guides

INDOOR PLAY: A to Z Guide to Indoor Fun

By Barbara Evangelista, Publisher February 25, 2024


Too cold, hot or rainy to play outside?  Escape the elements and enjoy one of these local indoor play places and activities in the Acton-Lexington area and beyond. Perfect to help your little ones burn off some energy and prevent you from going stir crazy!  Many of the venues offer discounts for siblings and multiple visits, so be sure to check their websites for more info!

But first things first...check our EVENT CALENDAR to see all the local fun activities happening over the next couple of weeks.

Next, check our A to Z list of our favorite indoor places in the Acton-Lexington area and beyond for kid-friendly fun!


A - Artbeat in Arlington

They have walk-in studio hours when you can make all kinds of crafts.  


B - Bowling at Acton Bowladrome

They have a small arcade too!


C - Concord Museum

Visit this unique museum to learn about Concord's history.  Lots for kids to see and do!


D - Drive to the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium or Children's Museum in Boston

Be sure to check your local library to see if a museum pass is available!  You can book them in advance too.  And use a parking app like Spothero to save a lot on a parking space if you're headed into the city.


E - Enjoy beautiful butterflies at The Butterfly Place in Westford

Make sure the kids know to be gentle with the butterflies and to stand still -- maybe one will land right on their shoulder!  Note that The Butterfly Place is open from February to October and closed during the winter months.


F - Farm tour at Codman Community Farms

Visit Codman Community Farms in Lincoln any day from 9-6 to see the animals, or arrange a longer tour in advance.


G - Games! Host a family game day, teach the kids some card games, or try out new board games.

Some of our favorites -- Hedbanz, Mustache Smash, Uno, Tapple, Sequence for Kids, Set, and almost anything from GameWright


H - Head to the Discovery Museum in Acton

Open every day except Monday for tons of learning, fun and discovery!  Free on the first Friday evening of the month.


I - Ice skating at Nashoba Valley Olympia

Check our event calendar -- all public skating times are listed.


J - Jam Time Indoor Play in Maynard

Great indoor playground for kids age 0-6.  Check their event calendar for special character visits!


K - Kick back and enjoy a good book at a storytime

Local libraries, First Connections, and local playgroups run storytimes almost every day of the week. Check our event calendar.


L - Love LEGOs?  Head to LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Somerville.

Play with LEGOs and Duplos, check out their amazing Miniland, see a 4D movie and more.  MK Parent Tip: Tickets are cheaper online.  Eat before you go; the cafe is expensive.


M - Make a memory at Clay Dreams in Arlington, Art Signals in Maynard or Plaster Fun Time in Waltham

Pick a pottery piece and make it your own with paint, glitter and other embellishments!


N - Nestle in your pajamas and watch some movies!

Plan a movie and snacks day, bake some cookies, and read a book together. Sometimes you just need to cuddle and relax!


O - One Stop Fun in Westford for active indoor fun

Three stories of indoor playground fun! Includes tunnels, tubes, slides and rock wall as well as a toddler area to keep little ones safe. This is a nut-free facility. MK Parent Tip: Annual membership as well as discounts for those enrolled in a One Stop Fun program.


P - Playgroups!

We list local playgroups on our event calendar.  Try a new one and meet some new friends!


Q - Quality time at the library. Find great books to read or participate in a special library program.

Learn more about our local libraries and their programs in our Check It Out library article series.


R - Roller skating at Roller Kingdom in Hudson

Offers indoor roller skating/blading with rentals available as well as laser tag, arcade and a prize center. Enjoy the snack bar, ample seating and music. There is a center area of the rink for those learning to skate as well as “Refs” keeping things flowing and assisting and guarding those who fall.  MK Parent Tip: They offer many vacation day specials so be sure to check their website.


S - See a movie at Lexington VenueFine Arts Theatre Place in Maynard, or O'neil Cinemas in Littleton

Save some money by joining the loyalty programs at the theaters, such as AMC Stubs. 


T - Tour Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House in Concord

They have special interactive events on the weekends.


U - Unplug and make something crafty

We have lots of crafts and home activity articles on our website.  Just go to our Articles page and choose the "Crafts and DIY" category.


V - Visit Learning Express Toys & Play in Bedford

Learning Express offers active indoor play and drop-in craft and storytimes.


W - Waltham's Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation

Great for older kids!


X - eXtreme laser tag at XtremeCraze in Woburn or Westborough

Laser tag (appropriate for ages 6+) and arcade.  Check for Groupons. 


Y - Yarn, markers, beads, cake decorating -- stop by Michaels or Joanns for some arts and crafts supplies and maybe learn something new!


Z - Zoos are fun!  Visit Animal Adventures Family Zoo & Rescue Center in Bolton.

Check Groupon for special deals and their website for B1G1 days.



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