The Best Indoor Play Places for Kids in Washington, D.C.

Posted Feb 06, 2020 Things to Do DC/MD/VA

Some days Mother Nature leaves you with no other choice but to take your playdate indoors. We have you covered with the best indoor play places for kids in Washington, D.C.! From exploring a variety of Smithsonian museums to nature-immersive climbing to Montessori-inspired play spaces, there is something for everyone on our list.

BusyBees - Falls Church & Fairfax, VA and Chevy Chase, MD

If you are under 48” tall, BusyBees indoor playground in Fairfax, Falls Church or Chevy Chase is the place to bee! Each location boasts a fun, safe and clean indoor play space for your tots and their pals to jump, climb, swing and bounce about. Open every day, BusyBees also provides lots of fun activities included in your drop-in to keep the kiddos busy as bees! Save 40% off All-Day Open Play at BusyBees Fairfax Corner.

Jolly Yolly Kids - Fairfax, VA

Sometimes you walk into a play place and it’s mass chaos, and then you walk into Jolly Yolly Kids and you never want to go anywhere else. Separated into zones for various age groups plus a Parent Zone (score!) perfect for getting some work done while your kids play – they can climb, crawl, jump and get out ALL the energy. Save 29% off Jolly Yolly Kids admission.

Super, Awesome & Amazing at The St. James - Springfield, VA

Are your kids as obsessed with American Ninja Warrior as mine? If so, you have to check out Super, Awesome & Amazing! Housed in massive indoor sports complex, The St. James, the 25,000-square foot fun center includes an awesome Ninja Warrior Course that your kids will absolutely love. There is also a multi-level Nerf Battle Zone and a massive Trampoline Zone, as well as lots of other spots to burn energy. Sign up for a St. James Family Membership during the month of February and receive 50% off the Initiation Fee, $150 Sports Programming credit, two complimentary passes to Super, Awesome & Amazing and more! Or, take advantage of The St. James 15% off Early Bird Summer Camp sale through March 31st.

Scramble - Alexandria, VA

A European-style indoor center, Scramble is a great spot for a worldly adventure right here in the DC area. The World of Play climbing system which features different countries from the world – from the Eiffel Tower to mummies from Egypt – allows kids to explore in a unique setting unlike others in the area.

Badlands - Rockville, MD

When Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate and you can’t get outdoors, Badlands is the next best thing. This nature-inspired play space features tunnels and rocks and ropes and everything your kids need to pretend they are exploring the great outdoors. Plus, there is always a rotating exhibit area with interactive experiences for kids of all ages. Save 25% off Parents Night Out at Badlands.

Be With Me Playseum - Bethesda, MD

Kids love pretending, mimicking many of the activities we as parents do in the real world. At the Playseum they can explore everything from the Farmer’s Market to the pediatrician. One of our favorite features of Playseum is the use of Playseum Dollars. Transactions between Team Members and children at interactive activities in the SoapBar, ScienceBar, Art Room and Bakery encourage your child to learn how to budget and to pay for the activities, books or toys they desire during their visit. A play-based experience that teaches your child real world skills? We are there!

Museum of the Bible - Washington, D.C.

Located just three blocks from the U.S. Capitol, Museum of the Bible is an immersive experience showcasing rare artifacts that span 3,500 years of history. The children’s play area, Courageous Pages, is like nothing you've ever experienced in a museum before! Courageous Pages includes about a dozen play areas, including multiple, hands-on games similar to classics like skee ball and beanbag toss, and even an entire area dedicated to toddlers with a two-story climbing structure. Read all about it in our Real Mom Review, and check it out for yourself for 30% off. Bonus: Children 6 and under are free!

Play N' Learn – Chantilly, VA

You might be wondering why we included a playground superstore on our list. Fun fact – you can play at this swingset wonderland! Drop-in for up to 2 hours of play in their spacious showroom, which features safe rubber flooring and all the swingsets, basketball hoops and trampolines your 2-8-year old could ever want!

National Museum of the American Indian - Washington, D.C.

There are so many great museums in Washington, D.C., and many of the Smithsonian museums have special areas or exhibits geared specifically towards kids. imagiNATIONS at NAMI is one you should definitely check out – grab a passport at the entrance and start your adventure learning about Native cultures. Your kids will get to help weave a basket, build an iglu, compete for points on a skateboard simulator video game, create art projects and read books by Native authors in the story room – there is truly something for everyone! Check out our full review to learn more. 

Chibis - Ashburn, VA

Designed for children under age 8, Chibis indoor playground is a smaller space for you to have fun with your kids. You may be hesitant to climb with your kids, but the Family Jungle Gym supports up to 80 adults! After you’ve climbed around with your littles for a bit, relax on one of the comfy leather couches while your kids enjoy the bounce house and slide, ride-on cars and lots of activity centers.

Nook - Fairfax & Arlington, VA & (NEW!) Bethesda, MD

Nook Ballston Quarter Photo By: Abby Jiu

For kids ages 5 and under, this minimalist haven is ideal for those parents that are looking for a less-commercialized option for their little ones. With toys from Manhattan Toy Company and lovevery, this expertly curated spot is one of our favorites for a quiet morning of play. They also host a series of special programs during Open Play hours, including classical music sessions and sensory play. 

Elemeno - Washington, D.C.

A carefully curated, beautifully designed indoor play area based on leading early childhood development science and Montessori educational models, Elemeno's SkillZone indoor play center helps little ones develop critical skills as they play and make new friends. This space is more than just a drop-in spot, though. There’s classes and programming for a variety of ages plus weekend fun for the whole family in the STEM Family Lounge. Elemeno also includes a coworking space for parents with a live camera feed of the children's play areas. This is one spot you want to keep in rotation throughout the year.

The MagicGround - Washington, D.C.

This unique indoor playground is indeed a magical place to play with a bright and inviting children's entertainment center and indoor playground all wrapped into one (and one of the biggest ball pits we've ever seen). Kids will be entertained for hours with climbing walls, multiple slides, dedicated toddler play area, arts and crafts, face painting, gaming center, elevated climbing structures and more. MagicGround also has an on-site restaurant with a coffee lounge.

Kids Play Gallery - Gaithersburg, MD

Kids Play Gallery has uniquely designed Play Houses, providing a pretend play environment with real world experience that aids in sensory and social development. From a 50s diner and service station to a beauty boutique and even a fishing dock, this space is perfect for an afternoon of exploring.

IKEA Småland - College Park, MD

If you need to run to IKEA for any reason, take advantage of their drop-off play area. For 60 minutes, your kids get to play in an enclosed space within the store filled with fun IKEA toys and art supplies and a climbing structure while you can make your way through the maze of IKEA to your desired area. Once you pick your kids up, grab a plate of Swedish meatballs and you’ll leave with well-fed, tired kids and some fun new items for your home.

Mobu Kids - Falls Church, VA

Imagine a soft indoor play studio for children ages 6 months to 6 years filled with 'just-my-size' toys, climbing structures, slides, building blocks and more. This is the perfect space for babies who crawl, toddlers who romp and active preschoolers. Mobu also offers a variety of classes for your little ones and parents' night out events. Save 20% off Open Play at Mobu Kids.

EcoFunPlay in Vienna, VA

When designing the play space, EcoFunPlay's founders researched and researched and researched some more to ensure that every toy, every surface and every play area is non-toxic, BPA free and made of plant-based materials. This brand new, innovative learning and exploration center provides a safe indoor playground where kids up to age 10 can creatively play and learn through fun, interactive games and educational toys. Save 25% off EcoFunPlay Open Play admission.

Kidville - Bethesda, MD

If we had to choose one word to describe Kidville, it would be community. This all-in-one space never disappoints. From a variety of classes (gym, music, art, dance, STEM) to indoor playspace and birthday party spot to a preschool “crash course” for little ones getting ready to head to preschool, Kidville has it all. 

Milla's Playland in Gainesville, VA

An awesome indoor playground for ages 6 months to 6 years old, Milla's offers a variety of play zones from a farmer’s market to a pet hospital to a moon bounce. But by far the most fun zone is the interactive LED dance floor – get ready to bust a move! Save up to 42% off admission to Milla's Playground.

Coming soon! Hyper Kidz - Ashburn, VA

This uber popular ultimate indoor playground debuted in Columbia, Maryland in 2018 and has been drawing throngs of visitors from all around the DMV ever since (so many that the original facility just opened a brand new expansion). But now you don't have to trek to Howard County to experience the awesomeness that is Hyper Kidz - it will soon be open right in your own backyard! Get ready to immerse yourself in this ocean-themed interactive playground filled with motorized revolving rides, obstacles, wave and spiral slides, ball pit, teeter totters, giant Lite Brite boards - this is truly the ultimate play experience! Check back for a grand opening discount offer!

National Building Museum - Washington, D.C. (Closed for renovations – reopening March 2020) 

For the budding architect or engineer in the family, the National Building Museum is a MUST visit. With a hands-on block play area and a digital interactive area that allows visitors to fill an entire wall with virtual blocks - and then knock them down. PLAY WORK BUILD is a beloved D.C. treasure.

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For even more family fun this winter, check out the Best Indoor Water Parks Near Washington, D.C. for Families.

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