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.

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.

These great destinations are sure to keep kids (and parents) happy and warm!

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. 

Want to know what day kids eat free at IHOP? Or where your kids can eat free today? We've rounded up Atlanta restaurants where kids eat free, from IHOP and other chains to local faves and sorted them by every day of the week.  What parent doesn't love FREE food?! 

Before dining out, call the restaurant as specials can vary by location. Many Atlanta restaurants require dine-in service and the purchase of an adult entrée. 

Make sure to check our Atlanta Kids Free Things To Do Guide to find all the free things to do around town. And sign up for our free Mommy Poppins newsletter so you never miss out on fun events and activities near you.

Your kids can play for free at these spaces all around Houston. 

Strawberry picking in Orlando happens December through March! Spending a day at the strawberry farm is a great activity for winter fun and gives families an outlet to connect with nature while making sweet memories. We have compiled a list of u-pick farms that offer strawberry picking in Orlando, as well as some tips to make the most of your outdoor trip. 

There are many indoor free things to do in Los Angeles for those rare times when it's raining in Southern California. While we're all used to the nonstop sunshine, sometimes you have to head indoors to a free museum, play space, or library to entertain the kids while saving budgets for sunnier days. 

For more free things to do in LA, peruse our list of 100 fun free things to do in Los Angeles with Kids. Once you've checked off all the free things to do indoors in Los Angeles and want to explore more things to do with a roof over your head, check out the best indoor playgrounds in Los Angeles, and discover more indoor amusement in our Indoor Fun and Play Spaces Guide for Los Angeles Kids.