinary. Made to break the mold of the same old boring playground, this spot has plenty of climbing structures, slides and swings. Busy Bees is particularly great for your younger kids—everything in here moves, spins or flies and will keep your kids occupied for hours! There’s a padded jungle gym, rotating carousel suspension swing, slide, blocks and puzzles space. Socks are required to play. A new location in Fairfax Corner, VA is set to open in late February 2019.,
9. Nook, Arlington, VA
Where: 4238 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1295, Arlington, VA
With Eames chairs, a snack station, parent lounge, neutral colors and an open clean feel, Nook at Ballston Quarter feels more like a tech-y, co-working space than a child’s play area. This minimalist play space is a far cry from the usual brightly-colored, overstimulating play spaces. There are separate areas kids can play in—including ones for art, building, climbing, imaginary and sensory play. Nook has a location at the Mosaic District in Fairfax, VA too.
10. Badlands, Rockville, MD
Where: 5200 Randolph Rd, Rockville, MD
Badlands brings something fresh and new to the D.C. area’s indoor play options with its nature-inspired concept “rooted in the science and wonder of active play and mindfulness.” Your kids will most likely make a run for the large mountain area in the center of the vast space as soon as you arrive—it’s designed to challenge children and give them confidence as they climb and scramble their way to the top! The indoor space also offers lots of fun classes, activities and birthday parties for ages two to 13.
11. Scramble, Alexandria VA
Where: 5412 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA
Touted as the first European-style play center in the D.C. area, Scramble offers indoor fun for newborns and up. There are pretend stores, toddler areas and even a rocket ship to climb in. A jumbo slide is a favorite with kids! Parents will love that you can come and go as you please during the day for one price. Scramble hosts birthday parties, too.
12. Kids Play Gallery, Gaithersburg, MD
Where: 217 Muddy Branch Rd, Gaithersburg, MD
Littles will love playing pretend at this Gaithersburg play space. Themed areas include a grocery market, fire station, animal hospital, diner, fishing dock and beauty boutique. Purchase a daily pass (prices are cheaper after 4pm) or buy a membership (5 visits for $60 or 10 visits for $100).
13. Hyper Kidz!, Columbia, MD
Where: 9309 Snowden River Pkwy, Columbia, MD
This ocean-themed space has a four-story play pavilion that’s sure to be a favorite with kids (it features spiral slides, a ball blaster and more). There’s also a designated area for younger visitors with a ball pit, block room and light-up wall, and an area for babies. A parent zone features a coffee bar, wifi and TV.
14. Luv 2 Play, Leesburg, VA
Where: 1600 Village Market Blvd SE, Leesburg, VA
This indoor playground franchise location is a great place to take the kids when the weather is bad! Bring the whole family because they’ve got play areas for all ages—an indoor playground for ages two to 12, plus a separate toddler area and baby area. They also have a soft climbing wall, sand area, and a pretend play area with a fake grocery store, theater, beauty parlor and doctor’s office. Forget the snacks? No worries. There’s also a café with plenty of options.
