When the weather is bad and the kids need to burn some energy, head to one of these top indoor playgrounds for kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

While getting kids out of the house to blow off steam is a must for everyone's sanity, it's not easy on cold, hot, or rainy days. But there are lots of indoor play areas for children in DC and beyond that allow kids to crawl, run, jump, climb, and play to their hearts' content—without causing a storm inside your house. Many of these kids' play spaces include extra perks like free WiFi, cafes, fun classes, and more.

Here are 30 of the best indoor play areas for children in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia to visit on those bad-weather days. For more ideas for indoor fun near DC, check out our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for Kids in DC. You'll find our curated lists of everything from the best indoor rock climbing gyms to awesome trampoline parks.

Have you ever wondered what summer camp at the zoo is like? Or how to find a camp your perfectly quirky kid will love? Sure, you could create a spreadsheet of every camp in a 50 mile radius, but wouldn't it be more fun to just go and play with them? That's the idea behind our summer camp events. And the first one is this Sunday. Spoiler: They're going to be really fun even if you don't think you're looking for a camp. 

Winter is off to a cold and snowy start in NYC. While my kids and I love to go sledding and play in the snow, it’s always good to have a few go-to indoor hangouts when it’s just too darn cold to visit the park.

Pier 57 in Manhattan is a bright new, FREE space for families to play, eat, and relax this winter. Huge windows offer views of the Hudson River without the bone-chilling breeze off the water.

Read on for our review of the space, and find more warm, indoor fun on our list of the best indoor playgrounds in Manhattan.

Did you know that sports injuries are one of the most common reasons kids end up in the emergency room? If your child participates in winter sports like basketball, soccer, skiing, or snowboarding, learning how to prevent and manage common injuries can help keep them safe and get them back in the game quickly.

We spoke with Dr. Shane Hervey, a pediatric orthopaedic expert and Assistant Clinical Professor with the UCLA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children, to get his essential advice for parents—and created a free downloadable chart of the most common winter sports injuries for kids, how to prevent and treat them, and when it’s likely safe to return to the activity.

Planning a kid's party on Long Island is incredibly fun, but it can quickly get expensive. My family is lucky enough to attend many fantastic kids' birthday parties. We have also thrown a few! My kids are 5 and 8 years old, so we've skated, bowled, and bounced our way through countless celebrations. Birthday parties on Long Island don't have to break the bank to be memorable!

A budget-friendly backyard bash or an affordable bounce house venue can often be more fun than an overpriced spot. Read ahead for our list of kid-approved and budget-friendly places for your little one's next soiree. Planning to host from home? We have you covered with insider tips on the best cheap party rental businesses on Long Island.

For even more birthday party ideas, check out our Guide to Birthday Parties on Long Island. 

The early days of new baby life are a whirlwind of wonder and exhaustion, a magical time filled with snuggles, smiles, and spit-up. But those days are often also a blur of monotony as you battle wake windows and cycle through seemingly endless rounds of eat-play-sleep. The best cure? Get outside and explore your favorite city with brand new eyes! 

When you’re ready to venture out of the house and explore Philadelphia with your new human in tow, we’re here with parent-tested picks for the best baby-friendly activities and spots locally. Whether you’re looking for the best indoor play place for infants or you want to join an activity where you can meet other parents and babies, Philly has plenty to offer for kids under one.

The shortest month of the year packs a heck of a punch! There are a lot of holidays and fun things to celebrate in February. Sure, you know there's the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, Groundhog Day, Lunar New Year, and Presidents Day, but you can also celebrate Elmo's Birthday, Poop Day (great for potty training), and Pancake Day. And this year, there’s the Winter Olympics, too!

Scroll down for all 28 fun holidays in February, plus links to holiday-a-day ideas for every month of the year. 

Check this list, and you’ll find the perfect thing to do with your kids each and every day.  For more ideas for winter fun, check out our roundup of 30 Exercise Games and Indoor Activities that Get Kids Moving and your local Winter Vacation Guide.

Quick, family-friendly bites in the zoo or nearby.