Indoor Things to Do in Rockville, Maryland with Kids

1. Rockville Memorial Library

Like most public libraries, Rockville Memorial Library offers a number of children's programs that include the "1,000 books to read before kindergarten" program, parent workshops, play-and-learn sessions, and a robust schedule of events for children from babies to teens.

2. Rockville Science Center

This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization provides an interactive space for kids of all ages to experience hands-on learning and connect with the scientific community. Classes are available at various times throughout the day, including weekends. Some of the many fun programs include rocketry, robotics and drone teams, FIRST LEGO League teams, STEM Scouts. math and chess clubs, weekday outings, and summer camps.

3. The Tot Space

The Tot Space is an activity club for children ages 2-7. It features a rotating schedule of interactive activities such as music, tot aerobics, yoga, Zumba, arts and crafts, and imaginative play. There are options to enroll in drop-off sessions or stay-and-play sessions, where parents can stay to interact with their kids while they enjoy a safe and clean environment that sparks their imaginations.

4. Movement Rockville

A climbing session is a great indoor activity, especially for the tweens and teens in your family. Movement Rockville is beginner-friendly, but it also provides plenty of challenges for true climbing enthusiasts. While drop-in climbers are always welcome, Movement also offers after-school and weekly classes, climbing camps, and team programs.

5. ZavaZone

This indoor adventure park provides 15 multi-level attractions within 30,000 square feet of indoor space. These include trampolines, a high ropes course, a warped wall, a giant slide, parkour, and so much more. Staff is on hand to supervise and assist with things like harnesses when necessary. Book visits by the hour or check out one of ZavaZone's membership packages if it's a place you know your family will want to frequent often, which is likely.

6. Hyper Kidz Rockville

This indoor playground, suited for children ages 0-13, has a cute Winter Wonderland theme. The Mini Zone (ages 0-2) features interactive soft-play equipment. The Kid Zone (ages 2-7) has a Balloon House, soft-play equipment with slow-moving parts, a light-up wall, and slides. And the Big Kid Zone (ages 4-13) features a four-level play structure filled with all sorts of obstacles and slides. Hyper Kidz is open 7 days a week for unlimited open play.

7. Kids Ground

Kids Ground has 5,000 square feet dedicated to indoor activities for toddlers to 8-year-olds. There are both small and large areas for open play, a ball pit, a play kitchen, large building blocks, magnets and chalkboards, a climbing dome, and an arts and crafts area. One parent's admission is included with the price of the child.Kids Ground also offers special events and camps.

8. Xtreme Acro

This gymnastics gym has been in Rockville since 2001 and is known for sending many athletes to both National and World Championship competitions. However, it is also an excellent place to bring any child to build confidence in basic skills, improve coordination, and perhaps be inspired to do more. Xtreme Acro offers Open Gym from 1-7:30pm Monday through Friday, but also has a variety of classes to choose from including gymnastics, toddler classes, tumbling and trampoline, agility, and acrobatic gymnastics.

9. Hammer & Stain

This art studio, best for ages 7 and up, provides DIY workshops as social events where groups can create and build fun projects without having to procure the necessary materials or worry about the subsequent mess. Small groups of under 10 can reserve a table and enjoy up to two hours of guided studio time to complete a project centered around wood or other options such as pillows, canvas, customizable totes, and sneakers.

10. Thomas Farm Community Center

Like most community centers, Thomas Farm offers a robust schedule of indoor activities such as drop-in sports, a fitness center, after-school programs for teens, and free open-gym hours for different sports throughout the week. This community center also has a lounge, an art gallery, a game room, and ping-pong tables for indoor recreation.

 
Croydon Creek Nature Center has an indoor space to explore along with its outdoor areas. Photo courtesy of the City of Rockville

Outdoor Things to Do in Rockville, Maryland

11. Croydon Creek Nature Center

This free nature center is a really charming and fun place to visit any time of year. Near downtown Rockville, Croydon Creek Nature Center is on 120 acres of forest preserve, with trails along the creek and plenty of opportunities to witness wildlife. It also has an adorable nature-based outdoor play area, which includes a mud kitchen, a large xylophone, and lots of spaces for open play. Inside you can find live-animal displays (turtles, snakes, and more), exhibits, educational programs, puzzles, and books. 

12. Fallsgrove Park

The playground next to the Thomas Farm Community Center has a couple of fun climbing structures for a nice age range, a climbing wall and balancing stones, and several swings (including adaptive ones). The park also has a pavilion, water fountains, grilling/picnic areas, and a well-maintained walking path that not only provides sanctuary from the surrounding suburban setting, but is perfect for little bicyclists learning to ride.

13. Maryvale Park and Playground

This large park hits all the musts in my book! It's near a pond with a walking trail through the forest preserve, but it also features a well-equipped playground for all ages with a rock-climbing wall, triple slides, an obstacle course, and swings. Since it is near a working stormwater pond/eco marsh and footbridge, kids can enjoy learning about the different plants and birds in the area and keep an eye out for turtles. There is also a soccer field, basketball courts, and a splash pad.

14. Dawson Farm Park

Locals appreciate Dawson Farm Park for its many amenities, including ample shaded areas, picnic spots, a playground, a nature trail, and a creek that are all perfect for a day of outdoor play.

15. Boating on Lake Needwood

Lake Needwood is located in Rockville as part of Rock Creek Regional Park, and from May through September boat rentals are available. Boaters have many options to choose from, including kayaks, canoes, rowboats, pedal boats, and tours on the pontoon Needwood Queen. Naturally, fishing goes hand-in-hand with boating, and the Boathouse where rentals are arranged also carries everything your family needs to get started—permits, fishing poles, hooks, bobbers, and bait.

16. Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park

Go Ape is a zipline and aerial adventure course for ages 10 and up. The Rockville location—the first Go Ape park in the United States—is part of a bigger network of adventure course parks that provide unique, tree-based adventures. There's also axe throwing, a forest escape, and STEM programs. All provide unique challenges that build confidence and encourage taking risks in a safe way. For those with older children, this is a must-try!

17. Meadowside Nature Center

Meadowside Nature Center provides permanent refuge to injured, non-releasable raptors or birds of prey. Do not miss the raptor deck behind the center, which provides a unique way to view these magnificent birds. Check the website to see when the deck is open on select Wednesdays and Saturdays. Meadowside also features eight miles of self-guided trails, a nature play space, and a Habitat Garden for learning about the importance of supporting wildlife. The indoor area, currently being renovated, offers a "nature nook" with books and puzzles.

 
Downtown Rockville has many great restaurants. Photo by John Brighenti via Flickr 2.0

Kid-Friendly Restaurants for Eats and Treats in Rockville

18. Mosaic Cuisine

This French fusion restaurant is great for brunch and very family-friendly. Mosaic Cuisine specializes in waffle sandwiches and omelets with fun combinations and has a children's menu. The portions tend to be big, so plan on that and consider splitting a plate.

19. Clyde's Tower Oaks Lodge

Do not let the grand, "rustic retreat" appearance fool you—Tower Oaks Lodge is a very family-friendly restaurant, complete with coloring activities. The kitchen prides itself on putting a gourmet twist on comfort food. The themed rooms are really fun for kids to explore, too.

20. Silver Diner

This popular local chain is a family favorite for many, and for good reason. The retro vibe is comfortable and kid-friendly, while the menu has something for everyone. Silver Diner touts fresh, local sourcing of their ingredients, and has many healthy options. The kids menu has a lot more to choose from than most, which is especially great for kids who would like to enjoy more than a pancake or chicken tenders (but never fear—those are available, too)!

21. First Watch

This chain is a great option for breakfast, brunch, or lunch with kids. The food is delicious and made-to-order, and the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming for families. The kids’ menu has everything from a giant chocolate-chip pancake and grilled cheese to steel-cut oatmeal and a granola bowl. 

22. Z&Z Manoushe Bakery

If you're looking for something a little different for grab-and-go situations, try Z&Z. This family-owned bakery offers delicious manoushe—Levantine 10" flatbreads that are made fresh. They have a soft yet crisp crust with amazing toppings. You can't go wrong with any, but we always enjoy the simplest—the classic za'atar manoushe. However, they are all delicious and perfect to order and pick up on the go before heading to one of the nearby parks mentioned above!

23. Gwenie's Pastries

Stop by Gwenie's when you're ready for something sweet! This unassuming little pastry shop makes some of the best treats around—fresh brioche donuts filled with your choice of light custard flavors such as mango, ube, and pandan. Crinkle cookies, cupcakes, and delectable Filipino desserts can also all be found here. The staff are always friendly and helpful, so you'll always leave with a smile as you carry out a well-deserved box of goodies.

24. Sarah's Handmade Ice Cream

Sarah's is definitely a family favorite! My child is usually not one for sweets (if you can believe it), with one exception: good ice cream— and we highly recommend Sarah's. There are so many flavors to choose from, including seasonal and on-theme ones such as Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring. Of course, you can never go wrong with one of our favorites, the pure chocolate.

25. Grandma's Ice Cream and Waffles

This joint is true to it's name. At Grandma's Ice Cream and Waffles, you can find both sweet and savory waffles, waffle sandwiches, wraps, sides, soft-serve ice cream (including a vegan option), and simple milkshakes. It is also a popular spot to get a sundae or a banana split.