On days when the weather isn’t cooperating, parents often have to be creative in engaging their children with the activities they love. For ideas about what to do on rainy days in the Northern Virginia/D.C. area, we surveyed parents at The Gardner School of Herndon to find out their favorite kid-friendly indoor activities. Whether you’re a local or visiting Herndon for the first time, here are a few can’t-miss indoor destinations that children will love:
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in D.C. offers virtually limitless opportunities for your young one to learn about aviation and astronomy. In addition to historically significant aircraft and artifacts, the museum has an IMAX theater and many interactive exhibits. Your child can drop-in on on-site story times science demonstrations as well as experiment with the actual physics of flight in top-notch Discovery Stations. This is the perfect place for your little scientist to explore!
The Zone
When lightning threatens an afternoon of fun, head to The Zone. Children can make their own lightning with a thrilling game of laser-tag, or recreate the sound of thunder by rolling balls down the lanes in the attached cosmic bowling alley. The Zone also added a new virtual reality gaming system that can’t be found anywhere else in the region. Your little one can be among the first to experience the next generation of gameplay. After hopping from station to station at The Zone, they’ll be ready for a nap—and so will you!
Children’s Science Center LAB
The Children’s Science Center LAB is a destination dedicated to encouraging a child’s sense of curiosity. Located in Fair Oaks Mall, the LAB provides children with an opportunity to engage with STEM-based experiments and gain experience through the exploration of hands-on exhibits and programs. The science center staff are devoted to making learning FUN! Parents love the way the LAB ignites an interest in the natural world. The LAB runs extra programming in the winter, so it’s the perfect place for some indoor play and learning on a cold or snowy day.
Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
Explore the rich agricultural history of Loudoun County with your child at the Heritage Farm Museum. Your little one will be enchanted by the journey back in time to learn what life was like for farmers in Virginia 200 years ago. Their interactive exhibits include a replica of a one-room schoolhouse, an indoor farm where they can milk a life-sized cow and collect eggs from the chicken coop, and an old-fashioned kitchen where they can learn how food was prepared before electrical appliances. While most of the exhibits are open during all operating hours, you might want to check the calendar for special tours and events like their Historic Encounter Days.
Jolly Yolly Kids
Jolly Yolly Kids is a place that is invested in providing engaging, physical activities for children of all ages. It’s important that children have a place to climb, play, explore, and scramble on a regular basis. In addition to improving balance, cardiovascular fitness, and motor skills, physical activity fosters brain development and improves memory and retention. Those are just a few reasons why Jolly Yolly is a great place to visit for indoor play.
Their ocean-themed play space lets children explore like they’re under the water without getting their feet wet, and with more than 1,200 square feet of huge windows, children will feel like they’re outside even if the weather is too hot or cold for actual outdoor play. The indoor play area covers 8,500 square feet including a multilevel play structure for children. Younger children can explore the areas for children ages 2-7, and toddlers under 2 also have their own special section to play. Hours will pass like minutes with so many fun areas to explore.
The Gardner School Loves Herndon Families
The Gardner School of Herndon is a NAEYC-accredited institution in the Northern Virginia area. We love being a safe space where children are free to play and learn. Our interactive curriculum, academic focus, and highly-trained teachers will keep your little one engaged all-day long. To learn more about how we fulfill our mission to Northern Virginia families, set up a time to explore our locations.