guides

30+ Indoor Places to Play and Learn Near Takoma Park and Silver Spring

Where to play when it's too hot outside!

By Leah Spencer July 6, 2022

It's hot out there, which means it can be a challenge to keep the kids from bouncing off the walls. Here are several close-by places to play or learn inside where kids can stay active but stay out of the sweltering temperatures. All of these places are within a 45-minute drive from our area. 

For more great local guides and family-friendly content, subscribe to MacaroniKID Takoma Park-Silver Spring's weekly newsletter here

Active Play

ClimbZone

https://www.climbzone.us/laurel/

Seventy-five climbing walls of varying degree of difficulty.

πŸ“ 13200 Mid Atlantic Blvd Suite 130 Laurel, MD 20708

πŸ’΅ $18 to $35 per ticket depending on age and length of play

⏰ Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12 pm to 8 pm; Saturday & Sunday 10 am to 8 pm; Closed Tuesday & Thursday


Happy Bounce

https://www.westfield.com/en-US/wheaton/store/Happy-Bounce/77379

This storefront in Wheaton Mall has bounce houses and slides to play on by the hour. 

πŸ“ 11160 Veirs Mill Road Wheaton, MD 20902, Level 1

πŸ’΅ Check store for rates

⏰ Monday to Thursday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Friday & Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 pm to 7:00 pm 


HyperKidz

https://columbia.hyperkidzplay.com

Giant indoor playground with inflatables, slides, and climbing structures.

πŸ“ 9309 Snowden River Parkway Columbia, Maryland 21046

πŸ’΅ $8 to $13 per ticket depending on age and length of play

⏰ Monday-Saturday 9 am to 8 pm; Sunday 9 am to 7 pm


Jolly Yolly Kids

https://www.jollyyollykids.com/bethesda.html 

Indoor play place with inflatables, slides, and other fun in Montgomery Mall.

πŸ“ 7101 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20817 (Next to Cheesecake Factory)

πŸ’΅ $13 to $19 depending on day of the week

⏰ Monday-Wednesday 10 am to 7:45 pm; Thursday-Saturday 10 am to 8:45 pm; Closed Sundays


The Kid's Ground 

https://thekidsgroundmd.com/gallery

This indoor playground in Rockville has sensory activities, a climbing structure, and ways to engage in imaginative play.

πŸ“ 8010 Gramercy Blvd Unit B, Rockville, MD 20855

πŸ’΅ $17 per child ticket (Monday through Friday); $20 per child ticket (Saturday and Sunday)

⏰ Monday-Wednesday 10:00 am to 6:30 pm; Thursday & Friday 10:00 am to 7:30 pm; Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am to 7:30 pm


Me Land

https://melandplay.com

This active indoor play space has two locations: one in Frederick and a new one in the old Omnifun space in Gaithersburg.

πŸ“831 Russell Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20879

πŸ’΅ $9.99 per child ticket (Monday through Friday, ages 0-2) and $12.99 (Monday through Friday, ages 3-12); $13.99 per child ticket (Saturday and Sunday, ages 0-2) and $16.99 (Saturday and Sunday, ages 3-12)

⏰ Monday-Thursday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm; Friday & Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm


Play N Learn

https://www.playnlearn.com/columbia-md-open-play/

Play N Learn is a company that sells swing sets. During the week, children can come play on the pre-assembled playsets set up in the showroom. 

πŸ“ 9033 Red Branch Road Columbia, MD 21045 

πŸ’΅ $9 for two hours of play for children ages 1 to 15 years old; advanced tickets required

⏰ Mondays-Fridays 10 am to 5 pm; not open for play on weekends


Recess Silver Spring

https://playatrecess.com

Brand new (2024) indoor play space in Silver Spring for kids 18 months to 10 years old.

πŸ“ 12210 Plum Orchard Dr #210, Silver Spring, MD 20904

πŸ’΅ $ 9 to $17 per child (weekdays); $14 to $22 per child (weekends); snack pack can be added for an extra charge and 1 free adult admission per child

⏰ Mondays-Thursday 9 am to 8 pm; Fridays and Saturdays 9 am to 9 pm; Sunday 10 am to 7 pm


Scramble Indoor Play

https://www.goscramble.com

A giant indoor playground with two locations in Northern Virginia. 

πŸ“5412 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 22304

πŸ’΅ $10 to $14 per child (weekdays); $12 to $20 per child (weekends and federal holidays); $2 per adult admission

⏰ Mondays-Thursday 9:30 am to 5 pm; Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 am to 8:00 pm; Sundays 9:30 am to 6:00 pm


Silver Stars Open Gym

https://www.gosilverstars.com/index.php?cat=1283107083436756

Silver Stars Gymnastics has open gym for kids ages 8 and under every weekday from 12pm to 1pm. Come play on their mats and equipment.

πŸ“ 2701 Pittman Drive Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

πŸ’΅ $9 per child admission; ages 8 and under only

⏰ Mondays-Fridays 12 pm to 1 pm (resumes September 11)


Sky Zone Gaithersburg

https://www.skyzone.com/gaithersburg

Sky Zone is a massive trampoline park. There is also a foam pit that kids can dive into and a ninja course. 

πŸ“15813 Gaither Dr Gaithersburg, MD 20877

πŸ’΅ $19 to $30 depending on age and length of play

⏰ Sunday-Thursday 9 am to 9 pm; Friday & Saturday 9 am to 11pm


Urban Air Adventure Park Laurel 

https://www.urbanair.com/maryland-laurel/

Urban Air is the ultimate indoor adventure zone. There are trampolines, rock climbing, go-karts, ziplining, and more all in one spot.

πŸ“ 13446 Baltimore Ave Laurel, Maryland 20707

πŸ’΅ $27 to $42, depending on attractions

⏰ Monday-Thursday 4 pm to 8 pm; Friday 2 pm to 8 pm; Saturday 10 am to 10 pm; Sunday 12 pm to 8 pm (check website for special hours)


We Rock the Spectrum

https://www.werockthespectrumgaithersburg.com

An indoor playground made for ALL kids. This Gaithersburg gym is made for kids with all abilities. 

πŸ“7601 Airpark Dr, Suite D and E, Gaithersburg, MD 20879

πŸ’΅ $16 for drop-in play; $14 for each additional child

⏰ Check the gym's Facebook page for hours.


Zava Zone

https://www.zavazone.com/rockville/

An indoor trampoline park with ropes courses, ninja zones, and more! 

πŸ“ 40 B Southlawn Ct, Rockville, MD 20850

πŸ’΅ $25+ per person (pricing based on amount of time playing)

⏰ Sunday & Monday 10 am to 6 pm; Wednesday & Thursday 4 pm to 8 pm; Friday 4 pm to 10 pm; Saturday 10 am to 8 pm


Imaginative Play

BeWithMe Playseum

https://www.playseum.com

Located inside Columbia Mall, this playseum is full of interactive costumes and rooms to help your little one's imagination come alive.

πŸ“10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044

πŸ’΅ $12 per person (ages 1 to 100)

⏰ Monday-Thursday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Friday & Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Sunday 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm (open in the morning for private parties)


Kids Play Gallery

https://www.kidsplaygallery.com

Kids Play Gallery has little buildings set up with costumes and accessories to let your child's imagination run wild.

πŸ“ 217 Muddy Branch Rd Gaithersburg, MD 20878 

πŸ’΅ $18-$20 for one child admission, $15-$17 for each additional sibling (prices vary based on weekday or weekend)

⏰ Open Daily from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm 


The Little Towns Children's Museum

https://www.thelittletownsmd.com

πŸ“ 4931 Wyaconda Rd North Bethesda, MD 20852

πŸ’΅ $25 per child admission for a two-hour block of play

⏰ Open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, and 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm; Friday and Saturdays from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm, and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm; Sundays from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm


Montgomery County Public Library Discovery Rooms

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library/for-you/kids.html

Reserve a Discovery Room filled with puzzles, costumes, dollhouses, pretend food and so much more at one of four libraries in the county. In addition to Praisner, you can reserve rooms at Germantown, Gaithersburg or Quince Orchard Libraries. 

πŸ“Marilyn J. Praisner Library 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD 20866

πŸ’΅ FREE

⏰ Open during library hours (generally 10 am to 6 pm, but check individual websites for times)


Arcades/Party Spaces

Chuck E. Cheese

https://www.chuckecheese.com

The iconic play space where a kid can be a kid offers games and prizes. 

πŸ“ 1127 University Blvd E, Takoma Park, MD 20912

πŸ’΅ Prices vary depending on length of play and day of the week

⏰ Open Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm; Friday & Saturday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm


Dave & Buster's

https://www.daveandbusters.com

This restaurant and sports bar has a wealth of video games and virtual games to enjoy.

πŸ“ 8661 Colesville Rd Silver Spring, MD 20910

πŸ’΅ Prices vary depending on activities and games played

⏰ Open Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 am to Midnight; Friday & Saturday from 11:00 am to 1:00 am


Museums

College Park Aviation Museum

https://www.mncppc.org/1593/College-Park-Aviation-Museum

This small museum in College Park has aircrafts and artifacts from the history of aviation. 

πŸ“1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive College Park, MD 20740

πŸ’΅ $5 per adult ticket; $4 per senior ticket; $2 for kids ticket (age 2 and over)

⏰ Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm


Glen Echo Aquarium

https://www.gepaquarium.org

This small aquarium located on the grounds of Glen Echo park lets kids get up close and personal with the life found in the Chesapeake Bay.

πŸ“7300 MacArthur Blvd Glen Echo, MD 20812

πŸ’΅ $8 per person (ages 2 and up)

⏰ Open weekdays from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm; weekends 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; however, most showings by appointment only (text or call 571-334-8713).


International Spy Museum

https://www.spymuseum.org

Learn the secrets of the spies at this D.C. museum. 

πŸ“700 L'Enfant Plaza, SWWashington DC 20024

πŸ’΅ $32.95 for ages 13 and over; $20.95 for kids 7-12; free for kids 6 and under

⏰ Open Daily from 9 am to 7 pm, but check website for each week's hours.


KID Museum

https://kid-museum.org

Visit for a 2-hour block on Sundays (reservations recommended) to play, create, and build in the newly-opened Bethesda makerspace. MCPS students can get in for free all Summer long with advanced registration here.

πŸ“3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 140 Bethesda, MD 20814

πŸ’΅ $15 per person

⏰ Open Sundays 10:00 am to 4:00 pm


Maryland Science Center

https://www.mdsci.org

The Maryland Science Center is packed with activities and exhibits that let kids learn about all different kinds of science, from paleontology to astronomy and beyond. 

πŸ“601 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230

πŸ’΅ $26.95 for adults; $20.95 for children (age 3 to 12); $25.95 for seniors

⏰ Open Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm


National Air and Space Museum

https://airandspace.si.edu

After several years of renovation, this favorite museum is open again. You will need to reserve tickets before you go see planes and rockets at this downtown staple on the Mall.

πŸ“6th Street and Independence Ave SW Washington, DC 20560

πŸ’΅ FREE (but reserve your tickets in advance HERE)

⏰ Open Daily (except Christmas Day) 10:00 am to 5:30 pm


National Aquarium in Baltimore

https://www.aqua.org

Visit the National Aquarium to get an unclose look at aquatic life, including fish, puffins, and sharks.

πŸ“501 East Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21202

πŸ’΅ $29.25 for child tickets; $39.95 for adult tickets; $34.95 for senior tickets

⏰ Monday to Thursday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Friday & Saturday 9:00 am to 8:00 pm; Sunday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm


National Building Museum

https://www.nbm.org/visit/

The National Building Museum has several kid-friendly exhibits, including Play, Work, Build, where kids can create structures with giant blocks. 

πŸ“401 F Street NW Washington, DC 20001

πŸ’΅ $7 for child tickets; $10 for adult tickets

⏰ Thursday through Monday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm


National Children's Museum

https://nationalchildrensmuseum.org

This D.C. museum has many STEM-based activities so your kids can build, experiment, problem-solve, and have fun while exploring the way the world works.  

πŸ“1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20004

πŸ’΅ $15.95 per ticket

⏰ Open daily (except Tuesdays) from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm


National Capital Trolley Museum

https://www.dctrolley.org

This small museum has a model train exhibit, street cars and trolleys on display, and a ride on the trolley included in your ticket.

πŸ“1313 Bonifant Rd Colesville, MD 20905

πŸ’΅ $8 per child ticket; $10 per adult ticket

⏰ Open Saturday 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm


Natural History Museum

https://naturalhistory.si.edu

Visit the Natural History museum to see dinosaur fossils, gems, and mummies up close.

πŸ“1000 Madison Drive NW Washington, D.C. 20560 

πŸ’΅ FREE

⏰ Open Daily (except Christmas Day) 10:00 am to 5:30 pm


Planet Word

https://planetwordmuseum.org

This D.C. museum celebrates words in all forms, bringing language to life. It has interactive galleries and exhibits for all ages.

πŸ“ 925 13th St NW Washington, DC 20005; entrance on K Street

πŸ’΅ Free ($15 suggested donation)

⏰ Wednesdays to Fridays and Mondays (Closed Tuesdays) 10 am to 5 pm; Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm 


Port Discovery

https://www.portdiscovery.org

This playseum in Baltimore has three floors of activities and interactive exhibits to keep your family busy. 

πŸ“35 Market Place Baltimore, MD 21202

πŸ’΅ $21.95 per ticket (ages 1 and over)

⏰ Open daily 10:00 am to 1:00 pm; 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (some hours are reserved for groups only and advanced purchased online tickets required)


Udvar-Hazy Center Air and Space Museum

https://airandspace.si.edu/udvar-hazy-center

This companion museum to the Air and Space Museum on the mall, has dozens of REAL aircrafts to see up close. There is even a space shuttle and a super speed Concorde airplane on display. 

πŸ“14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway Chantilly, VA 20151

πŸ’΅ FREE (parking $15 per car)

⏰ Open Daily (except Christmas Day) 10:00 am to 5:30 pm


Indoor Pools

Goldfish Family Swim

This swim school in Silver Spring has family swim sessions a few times a week in their indoor pool. You do not need to be a member of the swim school or currently taking lessons, but you do need to call ahead to reserve your family swim time. 

https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/programs/family-swim/

πŸ“11800 Tech Road Silver Spring, MD 20904

πŸ’΅ $10 per person or $30 for a family (up to 6 swimmers)

⏰ Wednesday 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm; Thursday 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm; Sunday 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm


Montgomery County Indoor Swim Centers 

When it is cold, we don't usually think swimming, but many of the county's indoor pools are open through the winter months. Several have water features, too. Check the county website for recreational hours. Daily admission fees of $5 to $7, depending on age. 


Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/facilities/aquaticcenters/silverspring.html

πŸ“ 1319 Apple Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910


Germantown Indoor Swim Center

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/facilities/AquaticCenters/Germantown.html

πŸ“ 18000 Central Park Cir, Boyds, MD 20841


Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/facilities/AquaticCenters/KennedyShriver.html

πŸ“ 5900 Executive Blvd Rockville, MD 20852


Martin Luther King Jr. Indoor Swim Center

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/facilities/aquaticcenters/martinlutherkingjr.html

πŸ“ 1201 Jackson Rd, Colesville, MD 20904


Olney Swim Center

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/facilities/AquaticCenters/Olney.html

πŸ“ 16605 Georgia Ave, Olney, MD 20832


Piney Branch Pool

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/facilities/aquaticcenters/pineybranch.html

πŸ“ 7510 Maple Ave Takoma Park, MD 20912


Rolling Crest-Chillum Indoor Splash Pool

Not too far away in Hyattsville is an indoor splash pool with slides and sprayers. There is a small admission fee but even though the pool is located in PG county, visitors who live in Montgomery County are included in the "resident" pricing.

https://www.pgparks.com/4543/Rollingcrest-Chillum-Splash-Pool

πŸ“6122 Sargent Road Chillum, MD 20782

πŸ’΅ $5 to $6 dollars 

⏰ Check here for hours.


Ice Skating

Wheaton Ice Arena

http://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/wheaton-ice-arena/

Both the Wheaton Ice Rink and the Cabin John Ice Arena are open to the public for skating all season long!

πŸ“11717 Orebaugh Avenue Wheaton, MD 20902

πŸ’΅ $8 per person + skate rental, if necessary

⏰ Hours vary, check the rink website for public skate sessions 


Free Places to Play Inside

Play Space in Ellsworth Place Mall

There is a small indoor playground on the first level of the mall with a little house to climb on and a slide to enjoy.

https://www.ellsworthplace.com/business/playground/

πŸ“18661 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Level 1 (Near Michaels and T.J. Maxx)

πŸ’΅ FREE

⏰ Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm 


Play Space in Westfield Wheaton Mall

https://www.westfield.com/wheaton/service-detail/Westfield-PlaySpace

Wheaton Mall also has a indoor play area with a few big animals to climb on and tunnels to burrow through.  

πŸ“11160 Veirs Mill Road Wheaton, MD 20902, Level 1 (near DSW Shoes)

πŸ’΅ FREE

⏰ Monday to Thursday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Friday & Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 pm to 7:00 pm 


Silver Spring Library Children's Area

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Library/branches/silverspring.html

The Children's floor in the Silver Spring Library has several interactive learning activities to keep kiddos engaged. Also check out Wheaton Library, White Oak Library, Noyes Library and many of the other county facilities. Also check above about reserving Discovery Rooms in four libraries across the county. 

πŸ“900 Wayne Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20910

πŸ’΅ FREE

⏰ Monday to Thursday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; Friday to Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm 


Brookside Nature Center

https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-nature-center/

Brookside Nature Center has plenty of fun to explore outside (including a natural playground with sandpit in the back), but when its hot, their exhibits inside and children's Discovery Room are a winner! 

πŸ“1400 Glenallan Ave Wheaton, Maryland 20902

πŸ’΅ FREE

⏰ Tuesday to Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm