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 below of our favorite indoor places in the Acton-Lexington area and beyond as well as ideas for at-home fun!
A - Aquatic play!
Check ResortPass for hotels that offer a day pass to their pool (currently, the Burlington Marriott is the closest).
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 - Find lots of ideas for indoor fun at home in our article 40 Indoor Activities for Kids
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 LEGO Discovery Center in Somerville.
Play with LEGOs and Duplos, check out their amazing Miniland, see a 4D movie and more. MacKid Tip: Tickets are cheaper online.
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 - Origami
Learn the art of paper folding at home with your kids, creating winter-themed designs like snowflakes and penguins.
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.
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. MacKid Tip: They offer many vacation day specials so be sure to check their website.
S - See a movie at Lexington Venue, Fine Arts Theatre Place in Maynard, AMC Theatres in Burlington, 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.
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
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 Zoo New England in Stoneham
Zoo New England offers indoor educational programs and activities for kids to learn about animals.
Macaroni Kid Acton-Concord-Bedford-Lexington is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun events and information for local families.
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