The best free indoor play areas in Maryland
By Katie Riley
On a recent chilly morning at Annapolis Mall, a dozen toddlers climbed and crawled around an aquatic themed “playground” with a whale tail slide, a mini submarine and plenty of interactive toys.
Parents and caregivers sat back and watched as their little ones ran and played within the warmth of the indoors.
“It’s hard to find a place to play when it’s cold out, but this is really convenient. It’s free and it gives them a chance to burn off some energy,” said Katie Pinkham, of Riva, who was watching her two boys, Henry, 18 months, and Thomas, 4.
The opportunity for kids to exercise and energize can be hard to come by in the winter months. Fortunately, this area has numerous community centers, indoor playgrounds, gyms and museums that offer indoor play for free, or at least a low cost.
The Northeast Community Center in Chesapeake Beach offers dozens of free indoor play activities for kids in the winter months.
“Kids want to get moving, even when it’s cold outside,” says Paul Lundberg, recreation assistant coordinator. “We try to provide a lot of fitness opportunities for families, from free structured classes to open play.”
Click here for our story Maryland’s best indoor play areas on the cheap that includes a list of indoor places in the Annapolis, Baltimore, Washington D.C. area.
