It’s about this time of year that I really start to miss my local playgrounds. Free, fun, and always open, they are my go-to spots when the kiddos and I need to get out…and fast! But frigid temps and frosty conditions make them considerably less appealing. And while there’s no harm in piling on the winter gear and heading outdoors anyway (if that’s your style), sometimes it’s just not worth the aggravation, especially when you’re the one freezing on the bench while the kiddos are on the move.
That’s where these great indoor play places come in. From active play to active learning, these hot (not to mention heated) spots are the perfect playground replacement. Plus, most make great meeting places for my mommy friends when I need a little playdate of my own too 🙂
Here, we’ll highlight a few of our faves, but be sure to check our NEW Indoor Fun Page for a complete listing of all the Out and About Mom reviewed indoor play destinations.
1. OUTDOOR PLAY INDOORS: Indoor Play Spaces with Drop-in/Open Play Time
From full-size outdoor playscapes to pretend play to inflatables to arts & crafts, these fun (and heated!) places will keep the kiddos toasty and busy all season long.
You’re looking for: A real playground feel
Try: TimberGyms in Newington or Stay and Play in Old Saybrook
You’re looking for: A laid-back spot for pretend play, arts & crafts, and a variety of other fun activities
Try: The Bright Spot in Vernon or The Little Green Tambourine in Canton
You’re looking for: A place the kids can burn off their (seemingly) endless energy
Try: Flight Trampoline Park in New Britain or Jumpin Jonnies in Vernon
2. LEARN & PLAY: Children’s Museums
Have you considered investing in a children’s museum membership this year? If not, this is a great time to check out all our area museums and decide which one has the most membership benefits for you. Better still, secure that membership first, and then explore many other museums for free or reduced admission! And don’t forget to see if any of your local libraries have museum passes that can be checked out (many can even be reserved in advance online). That’s another great way to save on the cost of admission.
You’re looking for: A place to spend the whole day
Try: Stepping Stones Museum in Norwalk or the Boston Children’s Museum
You’re looking for: A place with tons to do for the toddler crowd
Try: The Lutz Museum in Manchester or KidsPlay in Torrington
You’re looking for: A place with activities for a range of ages
Try: Imagine Nation in Bristol or the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford (okay, technically this is not a “children’s museum,” but it deserves to be on our indoor fun list for sure 🙂 )
3. *FREE* INDOOR FUN FOR LITTLE ONES: Libraries with Children’s Play Areas
Did you know that many of our state’s libraries have stellar children’s departments complete with cozy spaces to play and read? These are great places to spend a wintry day, and best of all, it won’t cost you a penny!
You’re looking for: A place to hang out with comfy seating for you and lots of activities for them
Try: The Rocky Hill Library or the Farmington Library
You’re looking for: Fully gated areas to let your little ones explore without escaping
Try: The Noah Webster Library in West Hartford (for babies) or the Wethersfield Library (for toddlers & preschoolers)
You’re looking for: A variety of drop-in classes for babies and toddlers
Try: The Simsbury Library or the Farmington Library
That should be enough to keep you and the little ones busy for weeks, but just in case, don’t forget to consult our complete listing of indoor activities on our Indoor Fun Page.
Only 63 more days until spring! We can do this 🙂
Meet Our Sponsors!
- NEW – 4D Vision Gym
- The Annie Fisher Montessori Magnet School – AFM offers children ages three to twelve years old a free, public Montessori education implemented to the highest standards set by Association Montessori Internationale.
- The Independent Day School – Located on a rural campus in Middlefield, CT is a private pre-school, elementary and middle school, serving families from over 20 communities.
- Kathryn Deane Photography – Kathryn is a natural light photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, child, family, and senior portrait photography.
Are you interested in becoming an Out and About Mom sponsor? Click here for more info.
Want to keep up with all our Out and About Mom adventures?
Check back every Tuesday and Thursday as we dish up more Momsense for getting out and about with your little ones. Don’t have time to check back in? Let us send you an automatic notification of new posts straight to your email inbox by signing up here. Also, you can like us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest posts and get some extra tidbits we share only through those sites.
