On a hot summer day in Maryland sometimes the best thing to do is to find cool place to play inside. Several Annapolis area malls have just the thing for the preschool set. Check out the malls listed below where tots can run around, climb and play.
Arundel Mills
The Maryland-themed play area at Arundel Mills includes replicas of the Thomas Point Lighthouse, a Maryland blue crab and an Oriole singing in a birdbath. Kids can climb and slide on a replica oak tree or play near a patch of Black-Eyed Susans. Afterwards, head to the Bass Pro Shop to spy some stuffed critters or look for local fish in the 23,000-gallon aquarium with a waterfall.
Located between Best Buy and Medieval Times
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cost: Free
7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover
simon.com/mall/arundel-mills
Mall in Columbia
At the health and wellness themed play area at Columbia Mall, kids can crawl through a water bottle, play in an interactive ambulance driven by a turtle, cross a bookworm bridge or slide down a healthy pile of veggies. There is also a carousel near Sears which kids can ride for a small fee.
Located in front of JC Penney
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: Free
10300 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia
410-730-3300 or themallincolumbia.com
Marley Station Mall, Glen Burnie
The play area in Marley Station Mall has a classic storybook theme with a jumbo apple, stone bridge with Humpty Dumpty and life-size crayons. Kids can practice their balancing skills on an enormous ruler or run around the vast carpeted area. Check out the mall’s Marley Minis page on the website for frequent events, such as live singers and character appearances.
Located in front of Sears
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: Free
7900 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie
410-760-8900 or marleystation.com
Westfield Annapolis
The 1,200-square-foot aquatic themed play area includes a mini lighthouse slide, a submarine to crawl through, a whale tail slide and walls of interactive bubbles. Just steps away is the free Kids Club which includes activities like arts and crafts and games for kids to play while Mom and Dad shop.
Located in front of Pottery Barn
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cost: Free. Kids Club $7 per child for up to 2 hours.
2002 Annapolis Mall, Annapolis
410-266-5432 or westfield.com/annapolis
Click here for more indoor places to play.
For more summer fun ideas, check out our 100 Days of Summer list of family activities, or see our daily calendar of events.
