Cold and rainy days make it harder for kids to burn their energy and stretch their little legs—especially without spending some serious money. But there are several free indoor places to play in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia where kids can run, climb, and explore without parents reaching into their wallets. From play areas at free museums to free nature centers to free mall playgrounds, these indoor places to play are all great options for bad-weather days.

Here are 21 free things to do on cold and rainy days when kids 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.

Winter can test your creativity in entertaining the kids, and sometimes you just need to get out of the house or at least find new indoor activities. Fortunately, we have some amazing outdoor winter activities that allow kids to romp, play, and explore, as well as fresh ideas for being at home that can shake off winter fatigue.

For all the best ways to make the most of the chilly temps, check out the Best Outdoor Ice Skating, and don't miss our Winter Activities Guide.

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.

Looking for New Jersey restaurants where kids eat free? Read on for our list of eateries with freebie kids' meals throughout NJ. 

Who says there’s no such thing as a free meal? Restaurants up and down New Jersey offer free kids' meal promotions nearly every night of the week. 

Check out some of these New Jersey restaurants where kids eat free.

Our ultimate bucket list of 100 free fun things in Houston to do with kids will guide you to all the local places, activities, and events that cost absolutely nothing. After all, while we love our kids to the moon and back, they sure can be expensive!

For extra savings, make sure to check out our list of  Free Places to Play and Explore Indoors and Free Admission Days at Top Houston Museums.

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. 

It's easy to embrace winter at these family-friendly ski areas near NYC. We've rounded up 10 local ski areas sure to entertain any family, whether you're bringing along beginners, looking for an all-inclusive weekend away, or want entertaining perks beyond the slopes.

A winter sport like skiing is a great way to get outdoors as a family. Read on to find out which of these family-friendly ski areas near NYC matches your skill level and interest.

Want more family-friendly ski areas or picks for other snow sports? Check out our Guide to Skiing and Snow Sports, which offers more options in the tri-state area, New England, and even California. We've also got picks for the best snowboarding parks and snow tubing spots near NYC.

Finding a family-friendly Times Square restaurant that doesn't belong in a mall might be more difficult than navigating the costumed-character-crammed sidewalks of the area with a stroller. The Applebee's and Olive Garden might leave you feeling as if you're in the 'burbs, not the crossroads of the world.

But just as there are things to do with kids in Times Square beyond the tourist attractions, there are also a variety of off-the-beaten-track, family-friendly eateries that serve tasty cuisine reflecting our melting pot of a city.

So, whether you're heading to a kid-friendly Broadway show, or exploring some other enclave in the neighborhood, here are our top picks for family-friendly restaurants in Times Square.