19 Free Things To Do Indoors in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Indoor Places to Play

Kids can peek into the marine life in the aquariums at the Marine Education Center in Mamaroneck. Photo by Susan Miele

These free indoor places to play in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are a salve for those bad weather days when you don't want to be stuck inside with the kids waiting to hear the dreaded (and inevitable), “I’m bored.” From Scarsdale to Kingston, the region offers a wide variety of fun, free things to do at local museums, malls, marine sanctuaries, and more to keep kids and parents entertained and engaged.

With that in mind, here are the best free indoor places to play in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. Find more free fun in our Guide to Free, Fun Things To Do with Westchester and Hudson Valley Kids.

Top Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors

Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro

All across Long Island, there are free play spaces and indoor playgrounds to keep your kids happily occupied–so there's no need to stay home just because cold weather is upon us. From malls to bookstores and libraries, there is plenty of free fun to be had on Long Island for kids.

Enjoy these unique play destinations, but remember that most venues require that a parent/adult is present to supervise children.

For more indoor fun, don't forget to check out our guide to rainy-day activities on Long Island, and discover all the free events and activities near you in our guide to Free Things to Do With Kids on Long Island.

100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids

Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden

From free zoos to museums, there are tons of fabulously free things to do with kids in NJ – which just goes to show that you don't need to spend a lot of money to have a great day. Read on for 100 free places to take your family in NJ. 

Looking for even more options? Be sure to check out our Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids, too. Note that some venues are run by volunteers, so donations are appreciated.

27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys "R" Us at Macy's. Photo by Jody Mercier

Fun, free indoor places to play in NYC are always a welcome diversion in our book, particularly when we're staring down another long northeastern winter, and entertaining the kids during this extended, chilly season isn't easy or cheap. We went hunting for free indoor places to play fueled by our desire to escape our cramped New York City apartments.

If your kids—like ours!—are bouncing off the walls and your wallet is screaming for a break after a holiday spending spree, we've got you covered. Check out our list of 27 free indoor places to play in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx for culture, fun, games, or just a much-needed change of scenery.

For more great free indoor places to play, check out our Free in NYC Guide, which is loaded with more ideas, outings, and parent-tested tips to save a buck.

25 Free Things To Do Indoors in DC with Kids: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Experiential Learning Center at the National Museum of the United States Army. Photo by Anne Trenelone via Flickr

Cold and rainy days make it harder for kids to burn their energy and stretch their little legs—especially without spending some serious money. Luckily, there are many free indoor things to do in DC with kids. From play areas at free museums to free nature centers to free mall playgrounds, these indoor places to play in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia are all great options for bad-weather days.

Here are 21 free indoor things to do in DC with kids who need to blow off steam and burn some energy. For more family fun that won't break the bank, check out our guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids. Plus, our Guide to Indoor Fun for DC Kids includes even more places to play indoors when the weather outside is frightful.

15 Free Things To Do Indoors in Philadelphia: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Learn all about fire safety and the history of firefighters in Philly at the Fireman's Hall Museum.Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

If you're looking to escape the elements, an indoor playground is a great option to entertain stir-crazy kids on rainy or snowy days. No need to break the bank—the Philadelphia area has several free indoor play spaces where children can climb, explore, learn something new, or relax with a good book. We've rounded up the best indoor venues in Philly with free activities for kids where you never have to worry about the price of admission.

To get more free fun at home and around Philly delivered to your inbox sign up for our newsletters, and discover all the free events and activities near you in our Free Things To Do with Philly Kids Guide

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