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

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The Experiential Learning Center at the National Museum of the United States Army offers plenty of opportunities for play and exploration. Photo by Anne Trenelone via Flickr

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.

Best Indoor Water Parks near NYC for a Warm Weather Getaway

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The River Canyon Run at Great Wolf Lodge is a raft slide the whole family can enjoy!

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.

New Year's Eve Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley with Kids: Countdown to 2026

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Celebrate the new year before dark with crafts, confetti, and a dance party at the Westchester Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Families can have a bricktacular New Year's Eve at Legoland New York, featuring an early countdown and Lego ball drop, plus all the other festivities throughout the day. Or enjoy cupcake decorating, a DJ dance party, and a confetti-filled ball drop and countdown to 2026 at the New Year's Eve Kids' Countdown at the Westchester Children's Museum. 

If you're not too tired after all the fun, explore the outdoors on a guided First-Day Hike through Rockwood Hall in Rockefeller State Park Preserve, or kick off maple sugaring season at Muscoot Farm's FREE Backyard Sugarin'.

New Year's Eve Weekend on Long Island with Kids: Countdown to 2026 and More Fun

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Count down to 2026 with an early celebration at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island on New Year's Eve weekend to ring in 2026? From fireworks to drone shows to balloon drops, here are our top activities to add to your list this holiday weekend.​

Close out the year with some good, old-fashioned family fun. Marvel at a free holiday train display in Dix Hills or Babylon. Or wear your favorite pajamas and immerse yourself in a world of Grinchy mischief and holiday cheer at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

New Year's Eve falls on a weekday, but you can pick whatever time works for your family. Ring in Noon Year’s Eve at the Long Island Explorium or Long Island Children's Museum. Or combine your celebration with a meal at the Fishes and Wishes New Year's Eve Dinner at the Long Island Aquarium, which includes meet and greets with cute animal ambassadors. 

And, through the new year, drive through the Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Show at Jones Beach. 

Happy 2026 Long Island families, from all of us at Mommy Poppins. We can't wait to keep exploring with you in the new year.

Best Indoor Water Parks near New Jersey for a Warm Weather Getaway in 2026

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The Kalahari Resort in the Poconos offers big-time thrills in its huge indoor water park.

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.

New Year's Eve Weekend in New Jersey with Kids: Countdown to 2026 and More Fun Things To Do

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Climb aboard the Battleship New Jersey for the best view of the Delaware River fireworks on New Year's Eve. Photo courtesy of Battleship New Jersey

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey over New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.

It's time to kiss 2025 goodbye and look forward to a fresh new start in 2026. Celebrate New Year's Eve family-style with low-key events like Noon Year's Eve at Jenkinson's in the daytime, featuring entertainment and a balloon drop, or see the nighttime New Year's Eve fireworks in Sea Isle City. Plus, kick off the first weekend of the new year with some fresh air during a Storytime and Craft at the Liberty State Park Nature Center.

Read on for all our top picks for the weekend ahead!

New Year's Eve Weekend in New York City with Kids: Best Ways to Count Down to 2026

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The big ball drop in Times Square is an unforgettable New Year's Eve sight, if you can handle the crowds! Photo by Michael Hull

Looking for the best things to do in New York City this New Year's Eve weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this New Year's holiday weekend.

It's time to ring in 2026, and you don't have to stay up until midnight on Wednesday to get in on the fun. Teens can count down to the New Year by making origami fortune cookies at the NYPL, families can take a first-day hike in Central Park or Prospect Park to start the year on the right foot, or watch the Coney Island Polar Bear Club members take their annual frigid dip in the Atlantic.

We've got picks for fun lasting all through the long weekend below, plus more fun on our list of fun things to do between Christmas and New Year's. It's also the last chance to check out many of our favorite holiday happenings.

30 Things We Are Excited to Do with Orlando Kids This Winter

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Speed down the hills at Snowcat Ridge for thrilling snow tubing and family fun at this winter snow park! Photo courtesy of Snowcat Ridge

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. 

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