Six Places to Spend the Day Indoors with Kids

If the idea of spending another day cooped up at home with your kids is more frightful than the weather outside, here are six places within short driving distance you can go to get out of the house.

1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD

 The museum is well loved by most local families. Older kids will love the many neat airplanes and the spacious exhibit hall provides a great space for little ones to run around. There are craft and dress up areas. Kids can sit in a real plane. If you’re lucky you might catch a plane landing or taking off at the adjacent airport. Upon departure, each child is given a goody bag for more fun at home.

 The museum is open daily from 10 -5, except major holidays. Admission is $4 per adult and $2 per child, children under two are free. For more information visit www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.com

5211 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 

Embrace winter and take the kids ice skating. The Herbert Wells Ice Rink is a great place for the whole family. No need to bring skates, since you can rent them there. There is a warming room and snack bar if you forgot your lunch.

Public sessions are held Monday and Wednesdays 12-2 and Fridays 3:15-5:15. For more details visit their website.

6122 Sargent Road, Chillum, MD 

A good way to pretend that you are in the tropics is to put on your swimsuits and head over to the Rollingcrest Chillum Splash Pool.The indoor heated family pool has a beach grade entry, a tube slide, an otter slide and an island play area. Before you know it, you will have splashed the day away!

General swim hours are Monday-Thursday, 12 to 5:45 when the school systems are closed. Visit their website for more information. 

4701 31st Place, Mount Rainier, MD

If you are looking to entertain your creature lovers, bring them to the Mount Rainier Nature Center. The Center features hands-on exhibits and live animals. 

For more information, visit their website.

10100 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD

Perhaps IKEA is not an obvious choice for kid entertainment, but it is one of the best places to visit with the pre-schooler set. The kids’ section is full of kid-size furniture and toys ready to be sampled. There are play areas throughout the store. Turn finding each one into a game. If your kids are little, simply following the arrows painted on the floor throughout the store is entertainment enough. At lunchtime go to the restaurant and order anything from swedish meatballs to organic pasta and sauce for much less than the cost of a Happy Meal. 

6530 Adelphi Rd, Hyattsville, MD

The Hyattsville Public Library is a great spot to spend some time with your children. Besides isles and isles of books and nooks to read them in, there are toys and puzzles. The library hosts story times at regular times through the week. Story time is free, but space is limited and you must pick up a ticket at the front desk. In addition to story times there are often special events. On March 2, local community helpers will read their favorite books in honor of Dr. Seuss’ Birthday, March 9 there will be a “Pee Wee Pirate Show.”

Library hours are Monday-Wednesday 10-9 pm, Thursday - Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-5.

For more information on story times and events, visit their website.

Or just stay home! Take the opportunity to organize closets and desks. Play a game. Watch a movie. And if it really snows, go play in the snow!