Activities for Kids

Must-Try Indoor Activities for Too Hot/Cold/Rainy Days

From art museums to indoor flower gardens, here's where to go to keep kiddie cabin fever at bay (and your sanity intact).

By Ayren Jackson-Cannady May 19, 2016

If there’s anything we’ve learned from weather in the DMV, it’s that it is wildly unpredictable (think: two weeks straight of rain). That’s why it pays to have a round up of fun things to do or see when weather extremes–sweltering temps, torrential downpours–hit. From art museums to indoor flower gardens, here’s where to go to keep kiddie cabin fever at bay (and your sanity intact).

Photo: ShashiBellamkonda via Flickr

Maryland Science Center
Keep your little one learning here, without them even realizing it. At the Maryland Science Center there is plenty for the older kiddos but what about your tiny tots?! The kids room is an amazing space with story time, water play, and a learning lab! They also have field trip free zones each day. Get the Cheerios and well…cheerio.

When: Monday- Sunday (year-round)
601 Light St. (Baltimore, Md)
Online: mdsci.org

American Art Museum
Beating the heat is always a plus when enjoying a great exhibit, but the American Art Museum gives you a bit of the outdoors with their indoor courtyard. In the Kogod Courtyard, you can enjoy the stylings of Oasis Island Sounds.

When: June 18, 11:30 am-3 pm
Cost: Free
800 G St., NW
Online: renwick.americanart.si.edu

Stories in Art
If you’d like to introduce your little one to art then check out Stories in Art. Take a trip to the Netherlands this summer–sail the seas, take in a concert, and of course take home a souvenir. This exploration of 17th century Dutch art is one that you won’t want to miss! Space is first come, first served–so get there quick!

When: each Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in July
Cost: Free
6th & Constitution Aves. NW
Online: nga.gov

Mornings with Mommies and Daddies
Cathedral Commons now offers a monthly interactive program on the second Wednesday of each month. In June, your little one can learn about Mighty Mole Gardens and enjoy decorating their own planter box along with many other activities. Note: This event often takes place outdoors, but if it’s raining or too hot, the shindig is moved indoors for opimal fun.

When: Second Wednesday of each Month (May-September)
Cost: Free
3401 Idaho Ave., NW
Online: https://www.facebook.com/events/194797354240291/

Know of any other awesome indoor activities? Let us know in the comments below!

–Miller Jackson