The playground isn't always an option for keeping antsy little New Yorkers (and the grown-up variety) busy. When the weather turns and the stir-craziness sets in, it's time to search out indoor options that are not your apartment. 

After finding myself searching for indoor play options a few too many times, I'm offering my mom-tested picks for the top spots for the toddler-and-preschool set in Manhattan. None of these places—kid gyms, museums, and even atriums—require a membership, and all will help you, your little one, and, most importantly, your apartment survive a long, cold winter or rainy day.

Read on for a dozen of the best places to play with your preschooler in Manhattan, including FREE spots.

The Children's Museum of Manhattan has long made up for its small footprint the way hearty city parents do: by creatively maximizing every available square foot of space, and keeping things fresh with an ever-changing variety of exhibits that engage the public in its mission to help "children and families thrive at home, at school, and in the community."

But, as any parent pining for an extra bedroom can attest, a bit more space is always welcome in this jam-packed city, and the little kid museum will soon have a great big new home of its own. CMOM completed the $45 million purchase of the former Church of Christ, Scientist, on West 96th Street and Central Park West on December 22.

Just in time for the holiday season, American Girl gave fans citywide a shiny new gift with the opening of its brand-new mega store in Rockefeller Plaza.

The 38,000-square-foot, two-story store opened November 11, replacing its old digs on Fifth Avenue, and is sure to be a destination for lovers of these iconic dolls for years to come. While the original location offered shopping, dining, and salon services, the upgraded spot serves up even more treats for kids (matching makeovers!) and adults (plush benches!) alike.