The Best Indoor Play Places in DC, Maryland, and Virginia

There’s lots to love about living in the DC area, but extreme weather is NOT one of them.

Luckily, DC, MD, and VA are home to many amazing indoor play places that hit the spot during our hot and humid summers, or when it’s too cold to be outside in the winter. Check out our favorites below that make kid-life in DC incredible!!

Discover science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (or STEAM) through hands-on play at National Children’s Museum! Located in downtown DC, the Museum’s interactive exhibits and programs empower innovators ages 0 to 12 to dream of new possibilities.

Big kids will love climbing through the Dream Machine, the three-story, cloud-inspired structure of colorful pods and netting pathways that lead to a thrilling slide; flexing their sports skills in Engineering Games + Play, where they’ll hit virtual home runs and send racecars hurtling towards a photo finish; and so much more. Meanwhile, your littlest ones will explore from the safety of two enclosed, toddler-specific spaces, Little Dreamers and Little Movers.

Hands-on programs, including pop-up learning stations and tinkering activities, complement the exhibits to extend learning. Weekly early learner programs on offer include STEAM Story Time (Thursdays at 10:30 am) and Baby Jam (Fridays at 10:30 am).

A Children’s Activity studio that provides drop in/off activities on a rotating schedule for children ages 3-6 years old. The studio is a space where “Tots” are able to interact, engage, and develop in a warm and positive environment while their parents balance “me-time”.

The Tot Space’s mission is to provide an External Village, while maintaining a “Guilt-Free” Parent Experience – time where you are assured your child is socially thriving during their time at the space, and being instructed by a village of individuals who will continue to engage and build relationships with your Tot.

The Space also offers Parents’ Night Out events once a month, where Tots have the opportunity to participate in a themed 3 hour event during evening hours, allowing parents to take time to themselves at night. Their themed evening events provide fun and collaborative activities full of creativity!