Cold and rainy days make it hard for kids to burn off their energy and stretch their little legs—especially without spending some serious money. But if you stay at home, you'll all be bouncing off the walls and your house will be a mess. You need somewhere to play that's warm, dry, and—most important—FREE. 

Luckily, there are many free indoor activities in DC that allow kids to move, explore, and blow off steam. From play areas at free museums to free nature centers to free mall playgrounds, these free things to do indoors in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia are all great cold and rainy-day activities for kids. 

Here are 27 free indoor things to do in DC with kids on cold and rainy days. For more family fun that won't break the bank, check out our guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids. It includes our ultimate list of 101 free things to do in DC with kids.

Indoor water parks offer summertime-style family thrills year-round, and many are just a car ride away from the New York City metro area. With winter's chill upon us, many families look for ways to escape the city for a warmer locale, but jet-setting to a tropical island might not always be a possibility. Instead, stay a little closer to home and visit one of these indoor water parks in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Hudson Valley, which are sure to help beat the winter blues.

We've found 10 warm and wet indoor water parks nearby, perfect for kids and families, and all are less than 2½ hours from Midtown Manhattan. Most indoor water parks keep temperatures a hot and humid 85 degrees year-round, creating a perfect beach day in any season. So leave the sunscreen at home, dust off that bathing suit, and hit the water.

Check out our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways and Family Amusement Parks & Water Parks Guide for more destination inspiration.

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

Looking for a unique way to beat the winter blues? Enjoy some summertime fun even in the coldest months at a multitude of indoor water parks in and near New Jersey, where the temperature is kept at a balmy 84 degrees year-round.

My family especially loves indoor water parks because they are fun for mixed age groups, even grown-ups! We've made a list of indoor water parks near New Jersey that can be reached in 3 hours or less by car, give or take your starting address and traffic, of course. 

So, go dig out your bathing suit from behind your coats and mittens, and get ready to take the plunge at one of these exciting indoor water parks. If you're looking for more seasonal fun, we've rounded up 35 things to do with NJ kids this winter, plus a slew of winter day trips.

Start 2026 by creating special memories with your family with the help of our guide of fun things to do this winter in Orlando. From manatee sightings and strawberry picking, to a theme park festival and Scottish Highland Games, no matter where you are around Central Florida, there is no shortage of fun things to do in winter. 

Don't forget to ​subscribe to our FREE newsletter as well for the best events, ideas, and happenings in the area delivered right to your inbox!

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

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. 

Free indoor activities in Atlanta are a must as temperatures drop and winter comes in full force! And as the winter weather (or spring's rainy weather) settles in, having reliable FREE things to do indoors in your back pocket is crucial. Free things to do indoors in Atlanta help parents keep the party going no matter what's happening outside, without a hit to the wallet. Here are some of our favorite free things to do with kids when its rainy, icy, snowy, or some type of combination that haunts Atlanta. Just make sure you can safely drive there!

For more free fun in Atlanta, check out our Free Things To Do with Kids Guide and sign up for our newsletters to get info delivered straight to your inbox.