Ultimate Guide to Indoor Play Spaces in Howard County, MD & Surrounding Areas
You might also be interested in our blog on FREE Indoor Activities for Kids in Howard County, MD!
Ah, winter in Maryland. The snow is gorgeous, but after a day or two stuck indoors, my kids (and honestly, me too) start bouncing off the walls. If your crew is anything like mine, you need a solid plan to make those snowy, blustery days fun instead of chaotic. Here are some of our favorite ways to keep the kids entertained indoors when the weather outside is frightful.
Virtual Museum Tours and Educational Videos
Take advantage of online resources for an educational twist. Many museums, like the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, offer virtual tours that kids can explore from home.
Or check out educational video platforms like BrainPOP or Nat Geo Kids for engaging content on everything from animals to space exploration. My kids love learning about dinosaurs and outer space this way.
Bouncetastic (Elkridge, MD):
Bouncetastic is an absolute hit with my kids. Picture bounce houses, obstacle courses, a big open layout, and a ton of room for them to get their energy out. They offer open play times (check their site or call ahead), and the space is super clean and staff is friendly.
Mom tip: Socks are a must, and I recommend bringing water bottles, your kids will sweat it out here. Great for birthday parties, too!
Be With Me Playseum (Columbia, MD):
The Playseum is more than just a play area, it’s like a mini interactive town. Kids can pretend to be a chef in the bakery, play vet in the pet shop, or make crafts in the art studio. It's imaginative play heaven. Just walk right in, no reservations needed to a perfect last minute “the kids are bored” kind of decision!
Why I love it: It’s perfect for those quieter, creative play days. And there’s something kind of magical about watching your little one “shop” with pretend money or sit down for story time in a cozy corner.
Bonus: Admission covers the whole day, and you can leave for lunch and come back to play some more!
The Kid’s Play Space at The Mall in Columbia:
On the lower level of The Columbia Mall, there is a fun indoor play space for kids! This free indoor play area is great for a quick energy burn, and then after you can even run some errands and treat the kiddos to fun snack at the food court! It’s ideal for toddlers and younger preschoolers with soft climbing structures and plenty of seating for parents.
Pro tip: I always time this with a weekday mall run, less crowded, and we treat ourselves to a pretzel afterwards.
Play N’ Learn (Multiple Locations – including Elkridge & Columbia):
Okay, this one’s a little different, but trust me, it’s worth it! Play N’ Learn is actually a showroom for outdoor playsets, trampolines, and basketball hoops (think backyard dreamland). But the best part? During the week, they open up their indoor space for Open Play, and your kids get to try out all the fun equipment!
Why we love it: It’s like getting a free trial run of the coolest backyard ever. My kids climb, slide, swing, and bounce, and I get a break knowing they’re in a safe, enclosed space. It’s not your typical play gym, but it’s clean, bright, and the staff is always super kind.
Mom tip: Don’t be surprised if your kid starts asking for a giant wooden playset in your backyard. You’ve been warned.
Robinson Nature Center (Columbia, MD – Indoor Exhibit Hall):
Okay, hear me out, this isn’t your typical indoor playground, but it’s amazing. The indoor exhibits at The Robinson Nature Center include interactive nature stations, a discovery room with live animals, and a planetarium (my oldest is obsessed). It’s the kind of place where your kids are learning and having fun, and they won’t even realize it.
When we go: I love taking the kids here on a rainy day when we all need a nature fix but don’t want to get wet. Plus, it’s stroller-friendly!
HyperKidz (Columbia, MD):
Oh, this place is a favorite when we just need all the wiggles out. HyperKidz is a 16,000 sq ft ocean-themed indoor playground with multiple play zones for ages 0–13. They’ve got a mini zone just for babies and toddlers (low play structures, no scary heights). A kid zone with slides, balloon house, soft components for preschoolers, and a big kid zone with multi-level play, obstacles, tunnels, and more.
Mom Tip: Socks required (for adults & kids), and you’ll need to sign a waiver (or have one on file) before entry
Kidz Jungle World (Randallstown, MD):
Kidz Jungle World is a cozy, jungle‑themed soft play wonderland (about 9,000 sq ft) for kiddos ages 6 months up to ~12 years. They’ve thoughtfully separated spaces into a toddler / “Lil’ Kid” area and a Big Kid arena so the littles aren’t barreled over by older climbers.
Why we love it: Kids are free to run around, play and explore with the soft play equipment, slides, interactive floors and all of the jungle themes equipment, its a huge hit!
ClimbZone (Laurel, MD):
It’s a bit of a drive, but worth it when your child is in a climbing mood. ClimbZone’s big draw is themed climbing walls, you’ll find pirate walls, a version of Jack’s beanstalk, even a “Mount Rushmore” mural climb. They also have a toddler area, a mega slide, and bounce features.
My take: If your child is adventurous, this place is gold. Just wear sneakers, leave flip-flops behind, and prepare to cheer them on (or join in!).
DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum (Columbia, MD):
DoodleHatch is magical. It’s not a traditional playground, it’s an immersive, interactive art installation / museum where kids physically step into fantastical worlds. Expect spaces such as a pretend department store for mythic creatures, a “Stargate” for intergalactic exploration, a unicorn salon where you can “groom” a unicorn, a giant’s bed you can jump or lounge on, switching between immersive art scenes (space station, fairy tales, mythic realms).
The Little Towns Children’s Museum (North Bethesda, MD):
If your kiddos love playing house (or town), this place is magic. The Little Towns Playseum is a child-sized urban neighborhood full of 16+ hands-on exhibits, think grocery store, fire station, vet hospital, post office, restaurant, gym, and more. All scaled for little hands and big imaginations.
Ellicott Mills Children’s Museum (Ellicott City, MD):
This one is a gem for history buffs + curious kids. The Ellicott Mills Children’s Museum (EMCM) lives inside a renovated 19th-century mill‑town building. Inside, you’ll find four themed rooms and a garden, a Quaker School room, a Great Room, an Ellicott General Store where kids can “shop” and pretend buy goods, a Mill Display and historical exhibits, and an 1804 garden with herbs and flowers.
Why it’s worth it: You get authentic, touching, hands-on history, kids can “shop” in the general store, explore old-time school rooms, and connect with the past. It’s quiet, meaningful, and a lovely break from high-energy play spaces.
Indoor play spaces have saved my sanity more times than I can count. They’ve given us rainy day adventures, new friends, and a chance to burn off all that “big energy” when the backyard just won’t cut it.
Whether you're looking for an all-out bounce session or a calm, creative space, Maryland has so many gems for every kind of kid and every kind of day.
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