rock climb

There’s an update to this post and it can be found here.

We figured we’d pull together some great indoor options for you and your kids in the Washington, DC metro area– plus some options up the road in Baltimore. So whether it’s raining, snowing — or just too cold or hot outside, here are some fantastic places to check out. They’ll keep your little ones engaged and might even tire them out enough to keep you happy. We’ll try to keep this list updated, so do add your suggestions to the comments below and we’ll keep building! Scroll all the way to the bottom as there are on-going lists of theatres, gyms and other great indoor spaces.

Washington, DC:

Skill Zone- (709 8th Street SE Washington, DC 20003)

SkillZone is a fun, fresh place to play and learn in Washington, DC., open for drop-in play time, classes, and private parties! A place in the city for children 6 & under. Registration is required.

Smithsonian Museum– (Various Locations)

Most are free of charge! Specific child-friendly areas in museums listed below.

U.S. Botanic Garden– (100 Maryland Ave SW)

Massive indoor exhibits, you can spend all day here. Check website as they occasionally have events such as cooking demonstrations, concerts, baby snuggler days and more.
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A few weeks ago my son and I had a day-date and I wanted it to be a meaningful day. I decided against his favorite places that we typically go to and instead headed to an awesome indoor spot (because it was a rainy, cold day); Climb Zone USA which is in Laurel, Maryland. We had no traffic and it was a quick 30 minute drive.

Climb Zone has 76 themed climbing walls and each wall is 28 feet tall. My son has never been rock climbing, besides of course those small 3 foot walls at playgrounds. He was definitely nervous as the instructor strapped on a harness to his waist. I figured he’d need encouragement and assistance so I decided not to climb, but adults are more than welcome to. The instructor explained how to attach his carabiner to each climbing wall and then we were off, on our own. We walked around, admiring all of the familiar scenes recreated on walls and he found his favorite climbable art wall and up he went.

Once your little one has had enough climbing, they can jump over to the bounce houses or test their luck at some video games. A small cafe offers treats and cold drinks. There is a small fenced in area for children 3 and under to play in as well. Children ages 2-5 cost $12 and children 6 years and older will cost $25. There is no time limit so you can stay all day if you’d like. You can also host a birthday party at this fun indoor spot.

Indoor fun in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia

Climbable Art at Climb Zone USA