Indoor Drop In Winter Venues for Littles

AI illustration of a cozy indoor toddler play space

This year i'm trying to embrace the philosphy that all spaces should be inclusive to families and littles, but sometimes it's nice to take my toddler and baby out to a place explicitly designed for them. I'll round up a mix of things that are indoor for the winter months (and maybe do an outdoor winter fun post later) for the various developmental stages of littles ages 0 - 6. If you have any to add, please share!

In town indoor spaces

Robbins Library Children's Room - in the basement, with stair or elevator access. Nearly extended hours means the children's room is open until 7pm Monday - Thursday which is great for after daycare hours.

Fox Library (on select days, the Fox & Robbins Shop is open with second hand donated children's items for sale)

Ed Burns Ice Skating Rink - (public skate times for 2026) Did you know that AFC donated its toddler skates to the ice rink for rentals? They have a wide range of sizes now, and milk crates on a first come first serve basis for littles learning to ice skate.

Kickstand Cafe - Did you know they have a basket of toys for kids? Usually this is more prominently displayed when the weather is nicer outside, but it's often available indoors as well.

Mill Cafe (non profit cafe run in the high rock church space) - This cafe has a small play structure and a few indoor toys for good for small kids.

Capitol Theater - Mondays at noon, they host a baby matinee for caregivers to watch a recent movie with their baby. Sound is intentionally less loud, and theater lights are left dim, babies welcome to cry and make noise. No strollers are allowed in the theater, but this is great for baby wearing. More information and which movie is showing here: https://www.capitoltheatreusa.com/baby-matinees/

Mobile Toddlers+ Play Spaces outside of Arlington (paid)

Play spaces are exactly what they sound like, indoor play spaces designed for kids. Think of it like an indoor playground where you typically pay for admission for a set amount of time, often you can book a time slot in advance. Here are some near to Arlington options to consider:

Village Play Space (Medford)

Play Union (Somerville)

Vinkari Safari (Woburn)

Adventure Nest (Waltham) newly opened in 2025

Learning Express (Bedford)

Sandmagination (Peabody)

If your want more active trampoline parks that also have a toddler area, there's also the newly opened Nova in Malden. Launch and Sky zone are trampoline parks that have various locations as well. There does exist a McDonald's and Burger King playspace in the area still too! The McDonald's playplace is 187 Cambridge St in Woburn, and Burger King has an indoor park at 61 Broadway, Malden.

Museums

Children's Museum in Boston - an early walker area is bookable after you purchase your ticket

Discovery Museum in Acton - an early walker area (siblings welcome) is available on the second floor no reservations required

Museum of Science in Cambridge (you can enter the cafe and lobby for free and watch trains and the sculptures)

Harvard Natural History Museum in Cambridge (has a great fossil and rock collection, and is free Sunday mornings for MA residents. Good for babywearing and early walkers, but tough for strollers)